The Sun-050523 - Flip eBook Pages 1-24 (2024)

SEEKING BLESSINGS ... Buddhists offering lighted oil lamps at a temple in Petaling Jaya as part of the Wesak Day celebrations yesterday. – AMIRUL SYAFIQ/THESUN Mission to promote reading INSIDE PETALING JAYA: Bank Negara Malaysia’s (BNM) move to raise the overnight policy rate (OPR) by 25 basis points (bps) to 3% following its Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting on Wednesday is aimed at tackling inflation, said economists. They said while the higher OPR would cause households to reduce consumption to cover increased loan repayments and the higher the cost of living, prices of goods would gradually fall, thus reducing inflation. Sunway University economist Prof Dr Yeah Kim Leng said the basic premise for the higher rate is to tackle core inflation, that is affecting the country. “Inflation is currently still strong. But the higher interest rate will help reduce inflation and provide some insurance against it going up. “At the individual level, those who have loans will have to fork out a higher amount in monthly repayments, but they will manage this by cutting down on spending in other areas, leading to reduced demand for goods. “On the other hand, those who have savings will gain from higher returns as banks will increase the interest rate on savings.” Yeah said at the national level, BNM, which is supportive of growth, has returned the interest rates to the pre-pandemic level. To deal with the higher cost of living, he said households will have to rebalance their budget by reducing spending to service their monthly loan repayments. Yeah said BNM’s small increase in the OPR will allow households to gradually adapt to their indebtedness. He stressed that while the reduction in spending power will dampen demand, this will put pressure on the prices of goods and services, which will have to come down due to the forces of supply and demand. “The man in the street will find this hard to understand as he sees his spending power diminish. But in the long term, as prices fall, people will have more money to spend as they pay less for goods and services. “There will be no price pressure on goods as demand falls,” he said. In revising the OPR, BNM said with the domestic growth prospects remaining resilient, the MPC judges that it is time to further normalise the degree of monetary accommodation. With this decision, the MPC has withdrawn the monetary stimulus intended to address the Covid-19 crisis and promote economic recovery. “In light of the continued strength of the economy, the MPC recognises the need to ensure that the stance of monetary policy is appropriate to prevent the risk of future financial imbalances,” BNM said. It added that the monetary policy stance is “slightly accommodative and remains supportive of the economy”. Universiti Tun Abdul Razak economist Dr Barjoyai Bardai said the overall impact of the higher interest rate will be reflected in the cost of doing business. He said the government wants manufacturers to ramp up production as their operating costs will rise in tandem with the higher interest rate. “Manufacturers are presently slow to increase production although demand for goods is high. Higher production volumes will eventually force prices to fall as household demand for goods slows down due to lower consumption to cover higher monthly loan repayments. “Malaysia’s gross domestic product (GDP) growth has been consumption-driven, which resulted in higher inflation. Manufacturers have failed to keep up with demand, thus forcing the prices of goods to rise.” Barjoyai said as the cost of doing business increases, manufacturers will raise production but not prices as they need consumers to purchase their products. This will result in lower prices. “Current household borrowings are 85% of GDP. A higher OPR will discourage new borrowings, thus reducing the household debt level.” █ BYRAJVINDER SINGH Tackling inflation [emailprotected] oEconomists positive on OPR hike, saying drop in household consumption would be followed by reduction in prices of goods TELLING IT AS IT IS ON FRIDAY MAY 5, 2023 No. 8261 PP 2644/12/2012 (031195) www.thesundaily.my page 2 Prepare early for El Nino: Expert page 3

2 theSUN ON FRIDAY | MAY 5, 2023 NEWS WITHOUT BORDERS ‘Preparations for El Nino should involve govt, public’ KUALA LUMPUR: Early preparations to face a strong El Nino phenomenon, which is expected to occur next month, should be made with the involvement of the country’s two main stakeholders – the government and the people – to minimise its impact. Environmental expert Asso Prof Dr Haliza Abdul Rahman said although Malaysia has experienced the phenomenon several times, early preparation is necessary to avoid panic. She added that based on records as of 2015, El Nino had hit the country 12 times, with the first between 1951 and 1952. Haliza said the worst one occurred between 1997 and 1998, with the highest temperature of 40.1°C recorded at the Chuping Meteorological Station, in Perlis, on April 9, 1998. “Therefore, the preparation by the government should cover the monitoring of water levels at all rivers and dams, activation of emergency response plans, exploration of alternative water sources, the encouraging of people and industry to conserve water, cloud seeding and logistics support. oMeasures must include emergency response plan, water conservation and exploration of alternative water sources, says environmental expert “Also, improve all forms of medical and emergency assistance, including medicines for victims and firefighting aid in the event of fires.” Haliza said the public should be prepared mentally and physically to deal with any possibility, such as a water crisis, whereby measures such as water rationing would have to be done in some areas. “The public should avoid doing any activity that could cause fires. Combustible materials should be stored well, while open burning activities such as the burning of garbage, agricultural and construction waste should be avoided.” On Wednesday, the media reported that a strong El Nino phenomenon is expected to begin next month with a change in weather conditions due to the southwest monsoon, which is characterised by dry and hot conditions. Based on the weather survey for the period from May to October displayed on the Meteorological Department’s (MetMalaysia) portal, most international climate models show that the atmospheric cycle in tropical areas is consistent with the El Nino Southern Oscillation (Enso) neutral condition. However, the report said the neutral situation is expected to enter the El Nino phase this month to July, with a probability of 62%. Environmental health expert Prof Dr Juliana Jalaludin said to prevent heat stroke during the phenomenon, the public should drink plenty of water and wear light-coloured, light clothing as well as avoid physical activity. “Also, always use sunscreen such as a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF (Sun Protection Factor) of 15 or more when outdoors because sunburn affects the body’s ability to cool itself.” She also said no one should be left in a stationary vehicle because internal temperatures can rise by more than 11°C in 10 minutes when under the sun, Bernama reported. Malaysian Public Health Organisation adviser Datuk Dr Zainal Ariffin Omar said the El Nino phenomenon will increase the risk of vector-borne diseases such as dengue and malaria, as well as water and food-borne diseases like typhoid and respiratory tract diseases. He said one of the preparations that people can take for their health is to store adequate clean water, take healthy food, and when outside their homes, be in shady areas, such as under trees and roofs. Zainal Ariffin said the government should ensure sufficient and efficient public water supply, make fresh and cheap food supplies easily available and give early warnings to the people. HAPPY OCCASION ... Malacca Chief Minister Datuk Ab Rauf Yusoh (second from left) with guests at an Aidilfitri open house organised by the State Assembly Development and Coordination Committee at Ayer Molek in Malacca yesterday. – BERNAMAPIC Security guard killed by collapsing retaining wall KUALA LUMPUR: The collapse of a retaining wall at Wisma YPR, Taman Seputeh here early yesterday, which resulted in the death of a security guard, occurred at a privately owned premises under the purview of Kuala Lumpur City Hall. Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi, in a post on his Facebook page, said the incident comes under the provisions of the Street, Drainage and Building Act 1974 (Act 133) as well as several related by-laws. “On behalf of the Works Ministry, I would like to say that, if requested, we are ready to offer any assistance under the ministry’s capacity.” He said the incident is believed to have occurred when the six-metrehigh retaining wall collapsed on a guard post causing the security guard to be buried in the rubble. He added that a search and rescue team involving the Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department and its Special Tactical Operation and Rescue Team, police and the Malaysian Civil Defence Force, located the victim’s body at 6.23am yesterday, buried three metres deep. “My sympathies and sincere condolences to the security guard’s family,” he said. Earlier, the media reported that a 73-year-old security guard was found dead under the rubble of a collapsed retaining wall at Wisma YPR. Kuala Lumpur Fire and Rescue Department senior superintendent Mohd Rizuan Razali said the guard, who was on duty, was confirmed dead at the scene by health workers. He said the department was alerted through a distress call which was received at 12.53am yesterday, and a team was dispatched, which arrived at the scene at 1.05am. Mohd Rizuan said 41 firemen from the Hang Tuah and Seputeh fire and rescue stations were deployed. He said prior to the incident, a concrete block had fallen near the guard post at about 8pm on Wednesday. – Bernama New name for Mara Junior Science College PAPAR: Mara Junior Science College Kota Kinabalu is now known as Mara Junior Science College Tan Sri Musa Aman, in recognition of the services of the former Sabah chief minister, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. He said Musa, as the Sabah chief minister, had contributed a lot to the state. He added that Musa was one of the important individuals involved in efforts to establish the college 21 years ago. Ahmad Zahid, who is also rural and regional development minister, reminded the current generation to always remember and respect the efforts of previous generations in providing the comforts they currently enjoy. “Although he is no longer the chief minister, as his friend I must recognise him as the former chief minister. So, I wish to announce that Mara Junior Science College Kota Kinabalu will now be known as Mara Junior Science College Tan Sri Musa Aman.” He was speaking at a get-together at the college, which was also attended by Mara chairman Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki. Musa, who was former Sungai Sibuga assemblyman, was Sabah’s 14th chief minister, between March 27, 2003 and May 11, 2018. After the event, Ahmad Zahid said 90,000 Mara Junior Science College admission applications were received for an intake of only 9,200 students. He said three more Mara Junior Science Colleges had been approved but their establishment had to be postponed for now due to certain constraints. Ahmad Zahid said the matter would be revisited in next year’s national budget. – Bernama Wesak Day greetings from King, Queen KUALA LUMPUR: The Yang diPertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah and the Raja Permaisuri Agong Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah wished Buddhists in the country a Happy Wesak Day. A poster of the greetings by the King and Queen was uploaded on Istana Negara’s Facebook page. “May this festival bring peace, happiness and prosperity to all Buddhists,” said the royal couple. Wesak Day is celebrated by Buddhists to commemorate the birth, enlightenment and death of Gautama Buddha Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim also wished Buddhists in the country a Happy Wesak Day, Bernama reported. In a post on his Facebook page yesterday, Anwar said: “Buddhists believe that to achieve the highest level of happiness or Nirvana is to fight and eliminate greed, hatred and evil. “This is a very universal philosophy that can be emulated to cultivate love, human dignity, the principle of coexistence, respect and living in peace and harmony.” Anwar said the various festivals and cultures in the country should provide enlightenment to Malaysians to continue to bring the message of love and peace as well as understanding, as a way to avoid the destruction and extinction of the nation’s pluralist way of life. PM attends police shooting tournament PUTRAJAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim attended the ongoing RMP (Royal Malaysian Police) Open Championship 2023 Level III Shooting Tournament yesterday. He also spent about 30 minutes touring the tournament’s facilities at the Shapadu Shooting Range here. Anwar was accompanied by Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail and Deputy Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain. Among the facilities available at the shooting range are a clubhouse and gun test site. The seven-day tournament will conclude on Sunday and will enter the Malaysia Book of Records as the shooting tournament that recorded the highest number of participants. In addition to 787 participants, the tournament, which was organised for the first time in the country, recorded participation from seven countries, including Indonesia, Thailand, the UAE, Hong Kong, Singapore and the Philippines. – Bernama

3 NEWS WITHOUT BORDERS theSUN ON FRIDAY | MAY 5, 2023 Mission to promote quality education PETALING JAYA: Malaysians have little interest in reading books because electronic media appeals more to the senses, said Teach For Malaysia (TFM) research, design and impact manager Sawittri Charun. TFM is a proponent of quality education and a partner of the Education Ministry and the Global Education Network. Sawittri told theSun that to ascertain why Malaysians were not prolific readers, a good starting point would be to ask if one finds reading books to be entertaining and if one is curious enough to read books to oDeveloping reading habit, training STEM teachers among initiatives undertaken by Teach For Malaysia █ BYVEISHNAWI NEHRU [emailprotected] learn something new. “For reading to become a habit, it needs to fulfil one or both of two purposes, which is entertainment and information gathering. “Avid readers either enjoy following the ups and downs of characters in books they are reading or have a great sense of curiosity to know and learn more through books.” Sawittri said for information gathering, one can also satisfy this need by just doing some quick searches on the internet, or using artificial intelligence supported apps. “The need to pick up a book, printed or electronic, has moved down the order of preference.” She said TFM has been building a transformational movement in the education system by placing the country’s most promising graduates and young professionals as full-time teachers in some of the country’s “most difficult schools”. She said this helps to combat education inequity through its flagship leadership development programme, called “Fellowship”. “In 2020, we expanded our work as the implementation partner of the two-year nationwide ‘Program Duta Guru’ (PDG), as well as training and coaching in-service public school STEM teachers.” TFM is a 2022 Merdeka Award recipient under the Education and Community category. The award is Malaysia’s premier recognition for excellence founded by Petronas, ExxonMobil and Shell in 2007. “Since our launch in 2012, our movement of 473 fellows, 583 PDG teachers and alumni has impacted 330,285 students in 893 schools across the country.” Sawittri said the pandemic had exacerbated the problem of poor reading skills among students, leaving many who have not developed the basic skills needed for them to enjoy reading. “We are committed to making the development of literacy a high-value component of our fellowship programme. “In their pre-service training, our fellows are trained on the foundation of literacy and on evidence-based strategies to teach reading and writing to struggling readers and writers.” She said the lack of engaging, accessible reading material for students at the primary level is one of the challenges. “In the early years, beginner readers could benefit from a wide range of easy-to-read books, with rich visuals to support comprehension. “For many of the students we work with, the school library is the main source of reading material. But very few schools have sufficient collections of age-appropriate and visually-engaging reading material.” Meanwhile, Malaysian Council of Professors senior fellow Datuk Dr Jeniri Amir told said people are obsessed with social media and attracted to Facebook and Instagram. “I have collected 11,000 books since 1997, with various genres such as language, literacy, social, politics and social science. Children these days are exposed to social media more than reading. I read at least four books per week and children these days would not even open a book.” Jeniri said people who do not read could have low thinking skills and poor knowledge on understanding of the world. “Readers usually read not only in one field but many to gain more knowledge and better thinking skills. “For example, those who are in science not only read science-related books but also books on others such as geography and politics.” RM300 bonus for council cleaners KUALA TERENGGANU: A total of 196 Kuala Terengganu City Council cleaners received a bonus of RM300 each for keeping the city clean during the recent Aidilfitri celebrations. State Local Government, Housing, Health and Environment Committee chairman Datuk Dr Alias Razak said the bonus was given because the council achieved the target of zero complaints over littering during the period. “I went to see the mayor (Rosli Latif) several times and asked him to ensure what happened during Hari Raya last year does not happen again. “The council came up with several strategies. Among them was setting up a team comprising the entire council workforce and machinery from the Kuala Terengganu and Kuala Nerus district offices,” he said after attending an Aidilfitri celebration with council janitors on Wednesday. “Alhamdulillah, we achieved the target, one of which is to have zero complaints about littering in the city, and in appreciation of their hard work in keeping the city clean, we are issuing the bonus in the hope that they will continue to be motivated and continue to excel,” he said. According to Alias, the contractors appointed to manage garbage in three zones in the state, including Kuala Terengganu, had their contracts terminated due to incompetence in carrying out their duties, following which the task was carried out by the local authorities. – Bernama New Jakarta-Kuching flights starting June 15 KUCHING: Indonesia AirAsia will commence a new route connecting Jakarta and Kuching starting June 15 as part of its efforts to boost tourism in the Asean region. AirAsia said in a statement promotional fares from as low as RM199 for a one-way flight are now available on the AirAsia app and website. The thrice-weekly flights will take place every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, with the promotion running until May 14, for trips between June 15 and Oct 29. “Jakarta is the second city in Asean to be connected with Sarawak by AirAsia. AirAsia Malaysia now flies between Singapore and Kuching, Miri and Sibu, making it the airline with the widest network between Singapore and Sarawak.” The Jakarta-Kuching flight would depart at 7.30am (Western Indonesian time) and arrive at Kuching at 10.40am (Malaysian time), while the return flight would depart at 11.10am (Malaysian time) and arrive in Jakarta at 12.20pm (Western Indonesian time). – Bernama Union leaders weigh in on minimum wage KUALA LUMPUR: The minimum wage should be based on various aspects, including the job sector, academic qualifications, experience and skills of workers, said leaders of the country’s two main trade unions. National Association of Skilled Workers secretary-general Mohammad Rizan Hassan said academic qualifications alone was not enough because it could be manipulated by employers by offering low wages to workers with low academic qualifications, but with extensive experience and skills. “In Thailand and Vietnam, Malaysian skilled graduates are offered jobs with high salaries, but this is not good because it would cause a continuous brain drain,” he said. Last Monday, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said implementation of the minimum wage will be discussed in the Cabinet meeting next month. The minimum wage order came into effect on May 1 last year with an amount of RM1,500 for all sectors regardless of region, applicable to employers with five or more employees. For employers with less than five employees, the implementation of the minimum wage has been postponed from Jan 1 to July 1 this year. Malaysian Trades Union Congress president Mohd Effendy Abdul Ghani said the implementation of minimum wage should be progressive, to balance workers’ needs and rising living costs. He said the minimum wage should take into account the experience and skills of employees and sectors involved to ensure the rate is relevant to the economic situation. “This needs to be looked at holistically, apart from continuous enforcement and monitoring of employers’ compliance because in the previous implementation of the minimum wage of RM1,200, some employers deducted the employees’ allowances and included the amount in the basic salary,” he added. – Bernama Veteran actor Ridzuan Hashim dies KUALA LUMPUR: Actor Mohd Ridzuan Hashim died yesterday, believed to be due to a heart attack. He was 61. His nephew Iman Zulkarnain, 32, said Mohd Ridzuan died at the Kuala Lumpur Hospital at 1.57pm. His remains were taken to the Dusun Tua Mosque in Hulu Langat and was scheduled to be buried at the Dusun Tua Muslim cemetery after Maghrib prayers. “The top leadership and exco of Seniman Malaysia extend their condolences to his family and hope that they would remain strong in facing this test,” he said in a statement. Mohd Ridzuan, who was born on Aug 13, 1961, married actress Didie Alias in 1991. They have five children, but were divorced in 2002. Among the films he acted in were Antara Dua Hati (1988), Hati Bukan Kristal (1990), Lurah Dendam (1996), Ghazal Untuk Rabiah (1997), Sri Dwi Malam (2001), Cinta 200 Ela (2002), SH3 (2004), Qaisy & Laila (2005), 1957: Hati Malaya (2007) and Dunia Baru The Movie (2008). – Bernama HOLIDAY FUN ... City residents taking advantage of the Wesak Day holiday to cool off amid the current hot spell at the Kemensah area near Ampang in Selangor yesterday. – BERNAMAPIC

4 theSUN ON FRIDAY | MAY 5, 2023 NEWS WITHOUT BORDERS Move to produce competent journalists KUALA LUMPUR: Institutions of higher learning are emphasising “Mobile Journalism” (Mojo) in their study programmes to produce graduates who are competitive and ready to face the media industry. Universiti Sains Malaysia dean of the School of Communication Assoc Prof Dr Bahiyah Omar said it was important to apply Mojo in journalism studies to keep students abreast with the latest trends. “Journalists not only need to know about news writing but also how to take pictures and produce good videos. They have to know everything about news production,” she said. Mojo involves using mobile communication technologies such as smartphones and tablets to report news through video, audio, pictures and graphics. Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia (USIM) New Media Communication senior lecturer Dr Hizral Tazzif Hisham said the university has introduced a new programme to expose students to news delivery in the form of social media. “At USIM, we have a new programme that emphasises the provision of news content in the form of videos on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and TikTok.” Hizral Tazzif, who used to work as a journalist at a television station, said journalistic ethics as well as authenticity and accuracy in reporting are emphasised to students to avoid the spread of fake news, especially on social media. “We know news writing can be done quickly through artificial intelligence such as ChatGPT, but how valid is the data obtained? We (journalists) need to re-examine the information obtained so that the news produced is accurate.” Digital aspects and the survival of the media will be among the topics discussed during a media forum in conjunction with National Journalists’ Day celebration to be held in Ipoh, Perak from May 27 to 29. – Bernama ‘Sweet life’ returns to Kota Bharu KOTA BHARU: Residents here who were facing a shortage of sugar last week can now heave a sigh of relief, after supply to the area was restored. A grocery wholesaler and retailer, Ahmad Najmi Mohd Ashari, 36, said he began receiving his sugar supply in stages on May 1. “Previously, I was able to obtain more that 4,000kg of sugar which could last a week. However, after the resumption of supplies on Monday, I only received about 2,500kg,” he said at his grocery store in Tanjung Chat yesterday. Restaurant operator Rodiah Ismail, 44, from Kampung Banggol, said her business suffered last week following the sugar shortage. “During that period, I was only able to manage with whatever sugar I had in stock and was forced to reduce its usage in the food and drinks served,” she said. Meanwhile, from Kampung Chat consumer Kamarul Zaman Wan Mohamad, 60, said he was trying to find sugar last week at more than 10 grocery shops, but was not successful. “During the period, I was forced to use condensed milk as a replacement to sweeten drinks. But since yesterday, we have been able to buy sugar easily at several grocery shops in the district,” he said. – Bernama Journey to enlightenment PETALING JAYA: On the occasion of Wesak Day yesterday, theSun interviewed three Buddhists on what the teachings mean to them. The Venerable You Deng said it has been 12 years since she was introduced to Buddhism by her uncle, and is so attuned to the Buddha’s teachings that she has no regrets on the path she has taken to become a monk. “There is a vast difference between before I followed Buddhism and after. I was never content with what I had before and I wanted more even though what I achieved back then could be considered a oDevotees speak to theSun about their lives before and after discovering Buddhism █ BY THARANI NAIR [emailprotected] Call for coordination during road repairs KUALA LUMPUR: Maintenance or repair of infrastructure and roads should be implemented in an integrated manner by agencies involved to overcome the issue of congestion due to road closure. Coordinated planning and implementation will not only save time, but also facilitates all parties, said Universiti Teknologi Malaysia deputy dean (Research and Innovation) of the Faculty of Built Environment and Surveying, Prof Dr Muhammad Zaly Shah. He said currently, every agency involved in road maintenance has its own planning and schedule. “They know it also involves (works by) other service providers, like water, sewerage and installation of electric cables, and all these agencies have different plans and times to do their jobs. There is no coordination and we see that work on the affected road is never completed. In the end, it is the road users who have to bear the inconvenience,” he said. – Bernama Boy had meningitis, not heatstroke: Health Dept KUANTAN: The Pahang Health Department has confirmed that a boy who was flown in a helicopter from Pulau Tioman to the Tengku Ampuan Afzan Hospital here was not suffering from heatstroke. Department director Datuk Dr Nor Azimi Yunus said the eightyear-old was referred to the hospital by the Tekek Health Clinic in Pulau Tioman at 11.45pm on May 3 after being diagnosed with meningitis. The authorities concerned then mobilised an evacuation flight using a Royal Malaysian Air Force helicopter to take the child to the hospital immediately. “The patient sought treatment after experiencing fever, vomiting and fatigue for two days. “The boy is being treated at the emergency department, following a CT scan and blood sampling that returned a diagnosis of meningoencephalitis, which is an infection of the brain,” he said in a statement yesterday. – Bernama significant accomplishment. Some might say that wanting to achieve more is a great thing, but the greediness within me chipped away my peace little by little. “Learning Buddhist teachings made me accept and appreciate what I have. I still do want to achieve great things, but through Buddha’s teachings and not to the point where I sacrifice my peace for it,” she told theSun. However, You Deng said just going to a temple and chanting prayers would not solve problems. “When one is sick, one has to take medication to get better. The same applies to Buddhist teachings. One cannot expect the Buddha to help when one hasn’t done anything to help himself. “In Buddhist teachings, one has to listen, understand and apply the teachings to truly appreciate what Buddhism is all about,” she said, adding that it teaches the different stages of life and how it fits in the universal plan. “The teachings may seem illogical to some, but it explains why incidents happen in a certain way. We learn about the life we lived before embracing Buddha’s teachings, and how one’s previous life contributed to the way we now live.” Josephine Cheong, 70, has been a Buddhist for 10 years. “My husband was a true Buddhism follower, but I often felt annoyed whenever I heard him chanting prayers. “However, when he passed away, I regretted behaving in such a way, so I started to go to the Buddhist temple just to remember him. “I can’t point to exactly when I became a committed Buddhist. But one day when I was listening to the chants, all of a sudden, I started crying. It wasn’t tears of sadness, but more of relief. “Since then, my mind has been tranquil and the more I learned about Buddhism, the more I felt at peace.” Cheong also said she has changed a lot for the better since embracing Buddhism. “I was a hothead. Every little issue would end in an argument and because of that, my relationship with my children was distant. “But now, I have learned to be calmer and thanks to that, I feel more relaxed and can solve any situation without arguments. “One thing that everyone should understand is that getting angry and having a grudge against someone is easy. But maintaining it will not hurt anyone but oneself,” she said. Daniel Lim Ka Keat, 46, said the most significant of Buddha’s teachings that he remembers and follows religiously is that everything has its causes and effects. “There was a time when I did not get what I wanted although I put a lot of effort into it. In such a situation, it is easy for one to just give up. “However, knowing that there is a reason for everything made me realise that perhaps I did not get everything I wanted not because I am a failure, but because it was just not meant to be. My efforts were not a waste,” he said. Damansara MP Gobind Singh Deo attending a Wesak Day event at the Fo Guang Shan Temple in Petaling Jaya yesterday. – SYAZWAN KAMAL/ THESUN

5 NEWS WITHOUT BORDERS theSUN ON FRIDAY | MAY 5, 2023 ‘Penang reclamation project a boost for next generations’ GEORGE TOWN: Fishermen, who have expressed their support for the Penang South Islands (PSI) reclamation project, are convinced that the mega initiative will bring many benefits to future generations in terms of improving living standards and generating employment opportunities. Lye Phaik Soon, 56, a fisherman in Teluk Kumbar, who has been a supporter since the start of the project, said PSI is a good opportunity for the younger generation to get regular and stable jobs, such as in the manufacturing sector. “When the project is completed and factories are built, it will benefit young people because, in addition to a guaranteed income, they can also contribute to the EPF (Employees Provident Fund). If they want to continue being fishermen, they will have to face many ups and downs with the unpredictable fish catch. “Without state government’s oInitiative would offer job opportunities with guaranteed income and improve livelihood, say resident fishermen help, such as diesel and petrol subsidies and fishing nets, it is quite difficult for fishermen to earn a living now,” he told Bernama. The PSI reclamation project is to develop three artificial islands, with an area of approximately 1,700ha in the waters of Permatang Damar Laut, near Bayan Lepas, and is part of the Penang Transport Master Plan. However, the father of five also claimed that fishermen who support the PSI project are discriminated against, regarding their licence renewal and living allowance payments. His allegation is backed by Zazali Sirun, 55, a skipper with 20 years of experience, who claimed that the fishermen association refused to help him renew his licence. “Is it wrong for me to support a state government project when I am a native of Penang? “More than 400 fishermen are alleged to have been blacklisted by the association and blocked from renewing licences. The fishermen’s local service centre helped me renew my licence with the Fisheries Department,” he said. The Permatang Damar Laut fisherman also thanked the state government for its efforts to provide each registered Penang fisherman with a 90-horsepower, 27-foot boat, complete with equipment worth RM80,000. On the allegation that the project will destroy marine life and coral reefs, Zazali said the locations earmarked for development do not have natural coral reefs, adding that he hoped the people, especially the fishermen, will not be misled by statements made by people opposing the project. Sungai Batu fisherman Haris Abdullah, 63, said the PSI project is not the first reclamation project in Penang as the eastern and northern parts of the state have also been reclaimed. “But none of the fishermen in the areas complained of losing their source of income,” he said. Sharing the same sentiment, fisherwoman Fajinah Jaafar, 62, said when the Second Penang Bridge was proposed, she was among groups that objected to the plan, claiming that it would disrupt marine life. “Three years after the bridge was built, fishermen managed to catch high yields in the area, especially shrimp of up to 30kg. It is possible that the same thing could happen with the construction of the islands,” she added. JOINT EFFORT ... PLUS personnel and passersby attempt to move a damaged car that was thrown onto the road from a trailer that lost control on the North-South Highway near the Seremban toll plaza in Negeri Sembilan yesterday. – BERNAMAPIC Family of crash victim receives Socso funeral benefits KOTA BHARU: The family of express bus driver Nik Nordin Jusof, who was killed in a road crash, received a funeral management benefit from the Social Security Organisation (Socso) Prihatin Squad on Wednesday. Nik Nordin’s widow, Kasmara Kadir, 48, from Kampung Pulau Melaka, received the benefit, amounting to RM2,000, which was presented by Kelantan Socso director Nora Yaacob. Kasmara said her husband was involved in an accident at KM21.8 Jalan Kuala Terengganu-Kota Bharu near Kampung Sungai Ikan Kuala Nerus on April 21 before he was confirmed dead on April 23 while receiving treatment at Sultanah Nurzahirah Hospital in Kuala Terengganu. The crash also claimed the lives of a married couple travelling in a car. Kasmara, who has five children aged between 13 and 28, said this year’s Aidilfitri was very gloomy as her family was in mourning. “We are grateful to Kelantan Socso for its assistance,” she said. Meanwhile, Nora said she immediately contacted the employer of the late Nik Nordin after receiving information about his death, and the case was resolved on the same day. “A pension payment of RM1,310 will be given every month to the widow and their two children, who will receive the payment until they reach the age of 21.” – Bernama Fire hotspots identified via satellite PUTRAJAYA: The Fire and Rescue Department has identified a total of 406 fire hotspots across the country via satellite. Its director of Fire and Rescue Operations, Datuk Ahmad Irzam Osman, said the areas include Mukah and Miri in Sarawak; Dungun and Kemaman in Terengganu; Kuantan in Pahang; Pasir Mas and Bachok in Kelantan and the Kuala Langat Utara Forest Reserve. He said periodic monitoring, either through patrols or aerial surveys using helicopters or drones, are being carried out by the department in collaboration with the Forestry Department and the Environment Department to ensure the situation remain under control. “So far, a level one hot weather status has been detected in two areas, namely Padang Terap in Kedah, and Jempol in Negeri Sembilan. “Residents in the affected areas have been reminded to be alert because the maximum daily temperature has reached 35°C to 37°C for three consecutive days,” he said. On another matter, Ahmad Irzam said a total of 4,106 cases of open burning were recorded until last March. “We expect the number to increase following the hot weather forecast until August compared with 9,596 cases recorded last year. “Peatland fires are also categorised as open burning because they involve large-scale burning that may be triggered due to the current weather conditions,” he said. He added that the department is prepared, in terms of fire logistics equipment and personnel, to handle open burning cases, which are expected to increase this year due to the hot weather. – Bernama Hotel staff electrocuted by lamp post LABUAN: A hotel staff died of electrocution after he came into contact with a fallen high-tension lamp post here on Wednesday. Labuan police chief Supt Ahmad Jawila said the deceased was Ryandeigo Roselee from Sook, Keningau in Sabah. “The 18-year-old came in contact with the high-tension lamp post while walking along a 50m covered walkway,” Ahmad said yesterday. He was found lying unconscious next to the lamp post on the walkway when ambulance arrived, and was pronounced dead at 12.05am. – Bernama Police nab man over RM1.8m jewellery heist SEREMBAN: Police arrested a man in connection with a robbery in Kuala Pilah near here on Wednesday where two jewellery suppliers lost a delivery of about RM1.8 million to two armed robbers. Kuala Pilah district police deputy chief DSP Syahrul Anuar Abdul Wahab said the 50-year-old suspect was nabbed in the district at 10pm on Wednesday. “The man has been remanded for seven days until May 10. We are also ascertaining the identity of another suspect and other individuals who might be involved in the case. “We hope to make more arrests after this,” he said. In the 11am robbery, the two jewellery traders were ambushed by two masked men armed with a parang in the back lane of the goldsmith shop. The robbers were said to have escaped with the loot in a silver car. – Bernama 7,000 litres of subsidised diesel seized SEREMBAN: The Negeri Sembilan enforcement division of the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry, with the cooperation of the police, confiscated 7,200 litres of subsidised diesel at a premises in Site C Tanah Merah, Port Dickson on Wednesday. Its director, Muhammad Zahir Mazlan, said in the Ops Tiris raid conducted at about 9pm, his team also confiscated two lorries, a tanker, a handphone as well as equipment used to misappropriate the fuel. The value of the seizure was RM195,480. “During an inspection at the premises, two men were seen transferring the subsidised diesel from the tanker to the lorries (tanks),” he said in a statement yesterday. He added that the two men were detained under the Control of Supplies Act 1961. – Bernama

6 theSUN ON FRIDAY | MAY 5, 2023 NEWS WITHOUT BORDERS /thesundaily FOLLOW ON FACEBOOK SCAN ME Beijing urges vigilance over Nato expansion BEIJING: China said yesterday “high vigilance” was needed in the face of Nato’s “eastward expansion” following a media report the alliance is planning to set up an office in Japan to facilitate consultations with allies in the region. Nato is planning to open its first liaison office in Asia, in Japan, to facilitate talks with security partners such as South Korea, Australia and New Zealand, with geopolitical challenges from China and Russia in mind, oSouth China Sea should not be ‘hunting ground’ for foreign forces: Official Japan prime minister heads to Seoul as ties warm TOKYO: Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida will visit Seoul this weekend as the two countries seek to bury historical animosities and reboot their relationship in the face of a growing threat from North Korea. The two-day trip starting on Sunday will be the first official bilateral visit to Seoul by a Japanese leader for over a decade. Kishida will meet with President Yoon Suk Yeol – who has made resetting ties with Japan a top priority – just weeks after the South Korean leader visited Tokyo in March. Yoon has also just returned from a state visit to Washington, where he met President Joe Biden and signed an accord aimed at boosting the nuclear protection afforded to South Korea by the United States. Relations between Seoul and Tokyo – both key regional US security allies – have long been strained over Japan’s brutal 1910 to 1945 colonial occupation of the Korean peninsula, including the imposition of forced labour and sexual slavery. But Yoon, who took office last year, has sought to bury the historical hatchet, earlier announcing a plan to compensate Korean victims of Japanese forced labour despite the absence of any direct involvement from Tokyo. His endgame is improving regional security to counter perceived threats from North Korea, experts said. “The Korea-Japan relationship is known as the weakest link in the trilateral cooperation with the US,” said Asan Institute for Policy Studies researcher Choi Eunmi. “So when this part is strengthened, it can eventually advance into proper South Korea-US-Japan cooperation.” Efforts to boost military cooperation come as North Korea’s leader Kim Jong-un, who last year declared his country an “irreversible” nuclear power, doubles down on weapons development and testing. Pyongyang has conducted a record-breaking string of launches this year, including test-firing the country’s first solid-fuel ballistic missile – a technical breakthrough. – AFP Canada MP demands diplomat’s expulsion OTTAWA: A Canadian lawmaker on Wednesday called for the government to expel a Chinese diplomat accused of having sought to intimidate him and his family in Hong Kong over the MP’s criticisms of Beijing. Conservative MP Michael Chong’s call was echoed by fellow opposition lawmakers who demanded action during a heated exchange in Parliament in which Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s government was put on the back foot. The outcry followed a damning report this week by the Globe and Mail claiming the government turned a blind eye to Beijing’s interference in Canadian affairs. Citing classified documents and an anonymous security source, the newspaper said China’s intelligence agency had planned to target Chong and his relatives with sanctions for having voted in February 2021 for a motion condemning Beijing’s conduct in Xinjiang as genocide. This was “almost certainly meant to make an example of this MP and deter others from taking anti-PRC positions”, it cited a Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) document as saying, using an acronym for People’s Republic of China. A diplomatic official at China’s consulate in Toronto was said to be involved in the intrigue. “This person needs to be declared persona non grata immediately,” Chong told reporters after being briefed on the details by CSIS. “The government (also) needs to come clean about who knew what and when and what they did about it,” he said, in comments followed by a blustering question and answer session of Parliament on the issue. Trudeau earlier said CSIS had withheld the information about China’s threats to Chong two years ago. “CSIS made the determination that it wasn’t something that needed to be raised to a higher level because it wasn’t a significant enough concern.” – AFP B R I E F SINDIAN ARMY HELICOPTER MAKES ‘HARD LANDING’ NEW DELHI: An Indian army helicopter made a “hard landing” in a remote part of Indian Kashmir yesterday, injuring the two pilots and a technician on board. The indigenously produced Advanced Light Helicopter reported a technical fault to air traffic control and made a precautionary landing on the banks of a river in the remote Kishtwar region. “Due to the undulating ground, undergrowth and unprepared landing area, the helicopter apparently made a hard landing,” the army said, adding that a court of inquiry had been ordered. Immediate rescue operations were launched and the three injured personnel were taken to an army hospital, it said. – Reuters LAOS ACTIVIST SURVIVES CAFE SHOOTING VIENTIANE: A Laotian political activist who was reported to have died after being shot twice at close range in fact survived the attack, Human Rights Watch (HRW) said yesterday. Anousa “Jack” Luangsuphom was shot in the face and side in a Vientiane cafe on Saturday and was reported dead by HRW, Amnesty International, a Laos newspaper and the dissident Facebook page he helped to run. However, HRW said yesterday it had received confirmation from family and other sources that Anousa was still alive. “Anousa’s family and other sources provided HRW verbal confirmation and photographic evidence that Anousa survived the shooting,” it said in a statement. – AFP Nikkei Asia reported on Wednesday, citing Japanese and Nato officials. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Mao Ning said Asia was a “promising land for cooperation and development and should not be a battle arena for geopolitics”. “Nato’s continual eastward expansion in the Asia-Pacific, interference in regional affairs, attempts to destroy regional peace and stability, and push for bloc confrontation calls for high vigilance from countries in the region,” she told a regular press conference. Nikkei Asia said the proposed office was due to open next year in Tokyo. Asked about the report, Nato spokesman Oana Lungescu said earlier the alliance would not go into details of the allies’ deliberations. “Nato has offices and liaison arrangements with a number of international organisations and partner countries, and allies regularly assess those liaison arrangements to ensure that they best serve the needs of both Nato and our partners.” Lungescu said Nato has a close partnership with Japan that continued to grow. Meanwhile, Mao also said China firmly opposes any country citing bilateral treaties to interfere in the South China Sea and undermine Beijing’s territorial interests and rights. “The South China Sea is home to all regional countries, and should not be a hunting ground for external forces,” she said when asked about a US move to reaffirm its decades-old security alliance with the Philippines. – Reuters Indigenous leaders demand King Charles apologise for colonialism CANBERRA: Indigenous leaders from a string of former British colonies yesterday urged King Charles to swiftly apologise for “centuries of racism” and the “legacy of genocide” perpetrated by the crown. In a strongly worded letter that could sour the build-up to this weekend’s coronation, indigenous representatives from 12 Commonwealth nations also called for financial reparations and the return of stolen cultural treasures. The letter was signed by leaders from Australia – where indigenous people were massacred by British colonisers and forced off their lands – as well as several Caribbean countries once plundered for slaves. The group said they had banded together to help their people “recover from centuries of racism, oppression, colonialism and slavery”. Charles has in recent years stepped up efforts to engage with indigenous leaders, as the monarchy faces a reckoning over its links to the slave trade and the British Empire’s legacy of violence. Although he has conceded the crown must “acknowledge the wrongs which have shaped our past”, the letter implores him to go further by offering a formal, royal apology. Former Olympian Nova Peris, the first Aboriginal woman elected to Australia’s Parliament, was one of the leaders to sign the letter. Peris said it was time to “acknowledge the horrific and enduring impacts” of colonisation and the “legacy of genocide” felt by many indigenous populations. “They really do have that history that they haven’t tackled. Genocide happened on their watch,” said human rights expert Hannah McGlade, an Aboriginal woman from Western Australia. The letter was also signed by representatives from Canada, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea. – AFP Soldiers taking part in a full dress rehearsal of the coronation ceremony of King Charles and Queen Consort Camilla in London. – REUTERSPIC

7 * NEWS WITHOUT BORDERS theSUN ON FRIDAY | MAY 5, 2023 READ OUR HERE /thesundaily SCAN ME UN chief says ‘we failed’ to stop Sudan war KHARTOUM: Gunfire and explosions gripped Khartoum for a 20th straight day yesterday, leaving the latest ceasefire effort in tatters, a day after UN chief Antonio Guterres acknowledged the international community had “failed” Sudan. As the latest ceasefire expired at midnight on Wednesday, the regular army said it was ready to abide by a new seven-day truce agreed with South Sudanese mediators, but there was no word from its foes in the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). In Khartoum, witnesses reported loud explosions and exchanges of fire on the streets around dawn. Deadly urban combat broke out on April 15 between Sudan’s de facto leader Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, who commands the regular army, and his deputy turned rival Mohamed Hamdan Daglo, who heads the RSF. At least 550 people have been killed and 4,926 wounded, according to the latest Health Ministry figures, which are likely incomplete. “The UN was taken by surprise” by the conflict, because the world body and others were hopeful that negotiations towards a civilian transition would be successful, Guterres told reporters in Nairobi. “To the extent that we and many others were not expecting this to happen, we can say we failed to avoid it to happen.” “A country like Sudan, that has suffered so much ... cannot afford a struggle for power between two people.” On the day that fighting broke out, the two generals had been due to meet with international mediators to discuss the RSF’s integration into the regular army – a key condition for the transition to democratic rule. Instead, Khartoum awoke to the sound of gunfire ringing through the streets. “Every minute of war, more people die or are thrown into the streets, society disintegrates and the state weakens and decomposes a little more,” said Khalid Omar Youssef, a civilian minister in the government overthrown by the rival generals in a 2021 coup. UN humanitarian official Martin Griffiths made a lightning visit to Sudan on Tuesday to try to negotiate safe passage for aid and aid workers after six trucks laden with food supplies from the World Food Programme were looted on their way to the western region of Darfur. Darfur is still scarred by a war that erupted in 2003 when then president Omar al-Bashir unleashed the Janjaweed militia, mainly recruited from Arab pastoralist tribes, against ethnic minority rebels. The UN said Darfur civilians were again being armed in the latest fighting. – AFP Sunak faces first date with voters LONDON: Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s Conservatives are braced for heavy losses in their first major electoral test since he became UK’s third leader in the space of a few chaotic weeks last year. In the depths of the worst cost-of-living crisis in decades, the local council elections across England will shed light on the main parties’ standing ahead of a UK-wide general election expected next year. At the last parliamentary clash before polls opened at 7am (2pm yesterday in Malaysia), opposition Labour leader Keir Starmer on Wednesday pressed on Tory wounds after the party ditched Boris Johnson and then Liz Truss in quick succession last year. Nearly two million Britons will end up paying more on their home loans “because his party used their money as a casino chip”, Starmer told Sunak, referring to Truss’s disastrous tenure, when financial markets tanked. In national polls, Labour has built a double-digit lead over the Conservatives, and is treating the municipal elections as a referendum on Tory rule. Sunak tried to recast the elections – for more than 8,000 council seats across 230 English districts – back on to local issues. In contrast to Labour’s “broken promises”, Sunak said, “we’re getting on with delivering what we say with lower council tax, lower crime and fewer potholes” on roads. Labour is making progress towards recapturing its former strongholds in northern England, which Johnson turned Tory in the 2019 general election on a vow to “get Brexit done”. Overall, the worst-case scenario given by pollsters is for the Conservatives to lose 1,000 council seats across the areas of England that are voting yesterday. Results will take shape only today. But voters assembled in one pre-election focus group had a damning verdict already on the Conservatives, even if Sunak tends to poll better personally. Asked by the think tank More in Common to describe the state of Britain in one word, the focus group’s answers included “broken”, “shambles”, “mess”, “struggling” and “crisis”. – AFP Drone strikes reported in Russia and Ukraine AMSTERDAM: Kyiv and Moscow reported drone attacks yesterday, including two that sparked fires in Russian oil refineries, as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky visited The Hague to lobby for more support. Zelensky’s surprise visit to meet top officials of the International Criminal Court (ICC), which has issued an arrest warrant for Russian leader Vladimir Putin, came a day after Moscow accused Kyiv of a drone attack on the Kremlin. Russia has accused Ukraine of trying to kill Putin, but Zelensky denied his country was behind the Kremlin strike. An AFP correspondent saw Zelensky arrive at the ICC under heavy security measures, as a Ukrainian flag was flown at the court. The Ukrainian air force said yesterday that Russia had fired 24 attack drones overnight, of which 18 were downed. Authorities said there were no casualties. “The invaders launched up to 24 Shahed-136/131 attack drones. “The Air Force of Ukraine, in cooperation with other air defence units, shot down 18 attack drones,” the air force said on Telegram. Sergiy Popko, the head of the city of Kyiv’s military administration, said “all enemy missiles and UAVs Students attending a lesson as they shelter inside a metro station during an air raid alert in Kyiv. – REUTERSPIC oMoscow accuses Kyiv of trying to assassinate Putin 13-year-old kills nine in Serbia school shooting BELGRADE: Two pupils wounded in Serbia’s first mass school shooting were in critical condition yesterday, health officials said, as the country prepared for three days of national mourning. The suspect, a 13-year-old boy, surrendered on Wednesday after taking two handguns belonging to his father and killing eight pupils and a security guard in their school in the capital Belgrade. A teacher and six pupils were wounded. They are being treated in Tirsova Hospital and the city’s University Hospital. “The girl who underwent an urgent surgery yesterday due to head injuries ... remains in critical condition and in intensive care,” Tirsova Hospital acting director Sinisa Ducic told reporters. University Hospital director Milika Asanin said that the condition of a severely wounded boy treated there had improved, but was still considered critical. Mass shootings in Serbia are rare and this was the first-ever school shooting in the Balkan country. President Aleksandar Vucic on Wednesday announced a moratorium on new gun licences other than for hunting, a revision of existing permits, enhanced surveillance of shooting ranges and of how members of the public store their weapons. The suspected shooter is under Serbia’s age of criminal responsibility. He has been in a psychiatric institution for an evaluation, Vucic told reporters, adding the suspect’s parents had been arrested. – AFP B R I E F SFIRE AT CONSTRUCTION CONTAINERS, 8 DEAD PRAGUE: Eight people who were most likely homeless were killed after a fire broke out on Wednesday night in construction containers in the Czech city of Brno, police said yesterday. The fire engulfed around 12 containers on the edge of an apartment complex before being extinguished by early morning, Czech TV reported. Police said on a statement on Twitter they had not yet determined the cause of the fire. A spokesman told CTK news agency that the victims, who still needed to be identified, were likely homeless. In 2020, a fire in an apartment building killed 11 in one of the country’s most tragic incidents. Another fire in an abandoned building often used by homeless people in Prague killed nine in 2010. – Reuters AMERICA APPROVES RSV VACCINE WASHINGTON: The United States on Wednesday approved the world’s first vaccine for the Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), the culmination of a decades-long hunt to protect vulnerable people from the common illness. Drugmaker GSK’s Arexvy was green-lighted for adults aged 60 and older, with similar shots from other makers including Pfizer and Moderna expected to follow soon. “Today’s approval of the first RSV vaccine is an important public health achievement to prevent a disease which can be life-threatening,” said senior US Food and Drug Administration official Peter Marks in a statement. RSV is a common virus that normally causes mild, cold-like symptoms, but can be serious for infants and the elderly. – AFP (unmanned aerial vehicles) were destroyed over Kyiv by air defence forces”. Russia said yesterday a drone attack in the southern Krasnodar region’s Ilsky settlement sparked a blaze at an oil refinery. Krasnodar Governor Veniamin Kondratyev said the refinery fire had been localised to a 400 sq m area and was quickly extinguished by emergency services. The governor of Russia’s Rostov region, which also borders Ukraine, said a drone had hit a local refinery near the village of Kiselevka and caused an explosion and a fire. A similar blaze on Wednesday at an oil reservoir in the nearby village of Volna engulfed 1,200 sq m, with officials also blaming a drone crash. That same day, Moscow said it shot down two drones aimed at Putin’s residence and accused Ukraine of attempting a “terrorist act”, with the Kremlin threatening a tough response. Ukraine has denied any involvement and its Western allies have also cast doubt on the report. “We do not attack Putin or Moscow,” Zelensky said on a visit to Finland. “We defend our villages and cities.” – AFP

8 theSUN ON FRIDAY | MAY 5, 2023 SPEAK UP /thesuntelegram FOLLOW ON TELEGRAM SCAN ME Establish an emergency warning system ACCORDING to the World Meteorological Organisation and UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction, “climate change and increasingly extreme weather events have caused a surge in natural disasters over the past 50 years and disproportionately impacted poorer countries”. It added that “from 1970 to 2019, these natural hazards accounted for 50% of all disasters, 45% of all reported deaths and 74% of all reported economic losses”. It reported that there were more than 11,000 reported disasters attributed to these hazards globally, with just over two million deaths and US$3.64 trillion (RM16.2 trillion) in losses, adding that more than 91% of the deaths occurred in developing countries. It is a fact that the many weather, climate and water volatilities are increasing and will become more frequent and severe around the globe. Malaysia is no exception. This calls for installing a comprehensive national emergency warning system that will beam alerts to any mobile phone located in the path of an oncoming natural disaster. It is hoped that our government could install such a comprehensive emergency warning system that will alert would-be victims of any impending natural disaster where time is of the essence. Dr A Soorian Petaling Jaya HAVE you ever found yourself constantly questioning your abilities and feeling like you don’t measure up to others? Have you felt like you are never good enough, no matter how hard you try? These feelings can be overwhelming and can lead to mental health issues such as anxiety, depression and low self-esteem. The feeling of not being good enough is a common experience that can affect people of all ages, genders and backgrounds. It can stem from a variety of factors, such as childhood experiences, societal expectations and personal insecurities. While it’s normal to have moments of selfdoubt, persistent feelings of inadequacy can have a significant impact on mental health. Anxiety is one of the most common mental health disorders associated with the feeling of not being good enough. People with anxiety may experience constant worry and fear about their abilities, leading to physical symptoms such as a racing heart, sweating and trembling. They may also have difficulty sleeping, concentrating and interacting with others. Depression is another mental health disorder that can be linked to the feeling of not being good enough. People with depression may feel hopeless, worthless and unmotivated to do anything. They may withdraw from social interactions and lose interest in activities they once enjoyed. Low self-esteem is also a common issue associated with the feeling of not being good enough. People with low self-esteem may have a negative self-image and believe that they are not worthy of love, success or happiness. They may engage in self-sabotaging behaviours and avoid taking risks because they fear failure. Eating disorders can also be linked to the feeling of not being good enough. People with eating disorders may use food as a way to control their feelings of inadequacy and gain a sense of control over their lives. They may obsess over their weight and appearance and engage in unhealthy eating habits such as bingeing, purging or restricting. Substance abuse can also be a coping mechanism for people who feel like they are not good enough. Drugs and alcohol can provide temporary relief from negative feelings but they can also lead to addiction and other health problems. So, what can be done to address the mental health issues associated with the feeling of not being good enough? Here are some strategies that may help: Seek professional help If you’re experiencing persistent feelings of inadequacy and it’s affecting your daily life, it’s important to seek professional help. A therapist or counsellor can help you identify the root causes of your feelings and develop coping strategies to manage them. Practise self-care Taking care of yourself is essential for good mental health. Eat a healthy diet, exercise regularly and get enough sleep. Engage in activities that bring you joy and relaxation such as reading, listening to music or Universities vital to furthering national agenda PRIVATE institutions of higher learning (IHL) have become increasingly significant players in advancing national agendas worldwide. These institutions operate on a non-profit basis and are usually funded through tuition fees, grants and philanthropic donations. Private IHL offer a range of academic programmes and provide a unique environment for students to learn and engage in research. In this article, we will explore how private IHL contribute to the advancement of national agendas and their role in shaping the future. Private IHL have been contributing to national agendas through various means, including research, education and innovation. Private universities often have more funding flexibility, enabling them to develop specialised programmes that address the country’s specific needs. Private IHL also offer a diverse range of programmes that cater to the needs of students from different socioeconomic backgrounds. They have a social responsibility to the nation they operate in. These institutions strive to develop wellrounded individuals who are not only academically strong but also possess the necessary skills and knowledge to contribute to society. Private IHL provide a platform for students to engage in community service activities, social entrepreneurship and volunteer work. Through these activities, students better understand the issues facing their communities and develop a sense of social responsibility. Private IHL across the globe have been facing significant financial challenges in recent years, leading to concerns about their sustainability. In the United States, many private institutions have struggled to maintain financial stability, with several facing the risk of closure. According to a report by Moody’s Investors Service, small private colleges are at the highest risk of closure due to declining enrolments and increasing operating costs. To address financial stability concerns, private IHL have developed various fundraising strategies to secure funding from external sources. For instance, Harvard University, one of the world’s most prestigious private institutions, has a successful fundraising campaign called “The Harvard Campaign”. Launched in 2013, the campaign raised US$9.6 billion (RM42.7 billion) by June 2018, which was the largest-ever fundraising campaign by any educational institution. The campaign’s success was attributed to a wide range of factors, including effective marketing and donor engagement strategies. Private IHL have also been investing in infrastructure and faculty to enhance the quality of education and research. For example, the American University of Beirut (AUB) has invested in the construction of a new engineering building, which includes state-of-the-art facilities and equipment to support research and innovation. The university has also recruited top-notch faculty members from across the globe to enhance its academic programmes. Efficient financial management is crucial for private IHL to achieve financial stability. The University of Tokyo, a leading private institution in Japan, implemented a financial management system that focuses on optimising resource allocation and cost reduction. The system has enabled the university to maintain financial stability despite declining government funding. Private IHL have made significant contributions to national agendas worldwide. For instance, Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government has trained many government officials who have gone on to lead in various capacities. The Asian Institute of Management in the Philippines offers programmes that focus on social entrepreneurship, which addresses the country’s economic challenges. In the UAE, the Khalifa University of Science and Technology has developed innovative solutions that have helped the country become a global leader in renewable energy. Limited funding is a significant challenge faced by private IHL globally. In the US, private colleges and universities, which account for 19% of all higher education institutions, rely heavily on tuition fees to support their operations, resulting in financial vulnerability. In 2020, the Covid-19 pandemic exacerbated this issue, leading to decreased enrolment rates and financial difficulties for many private institutions. According to a report by the National Student Clearinghouse Research Centre, the fall 2020 undergraduate enrolment at private nonprofit colleges decreased by 3.9%, while public institutions saw a decline of only 0.4%. To overcome funding challenges and support, the Malaysian government’s goals of providing higher education and promoting sustainable energy, Universiti Tenaga Nasional (Uniten), a government-linked university and private university, has taken a determined stance. This year, Uniten offered over RM60 million worth of scholarships to financially disadvantaged B40 and M40 students, empowering them to pursue their academic aspirations. Additionally, Uniten hired 200 postdoctoral researchers from various parts of the world, specialising in the energy field, making it an IHL with the highest number of postdocs in Malaysia. This praiseworthy initiative aligns with the visions of both Malaysia’s Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Haji Mohamed Khaled Nordin and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, and will contribute to the nation’s capacity building and development. With its unwavering commitment, Uniten is one of Malaysia’s leading IHL, working tirelessly to support the nation’s growth and development. Another strategy used by private IHL to contribute more effectively to national agendas is to focus on specialised programmes that address the country’s specific needs. For example, Singapore Management University (SMU) established the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, which offers a Master in Public Policy programme that focuses on Asian development. This programme provides students with the skills and knowledge necessary to address the social and economic challenges faced by Asian countries, contributing to national development. Collaboration between private and public institutions has also proved to be an effective strategy for private IHL to contribute to national agendas. For instance, the African Leadership University (ALU) has partnered with various organisations to support its mission of producing ethical and entrepreneurial leaders for Africa. In partnership with IBM, ALU launched a flagship programme that offers a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science degree, focused on training students in artificial intelligence and data science. This programme addresses the specific needs of the African continent and provides solutions to social and economic challenges faced by African countries. In conclusion, private institutions of higher learning play a significant role in advancing national agendas worldwide. Examples from Harvard, the Asian Institute of Management and the Khalifa University of Science and Technology demonstrate how private IHL are contributing. Despite the challenges they face, private IHL have made significant contributions to society through research, education and innovation. To contribute more effectively to national agendas, private IHL must develop effective strategies and establish partnerships with government agencies, non-governmental organisations and the private sector. Collaborative efforts between private and public institutions can lead to innovative solutions to social and economic challenges, ultimately contributing to national development. As such, private IHL are vital partners in advancing national agendas and shaping the future. The writer is the vice-chancellor of Uniten in Putrajaya, a professor of Universiti Malaya and a Fellow of the Academy of Sciences Malaysia. Comments: [emailprotected] COMMENT by Prof Ir Dr Noor Azuan Abu Osman MIND THE MIND BY DR PRAVEENA RAJENDRA P8: NEW COLUMN: Green Inspiration LOGO with photo, By Pishu Murli Hassaram + QUOTE HEADLINE: LETTERS [emailprotected] Overcoming feelings of inadequacy spending time with loved ones. Challenge negative thoughts When you’re feeling like you’re not good enough, it’s easy to fall into a pattern of negative thinking. Challenge these thoughts by asking yourself if they’re rational and realistic. Focus on your strengths and accomplishments, and practise selfcompassion. Surround yourself with positivity Surround yourself with people who support and encourage you. Avoid people or situations that bring you down or make you feel inadequate. Set realistic goals Setting realistic goals can help you build confidence and a sense of achievement. Break down larger goals into smaller, achievable steps and celebrate your progress along the way. In conclusion, the feeling of not being good enough can have a significant impact on mental health. It is important to recognise these feelings and seek help if they’re affecting your daily life. With the right support and strategies, it’s possible to overcome these feelings and live a fulfilling life. Remember, you are worthy and you are enough. Dr Praveena Rajendra is a certified mental health and awareness practitioner specialising in narcissistic abuse recovery. Comments: [emailprotected]

ON FRIDAY | MAY 5, 2023 >> This edition of BUZZ is all about Superheroes and why we love them

Buzz theSun BUZZ ON FRIDAY | MAY 5, 2023 S2 big-game hunter. Bored by the lack of suitable prey, Kraven eventually sets his sights on hunting Spider-Man, leading to a longtime rivalry between the characters. Feedback from fans who saw the trailer at the recent Cinemacon has been largely positive which is good for Sony after the awful Mobius movie. Release Date: October 6, 2023 THERE’S no denying that the most popular film genre nowadays is the superhero movie. With the successes of the Marvel Cinematic Universe and the DC Extended Universe, it’s clear that audiences just can’t get enough of superheroes. And why wouldn’t they? These movies are filled with action-packed sequences, epic battles, and largerthan-life characters that capture our imagination. From the witty banter of Iron Man to the brooding darkness of Batman, there’s a superhero for every taste. However, more than just the superhero movies themselves are grabbing our attention. Part of the fun is discovering shared universes, crossovers, and Easter eggs. Fans enjoy piecing together the clues and references, making predictions about what’s to come, and debating the finer points related to superhero mythology. So, with so much excitement and anticipation surrounding upcoming superhero films, let’s dive in and see what the world of superheroes has in store for us. 0 The Flash The upcoming DCEU film, directed by Andy Muschietti and featuring Ezra Miller as Barry Allen, is said to be influenced by the “Flashpoint” story arc from DC Comics. In fact, the movie is using time-altering ideas from the famous storyline to bring back Michael Keaton and Ben Affleck to play the role of Batman. The film depicts Barry Allen (The Flash) travelling back in time to prevent his mother’s murder, which traps him in an alternate reality without metahumans. Release Date: June 16, 2023, following multiple delays caused by the director changes, the Covid-19 pandemic, and post-production setbacks. 0 Spider-Man: Across the SpiderVerse Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, which won the hearts of millions of fans in 2018, was awarded Best Animated Feature at the Oscars the following year. And now, Shameik Moore is set to reprise his role as the young web-slinger Miles Morales in the first half of another interdimensional adventure called Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse. It is expected that the creative team and cast from Across the SpiderVerse will also be working on a third film, Beyond the Spiderverse. Its release date has been announced, and there are reports that a spin-off series is also in the works. Release Date: June 2, 2023 0 The Marvels The final MCU movie of 2023 is the sequel to Captain Marvel. The movie brings back Brie Larson’s Carol Danvers, Iman Vellani’s Ms Marvel, Teyonah Parris’ Monica Rambeau and Samuel L. Jackson’s Nick Fury. Very little is The Marvel Comics character Sam Wilson/Captain America served as the inspiration for the superhero movie. – MARVEL STUDIOS oHere, we have compiled a list of the most anticipated upcoming superhero movies that will leave you on the edge of your seat █ BYHAZIQUE ZAIRILL The Flash is intended to be the 13th instalment in the DC Extended Universe (DCEU) – IMDB Girl Power ... The Marvels is set to take the MCU intergalactic. – MARVEL STUDIOS Blue Beetle filming began in May 2022 and ended in July of the same year. – DC Madame Web (right) will mark the sixth entry in Sony’s Spider-Man Universe. – MARVEL COMICS (left) The Batman: Part II set to released late 2025. – IMDB known about the movie at this point but it is expected to heavily feature the Skrull and Kree conflict. Release Date: July 28, 2023 0 Blue Beetle A new film featuring a beloved DC superhero is in the works, originally planned for release on HBO Max but now set to hit theatres in August. Directed by Angel Manuel Soto, the movie stars Xolo Maridueña from Cobra Kai as the lead role of Jaime Reyes, a Hispanic teenager who becomes the Blue Beetle after coming into contact with a powerful extraterrestrial object. Release Date: August 18, 2023 Kraven the Hunter While, technically not a ‘superhero’ movie, Sony expands its Spider-Man Universe with one of Spidey’s deadliest foes, Kraven the Hunter. The movie stars Aaron Taylor-Johnson as Alexei Kravinoff, the world’s number one 0 Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom Jason Momoa’s Aquaman wraps up 2023’s superhero offering with the sequel to 2018’s surprise hit for the DCEU. Directed by James Wan, the movie is described as a buddy adventure film featuring Aquaman and his half-brother Orm Marius played by Patrick Wilson. It remains to be seen if Amber Heard will make it to the final cut but fans are excited with the return of Black Manta from the first movie. Release Date: December 25, 2023 0 Madame Web Madame Web, a superheroine known as the “spider woman”, has had a movie in development for some time. The release of this film seems imminent, and Dakota Johnson has been cast as the lead character. Madame Web is a clairvoyant and blind wheelchair user who has been a valuable guide to Spider-Man in the comics. Madame Web will mark the sixth entry in Sony’s Spider-Man Universe, directed by esteemed television director S.J. Clarkson, and written by Morbius screenwriters Matt Sazama and Burk Sharpless, alongside indie screenwriter Kerem Sanga. Release Date: February,16, 2024 0 Captain America: New World Order This continuation of the Captain America storyline, which was officially announced at San Diego Comic-Con 2022, now features Anthony Mackie as the lead, having assumed the title following his storyline in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier. Julius Onah, who was appointed as the director in July 2022, will helm the upcoming superhero movie. Onah has previously directed films like The Cloverfield Paradox and Luce. The script for the movie is being co-written by Malcolm Spellman, who served as the showrunner for The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, along with Dalan Musson, who also worked on the same show as a writer. Release date: May 3, 2024, as part of Phase Five of the MCU. 0 The Batman: Part II Although it does not belong to the new DCU continuity, director and cowriter Matt Reeves’ upcoming Batman film is still one of the most eagerly awaited Batman movies. The Batman: Part II is expected to be released in October 2025, with Robert Pattinson reprising his role as the Dark Knight. Also, Deadline reported that DC villain Clayface will play a major role in the upcoming film, although no actor has yet been cast. Release Date: October 3, 2025

Buzz theSun BUZZ ON FRIDAY | MAY 5, 2023 S3 @thesundaily FOLLOW ON TWITTER SCAN ME COMICS have existed for quite some time. As a result, their storylines are rather extensive, and can span multiple decades and/or dimensions. It only takes a few minutes of investigation to realise exactly how complicated comic book culture can be, especially for laymen or non-comic book readers. If you’re a novice looking to get your foot in the door, this can be a very significant deterrent. So that you can get started, we have rounded up a selection of our favourite superhero comics. Daredevil: Born Again Daredevil: Born Again, a dark and profoundly powerful tale written by Frank Miller and drawn by David Mazzucchelli, puts the hero through the ringer. Daredevil’s life falls apart after being revealed by his foe, the Kingpin, and he has to start again with a new identity. This tale stands apart in the Daredevil canon because to its emphasis on themes of redemption, reconciliation, and resiliency. Watchmen Moore’s Watchmen series is possibly his most well-known work in the comics industry. The book, which was created by illustrators Dave Gibbons and John Higgins, served as a dark parody of the superhero genre by presenting a bunch of ethically dubious heroes who are obviously and dangerously unbalanced in their individual ways. Additionally, more modern themes like the Cold War and the Vietnam War were included in the comic. The Flash Joshua Williamson and Carmine Di Giandomenico started the DC linewide by releasing the Speed Force on Central City, giving dozens of residents their very own speed powers. Barry has to teach them the ropes, thus this book is the ideal location to begin learning about Flash. The reader receives a short history of the mayhem that Barry has caused with that power as well as all the details of the power that Barry wields. The illustrator brought the page to life with activity, which is ideal for a novel that grants the Flash’s abilities to several Daredevil: Born Again. – AMAZON oGet ready to discover a world of fantastic heroes and mind-blowing plots █ BYTHASHINE SELVAKUMARAN Watchmen. – WIKIPEDIA The Flash. – DC DATABASE The Galactus Trilogy. – THOUGHTFUL MIRTH Batman: Year One. – AMAZON Hellboy. – RAKUTEN KOBO All-Star Superman. – AMAZON X-Men: The Dark Phoenix Saga. –AMAZON individuals – both good and bad. The Galactus Trilogy Jack Kirby and editor Stan Lee collaborated on the writing, plotting, and art for the Galactus Trilogy for Marvel Comics. The Fantastic Four are portrayed in this famous comic book plot when they run into the Silver Surfer, who has come to Earth to announce the arrival of his lord, Galactus, the Devourer of Worlds. The Silver Surfer uncovers his humanity and finally joins the battle against his great master as the squad strives to defeat the infinitely powerful planet-eater. Galactus was a well designed character who deviated from the conventional super villain archetype at the time by being a godlike being whose survivalist aims went beyond good and evil. Batman: Year One Batman: Year One, an iconic comic book that was written by Frank Miller and drawn by David Mazzucchelli, rewrote the history of the Caped Crusader. The narrative follows a teenage Bruce Wayne as he returns to Gotham City and first dons the Batman mask. Justice, atonement, and heroism are portrayed in a way that is both timeless and current thanks to the amazing art and storyline. Hellboy American superhero Hellboy was created by writer and artist Mike Mignola. There are arguably more miniseries in the Hellboy comic book universe than any other. The plot is on a demon youngster who was discovered in Germany at the conclusion of World War II. He works for a group that aims to exterminate monsters and other supernatural creatures. One of the most stylish superheroes ever made, Hellboy has also proven to have been one of the strongest in existence. Readers would gain a complete picture of his life and death if they read his book in its entirety. All-Star Superman Grant Morrison wrote the tale, while Frank Quitely created the illustrations. It chronicles Superman’s exploits after he contracts a fatal solar radiation infection. Superman must battle the wicked Lex Luthor and other enemies as his powers advance while defending the citizens of Metropolis. All-Star Superman is in certain aspects a happy remembrance of comic books with its vibrant imagery, upbeat tone, and moving plot. X-Men: The Dark Phoenix Saga In this iconic comic book narrative by Chris Claremon, one of the XMen becomes the group’s deadliest foe. After narrowly escaping death during a space mission, Jean Grey is exposed to a solar flare, which causes an all-powerful force to be released from her, transforming her into the twisted Dark Phoenix. This cosmic tale has had a lasting effect on both the X-Men and comic books in general. It is shocking, moving, and intriguing.

Buzz theSun BUZZ ON FRIDAY | MAY 5, 2023 S4 NATIONAL Superhero Day is intended to honour the fictional and actual superheroes who have had a significant influence on our lives. The day is celebrated on April 28 every year. Marvel Comics workers created it in 1995 as a way to honour everyone’s beloved superheroes. Since then, both the day and its goal have become more and more well-known. Here are a few unique ways to honour these superheroes any time of the year. Dress up as your superhero This is perhaps the most exciting concept since it can lead to a tonne of enjoyable activities for everyone to participate in. Have a party where you put on your favourite superhero costume. You may buy superhero clothing at a costume shop, or make your own DIY superhero costumes. You may make a straightforward superhero outfit yourself, which can be entertaining for youngsters as well. The internet is a great resource for finding ideas for superhero costumes that you can then personalise. You may give your real-life superhero their very own capes to make them sparkle. These efforts will make your costume party come to life, whether you are a lover of Marvel or DC. You can also put a superhero twist on Halloween: dress as your favourite superheroes, play some superherothemed activities, and watch a familyfriendly superhero film. Game night You can organise a gaming night with family and friends with a superhero theme. You can role play, or play board games with a focus on superheroes. You can also create superhero-themed snacks and drinks to increase the enjoyment. Another wonderful addition to the gaming night might be a dessert with a superhero theme. You can also have a superhero movie night with the entire family! Build a mask Without recognisable masks, a superhero outfit would be incomplete. Therefore, a mask renders you invincible if your superhero outfit makes you feel and look like your preferred action figure or superhero. You could even spend some time making DIY superhero-themed masks. Think of the finest outfits to wear to resemble your most favourite superhero and the mask combinations that go best with them. Make sure to save the memories of the occasion by capturing the ones in which you appear as a superhero. Spend the day reading comic books Introduce children to characters from comic books such as Captain America, Iron Man, the X-Men, and SpiderMan. Reading aloud to your children allows you to spend time together while also giving them access to countless inspiring hero stories. Not all heroes wear capes. We should also honour the brave men and women in uniform as well. – ALL PIX VIA 123RF oInternational Superhero Day took place on April 28, and here are some ideas to keep the spirit alive █ BYTHASHINE SELVAKUMARAN Enjoy the holidays by binge watching your favourite superhero movies. (left) Not everyone can be a hero but we can all be better human beings. (right) Start a collection of your favourite superhero figurines. Children who have trouble reading can benefit greatly from comic books, since they combine interesting images with the text. These tales impart to children valuable life lessons about cooperation, bravery, and personal development. Comic books give young children access to creative worlds with heroic role models and teach them constructive lessons. Role play Children can develop healthy behavioural qualities via imaginative play. Kids who perceive themselves as superheroes can develop into adults who are more self-assured and caring. Children can role-play various scenarios in a secure environment and envision how they would respond to certain circ*mstances. So put on your cape and mask and stop a tragedy. Give your children new superhero identities based on their personalities, which will immerse them in the superhero universe and provide them with an outlet for fun. Honour your own real-life superheroes Who qualifies as a superhero? Don’t allow the fact that it often requires superpowers stop you from honouring your own heroes on this day. You can honour one individual who has shown fairness, bravery, or compassion, or you may praise an entire organisation, such as doctors or police officers. Set your own “Superhero Day”, as an ideal day to recognise all heroes. Be a hero Regardless of how old or young, big or small, there is a superhero within everyone of us. Be a superhero family by helping out at a neighbourhood charity, giving away items to people in need throughout the month. By visiting a nearby animal shelter and offering them your time, treats, or food, you and your child may become superheroes to animals.

Buzz theSun BUZZ ON FRIDAY | MAY 5, 2023 S5 commitment to justice and his relentless pursuit of the truth make him a formidable opponent for any villain. We can draw inspiration from Batman’s resilience and determination in our own lives, as we face challenges and strive to overcome adversity. By emulating Batman’s problem-solving skills and his unwavering sense of purpose, we too can be heroes in our own right. Also, your friendly neighbourhood Spider-Man, a beloved superhero whp made his debut appearance in Amazing Fantasy in 1962, a publication penned by Stan Lee and Steve Ditko. The character’s popularity has endured over the decades, and Spider-Man is now regarded as one of the most recognisable and relatable superheroes in history. His spiderlike powers, including the ability to shoot webs and scale walls, have been a significant factor in his success. Spider-Man’s impact on popular culture cannot be overstated. The character has appeared in numerous comic books, t e l e v i s i o n shows, and m o v i e s , and his What is International Superhero Day? SO what is National Superhero Day? This day is all about celebrating the heroes who have captured our hearts and inspired us with their bravery, strength, and heroism. From the incredible powers of Superman to the unwavering dedication of Batman, there is no shortage of amazing heroes to celebrate on this special day. History of National Superhero Day International Superhero Day was first observed on April 28, 1995, in honour of Marvel Comics artist Jack Kirby’s birthday. Kirby was responsible for creating many iconic superheroes, including the X-Men, the Fantastic Four, and the Avengers. National Superhero Day was created to recognise the contributions of Kirby and other comic book creators who have given us some of the most beloved characters in pop culture. Since then, National Superhero Day has become a day to celebrate all superheroes, both fictional and reallife heroes. It’s a day to honour the courage, strength, and selflessness of those who inspire us to be our best selves. Fictional Superheroes For almost a century, fictional superheroes have remained a prevalent fixture in popular culture. Their captivating powers and heroic exploits, showcased through various media such as comic books and blockbuster movies, have continuously ignited the imaginations of their audiences. Amongst the many superheroes that have gained immense popularity, Superman, the Man of Steel, stands out as one of the most recognised heroes of all time. The character was initially created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster and made his first appearance in Action Comics in 1938. Superman’s incredible abilities, such as super strength, super speed, and the power of flight, have made him an emblem of truth and justice. Then, as we journey through the world of comics, we encounter the iconic Dark Knight, famously known as Batman. Created by Bob Kane and Bill Finger, Batman made his debut in Detective Comics in 1939. In contrast to Superman, Batman does not possess any superhuman abilities, relying instead on his intelligence, detective prowess, and a variety of gadgets to combat crime in the perilous streets of Gotham City. The Joker and Harley Quinn are two of Batman’s most notorious nemeses, known to most fans of the Caped Crusader. Despite lacking s u p e r p o w e r s , B a t m a n ’ s u n w a v e r i n g Superman is a character who was created as a symbol of truth and justice. –IMDB Spider-Man is now regarded as one of the most recognisable and relatable superheroes in history. –NETFLIX These real-life superheroes frequently go unappreciated and unrecognised, yet for their unselfish service, they deserve our respect and praise. –MARVEL symbol has become synonymous with bravery, strength, and justice. The character’s enduring legacy is a testament to the creativity and ingenuity of his creators. Real-Life Superheroes Real-life superheroes may not have superpowers, but they are just as heroic as their fictional counterparts. These are the everyday people who put themselves in harm’s way to help others, whether it’s a police officer, firefighter, paramedic, or soldier. Police officers are often the first responders to emergencies and put themselves in harm’s way to protect their communities. Firefighters risk their lives to save others from burning buildings and other disasters. Paramedics provide life-saving medical care to those in need, often in dangerous or chaotic situations. And soldiers put themselves in harm’s way to protect their country and its citizens. These real-life superheroes often go unrecognised and unappreciated, but they deserve our gratitude and admiration for their selfless service. Inspiring Hope Whether fictional or real-life, superheroes inspire hope in our hearts and minds. They remind us that even in the darkest of times, there is always a hero who will rise up to fight for what’s right. Superheroes also inspire us to be our best selves. They teach us the values of courage, selflessness, and determination. They show us that we can overcome even the most difficult challenges and make a difference in the world. █ BYHAZIQUE ZAIRILL

ON FRIDAY MAY 5, 2023 ► Contributing Editor: KESHY DHILLON / [emailprotected] ► Tel (Editorial): 03-7784 6688 / +6012-580 3470 ► To advertise email: [emailprotected] The silent pick-up king The new Ford Ranger Wildtrak proves that it is once again the truck to be benchmarked against

THE Malaysian pick-up truck segment enjoys a cult-like following with fiercely loyal fans who will not accept any discussion about another truck being better than theirs. Fans of the Hilux will swear that the Toyota is God’s gift to mankind while the fans of the D-Max, Navara and Triton are probably ready to bear arms to defend their choice. But in the midst of it all, the Ford Ranger Wildtrak is the silent King. Elegant yet rugged and well equipped for just about anything the world has to throw at it, the Ranger Wildtrak is perhaps the one truck that could comfortably hold a wheel to any other truck because it has about all of the features one could ever need. What’s new with the latest Ranger Wildtrak? Besides the overall design that is clearly more muscular than before, the new Wildtrak has quite a lot of features designed for everyday comfort and utility. There’s so much that is new that it is impossible to list them all out without coming across as a brochure, so here are the essentials:- The interior for one carries on the high-quality theme which we first saw in the previous generation model. The premium double stitching that is evident across the dash and door panels make a reappearance and there’s nothing that feels like it will break after a few years of usage. We also love the double stacked glove compartment that provides more storage options. But on the topic of quality, the positioning of the door latch can only be described as spot on and fits nicely in your hands, but it does feel a little fragile. The Wildtrak also comes with new 360-degree cameras that work in conjunction with the eight front and rear proximity sensors. It is undeniable that the Ranger Wildtrak is a big, imposing truck, but the new cameras and the sensors make it a lot more manageable around the city; especially in tight parking lots which are especially common around the many shopping malls of Malaysia. Besides that, there’s also a new side-step integrated into the rear body panel. Called the Rear Box Step, this makes it easier to climb into the rear bed. Previously, you had to step on the tyre or the rear bumper to get inside, which could be slippery if it was wet or stained with mud. Speaking of the rear bed, it too has been updated and is now wider than before. Ford says that the rear bed is wider now to accommodate European sized pallets. The bed also features a new 230V 150W three-pin power socket which was previously only available in the passenger cabin. Now though, it is available both in the cabin and in the bed. The bed also has six mounting hooks now instead of the four hooks in the previous model. Up front, the Matrix LED Headlamps are also a great addition and are usually found in more expensive cars. These headlights turn according to the direction of the steering wheel and also light up and dim automatically according to traffic conditions. Inside, the driver and passenger enjoy a huge 12-inch portrait style touch screen infotainment system that offers wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. This provides seamless connectivity to your favourite music and even Google Maps or Waze. Besides the digital infotainment system, the driver also gets an eightinch digital instrument cluster that provides all the essential information. The display is customisable and should the driver feel like there’s too much information being fed back, there’s an option to hide everything and only display the speed. There is also a wireless charge pad if you don’t like cables cluttering around the centre console. But if you don’t mind that then there are two USB ports up front and even a Type C port at the back, right next to the rear air-conditioning vents which are also a new addition. Because the Wildtrak is now wider, there is now more shoulder space as well. The front seats have also been redesigned and the driver seat is electronically adjustable. However, thigh support has now been omitted. You also get a drive mode selector which basically adjusts power delivery between the rear wheels or all-four wheels according to the mode selected. You get six different driving modes with each adjusting the gear shifts, traction control and power distribution to give you the most economical or the most powerful drive. The modes are: Normal, Eco, Tow/Haul, Slippery, Mud/Ruts and Sand What about the powertrain? The 2.0L, twin-turbo, four-cylinder engine was first introduced in the previous generation model that made its Malaysian debut in 2018. It replaced the old 3.2L engine that was mated to a six-speed gearbox. The engine together with the 10- speed gearbox were considered to be revolutionary. So rather than investing funds into producing a new powerplant, Ford chose to invest in refining and developing the tried and tested powertrain. So, the new Ranger Wildtrak is still powered by the same engine as before, and it produces the same 210PS and 500Nm of torque as before. But Ford says the gearbox has been enhanced, lightened and strengthened. That is already a monumental task by itself, falling short of developing an all-new gearbox of course. █ KESHY DHILLON 7 MAY 5, 2023 SPECIFICATIONS Engine: 2.0-litre diesel, 4-cylinder, twin-turbo Power: 210PS @ 3750rpm Torque: 500Nm @ 1750rpm Gearbox: 10-speed automatic with Select Shift Suspension: Double wishbone with coil at the front Leaf spring at the rear Brakes: Ventilated discs front & back Price: RM168,888 Premium feel, superb infotaiment system. Waiting time. The camera underneath the emblem is part of the 360° camera function. The 12 inch portrait style touchscreen panel offers wireless Apple Carplay and Android Auto. The new Wildtrak offers a new 230V three pin plug in the bed, another one is available in the cabin as well. The new Wildtrak has six driving modes now and an electronic parking brake. The seats have been redesigned and are wider than before for added comfort. The side step located at the side of the Wildtrak is ingenious and makes it easier to get in and out of the rear bed. The Matrix LED headlamps automatically illuminate dark spots on the road and even turn according to the position of the steering wheel. So how does the Wildtrak drive? The Ranger Wildtrak has always been the most refined pick up truck in the market. It is the most car-like in nature and the most comfortable. The new model does not disappoint yet takes it all a notch further, further elevating the Ranger’s reputation as the King of pick-up trucks. Despite not having the Active Noise Cancellation feature which made the interior of the previous model feel like that of a European luxury car, the insulation of the new Wildtrak is also quite impressive. It is a couple of decibels louder than before as we found out during a test, but it is still quieter than many if not all of its competitors. One of the most irritating things about driving a pick-up truck is the diesel clatter that can be quite audible from the cabin. But not in the Wildtrak. There’s just a minimal amount of that annoying clatter intruding into the cabin, and it is barely audible at higher speeds. Refinement is top notch and probably the best in its segment. Conclusion At RM168,888, the new Ford Ranger Wildtrak is far from cheap. But cars and pick-up trucks have generally become more expensive across the industry due to the post pandemic cost of goods. But it is a truck that needs to be driven to be appreciated. But before you do that, be sure to connect your phone to the wireless infotainment system and take time to appreciate the Ford Sync 4 voice command system that is now more advanced and more accurate than before. It makes simple things like making a phone call or inputting a destination into the GPS a breeze. Simply said and short of a Ranger Raptor, the Ranger Wildtrak is currently the best pick-up truck that money can buy, a deal made sweeter by the fact that the Ranger Wildtrak is now available with a five-year or 160,000km manufacturer’s warranty.

PERODUA President and Chief Executive Officer Datuk Sri Zainal Abidin Ahmad said in a statement that all new Perodua Axia’s a safe to be driven. This statement was issued in response to Daihatsu’s admission of violation regarding crash safety testing conducted for regulatory approval applications involving four models including the Perodua Axia. “We wish to offer some background, insight and perspective on the nature of this announcement, especially in reference to the new Perodua Axia. “Perodua engaged Daihatsu Co Ltd to carry out safety testing for the new Perodua Axia in Japan, which was witnessed by relevant authorities and agencies for their respective assessment. As we receive news of this “procedural irregularity” by Daihatsu, we immediately contacted these bodies to determine if the safety standard of the Perodua Axia was compromised. “We were assured that despite the revelation by Daihatsu, the UN-R95 certification given to the Perodua Axia is intact. This means that the Perodua Axia is safe for driving and no recall will be issued nor will Perodua stop delivery of this new model to our valued customers. “We apologise for any distress caused to our customers on this matter and we wish to assure that the safety information and specification of all our models are verified by professional bodies. We will continue to monitor this situation and will update the public on this matter as it develops. “We place our customer’s safety and comfort above all else and we will continue to do so as part of our practice of Going Beyond what is expected. Thank you,” the statement read. On the top-tier AV variant, the new Axia includes a variety of autonomous driving safety assistance features, including precollision warning and braking, lane departure warning and prevention, and auto highbeam assistance, just like other Perodua models. In addition, all variants of the Axia come with Vehicle Stability Control, Traction Control, ABS with EBD, Hill Start Assist and Perodua’s Smart Drive Assist. The AV variant gets six airbags while the other variants get two. – Timothy Prakash 8 MAY 5, 2023 Crash test blunder Daihatsu rigged safety-crash test for 88,000 cars I N side-collision safety tests for over 88,000 small cars, the majority of which were sold under the Toyota brand, Daihatsu, a subsidiary of Toyota Motor Corp, has admitted that it rigged part of the door, the company said in an official statement to Reuters. According to the report, the door trim on the affected vehicles had been altered with a “notch” to reduce the chance that the door inside could break with a sharp edge and hurt an occupant during testing when the side airbag deployed. The company said the alteration used for testing was not included in the final product. Akio Toyoda, chairman of Toyota, expressed regret for what he called an “unacceptable” breach of consumer trust and said the businesses were looking into how the side panels of the Yaris and other vehicles had been altered for safety testing. So far, there are no reports of accidents or injuries related to the rigged side-crash test. Who had modified the doors for crash testing, how widely known the operation had been within Daihatsu, and if senior managers had given their approval were all questions that remained unanswered at the time of the report. “We’ll proceed with a detailed investigation from here on but we promise to decisively understand what happened at the site, investigate the true intentions and sincerely work to prevent a recurrence. We’re going to need some time to do that,” said Toyoda. Daihatsu claimed to have learned of the fabricated safety test via a whistleblower complaint. It said that it has informed regulatory bodies of the problem and halted shipping of the impacted models. Toyota Yaris Ativs made in Thailand starting in August of last year and Perodua Axias made in Malaysia starting in February are among the vehicles that are affected. Around 76,000 of the 88,000- plus vehicles were Yaris models, mostly going to Thailand, Mexico, and Gulf Cooperation Council nations, according to Daihatsu. █ TIMOTHY PRAKASH UMW Toyota assures safety of all-new Toyota Vios A RECENT issue with Daihatsu’s rigged safety crash test that involved the AC100 generation 2023 Toyota Vios and D74A 2023 Perodua Axia has supposedly caused distress amongst owners of these vehicles. Perodua formally released a statement assuring the safety of the new Axia. Following that, UMW Toyota also issued a statement that the sales of the All-New Toyota Vios will continue as there are no issues with the safety standards and quality of the vehicle. President of UMW Toyota Motor, Datuk Ravindran K. said: “For customers who have booked their All-New Toyota Vios or are interested in purchasing it, we would like to assure you that the All-New Toyota Vios model complies with all safety regulations and there is no compromise to the quality of the vehicles.” This follows the statement released by Daihatsu Co Ltd. on April 28, 2023 highlighting a procedural irregularity on the testing of four models, one of which includes the All-New Toyota Vios. Subsequent testing has validated that the vehicle meets the UN-R95 certification and there is no need for the Toyota Vios to be recalled as sales of the vehicle continue without disruption. “We sincerely apologise for any distress caused to our customers and we wish to assure everyone of the safety and quality of our vehicles. Our commitment to our customers’ safety has always been and remains our topmost in our priority,” he added. All the necessary passive and active safety features, including some cutting-edge Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) features, are present in the allnew Toyota Vios. All of those features, such as the ISOFIX tether system, front DVR with smartphone connectivity, pre-collisio n system (PCS), lane departure warning (LDW), and 3D panoramic view monitor, are carried over to the 2023 Vios. Both the E and G models come with a three-year Toyota vehicle telematics system (VTS), which enables you to monitor and manage some of the car’s operations right from your smartphone. This generation adds lane keeping control (LKC), auto high beam (AHB), and adaptive cruise control (ACC) to the TSS feature set. However, only the top G variant offers these. – Timothy Prakash … but safe to drive despite Daihatsu crash test issue

KUALA LUMPUR: U Mobile has come out in support of the government’s decision to shift to dual 5G networks as early as January 2024. “We share the belief that the upcoming shift in 5G network model would increase efficiencies and also encourage greater adoption for both consumers and enterprises. Apart from that, dual 5G networks will also heighten market competition, leading to better network infrastructure performance and the raising of customer service levels,” it said in a statement. Prior to the shift to dual networks, U Mobile said it is committed to continuing its support for the government’s ambition to achieve 80% 5G population coverage by the end of 2023 through Digital Nasional Bhd. “Once the dual 5G networks are in place, U Mobile will ensure interoperability between the two networks. We also envision that we will be able to aggressively innovate in order to bring the full benefits of 5G to all our consumers. We are also looking forward to working with various industries to innovate services that improve efficiencies using 5G technology,” it added. KLCI STI 3,269.18 7.17 HANG SENG 19,948.73 249.57 SCI 3,350.46 27.18 NIKKEI 4.30 TSEC 15,609.03 55.62 KOSPI 2,500.94 CLOSED S&P/ASX200 7,193.10 FRIDAY MAY 5, 2023 Editorial Tel: 03-7784 6688 Fax: 03-7785 2624/5 Email: [emailprotected] Advertising Tel: 03-7784 8888 Fax: 03-7784 4424 Email: [emailprotected] 5 MOST ACTIVES May 3, 2023 STOCK VOL CLSG (sen) +/– (sen) FITTERS-WC 510,940,300 1.0 -0.5 BAHVEST 157,757,200 21.5 -14.5 HSI-CLQ 98,756,700 18.0 -4.5 BAHVEST-WA 89,717,400 4.0 -2.0 PARAMON-WA 86,740,500 12.0 -3.0 EXCHANGERATES MAY 3, 2023 Foreign currency Bank sell Bank buy Bank buy TT/OD TT OD 1 US DOLLAR 4.5260 4.3920 4.3820 1 AUSTRALIAN DOLLAR 3.0310 2.9100 2.9130 1 BRUNEI DOLLAR 3.3910 3.2920 3.2790 1 CANADIAN DOLLAR 3.3180 3.2290 3.2340 1 EURO 4.9920 4.8300 4.7940 1 NEW ZEALAND DOLLAR 2.8250 2.7220 2.6850 1 SINGAPORE DOLLAR 3.3910 3.2920 3.2790 1 STERLING POUND 5.6540 5.4770 5.4640 1 SWISS FRANC 5.0580 4.9410 4.9060 100 UAE DIRHAM 124.6900 118.2300 118.0300 100 BANGLADESH TAKA 4.3380 4.0700 3.8690 100 CHINESE RENMINBI 65.9300 63.1400 N/A 100 HONGKONG DOLLAR 58.2700 55.3800 55.1800 100 INDIAN RUPEE 5.6300 5.2800 5.0800 100 INDONESIAN RUPIAH 0.0318 0.0288 0.0239 100 JAPANESE YEN 3.3200 3.2150 3.1760 100 NEW TAIWAN DOLLAR N/A N/A N/A 100 PAKISTAN RUPEE 1.6200 1.5200 1.3200 100 PHILIPPINE PESO 8.3000 7.8200 7.6000 100 QATAR RIYAL 125.6400 119.2800 118.9700 100 SAUDI RIYAL 122.0400 115.8500 115.6500 100 THAI BAHT 13.8700 12.3100 11.8600 Source: Malayan Banking Berhad/Bernama KL MARKET SUMMARY May 3, 2023 INDICES CHANGE FBMEMAS 10,448.10 -6.88 FBMKLCI 1,425.99 -0.12 CONSUMER PRODUCTS 578.71 -1.17 INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTS 171.45 -0.99 CONSTRUCTION 161.17 -1.18 FINANCIAL SERVICES 15,588.70 -13.90 ENERGY 833.48 -12.30 TELECOMMUNICATIONS 632.44 -1.37 HEALTH CARE 1,761.92 -1.92 TRANSPORTATION 913.45 -0.58 PROPERTY 700.40 -0.74 PLANTATION 6,826.61 +33.67 FBMSHA 10,786.40 -11.30 FBMACE 5,213.30 -103.00 TECHNOLOGY 61.02 -0.49 TURNOVER VALUE 3.480 BIL RM1.575 BIL 5 TOP GAINERS May 3, 2023 STOCK VOL CLSG (RM) +/– RM KLK 575,300 21.96 +0.86 HEIM 74,500 28.74 +0.74 F&N 222,500 27.44 +0.58 UTDPLT 290,800 15.60 +0.28 HEXTECH 8,600 23.00 +0.18 5 TOP LOSERS May 3, 2023 STOCK VOL CLSG (RM) +/– RM NESTLE 20,800 134.90 -0.60 BKAWAN 5,200 21.30 -0.42 PETGAS 364,000 16.90 -0.32 DLADY 7,100 25.80 -0.20 FAREAST 14,800 3.60 -0.20 Participation 48.3 28.4 23.3 100.0 Institutions Retail Foreign Bought RM m 772.5 460.8 341.8 1575.1 Sold RM m 749.0 435.1 391.0 1575.1 Net RM m 23.5 25.7 -49.2 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 SECUR ITIES S D N. B H D. 197201001092 (12738-U) 3/05/2023 U Mobile backs govt decision to shift to dual 5G networks BMW unveils Malaysia’s first mobile charging vehicle KUALA LUMPUR: BMW Group Malaysia has unveiled the nation’s first mobile charging vehicle at the Malaysia Autoshow 2023. A first-of-its-kind initiative by BMW Group Malaysia, the premium automaker partnered with EV Connection to introduce a programme that will give batteries, from existing electrified BMW and MINI vehicles that are at the end of their lifecycle, a new lease of life as mobile EV chargers. BMW Group Malaysia corporate communications and sustainability head Sashi Ambi said, “The repurposing of these end-of-life batteries from our electrified vehicles essentially places them back into the loop to continue serving the EV ecosystem, after they have completed their lifecycle in our vehicles. The closing of this loop recognises the significant value of the precious metals that are in our batteries, which are finite resources on this planet, and prolongs their use as much as possible before they are eventually retired. “Our partnership with EV Connection addresses the crucial role we play as leaders in the field of electromobility to not only Sashi briefing Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz. End to Bank Negara OPR hike cycle may be in sight PETALING JAYA: The end may be in sight for Bank Negara Malaysia’s (BNM) overnight policy rate (OPR) hike cycle, UOB Global Economics & Markets Research said after BNM’s Monetary Policy Committee lifted the OPR by 25 basis points to 3.00% in a surprise move on Wednesday. “With today’s hike, the OPR is back to pre-pandemic levels. Given that OPR is now at our estimated terminal rate, we think BNM will likely leave rates unchanged at 3.00% for the rest of the year given rising recession risks in advanced economies following the flare-up of global banking oHowever, door to further increases not completely closed, says UOB Global Economics & Markets Research █ BY HAYATUN RAZAK [emailprotected] sector crisis in March and the US debt limit issue amid tighter financial conditions,” it said in a note. However, it added that based on the forward guidance articulated in the latest monetary policy statement, BNM has not completely closed the door on further rate increases. This is interpreted from the two sentences added in the monetary policy statement versus March’s statement: “In light of the continued strength of the Malaysian economy, the MPC also recognises the need to ensure that the stance of monetary policy is appropriate to prevent the risk of future financial imbalances” and “At the current level, the monetary policy stance is slightly accommodative and remains supportive of the economy.” “The above two lines replaced the sentence of ‘further normalisation to the degree of monetary policy accommodation would be informed by the evolving conditions and their implications to the domestic inflation and growth outlook’ which was spelled out in the January and March statements,” UOB said. The Malaysian central bank said with the domestic growth prospects remaining resilient, the MPC judges that it is timely to further normalise the degree of monetary accommodation. “At the current level, the monetary policy stance is slightly accommodative and remains supportive of the economy. The MPC will continue to ensure that the monetary policy stance remains consistent with the outlook of domestic inflation and growth,” it said in a statement. BNM said it sees further expansion in the Malaysian economy in first-quarter 2023, driven by resilient household spending as unemployment eases to pre-pandemic levels and a pick-up in tourist arrivals is expected to lift tourism activity. Both headline and core inflation have moderated and are expected to continue moderating for the rest of the year. BNM projects headline inflation at 2.8%-3.8% this year. Nevertheless, core inflation remains elevated (above headline levels) amid firm demand. BNM sees inflation risks tilted on the upside and is largely dependent on domestic policy changes including on subsidies and price controls, financial market developments, and commodity prices. develop the EV landscape, but to do so in a way that is both circular and responsible.” EV Connection Sdn Bhd technical director Dr Che Hang Seng said, “EV Connection is honoured to be part of this unprecedented innovative initiative with a trusted automotive brand such as BMW in the development of this mobile charger. It is our hope that we will be able to elevate the range anxiety of EV drivers and contribute towards driving the Electrified Mobility Revolution in Malaysia.” MAY 4, 2023 0.46 CLOSED

10 theSUN ON FRIDAY | MAY 5, 2023 SUNBIZ Insurtech firm PolicyStreet records strong growth in FY22 PETALING JAYA: Insurance technology (insurtech) company PolicyStreet recorded exponential growth in financial year 2022 (FY22), with its topline growing by five times compared with FY21 and attaining sum insured of more than US$6 billion (RM26.76 billion). The company said it continued to innovate and deliver tailor-made insurance products and services to customers despite the challenging business environment in FY22, Co-founder and CEO Lee Yen Ming said PolicyStreet focuses on understanding and addressing the unique challenges faced by customers during uncertain times. “With over six years of From left: PolicyStreet cofounders Winnie Chua (chief product officer), Lee and Wilson Beh (COO). oTopline swells 5 times from FY21, sum insured exceeds US$6 billion Worker’s Claims Platform in collaboration with p-hailing service providers. The two insurtech solutions cater to the underserved and growing gig and digital economy within Southeast Asia, which is expected to reach up to US$1 trillion by 2030. “Stakeholders within the digital economies are drivers of the region’s growth, yet they are the most at risk for financial instability. Gig workers are not offered employee benefits due to their freelancing status. In contrast, employees within SMEs can often fall through the cracks due to the lack of access to Group Medical Insurance for SMEs. “We aim to continue serving the underserved within this market segment, ensuring the gig and digital economy is sustainable in the long run through embedded insurance and the development of insurance platforms. We believe the insurance industry is ripe for disruption, and we are at the forefront of this transformation,” said Lee. In addition, the company said it is committed to providing inclusive insurance solutions and remaining competitive in its insurance offerings by continuing to leverage its capabilities as a regional fullstack insurtech company. Meanwhile, Lee opined that by tapping into its underwriting and tech development capabilities to expand its partnership network with industry brands and protect more underserved communities, it is confident that it will register strong growth for FY23. F&N second-quarter net profit jumps to RM101.18 million PETALING JAYA: Fraser and Neave Holdings Bhd’s (F&N) net profit for the second quarter ended March 31, 2023 (Q2’23) rose to RM101.18 million from RM93.87 million a year earlier, driven by better performance in its food and beverage units. Revenue for the quarter rose by 8.9% to RM1.21 billion from RM1.11 billion in the previous corresponding period, it said in a filing with Bursa Malaysia recently. F&N said its Malaysian food and beverage segment (F&B Malaysia) recorded an increase of 15% in Q2 revenue to R M 7 0 7 . 5 9 m i l l i o n c o m p a re d with RM615.09 million in the previous year’s corresponding quarter, owing to positive sales momentum from the festive season and contribution from its unit, Cocoaland Holdings Bhd. “F&B Malaysia has also ramped up its trade and marketing activities as economic activities return to normalcy,” it said. Despite higher brand investments, F&B Malaysia’s adjusted operating profit grew by 9.4% to RM48.05 million in Q2’23, up from RM43.92 million in the previous year, it added. Perodua expects leaking oil filter issue to be resolved by mid-year PETALING JAYA: Perusahaan Otomobil Kedua Sdn Bhd (Perodua) expects the leaking oil filter issue related to its vendor will be resolved by the middle of this year. Perodua president and CEO Datuk Seri Zainal Abidin Ahmad said the problem affects almost 40,000 vehicles, including Perodua Aruz and vehicle models using the Daihatsu New Global Architecture (DNGA) platform such as the Alza and the Ativa. “The existing vendor must make improvements within a certain period of time which we are currently monitoring. “Based on the data that we have collected, the warranty claims rate has declined since February. This means the problem has ceased following the oil filter replacement,” he told reporters at the Malaysia Autoshow 2023 in Serdang on Wednesday after unveiling Perodua’s first electric vehicle concept car. Zainal Abidin said the automaker is considering several other vendors as an alternative measure to solve the problem. “We have discussed with a few suppliers from all over the world that can make the DNGA-model oil filter,” he added. Zainal Abidin explained that filters from cars produced by original equipment manufacturers (OEM) are not affected as they meet all the standards based on production requirements. The issue only involves the after-market dealing with suppliers apart from the OEMs. – Bernama Malaysia’s palm oil stocks could rise as India imports fall MUMBAI, May 3 (Reuters) - India's palm oil imports in April fell 30% from a month earlier to hit a 14-month low, as its premium over Lrival soft oils prompted price-sensitive buyers to shift to sunflower oil and soyoil, five dealers told Reuters. The surprise big drop in palm oil imports by India, the world's biggest importer of vegetable oils, could increase Malaysian stocks and weigh on palm oil prices trading near a sevenmonth low, they said. It will also likely make it difficult for top producer Indonesia to increase exports after easing restrictions imposed on the shipments earlier this year, traders said. India's palm oil imports fell to 508,000 tonnes last month, down from 728,530 tonnes imported in March, according to average estimates from the dealers. Imports fell as buyers shifted to rival oils due to the price difference, said Rajesh Patel, managing partner at GGN Research. India buys palm oil mainly from Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand. – Reuters Sunway partners Gentari and EV Connection to install EV charging stations at its properties PETALING JAYA: Sunway Group, Gentari Sdn Bhd and EV Connection Sdn Bhd have sealed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to build and install electric vehicle charging stations at Sunwayowned premises, commercial buildings and facilities throughout the country. This collaboration was made official at a signing ceremony held on Wednesday, witnessed by Sunway Group founder and chairman Tan Sri Dr Jeffrey Cheah, Gentari deputy CEO and chief green mobility officer Shah Yang Razalli and EV Connection founder Lee Yuen How. Through this collaboration, Gentari, via wholly owned subsidiary Gentari Green Mobility Sdn Bhd, will be a co-development partner for EV charging stations at Sunway’s integrated townships and developments throughout Malaysia. It will also see EV Connection working with Sunway to identify strategic locations for the installation of these charging stations to reduce range anxiety. With increasing electric vehicle adoption and growing consciousness for more sustainable options among Malaysians, this partnership involving Sunway, Gentari and EV Connection is a step towards the government’s goal of achieving a carbonneutral economy by 2050. “Electric vehicles are increasingly the preferred option among Malaysians. The growing number of EVs will require a robust network of charging stations throughout the country. “This partnership is a concrete step towards that goal. At Sunway, we firmly believe that we can all do well by doing good,” said Cheah, who also chairs the Malaysian chapter of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Solutions Network. Shah Yang commented: “This MoU with Sunway and our partner EV Connection, is another testament of Gentari’s continued effort to drive green mobility adoption. Sunway’s position as a major developer of both commercial and residential properties across Malaysia, enables Gentari to allow EV infrastructure access to more users across residential, workplace and recreation destinations.” Meanwhile, Lee said: “This tripartite partnership is a collective effort to bring together property owners and charge point operators towards a common goal of driving electric mobility revolution in the region. “I am extremely honoured to be part of this and hope that it will set precedent towards more collaborations to come and building a cleaner and sustainable future.” operational excellence, we’ve amassed a sizable customer base and established ourselves as a rising star in the insurtech industry,” he added. PolicyStreet said the increase of its sum insured to over US$6 billion is attributed to its commitment to making insurance ‘Purposeful and Simple’, for consumers and businesses. The insurtech company has identified and served underserved market segments by leveraging technology and industry expertise. Since obtaining the reinsurer and general insurer licence from the Labuan Financial Services Authority (LFSA) in 2021, the company has been the reinsurer in its partnerships with onshore insurers, enabling the launch of innovative insurance solutions. The key insurance solutions that drove the performance include the Digital HR Solution and the Gig Affin Bank’s new rates take effect on May 8 PETALING JAYA: Affin Bank Bhd, Affin Islamic Bank Bhd and Affin Hwang Investment Bank will revise their loan/financing reference rates upwards by 25 basis points (bps) effective May 8. In a statement, the banking group said the move was made following Bank Negara Malaysia’s announcement on the increase in the overnight policy rate to 3% from 2.75% on Wednesday. In line with the revision, Affin Bank’s fixed deposit and Affin Islamic Bank term deposit-I board rates will also be adjusted upwards, effective the same day. – Bernama

11 * SUNBIZ @thesundaily theSUN ON FRIDAY | MAY 5, 2023 FOLLOW ON INSTAGRAM SCAN ME Chamber pushes for Labuan Port Authority Act LABUAN: The Labuan Chamber of Commerce (LCC) has commended the recent establishment of a committee involving the federal and Sarawak governments on the handing over of Bintulu Port to the Sarawak government. Chairman Daniel Doughty said it was the right decision by the Sarawak government. “We applaud the Sarawak government’s efforts to reclaim Bintulu Port and see it as the right move for Sarawak,” he told Bernama yesterday. He said that with the handing over of Bintulu Port to the Sarawak government soon, it is crucial for Labuan to take control of its port limit by creating the Labuan Port Authority Act. “The Labuan Port limit and its port is a critical component of Labuan’s economy, employing a significant number of people and generating substantial revenue for the local government. “The Labuan Chamber of Commerce believes the creation of a Labuan Port Authority Act is the best way to ensure the port continues to operate smoothly and efficiently, benefiting all port stakeholders, the local economy, and the Labuan community,” Daniel said. He said the Labuan Chamber of Commerce is urging the Transport Ministry (MOT) to take action on hindsight that Bintulu Port is successfully returned to the Sarawak government, thus to parallelly set up a committee to work towards the establishment of a Labuan Port Authority Act that will provide a legal framework for the port to operate independently and protect its functions as a statutory body and a port regulatory body to avoid legal vacuum and any unwarranted operational disruption. “We urge the MOT to act on the establishment of the Labuan Port Authority Act as soon as possible, as the recent positive development regarding Bintulu Port has only heightened the urgency for the creation of a Labuan Port Authority Act. “The ministry must take immediate action to ensure the continued operation and success of the port especially since Labuan Port limit is strategically located along international shipping and energy trade routes particularly for ship-to-ship industry and to also ensure the continued growth of Labuan as the transhipment hub for BIMPEAGA,” he said. The Labuan Chamber of Commerce, established since 1977, has recently attracted many multi-disciplinary professionals including logisticians, transport and port experts, and is committed to work closely with all stakeholders and the MOT to ensure that Labuan Port continues to operate smoothly and efficiently. It believes that the creation of a Labuan Port Authority Act is essential to protect the port’s functions as a statutory body and a port regulatory body. The Labuan Port limit and its port is a critical component of Labuan’s economy, employing a significant number of people and generating substantial revenue for the local government. - BERNAMAPIX Bursa expects 20 IPO in first half of year KUALA LUMPUR: Bursa Malaysia Bhd is confident of recording 20 initial public offerings (IPO) in the first half of this year after the number of listings increased significantly in the first quarter (1Q FY2023). There were 10 IPO in the first quarter, double the number of IPO recorded in 1Q FY2022, indicating improved market sentiment. The stock exchange’s director of origination and listing Azhar Mohd Zabidi said there are another six to 10 companies already in the pipeline from now until the middle of the year. “Now we already have a pipeline that will see another six to 10 companies between now and about the middle of the year. So we’re confident that between now and the first half of the year, we will see in total at least 18 to 20 companies. “Most of these are actually from the ACE Market and a few from the LEAP Market. For the Main Market by the end of the first half, if I’m not mistaken, we will have about four including two which are coming up and are fairly large as well,” he told reporters at the Bursa Malaysia Raya open house on Wednesday. Commenting on the recent introduction of the LEAP Market Transfer Framework, he said that the transfer framework gives a lot of companies that are already listed on the LEAP Market the opportunity to move to the ACE Market. “(This framework gives) firms that are intending to go to the LEAP Market clarity in terms of how they can graduate on to the ACE Market and from there on to the Main Market,” he said. He said with the transfer framework in place, companies already listed on LEAP could potentially look at going to the ACE Market. “We know for a fact that some of these firms are already talking to advisers, investment banks, and corporate advisers to actually move or take firms for listing on the ACE Market. Many are already taking steps (to do that),” he added. The LEAP Market Transfer Framework was introduced to enhance the market’s attractiveness and facilitate greater market access for more established small and medium enterprises. – Bernama SMEs to enhance data analytics, innovation skills PETALING JAYA: Malaysian SMEs will focus on enhancing data analytics and innovation capabilities over the next two years, with the aim of accelerating their rate of digitalisation, according to Singapore-based company TDCX. In its latest report, Asean SME: Small business, big opportunity for tech providers, it said that Malaysian SME are taking steps to bridge the gaps in the adoption and deployment of digital solutions. Moreover, TDCX said that Malaysian SMEs have set their sights on leveraging external tech providers as a way of accelerating their digital ambitions. SMEs are looking to tech providers such as cloud providers, system integrators, cybersecurity specialists, as well as digital platforms for the expertise they require as they grow their businesses. It found that, in order to support the digitalisation push, Malaysian SMEs are looking to work with tech providers that have industry knowledge (81%), speedy response times (71%) and strong technical skills (64%). In addition to improving their data analytics and innovation capabilities, Malaysian SMEs are focused on digitalising operations such as sales and marketing and customer relationship management (77%) and transforming their traditional business model to an e-commerce enabled one (75%) in the next two years. “However, they continue to grapple with a host of challenges. These include access to knowledge and expertise (77%), training programmes to reskill or upskill employees (64%), advisory and consultation on technology adoption (64%), as well as having the right connections with suitable service providers (59%),” it said in a statement. Meanwhile, TCDX remarked that oMalaysian small and medium firms have set their sights on leveraging external tech providers to accelerate their digital ambitions, says Singapore-based TDCX HLB, HL Islamic revise standardised base rate KUALA LUMPUR: Following the latest hike in Bank Negara Malaysia’s overnight policy rate (OPR) by 25 basis points (bps), the standardised base rate for Hong Leong Bank and Hong Leong Islamic Bank will be at 3% effective May 9. In a statement, the bank said its base rate and Islamic base rate would be revised to 3.88% from 3.63%. Similarly, loans and financing based on the base lending rate and Islamic financing rate will be revised to 6.89% from 6.64%. “The adjustment in rates is in line with the latest OPR change,” the bank said. – Bernama CelcomDigi welcomes govt’s dual 5G rollout PETALING JAYA: CelcomDigi Bhd yesterday welcomed the government’s decision to implement 5G under two networks once 80% 5G coverage of populated areas (CoPA) has been achieved by Digital Nasional Bhd (DNB). Following the government’s announcement on Wednesday, CelcomDigi also disclosed to shareholders via a statement to Bursa Malaysia that both Digi Telecommunications Sdn Bhd and Celcom Mobile Sdn Bhd have terminated previous respective share subscription agreements (SSA) signed in November 2022 with DNB effective May 3. As per the government’s announcement, the earlier process to subscribe to equity in DNB through the respective SSA is rendered void. The termination of the respective SSA will clear the path for CelcomDigi to participate in any new process, including equity participation, together with the industry. This does not have any impact to our 5G services. CelcomDigi customers currently on 5G connections may continue to enjoy the service, according to ongoing product offers. Malaysia’s digital economy has made significant progress since the pandemic hit and is one of the fastest growing sectors in the country. It said that the country’s current digital economy accounts for 23% to the gross domestic product (GDP) and is projected to grow to 26% by 2025. In 2022, SMEs made up 99% of all businesses in Malaysia, contributing 37% of the country’s GDP. However, the study revealed that half of Malaysian SMEs have only digitalised a few functions across their business, while some are at a nascent stage in their digitisation journey. Similar to the SMEs across Asean, Malaysia SMEs are currently focused on digitalising their business while deploying more technology, with business process improvement as the top area of focus. CEO Laurent Junique said that postpandemic, SMEs have fully come around to the benefits of going digital. “What was once a nice-to-have is now a must-have and SMEs are making up for lost time by tapping the expertise of tech providers. Hence, the time is also ripe for tech providers to engage with SMEs to support their digital transformation,” remarked Junique in a statement.

12 theSUN ON FRIDAY | MAY 5, 2023 SUNBIZ WASHINGTON: The Federal Reserve (Fed) moved its management of the post-pandemic economic recovery into a new phase on Wednesday with what may be the last in a historic series of interest rate hikes and heightened attention to credit and other economic risks. The US central bank raised its benchmark overnight interest rate by a quarter of a percentage point to the 5%-5.25% range, as expected by financial markets, but in doing so dropped from its policy statement language saying that it “anticipates” further rate increases would be needed. The change doesn’t foreclose the central bank’s policy-setting committee from hiking rates again when it meets in June, but Fed chair Jerome Powell said it was now an open question whether further increases will be warranted in an economy still facing high inflation, but also showing signs of a slowdown and with risks of a tough credit crackdown by banks on the horizon. “We’re closer, or maybe even there,” Powell said of the end-point of rate increases that have boosted the Fed’s policy rate by a full 5 percentage points in the 10 meetings since March 2022, a torrid pace for the central bank and one that may now warrant allowing some time for the impact to be felt in full. Using language reminiscent of when it halted its tightening cycle in 2006, the Fed said that “in determining the extent to which additional policy firming may be appropriate,” officials would take into account how the impact of monetary policy was accumulating in the economy. Top of mind: inflation and the impact of a credit tightening Fed officials feel is still evolving in the wake of both higher interest rates and a financial sector rattled by the recent failure of three US banks. At a press conference following the release of the statement, Powell said inflation remains the chief concern, and that it is therefore too soon to say with certainty that the rate-hike cycle is over. Powell, however, agreed “policy is tight,” and said that makes it possible the central bank has done enough with rates, particularly given the developing strains in the economy, the possibility that credit tightening by banks may slow the economy more than expected, and a remaining Fed hope that a recession can be avoided. – Reuters China’s skidding factory sector taps brakes on economic recovery BEIJING: China’s factory activity unexpectedly contracted in April as orders fell and poor domestic demand dragged on the sprawling manufacturing sector, a private survey showed yesterday, imperilling the broader economic outlook for the second quarter. The Caixin/S&P Global manufacturing purchasing managers’ index (PMI) fell to 49.5 in April from 50.0 in March. The 50-point index mark separates growth from contraction on a monthly basis. The reading missed expectations of 50.3 in a Reuters poll and marked the first contraction since January when the exit from zero-Covid policies led to a wave of infections across China and briefly hit production lines. It echoes a similarly disappointing official PMI released on Sunday and reflects the unevenness of China’s economic recovery, with the services sector so far outperforming manufacturing and helping the world’s second-largest economy grow a robust 4.5% year-on-year in the first quarter. Data this week showed tourism spending during the five-day May Day holiday that ended on Wednesday rebounded to preCovid-19 levels. However, given a subdued property market and weak demand from overseas, analysts say the economy faces persistent headwinds as the government aims to achieve full-year growth of around 5%. “The latest survey readings are consistent with still rapid growth at the start of the second quarter, but momentum is slowing relative to what was achieved in the first quarter,” said Julian Evans-Pritchard, head of China Economics at Capital Economics. Production growth slowed for the second straight month in April as weaker-than-anticipated new orders dampened output.– Reuters Or download app on the AppStore or Google Play ENJOY A SEAMLESS READING EXPERIENCE. Read our iPaper at https://www.thesundaily.my/ Fed raises rates, opens door to pause in tightening cycle oUS central bank says inflation is chief concern, still too high India, Russia suspend negotiations to settle trade in rupees NEW DELHI: India and Russia have suspended efforts to settle bilateral trade in rupees, after months of negotiations failed to convince Moscow to keep rupees in its coffers, two Indian government officials and a source with direct knowledge of the matter said. This would be a major setback for Indian importers of cheap oil and coal from Russia who were awaiting a permanent rupee payment mechanism to help lower currency conversion costs. With a high trade gap in favour of Russia, Moscow believes it will end up with an annual rupee surplus of over US$40 billion (RM178 billion) if such a mechanism is worked out and feels rupee accumulation is “not desirable”, an Indian government official, who did not want to be named, told Reuters. India’s finance ministry, the central Reserve Bank of India and Russian authorities did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The rupee is not fully convertible. India’s share of global exports of goods also is just about 2% and these factors reduce the necessity for other countries to hold rupees. India started exploring a rupee settlement mechanism with Russia soon after the invasion of Ukraine in February last year, but there has been no reported deal done in rupees. Most trade is in dollars but an increasing amount is being carried out in other currencies like the UAE dirham. The two sides have spoken about facilitating trade in local currencies but the guidelines were not formalised. Russia is not comfortable holding rupees and wants to be paid in Chinese yuan or other currencies, a second Indian government official involved in the discussions said. “We don’t want to push rupee settlement any more, that mechanism is just not working. India has tried everything we could to try and make this work but it hasn’t helped,” a third source who is directly aware of the developments said. Another official said both countries have started looking for alternatives after the rupee settlement mechanism did not work out but did not give details. The sources said trade with Russia has been continuing despite sanctions and payment issues. “Right now we are making some payments in dirham and a few other currencies but the majority is still in dollars. Settlement is happening in different ways, third party countries are also being used,” one of the government officials said. Indian traders are currently also settling some of the trade payments outside Russia, the officials said. – Reuters B R I E F SAUSTRALIA’S EXPORTS TO CHINA HIT RECORD HIGHS SYDNEY: Australia’s exports to China surged to record highs in March as the Asian giant sucked in more iron for its steel industry and lowered barriers to thermal coal shipments amid thawing diplomatic relations. Data out yesterday showed exports of Australian goods to China hit A$19 billion (RM56.5 billion) in March, a rise of 31% from a year earlier and pipping the previous peak from mid2021. Beijing effectively ended an unofficial ban on Australian coal in January, allowing customs clearance for the first time since 2020 when it launched trade curbs on a series of Australian products as ties froze in the early days of Covid. – Reuters EMIRATES, ETIHAD EXPAND INTERLINE COOPERATION DUBAI: Emirates Airline and Etihad Airways yesterday said they are expanding their interline agreement in a bid to boost tourism to the UAE, focusing first on inbound traffic from locations in Europe and China. Customers of each airline from this summer can buy a single ticket into either Dubai or Abu Dhabi, and return via the other airport, Emirates said in a statement announcing the memorandum of understanding. – Reuters VODAFONE, CK HUTCHISON CLOSE TO UK MOBILE TIE-UP LONDON: Vodafone and CK Hutchison are close to agreeing a merger of their UK telecoms businesses, two sources said, in an expected £15 billion (RM85 billion) deal that would create the country’s biggest mobile operator. The deal would value the equity of the combined group at about £9 billion, with roughly £6 billion of debt, the Financial Times reported. The tie-up – with a planned ownership split of 51% Vodafone and 49% Hutchison, the Hong Kong telecoms-to-ports conglomerate part-owned by billionaire Li Ka-shing – is likely to face intense regulatory scrutiny. – Reuters

13 SPORTS theSUN ON FRIDAY | MAY 5, 2023 CARLOS ALCARAZ has enjoyed a spectacular start to his career by winning a Grand Slam crown and three Masters 1000 titles as a teenager and the world No. 2 said he dreams of becoming one of the game’s all-time greats. The Spaniard, who turns 20 today, won the US Open last September to become the youngest man to top the world rankings. The “Big Three” of Roger Federer, Rafa Nadal and Novak Djokovic have dominated men’s tennis for nearly 20 years, collectively winning 64 Grand Slams. While only Djokovic and Nadal of the three are still active, Alcaraz said reaching their level will be a daunting task. “Well, my dream in tennis right now is to become one of the best players in history,” Alcaraz told reporters after beating Karen Khachanov 6-4 7- 5 in the Madrid Open quarterfinals yesterday. “In this world, you have to dream big and you have to think big, as well,” Alcaraz said. “I want to be part of the best tennis players in history and I’ll work for it.” Alcaraz, who is seeking a fourth title of the season after triumphs in Buenos Aires, Indian Wells and Barcelona, continues his Madrid title defence on Friday when he takes on Croatian Borna Coric in the semifinals. Alcaraz said he plans to play in Rome next week as he builds up for the French Open, which starts on May 28. Meanwhile, Iga Swiatek raced into the Madrid Open semifinals yesterday with a 6-0, 6-3 victory over Croatia’s Petra Martic in the last eight. The world No. 2, playing the event for only the second time, will take on Russian 12th seed Veronika Kudermetova today for a place in the final. Swiatek lost just eight points in a completely onesided first set before one break of serve in the second set proved enough to send her into a fifth successive WTA Tour semifinal. – Reuters/AFP IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF SIMA MEDICAL SDN. BHD. (Registration No. 201201041118 (1025596-V)) (In Creditors’ Voluntary Winding Up) NOTICE is hereby given pursuant to Section 439 of the Companies Act, 2016 that the resolutions set out below was duly passed by the Members of Sima Medical Sdn. Bhd. at an Extraordinary General Meeting held on 27th April 2023:- “THAT it has been proved to the satisfaction of this meeting that the Company cannot by reason of its liabilities continue its business and that it is advisable to wind up the Company and accordingly the Company be wound up voluntarily. THAT Mr. Ong Khai Jiet (I/C No. 901110-07-5053) of Level 7, 33B Jalan Pahang, 10400 Georgetown, Pulau Pinang be and is hereby appointed Liquidator to act for the purpose of such winding-up of the Company and that he shall be indemnified by the Company against all costs, charges, losses, expenses and liabilities incurred or sustained by him in the execution and discharge of his duties in relation thereto.” Su Thiam Siew Chairman Date: 5th May 2023 IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF SIMA MEDICAL SDN. BHD. (Registration No. 201201041118 (1025596-V)) (In Creditors’ Voluntary Winding Up) The Liquidator of Sima Medical Sdn. Bhd. hereby give notice that the Creditors of the Company must send details, in writing, of any claim against the Company to the Liquidator at Level 7, 33B Jalan Pahang, 10400 Georgetown, Pulau Pinang, by 4th June 2023, which is the last day for admitting claims. The Liquidator also give notice that he will then make a final distribution to Creditors and that a Creditor who does not make a claim by the above date will not be included in the distribution. ONG KHAI JIET Liquidator Dated this 5th day of May, 2023. IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF TING HUNG ENTERPRISE (M) SDN. BHD. 199301019679 (274417-W) (Members’ Voluntary Winding-Up) NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Creditors of the abovenamed Company which is being voluntarily wound-up, are required on or before the 20th day of May 2023 to send in their names and addresses with particulars of their debts and claims, and of any security held by them, and the names and addresses of their Solicitors (if any) to the undersigned Liquidator at Suite D23, 2nd Floor, Plaza Pekeliling, No. 2 Jalan Tun Razak, 50400 Kuala Lumpur and if so required by notice in writing from the said Liquidator, are by their Solicitors or personally required to write 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 benefit of any distribution made before such debts and claims are proved. Kuala Lumpur Dated this 20th day of April 2023 Yap Siew Cheng Liquidator Note: This notice is purely formal. All known creditors have been or will be paid in full. IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF TING HUNG ENTERPRISE (M) SDN. BHD. 199301019679 (274417-W) (In Members’ Voluntary Winding-Up) At an Extraordinary General Meeting of the members of TING HUNG ENTERPRISE (M) SDN. BHD. duly convened and held at Suite D23, 2nd Floor, Plaza Pekeliling, No. 2 Jalan Tun Razak, 50400 Kuala Lumpur on the 11th day of April 2023 the following special resolutions were duly passed:- That the Company be wound up voluntarily and that Yap Siew Cheng of Suite D23, 2nd Floor, Plaza Pekeliling, No. 2 Jalan Tun Razak, 50400 Kuala Lumpur be and is hereby appointed Liquidator of the Company. That the said Liquidator be authorised to distribute either in cash, specie or in kind amongst the contributors of the Company in accordance with their respective rights and interests therein. That the Liquidator be indemnified by the Company against all costs, charges, losses, expenses and liabilities incurred in or sustained by her in the execution and discharge of her duties as Liquidator and in relation thereto. Wang, Wei-Ming Director 322 Notices 322 Notices NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR VOLUTARY WINDING UP OF LIMITED LIABILITY PARTNERSHIP (Section 50(4)(a) of the Limited Liability Partnerships Act 2012) Notice is hereby given that NOSH GROUP PLT (LLP0025287-LGN) will be making an application to the Registrar of Limited Liability Partnerships for a declaration of dissolution pursuant to section 50(2) of the Limited Liability Partnerships Act 2012 within seven (7) days after the publication of this notice. Any partner or creditor of the LLP desiring to object to the application may do so in writing to the Companies Commission of Malaysia within thirty (30) days from the date of this notice. DALAM MAHKAMAH TINGGI MALAYA DI JOHOR BAHRU DALAM NEGERI JOHOR DARUL TAKZIM, MALAYSIA GUAMAN NO: JA-A72NCvC-1389/12/2022 ANTARA TETUAN LIM CHAMBERS] (mendakwa dibawa guaman sebagai firma penguam) --PLAINTIF DAN ONG MENG HUE] NO.K/P: 830109-01-5875 ] YEOW SEE YEEN@JION SEE YEEN NO.K/P:890608-08-6250] --DEFENDAN-DEFENDAN NOTIS Dalam Perkara mengenai Writ Saman yang difailkan pada 31-12-2022 Kepada: ONG MENG HUE (NO.K/P: 830109- 01-5875) dan YEOW SEE YEEN@JION SEE YEEN yang beralamat di No. 34, Jalan Puteri Indah 3/3, Taman Putera Indah, Tongkang Pecah, 83010, Batu Pahat, Johor. AMBIL PERHATIAN bahawa suatu Writ Saman telah dikemukakan terhadap kamu di Mahkamah ini oleh TETUAN LIM CHAMBERS yang beralamat di No19A, Jalan Sutera Tanjung 8/2, Sutera Utama Biz Centre, Taman Sutera Utama, 81300 Johor Bahru, Johor dan Mahkamah telah memerintahkan bahawa Saman Writ, Pernyataan Tuntutan, Notis Permohonan (Ex-Parte) (selepas ini dirujuk sebagai ‘Dokumen-dokumen tersebut’) hendaklah disampaikan kepada kamu dengan menampalkan sesalinan Dokumendokumen tersebut berserta dengan sesalinan perintah untuk penyampaian ganti di alamat akhir kamu yang diketahui di No. 34, Jalan Puteri Indah 3/3, Taman Putera Indah, Tongkang Pecah, 83010, Batu Pahat, Johor dan di papan notis Mahkamah ini dan dengan mengiklankan suatu notis sekali dalam akhbar tempatan bernama The Sun dan bahawa penampalan dan pengiklanan itu hendaklah dianggap sebagai penyampaian yang baik dan cukup akan petisyen kepada kamu selepas TUJUH (7) hari dari tarikh penampalan atau pengiklanan mengikut mana yang terakhir. Bertarikh pada 27 Mac 2023 T.T ……………………… Penolong Kanan Pendaftar Mahkamah Tinggi Malaya Johor Bahru Notis ini difailkan oleh Messrs Lim Chambers, Peguamcara dan Peguambela Pempetisyen Isteri yang beralamat di 19A,Jalan Sutera Tanjung 8/2, Sutera Utama Biz Centre Taman Sutera Utama, 81300 Skudai, Johor.Tel No: 07-9319588/9319599 Fax No: 07-9328599 (Ruj.Kami: LC-T12-1122-Kaf) 322 Notices 322 Notices 322 Notices 322 Notices 322 Notices Advertise with us & connect to our urban readers. KLANG VALLEY PENANG | KEDAH PERAK | PERLIS PAHANG | KELANTAN TERENGGANU MS. Shoba TEL: 03-7784 8888 FAX: 03-7784 4424 MALACCA MR. Rajah TEL: 012-628 2844 FAX: 06-764 2051 JOHOR BAHRU MS. Anne Lim TEL: 013-770 6699 FAX: 07-355 5549 IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF SIMA MEDICAL SDN. BHD. (Registration No. 201201041118 (1025596-V)) (In Creditors’ Voluntary Winding Up) NOTICE is hereby given pursuant to Section 439 of the Companies Act, 2016 that the resolutions set out below was duly passed by the Members of Sima Medical Sdn. Bhd. at an Extraordinary General Meeting held on 27th April 2023:- “THAT it has been proved to the satisfaction of this meeting that the Company cannot by reason of its liabilities continue its business and that it is advisable to wind up the Company and accordingly the Company be wound up voluntarily. THAT Mr. Ong Khai Jiet (I/C No. 901110-07-5053) of Level 7, 33B Jalan Pahang, 10400 Georgetown, Pulau Pinang be and is hereby appointed Liquidator to act for the purpose of such winding-up of the Company and that he shall be indemnified by the Company against all costs, charges, losses, expenses and liabilities incurred or sustained by him in the execution and discharge of his duties in relation thereto.” Su Thiam Siew Chairman Date: 5th May 2023 IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF SIMA MEDICAL SDN. BHD. (Registration No. 201201041118 (1025596-V)) (In Creditors’ Voluntary Winding Up) The Liquidator of Sima Medical Sdn. Bhd. hereby give notice that the Creditors of the Company must send details, in writing, of any claim against the Company to the Liquidator at Level 7, 33B Jalan Pahang, 10400 Georgetown, Pulau Pinang, by 4th June 2023, which is the last day for admitting claims. The Liquidator also give notice that he will then make a final distribution to Creditors and that a Creditor who does not make a claim by the above date will not be included in the distribution. ONG KHAI JIET Liquidator Dated this 5th day of May, 2023. IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF TING HUNG ENTERPRISE (M) SDN. BHD. 199301019679 (274417-W) (Members’ Voluntary Winding-Up) NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Creditors of the abovenamed Company which is being voluntarily wound-up, are required on or before the 20th day of May 2023 to send in their names and addresses with particulars of their debts and claims, and of any security held by them, and the names and addresses of their Solicitors (if any) to the undersigned Liquidator at Suite D23, 2nd Floor, Plaza Pekeliling, No. 2 Jalan Tun Razak, 50400 Kuala Lumpur and if so required by notice in writing from the said Liquidator, are by their Solicitors or personally required to write 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 benefit of any distribution made before such debts and claims are proved. Kuala Lumpur Dated this 20th day of April 2023 Yap Siew Cheng Liquidator Note: This notice is purely formal. All known creditors have been or will be paid in full. IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES ACT, 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF TING HUNG ENTERPRISE (M) SDN. BHD. 199301019679 (274417-W) (In Members’ Voluntary Winding-Up) At an Extraordinary General Meeting of the members of TING HUNG ENTERPRISE (M) SDN. BHD. duly convened and held at Suite D23, 2nd Floor, Plaza Pekeliling, No. 2 Jalan Tun Razak, 50400 Kuala Lumpur on the 11th day of April 2023 the following special resolutions were duly passed:- That the Company be wound up voluntarily and that Yap Siew Cheng of Suite D23, 2nd Floor, Plaza Pekeliling, No. 2 Jalan Tun Razak, 50400 Kuala Lumpur be and is hereby appointed Liquidator of the Company. That the said Liquidator be authorised to distribute either in cash, specie or in kind amongst the contributors of the Company in accordance with their respective rights and interests therein. That the Liquidator be indemnified by the Company against all costs, charges, losses, expenses and liabilities incurred in or sustained by her in the execution and discharge of her duties as Liquidator and in relation thereto. Wang, Wei-Ming Director 322 Notices 322 Notices NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR VOLUTARY WINDING UP OF LIMITED LIABILITY PARTNERSHIP (Section 50(4)(a) of the Limited Liability Partnerships Act 2012) Notice is hereby given that NOSH GROUP PLT (LLP0025287-LGN) will be making an application to the Registrar of Limited Liability Partnerships for a declaration of dissolution pursuant to section 50(2) of the Limited Liability Partnerships Act 2012 within seven (7) days after the publication of this notice. Any partner or creditor of the LLP desiring to object to the application may do so in writing to the Companies Commission of Malaysia within thirty (30) days from the date of this notice. DALAM MAHKAMAH TINGGI MALAYA DI JOHOR BAHRU DALAM NEGERI JOHOR DARUL TAKZIM, MALAYSIA GUAMAN NO: JA-A72NCvC-1389/12/2022 ANTARA TETUAN LIM CHAMBERS] (mendakwa dibawa guaman sebagai firma penguam) --PLAINTIF DAN ONG MENG HUE] NO.K/P: 830109-01-5875 ] YEOW SEE YEEN@JION SEE YEEN NO.K/P:890608-08-6250] --DEFENDAN-DEFENDAN NOTIS Dalam Perkara mengenai Writ Saman yang difailkan pada 31-12-2022 Kepada: ONG MENG HUE (NO.K/P: 830109- 01-5875) dan YEOW SEE YEEN@JION SEE YEEN yang beralamat di No. 34, Jalan Puteri Indah 3/3, Taman Putera Indah, Tongkang Pecah, 83010, Batu Pahat, Johor. AMBIL PERHATIAN bahawa suatu Writ Saman telah dikemukakan terhadap kamu di Mahkamah ini oleh TETUAN LIM CHAMBERS yang beralamat di No19A, Jalan Sutera Tanjung 8/2, Sutera Utama Biz Centre, Taman Sutera Utama, 81300 Johor Bahru, Johor dan Mahkamah telah memerintahkan bahawa Saman Writ, Pernyataan Tuntutan, Notis Permohonan (Ex-Parte) (selepas ini dirujuk sebagai ‘Dokumen-dokumen tersebut’) hendaklah disampaikan kepada kamu dengan menampalkan sesalinan Dokumendokumen tersebut berserta dengan sesalinan perintah untuk penyampaian ganti di alamat akhir kamu yang diketahui di No. 34, Jalan Puteri Indah 3/3, Taman Putera Indah, Tongkang Pecah, 83010, Batu Pahat, Johor dan di papan notis Mahkamah ini dan dengan mengiklankan suatu notis sekali dalam akhbar tempatan bernama The Sun dan bahawa penampalan dan pengiklanan itu hendaklah dianggap sebagai penyampaian yang baik dan cukup akan petisyen kepada kamu selepas TUJUH (7) hari dari tarikh penampalan atau pengiklanan mengikut mana yang terakhir. Bertarikh pada 27 Mac 2023 T.T ……………………… Penolong Kanan Pendaftar Mahkamah Tinggi Malaya Johor Bahru Notis ini difailkan oleh Messrs Lim Chambers, Peguamcara dan Peguambela Pempetisyen Isteri yang beralamat di 19A,Jalan Sutera Tanjung 8/2, Sutera Utama Biz Centre Taman Sutera Utama, 81300 Skudai, Johor.Tel No: 07-9319588/9319599 Fax No: 07-9328599 (Ruj.Kami: LC-T12-1122-Kaf) 322 Notices 322 Notices 322 Notices 322 Notices 322 Notices Advertise with us & connect to our urban readers. KLANG VALLEY PENANG | KEDAH PERAK | PERLIS PAHANG | KELANTAN TERENGGANU MS. Shoba TEL: 03-7784 8888 FAX: 03-7784 4424 MALACCA MR. Rajah TEL: 012-628 2844 FAX: 06-764 2051 JOHOR BAHRU MS. Anne Lim TEL: 013-770 6699 FAX: 07-355 5549 Mexican threat Perez can make statement of intent in Miami S ERGIO PEREZ wants to be considered a Formula One title contender andMonday’s (3.30am in Malaysia) Miami Grand Prix offers the Mexican a chance to lead the championship for the first time and rattle the cage of Red Bull teammate Max Verstappen. A third win in five races would lift 33-yearold Perez above reigning double world champion Verstappen and be quite a statement of intent. Verstappen, who has enjoyed an unbroken run at the top of the standings since he won in Spain on May 22 last year, has yet to finish lower than second in 2023 and arrives in Florida with a six-point advantage. The 25-year-old Dutch driver was only five points clear of Perez after four races last year but won in Miami with fastest lap and went on to finish the season 149 points ahead and with 15 victories to his teammate’s two. Perez has never won more than two races in a season but is coming off the back of a double success in Azerbaijan hoping to build momentum. “I really believe that we are in the fight,” he said after the race in Baku. He finished fourth on Miami’s debut last year and former McLaren teammate and 2009 world champion Jenson Button reckons the Mexican, who excels on street circuits, can go a long way to winning over the sceptics. “I’m really impressed with Sergio. Max has to be the toughest team mate, because he just gets out there and gets it done,” the Briton told reporters. “If he (Perez) can pull out a win there (in Miami), that would be a massive deal for him. “I think that will give him big confidence for the season. We haven’t seen him throughout the season be as competitive as Max, Max is on it every weekend and Checo (Perez) has been a lot more up and down. “Consistency is where Sergio has been lacking… but if he can do it in Miami, I think he has a chance to fight for the championship,” added the Briton. “And I didn’t think I’d be saying that. I really didn’t.” If Button is rooting for Perez, so too are Formula One neutrals in a season that otherwise risks becoming one long Verstappen victory parade with Red Bull currently in a league of their own. Perez is now just six points behind Verstappen in the standings after four rounds. “It is a long year ahead, but I really believe I am in the fight,” said Perez, who dropped points last time out in Australia following a qualifying horror show. “I only regret the problems we had in Melbourne that made us lose a lot of points. Without that, I could have been closer in the championship.” Red Bull have won every grand prix, three of them one-two finishes and their rivals have been left trailing far down the road. – Reuters Dream big, think big Trio ineligible for Ryder Cup SERGIO GARCIA, Ian Poulter, Richard Bland and Lee Westwood will be ineligible for this year’s Ryder Cup after the DP World Tour confirmed yesterday that they had resigned their Tour memberships. Their resignations come a month after the DP World Tour, which was formerly known as the European Tour, won its legal battle to be able to suspend and fine players who featured in conflicting LIV Golf events without permission. The DP World said in a statement they had been sanctioned for serious breaches of the Tour’s Conflicting Tournament Regulation committed last June, after playing in the first Saudi-backed LIV Golf event in England. The trio of Poulter, Garcia and Westwood have played in 28 Ryder Cups between them. “The DP World Tour would like to thank the four players for the contribution they have made to the Tour and in particular to Sergio, Ian and Lee for the significant part they have played in Europe’s success in the Ryder Cup over many years,” the Tour said in a statement. “Their resignations, however, along with the sanctions imposed upon them, are a consequence of their own choices. “The Tour has a responsibility to its entire membership to administer the member regulations which each player signs up to.” Garcia is the Ryder Cup’s record points scorer with 28.5, while Westwood has played a record 11 matches, being part of seven winning teams. Poulter, another Ryder Cup stalwart, has played a key role in some of Europe’s biggest successes in the biennial contest against the United States. – Reuters Carlos Alcaraz in action. – REUTERSPIX

14 theSUN ON FRIDAY | MAY 5, 2023 SPORTS 5631/2023 03/05/2023 (WED) 2425 4553 2085 1431 8363 4329 0327 8262 5913 3074 5548 9799 6856 4668 7816 8239 6126 2189 5627 6057 0037 0085 8265 13,581,288.76 2425 2425 2425 2085 2085 4553 2085 2085 4553 4553 2425 4553 382,582.25 2425 4553 2085 SNAKE 41373 07907 7907 907 51106 0 7 6 5 161965 61965 1965 965 16196 1619 161 1 6 5,727,892.01 3,209,607.61 75 28 37 40 57 100,000.00 62 11 13 21 53 22 24 31 45 47 50 10,493,498.89 19 764 091 + SNAKE 047 897 + TIGER 232 859 + RABBIT Draw Date: 03/05/23 (Wed) Draw No: 5578/23 Venue: PERAK TURF CLUB 4091 7897 2859 9087 + 8857 6682 + 6778 1550 + 1278 5929 + 9323 2174 + 7090 4512 + 5185 9961 + 8244 4410 + 1572 1618 + 1623 4904 + 3396 RM4,230,469.20 4091 + 7897 7897 + 4091 4091 + 2859 2859 + 4091 7897 + 2859 2859 + 7897 RM100,000.00 RM2,128,335.70 RM1,286,527.70 RM2,196,754.20 469 087 968 857 916 682 906 778 181 550 381 278 235 929 729 323 452 174 457 090 344 512 955 185 959 961 538 244 624 410 141 572 081 618 861 623 124 904 423 396 091 897 859 RM646,468.40 091 + 897 + 859 897 + 859 + 091 091 + 859 + 897 859 + 091 + 897 897 + 091 + 859 859 + 897 + 091 1+3D Jackpot 2 RM152,404.30 won on 30/04/2023! PSG set for Messi divorce Argentine will leave French Ligue 1 champions at the end of the season PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN’S relationship with Lionel Messi is set to end after two underwhelming years following the French champions’ decision to suspend the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner for going on an unauthorised trip to Saudi Arabia. Greeted as a hero by adoring supporters when he arrived in Paris from Barcelona in August 2021, Messi was supposed to be the man to deliver PSG elusive Champions League success. It has not worked out and some of those fans had recently turned against a player they see as a symbol of all the club have done wrong in focusing on superstar signings while failing to build a genuinely competitive team. Having at one point looked set to secure Messi’s signature for another season, the Qatarowned club briefed a month ago that the player was now “much more likely” to depart at the campaign’s end when his contract expires. This week’s events are surely the final straw. Messi, who will be 36 in June, played in PSG’s insipid 3-1 home defeat by Lorient in Ligue 1 on Sunday. He then travelled to Saudi Arabia to fulfil commitments as part of a contract with the country’s tourist office. As a result Messi missed a training session pencilled in for Monday following the weekend defeat. PSG acted swiftly to punish Messi, despite his status as one of the sport’s greats. He has been suspended even though PSG still need points to retain the French title with five matches left this season. A source with knowledge of the disciplinary procedure told AFP that Argentina’s WorldCup winning captain would be sidelined for “several days”. Various media in France reported he would be suspended for two weeks. “He cannot train, cannot play, and will not be paid while disciplinary measures are in place,” the source added. Hours later the Saudi tourist board issued a press release to celebrate Messi’s visit and detail his “jampacked itinerary” which included feeding a herd of gazelles. “Messi’s visit to Saudi was packed with exciting activities, with something for everyone in the family,” it said. Meanwhile his teammates were back on the training ground in Paris after suffering a sixth defeat in 17 Ligue 1 matches in 2023. PSG’s chances of winning the Champions League will not be diminished by losing Messi, but it remains to be seen where the player himself goes next. Barcelona have made no secret of their desire to bring him back, yet the Catalans’ ongoing financial issues cast doubt on their ability to make a deal happen. There are no other obvious options available to Messi in Europe, meaning he may have to consider a move elsewhere. MLS outfit Inter Miami, co-owned by David Beckham, have long been considered a possible destination for Messi. Another is Saudi Arabia, where he could renew his rivalry with Cristiano Ronaldo, who recently moved to Riyadh side Al Nassr. – AFP Atletico move up to second ANTOINE GRIEZMANN shone as Atletico Madrid thrashed Cadiz 5-1 yesterday to climb above rivals Real Madrid into second in La Liga. Diego Simeone’s side are a point above the champions but 13 behind leaders Barcelona, who just need two more points to clinch the title. Struggling Valencia earned a 1-1 draw with fifth-placed Villarreal but remain in 17th place, level on points with Getafe, 18th, who beat Celta Vigo 1-0. Griezmann broke the deadlock in the second minute and added a second to give Atletico a comfortable lead against Cadiz and continue his own superb form. The French forward has 13 goals and 13 assists this season in La Liga. With Griezmann pulling the strings, the Rojiblancos have been the division’s best side in 2023. While it is too late for them to earn any silverware, overtaking Real does offer some small reward. Alvaro Morata netted the third in the 49th minute and Yannick Carrasco converted a penalty for the fourth. Chucky Lozano smashed in a brilliant consolation for Cadiz, 15th and only a point above the drop zone, but Nahuel Molina tucked home Atletico’s fifth immediately after. Samuel Lino struck for Valencia to cancel out Villarreal forward Nicolas Jackson’s opener at Mestalla, saving the hosts from a fourth defeat in six games and keeping them just outside the drop zone. Getafe stayed on their tail with their narrow victory thanks to Enes Unal’s early penalty, putting pressure on Espanyol, 19th. Jose Bordalas’ side undid some of the damage from their 1-0 defeat by Espanyol on Sunday. The draw dents Villarreal’s chances of Champions League qualification, leaving them seven points behind Real Sociedad in fourth, who beat champions Real Madrid on Tuesday. – AFP Evenepoel, Roglic gear up for battle REMCO Evenepoel and Primoz Roglic will lock horns again in the year’s first Grand Tour when the Giro d’Italia begins tomorrow with cycling fans anticipating a renewal of the battle that was sadly interrupted at last year’s Vuelta a Espana. Belgian tyro Evenepoel won his first Grand Tour race after Slovenian Roglic crashed on stage 16, ending what had been a stunning fightback by the Olympic road TT champion. They will start as leading favourites for the Maglia Rosa in the 106th Giro – a three-week haul that starts at Fossacesia Marina on Italy’s Adriatic Sea coast, covers 3,489 kilometres, climbs 51,000 metres and includes five brutal mountain stages. The 23-year-old Evenepoel (Soudal– Quick-Step), who made his Grand Tour debut at the 2021 Giro, has already shown great form this season and arrived in Italy on the back of winning the final spring classic, Liege-Bastogne-Liege. Roglic, third in 2019, silenced doubts about his recovery from the crash that ended his charge for a fourth Vuelta title, by winning three stages at TirrenoAdriatico and the GC. And he will already have marked stage 20 as potentially decisive – an 18km time trial up a vicious climb near the Italian border with Slovenia, almost home road for Roglic. Sunday’s stage is a flattish 201km ride from Teramo to San Salvo while the first big moves in the GC classification may come on stage seven with the summit finish at Gran Sasso d’Italia after a 45km uphill drag. – Reuters Lionel Messi. – REUTERSPIX

15 * SPORTS theSUN ON FRIDAY | MAY 5, 2023 ERIK TEN HAG has warned his Manchester United team of the dangers of complacency as they attempt to wrap up a place in next season’s Champions League. United are well-placed to secure a top-four finish in the Premier League, which would mean qualification for Europe’s elite club competition. The Red Devils are fourth in the table (as of press time) behind Arsenal, Manchester City and Newcastle. But Ten Hag, whose side have already won the League Cup this season and meet City in the FA Cup final next month, has urged his men to stay focused for the last stretch of the season. The Dutch manager was asked by reporters yesterday how satisfying it was to be close to Champions League qualification in his first season at Old Trafford. “I never want to talk during a season of being proud or satisfaction,” he said. “Satisfaction can lead to laziness… You need full focus, full energy, you need full preparation… We want to win every game, we want to win every competition. “It’s clear we want to be in the Champions League and that’s the competition we’re now fighting for and now it’s in this moment the only thing we have to focus on because the FA Cup final is after the season so the only thing that we now have to do is get this done.” Ten Hag said defender Raphael Varane was on course to return before the end of the season. The 30-year-old went off injured in last month’s Europa League quarterfinal first leg against Sevilla, when fellow centreback Lisandro Martinez suffered a season-ending metatarsal injury. Varane will be unavailable against West Ham on Monday (2am in Malaysia), but could return after that. Another player closing in on a return to action is 18-year-old winger Alejandro Garnacho, who suffered an ankle injury against Southampton in March. The Argentina Under-20 player last week signed a new long-term contract with the club and Ten Hag is excited by what is to come. “It’s great he made it because it tells we will give young players opportunities but they have to deserve it,” said the United boss. He added: “Now the demands will be even more because he has now to compete for a starting XI position. So every time is the same – you have to cross limits and every time you have to go in the next level.” Meanwhile, Ten Hag admits he does not know how much money he has to spend in the summer amid ongoing uncertainty over future ownership of the club. The Manchester United /theSunMedia FOLLOW ON YOUTUBE SCAN ME Devils must stay focused Ten Hag warns Man Utd over complacency in top-four push manager is acutely aware of the need to act fast and decisively in the transfer market over multiple targets including England captain Harry Kane. But with owners the Glazers still mulling over options with regard to a full or partial sell off, Ten Hag has his hands effectively tied on bids for top stars. Asked whether he has been given assurances about how much money will be available for transfers, Ten Hag said: “No. I don’t have influence on that. Also I don’t know. “The only thing I know is that Manchester United is one of the biggest clubs in the world and one of the biggest two or three from a fanbase perspective. “The club has to compete on the highest (level) in the world – Champions League and Premier League – and in football you need funds to construct squads because in the end the level from your players decides if you are successful or not.” – AFP/Express Newspapers Reds keep top-four hope alive LIVERPOOL’S chances of qualifying for next season’s Champions League are not realistic despite a fifth straight win, says boss Jurgen Klopp. The in-form Reds, who only have four matches left, moved four points behind fourth-placed Manchester United after Mohamed Salah’s penalty sunk Fulham at Anfield. However, United have a game in hand on fifth-placed Liverpool. Only leaders Manchester City have taken more points from the last six matches than Liverpool, but Klopp played down his side’s chances of sneaking into the top four. “No. I don’t feel it like that but it means nothing. It’s about probabilities, said the Reds boss when asked whether finishing fourth was now realistic. “If Newcastle and Manchester United win all their games, we have no chance. If Brighton win all their games, they are ahead of us. That’s the situation. We just have to win our games and see where it takes us. “At the moment I’m happy with our direction. We just have to keep going and in the end we’ll look at the table and take what we can get.” Salah scored for the eighth home game in a row as Liverpool maintained their flourishing late-season form. The Egypt forward beat Bernd Leno from the penalty spot in the 39th-minute after Darwin Nunez was fouled by Issa Diop. Despite defeat, the Cottagers remain on course for a first top-10 Premier League finish since 2011-12. Liverpool midfielder Thiago Alcantara will miss the remainder of the season to undergo a minor operation for a hip issue, British media reported yesterday. The Spaniard has played 28 times for Liverpool in all competitions this season and only recently returned to action after two months out with a hip flexor problem. – Reuters/Agencies REAL MADRID are in talks over a move for Borussia Dortmund midfielder Jude Bellingham, 19, but the German club say they have not yet received an offer from the Spanish giants. SHEIKH JASSIM has abandoned plans to buy Brazil forward Neymar, 31, if his Manchester United takeover is successful – instead targeting France trio Kylian Mbappe, 24, of Paris St-German, Bayern Munich’s Kingsley Coman, 26, and Real Madrid’s Eduardo Camavinga, 20. WEST HAM’S England midfielder Declan Rice, 24, Bayer Leverkusen’s French forward Moussa Diaby, 23, and Crystal Palace pair Wilfried Zaha, 30, of the Ivory Coast and England’s Marc Guehi, 22, are among Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta’s six-man summer wish-list. CHELSEA are also interested in Zaha, who prospective new Blues manager Mauricio Pochettino tried to sign during his time in charge of Tottenham. ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE: Manchester City 3 (Ake 50, Haaland 70, Foden 85) West Ham 0, Liverpool 1 (Salah 39-pen) Fulham 0. P W D L F A PTS Man City 33 25 4 4 87 30 79 Arsenal 34 24 6 4 81 39 78 Newcastle 33 18 11 4 61 27 65 Man Utd 32 19 6 7 49 39 63 Liverpool 34 17 8 9 66 42 59 Tottenham 34 16 6 12 63 57 54 Aston Villa 34 16 6 12 46 42 54 Brighton 31 15 7 9 61 40 52 Brentford 34 12 14 8 52 44 50 Fulham 34 13 6 15 45 46 45 Crystal Palace 34 10 10 14 35 45 40 Chelsea 33 10 9 14 31 38 39 Bournemouth 34 11 6 17 36 64 39 Wolves 34 10 7 17 29 50 37 West Ham 34 9 7 18 37 50 34 Leicester 34 8 6 20 46 59 30 Leeds 34 7 9 18 43 67 30 Nottm Forest 34 7 9 18 30 62 30 Everton 34 6 11 17 27 52 29 Southampton 34 6 6 22 28 60 24 LA LIGA: Valencia 1 (Lino 72) Villarreal 1 (Jackson 62), Atletico Madrid 5 (Griezmann 2, 27, Morata 49, Carrasco 57- pen, Molina 73) Cadiz 1 (Lozano 72), Getafe 1 (Unal 3-pen) Celta Vigo 0. TOP 5 P W D L F A PTS Barcelona 33 26 4 3 60 11 82 Atletico 33 21 6 6 60 26 69 Real Madrid 33 21 5 7 69 32 68 Sociedad 33 18 7 8 43 29 61 Villarreal 33 16 6 11 47 34 54 SERIE A: Atalanta 3 (De Roon 32, Zappacosta 48, Muriel 54) Spezia 2 (Gyasi 18, Bourabia 64), Juventus 2 (Paredes 15, Vlahovic 40) Lecce 1 (Ceesay 37-pen), Lazio 2 (Anderson 14, Basic 90+2) Sassuolo 0, AC Milan 1 (Messias 90+3) Cremonese 1 (Okereke 77), Monza 1 (Caldirola 39) Roma 1 (El Shaarawy 25), Salernitana 3 (Dia 10, 59, 81-pen) Fiorentina 3 (Gonzalez 36, Ikone 71, Biraghi 85), Sampdoria 0 Torino 2 (Buongiorno 31, Pellegri 90+5), Verona 0 Inter Milan 6 (Gaich 31-og, Calhanoglu 37, Dzeko 38, 61, Martinez 55, 90+3). TOP 5 P W D L F A PTS Napoli 32 25 4 3 68 22 79 Lazio 33 19 7 7 52 24 64 Juventus 33 19 6 8 50 28 63 Inter Milan 33 19 3 11 60 35 60 Atalanta 33 17 7 9 56 39 58 GERMAN CUP (Semifinals): Stuttgart 2 Eintracht Frankfurt 3, Freiburg 1 RB Leipzig 5. FRENCH LIGUE 1: Brest 2 Nantes 0, Toulouse 0 Lens 1. TOP 5 P W D L F A PTS Paris SG 33 24 3 6 76 34 75 Marseille 33 21 7 5 61 32 70 Lens 33 20 9 4 55 25 69 Monaco 33 18 7 8 66 50 61 Lille 33 17 8 8 60 40 59 RESULTS & STANDINGS TOUCHLINES Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk (bottom), Ibrahima Konate (right) and Alisson (left) in action against Fulham. – REUTERSPIX

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] or download app from the App Store or Google Play TM . Read iPaper at www.thesundaily.my FREE access Interactive ERLING HAALAND has taken just one season to set a new Premier League record of 35 goals in a single campaign to make a mockery of the idea that it takes time for new arrivals to settle in the English top flight. The Norwegian powerhouse showed his swiftness of foot and subtlety in front of goal by racing clear to score City’s second in a 3-0 win over West Ham yesterday that put the English champions back on top of the table. In the process the 22-year-old moved beyond the mark of 34 set by Alan Shearer and Andy Cole in the 1990s. “A bit unreal to be honest,” said Haaland on the scale of the achievement. “I wasn’t thinking of this kind of record when I came here and to break it means I’ve done something special and I’m really proud of this moment.” Haaland’s strike rate puts even his muchvaunted predecessors, who played in the era of 42-game seasons, in the shade. Shearer started all 42 matches of the 1994/95 season as he fired Blackburn to the title, while Cole made 40 appearances the previous year for Newcastle. By contrast, Haaland has reached 35 goals at a rate of one every 72 minutes in just 31 appearances. “If you were building a centreforward from the ground up, Erling is what you would be left with,” Shearer told The Athletic. “He’s a goal machine, someone who is quick and direct, who is physically strong and good in the air, who can score with both feet and whose positioning is fantastic.” City’s determination to win the battle among Europe’s elite clubs for the striker’s signature last year has been rewarded in spectacular fashion. Pep Guardiola’s men won back-toback league titles playing largely without an attacking focal point but any suggestion they could be thrown off course by Haaland’s arrival has proved unfounded. “I remember (the stories that) he will not adjust to the Premier League,” Guardiola reminded reporters yesterday. “We knew he scored goals everywhere and thought he could do it. He understands what we want to do but we have to admit the impact of how he adjusted to the team and the league was so quick. “Immediately we saw he is a guy when you provide him balls, he can score all different types of goals.” Haaland’s 51 goals in all competitions is firing with City to within touching distance of matching Manchester United’s historic treble of 1998/99. The English champions face Real Madrid in the semifinals of the Champions League and take on United in the FA Cup final on June 3. His father, Alf-Inge Haaland was a toughtackling midfielder prior to an Abu Dhabibacked takeover in 2008 that made City one of the world’s richest clubs and transformed their fortunes. But his son Erling was a natural-born goalscorer who has already become a global superstar. Alf-Inge has been credited with careful management of his son’s steady rise through the ranks of European football. Haaland made his debut for his home-town club Bryne aged just 15 before signing for Molde, then managed by former Manchester United forward Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, in 2017. Less than two years later he moved again, joining Austrian club Salzburg. In 2019 Haaland offered an early insight into the devastation he can wreak, scoring nine times in a 12-0 hammering of Honduras at the Under-20 World Cup. But it was his explosion onto the Champions League scene that really caught the eye, with eight goals in six games in the 2019/20 season. There was speculation of a reunion with Solskjaer, then in charge of United, but Borussia Dortmund won the race, boosted by their reputation for developing young talent. Two-and-a-half years and 86 goals in 89 games later, Haaland had his pick of clubs thanks to a cannily negotiated €60 million (RM295m) buyout clause that left Dortmund short-changed. City have cashed in, with Haaland’s goals leaving them close to a cherished treble and burnishing their newfound status as one of the world’s leading clubs. – AFP SAM ALLARDYCE insisted yesterday that he is “as good as” Pep Guardiola and Jurgen Klopp as he plots to keep Leeds in the Premier League following the sacking of Javi Gracia. The Spaniard was dismissed with four games to go after just 10 weeks in charge, with the club outside the relegation zone only on goal difference. Allardyce, 68, is Leeds’ third permanent manager of a turbulent season – Gracia replaced Jesse Marsch in February, while director of football Victor Orta left Elland Road by mutual consent on Tuesday. “We thank Javi and his team for their efforts under difficult circ*mstances,” the club said in a statement. “The remaining four games of the season will be overseen by experienced head coach Sam Allardyce.” The former Bolton, Newcastle, West Ham and England boss has been out of work since the end of the 2020/21 season after failing to save West Brom from top-flight relegation. He said it was a “shock” to get the call from Leeds but he had no hesitation in agreeing to join the club, who returned to the top flight in 2020 under Marcelo Bielsa. Allardyce is reported to have agreed a basic salary of £500,000 (RM2.8m) for his four games in charge, with a £2.5m (RM14m) bonus if he can keep Leeds up. He told his first press conference as manager that taking the job was probably his “biggest challenge” due to the short timescale. Leeds travel to title-chasing Manchester City on Saturday, before hosting third-placed Newcastle. A trip to West Ham and an Elland Road encounter with European hopefuls Tottenham round out the season. Allardyce admitted the fixtures were tough, joking: “We start with an easy one on Saturday. Can’t get any easier than Manchester City away, can it?” The Englishman, relegated from the top flight for the first time in his 30- year managerial career at West Brom, firmly stated his credentials. “Far too many people think that I am old and antiquated, which is so far from the truth,” he said. “I might be 68 and look old, but there’s nobody ahead of me in football terms. Not (Manchester City boss) Pep, not (Liverpool manager) Klopp, not (Arsenal’s Mikel) Arteta. “It’s all there with me and I share it with them. They do what they do, I do what I do. In terms of knowledge and depth of knowledge, I’m up there with them. I’m not saying I’m better than them, but certainly as good as they are. “I just wish that sometimes you can get the opportunity that you can show it but that’s never going to happen for me now apart from keep Leeds up and if I stayed at Leeds this club was big enough to build a team that was going to challenge those boys eventually. “But that’s a long story away.” Despite his impressive record as a club manager, Allardyce lasted only 67 days and one match as England boss before being forced out after a newspaper sting in 2016. He was asked whether he could be at Elland Road beyond the end of the season. “Never say never,” he said. “It depends what happens at the end of the four matches… and how I feel.” – AFP New Leeds boss Allardyce says he is ‘as good as’ Guardiola FRIDAY • MAY 5, 2023 Record-breaker Haaland continues his history-making exploits as City edge closer to the title Manchester City’s Erling Haaland (right) in action with West Ham’s Lukasz Fabianski. – REUTERSPIX