S HAH ALAM: Selangor Ruler Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah has ordered the immediate establishment of a special committee to conduct an in-depth and critical study on the competency of state legislative assemblies to enact Islamic laws under state enactments and the jurisdiction of syariah courts. Sultan Sharafuddin, who is also National Council for Islamic Religious Affairs chairman, said this is due to the number of cases under the jurisdiction of syariah courts being challenged at the Federal Court. “This particularly concerns the competency of state legislative assemblies in formulating and approving Islamic (syariah) laws, as well as the jurisdiction of the syariah courts that preside over them. “This trend shows the position of state enactments that pertain to syariah criminal offences is being increasingly challenged, thereby affecting the jurisdiction of the syariah courts in the states to adjudicate on them,” he said. The Ruler was speaking at the council’s 70th meeting at the Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah Mosque yesterday. Also present was Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who is also council deputy chairman. Sultan Sharafuddin said the issue can only be resolved by taking legislative action through specific amendments to the relevant laws to grant the state legislative assemblies broader powers in formulating provisions related to syariah criminal offences for Muslims. He said the special committee conducting the study should propose amendments to the relevant laws, including provisions in the Federal Constitution to create comprehensive solutions to the issues. “The special committee should consist of constitutional law experts, civil and syariah law experts, academics, and not forgetting legal practitioners who possess the qualifications, skills and extensive experience in both civil law and syariah law.” Sultan Sharafuddin expressed hope that Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Dr Mohd Na’im Mokhtar would take immediate steps towards the formation of the special committee and propose solutions to the council and Conference of Rulers, Bernama reported. He also said the 70th council meeting will discuss a policy paper that outlines comprehensive and detailed guidelines on the use of the word “Allah” by non-Muslims. “All decisions reached by the council regarding the issue of the term ‘Allah’ will be presented at the Conference of Rulers’ upcoming meeting, thus a policy concerning the use of the word ‘Allah’ by non-Muslims in this country will be finalised,” he added. Sultan Sharafuddin said during a discussion with Anwar on June 7, he had expressed his views as council chairman that the issue regarding the use of the word “Allah” by non-Muslims must first be discussed at the council level. “My view on this matter has also been approved by His Majesty the Yang di-Pertuan Agong. This matter is in line with the function of the council, which is responsible for advising the Malay Rulers in improving the administration of Islamic affairs.” He added that given the sensitivity of the issue, it needs to be studied thoroughly, wisely and resolved responsibly without delay. Meanwhile, Anwar said the unity government is prepared to strengthen the management of Islamic affairs in Malaysia to ensure it is inclusive for the benefit of Muslims and non-Muslims. oSet up special panel to study legislative competency of state assemblies to enact Islamic laws, says Selangor Sultan TELLING IT AS IT IS ON TUESDAY AUGUST 29, 2023 No. 8340 PP 2644/12/2012 (031195) www.thesundaily.my TOWERING ATTRACTION ... A visitor to the Space Explorer Balloon Fest at Kuala Lumpur Quill City Mall takes a wefie with his children in front of the centrepiece display yesterday. The event ends on Sept 17. – ADIB RAWI YAHYA/ THESUN In a Facebook post, Anwar said he was grateful to Sultan Sharafuddin for chairing the council’s 70th meeting. As deputy chairman of the council, he said the meeting conveyed the concerns of His Royal Highness on Islamic affairs management in the country. “The whole unity government machinery, especially Islamic agencies and I are determined to ensure that Islamic affairs governance is properly implemented as desired by the Conference of Rulers. “I am confident that with the consent and blessings of Your Royal Highnesses, efforts to strengthen Islamic affairs management institutions at the federal and state levels can be implemented in an integrated and effective manner,” he said. Ruler’s order INSIDE Use digital content grant wisely, recipients told 2 page Solo fundraising drive across 21 countries 3 page
2 theSUN ON TUESDAY | AUGUST 29, 2023 NEWS WITHOUT BORDERS /thesundaily FOLLOW ON FACEBOOK SCAN ME Selangor Sultan urges states to join religious council SHAH ALAM: The Sultan of Selangor Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah has called on states that have not joined the National Council for Islamic Religious Affairs to officially become members of the council’s musyawarah (deliberation) platform. Sultan Sharafuddin, who is also the council chairman, said the council is an institution that was approved by the Conference of Rulers. “The primary members of the council are representatives from states that have a significant role in coordinating Islamic affairs,” said the Ruler at the council’s 70th meeting held yesterday at the Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah Mosque. Also present was Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who is council deputy chairman. Sultan Sharafuddin said although there have been achievements through the council’s discussions, there are still unresolved issues that demand participants actively engage in producing valuable insights and solutions. – Bernama Utilise Digital Content Grant wisely, recipients told PUTRAJAYA: Communications and Digital Minister Fahmi Fadzil has reminded all recipients of the Digital Content Grant to carry out their projects according to prescribed costs, duration and scope. “The Digital Content Grant is the people’s money, and the trust should be upheld by each recipient to the best of his ability,” he said at a presentation ceremony for the grant offer letters yesterday. “So, I hope we can learn from this, to realise the potential by ensuring that the (creative) works in the country are enjoyed by our people as well as at the international level.” The Digital Content Grant promotes the creation of high quality local creative content that oRM102m allocation meant to promote creation of high-quality local content with competitive edge on international stage, says minister has a competitive edge on the international stage. Fahmi said the government has allocated RM102 million this year to the Communications and Digital Ministry for the implementation of the grant under the National Film Development Corporation (Finas), Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) and MyCreative Ventures Sdn Bhd (MyCV). He said creative works made through the initiative include films such as Imaginur, which grossed RM6 million, Mat Kilau, which made RM90 million and Tiger Stripes, which won the top prize at the Cannes Critic’s Week, Bernama reported. At yesterday’s event, 14 companies received the Feature Film Fund and 10 companies were offered the First Feature Film Fund amounting to RM18.3 million under Finas, while under MyCV, 11 companies received funds under musical performances and four companies were offered grants for international marketing and promotions totalling RM3.3 million. Fahmi said all applications were transparently assessed with integrity by a committee comprising experts and ministry representatives. He also announced an allocation of RM36 million to Finas, MyCV and MDEC to implement funds for TV programmes, documentaries and domestic marketability and that applications for the grants would be opened next month. “I invite all industry players to browse the official portals of Finas, MyCV and MDEC for more info.” Film community fund established PUTRAJAYA: The Film Community Fund, that was established yesterday, is an effort to preserve the well-being and welfare of the country’s film industry, said Communications and Digital Minister Fahmi Fadzil. He said the objectives of the fund include carrying out film community programmes and awareness campaigns to advance the Malaysian film industry, in addition to distributing aid or providing contributions and donations to those in need within the film community. Fahmi said another objective of the initiative is to finance the activities of the Malaysian National Film Development Corporation for the development of the film community, Bernama reported. “This fund has a role to coordinate the distribution of aid, donations, money received through cooperation from government bodies, NGOs, associations, private companies and individuals,” he said when launching the fund yesterday. Fahmi hinted at the possibility of introducing a Rahmah social security package for creative industry players and journalists following his meeting with the Social Security Organisation. “I previously mentioned the need to take care of the welfare of not only those involved in the creative industry but also journalists. I see that ‘stringers’ (freelance journalists) often face issues with social security.” Fahmi launching the fund in Putrajaya yesterday accompanied by the ministry’s secretarygeneral Datuk Mohamad Fauzi Md Isa (left) and Finas chairman Datuk Kamil Othman. – BERNAMAPIC Vaccine combo for expectant mothers KUALA LUMPUR: The Health Ministry will introduce a new initiative to provide a combination of the tetanusdiphtheria-pertussis vaccine to all expectant mothers in the country. The initiative serves to reduce the risk of infection of pertussis, especially among babies under five months. Its minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa said babies under five months faced the highest risk of contracting pertussis and complications arising from it, such as pneumonia, encephalopathy and death. “This happens because the antibodies in babies will only achieve the optimum protection levels once they receive three doses of the pertussis vaccine that is given under the National Immunisation Programme upon reaching five months.” Zaliha said as of Aug 23, 342 cases of pertussis involving 24 deaths had been reported nationwide, and of the cases, 173 (50.4%) involved babies below five months while of the deaths, 19 were babies below five months. “The vaccine given to expectant mothers will transfer antibodies to the unborn child and protect them until they are delivered, and (the babies) will receive the three vaccine doses at the age of five months.” Zaliha added that the vaccine would protect babies below the age of five months against pertussis. She said the new initiative involves an annual allocation of RM25 million and covers 500,000 expectant mothers nationwide each year. Once implemented, all expectant mothers, including foreign nationals in the country, will be administered with a single dose of the vaccine in their second trimester or when in their 13th to 36th week of pregnancy. The vaccines will be administered for free at all primary health facilities in the country. Zaliha said implementation of the vaccination programme would begin next year as soon as stocks of the vaccine are available at all primary health facilities. █ BYJOSHUA PURUSHOTMAN [emailprotected] Fahmi cleared of allegation SHAH ALAM: The issue of Communications and Digital Minister Fahmi Fadzil, who was said to have allegedly campaigned in a mosque in Kundang, Rawang in July, is resolved, said Selangor Islamic Religious Council chairman Tan Sri Abdul Aziz Mohd Yusof. He said the investigation found that the Pakatan Harapan communications director only talked about current issues and not political ones. “He (Fahmi) was replying to questions related to the concert (rude actions by the vocalist of the British band, The 1975) and the action taken to end the concert because it had violated set conditions agreed to. “He did not mention politics in the mosque. In my view, (this issue) is settled. He came to pray, he looked for a nearby mosque. “As a minister, he has to provide clear answers to the questions asked by congregants,” he said, after officiating at the Jalur Gemilang presentation and flagging off of the Ziarah Merdeka Mais convoy yesterday. Recently, several reports on social media claimed Fahmi was speaking on political issues in the prayer hall of the Nurul Yaqin Mosque. – Bernama Highway project progressing well LABUAN: The Pan Borneo highway project has achieved remarkable progress, in line with efforts to enhance Sabah’s road infrastructure, said the Chartered Institute of Logistic and Transport Sabah Chapter (CILT Sabah). CILT Sabah public and government liaison representative Daniel Doughty said Sabah’s land transport connectivity has long grappled with a heavy reliance on the state’s existing road network. “Substantial funding from the federal government has been allocated to bolster maintenance efforts, and the allocation remains a critical factor in ensuring the efficacy of the road network and the seamless movement of people and goods.” Daniel said the path to Sabah’s future prosperity lies in the implementation of a comprehensive multimodal transport strategy. “The extension of the Sabah rail network, particularly the connection between the northern and eastern coasts, holds immense promise.” – Bernama Exploring potential of green hydrogen KUALA LUMPUR: The government is eager to explore the potential of green hydrogen as a fuel alternative in light of the nation’s green mobility agenda. National Resources, Environment and Climate Change Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad said the government, in collaboration with Tenaga Nasional Berhad, would explore the prospect of harnessing the new energy option and its economic effects. “We aim to unlock the hydrogen economy through the National Energy Transition Roadmap and the Hydrogen Economy and Technology Roadmap, that are targeted to be rolled out this year. “This includes how we can attract investments towards its production and ultimately pave the way for Malaysia to become a main export hub for green hydrogen by 2027. Increasingly, we are seeing the value in cooperation to drive the transition domestically, regionally and internationally.” – Bernama
3 NEWS WITHOUT BORDERS theSUN ON TUESDAY | AUGUST 29, 2023 PETALING JAYA: Seet Wai Song, 65, recently undertook a noble goal to raise funds for the National Cancer Society (NCS) by driving his custom-painted 1974 Mercedes-Benz W115 sedan across 21 countries, covering a distance of 25,000km. Leaving on his trip on July 3, he ended his drive in Hattingen, Germany on Aug 24. As of now, Seet managed to raise RM8,000. To this, he said, “I did not initiate any publicity. However, I’m thankful and grateful for the funds I have received so far. “I initiated a crowdfunding campaign called Vroom with Pink Crowd Fund, proposing a donation of RM10 for each kilometre covered. My target was to raise the RM250,000 for NCS.” To ensure that all funds go directly to NCS, Seet said he used his own savings to cover the expenses for his entire trip. Considering that he fell short of the fundraising goal, he plans to organise a fundraising dinner soon to increase the amount. “This self-drive adventure holds a special significance for me to attend the Schoene Sterne 2023 event, which is a festival for Mercedes-Benz enthusiasts. “I aimed to complete this road trip by early September. But with determination, I reached Hattingen ahead of schedule and arrived there in time for the Aug 26-27 festival.” Sharing his experience, Seet said the trip took him through Thailand, Laos, China, Kazakhstan, Russia, Turkiye, Bulgaria, Romania, Hungary, Austria and Switzerland. Throughout his journey, he visited cancer hospitals in Udon Thani, Thailand and Georgia to assess their operations and raised awareness about his journey. It was a great experience, he said. Planning his journey well in advance, Seet said he had to navigate through various visa and travel document requirements, particularly for countries such as China and Russia. “Luckily, most of the other countries I visited allowed visa-free travel within 90 days, making border crossings relatively seamless.” On the difficulties he encountered during the trip, Seet said with his 49-year-old car being his only mode of transport, he had to be prepared for all eventualities. “The car’s exhaust system got damaged in Laos, Thailand and China, mainly due to poor road conditions. It became evident that my car was not designed for such terrains, as I found myself navigating through landslides and flooded roads. “I also faced difficulties in Salzburg (Austria) where I was stopped by police for having worn-out tyres. Moreover, driving a left-hand-drive vehicle in right-hand-drive countries presented its own challenges. “I was also cautious about driving at night in poor visibility and navigating alongside large vehicles on the road. To keep myself awake, I sang aloud while driving,” he said. Despite the inevitable difficulties, such as communication barriers in countries where English is not widely spoken and experiencing inadequate rest-stop facilities, Seet said he made many friends along the way. “I took along a stuffed toy and tens of Malaysian fridge magnets to give away as souvenirs or conversation starters. This made my experience more enjoyable.” Those who want to know more details or wish to help Seet reach his RM250,000 donation target can visit www.givinghub.asia/campaigns/vroomwith-pink-crowd-fund. Agrotourism way to promote S’wak KUCHING: Agrotourism represents not only a new tourism product but a niche and highly sought-after experience that holds the key to promoting Sarawak to the world, said Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg. He added that with its bountiful agricultural treasures, Sarawak has the potential to offer tourists an unparalleled agrotourism experience. “By doing so, we can increase high-yield tourists who appreciate the real essence of our land, cuisine and traditions. “We must recognise that this is not just about agrotourism but also about complementing it with ecotourism to further enrich the experience for our visitors.” He said this in his speech read by Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas during the opening ceremony of the Sarawak Agrotourism Conference and Expo yesterday. Abang Johari said agrotourism is not just a pathway to attract visitors but is also meant to uplift the communities and facilitate rural development. “Community-based tourism empowers our residents by directly engaging them in tourism activities. “This involvement brings economic benefits and reinforces the values of preserving our farming, ecological and cultural environments.” – Bernama Solo fundraising drive across 21 countries oMotoring enthusiast nets RM8,000 for National Cancer Society, pledges to do more Rise in intake at polytechnics, colleges KUALA LUMPUR: The intake of post-Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) students at polytechnics and community colleges has increased by almost 20% in the 2023/2024 academic session one, according to Higher Education Ministry’s Department of Polytechnic Education and Community Colleges. Department director-general Dr Mohd Zahari Ismail said new student registration statistics as of Aug 25 showed polytechnics and community colleges have received 26,539 new students for this session compared with 22,634 students in last year’s session. “It is a big jump and beyond expectation. I want to thank the department’s student intake and development division for its continuous efforts to raise student enrolment in polytechnics and community colleges,” he said in a statement on Sunday. Out of the 36 polytechnics across the country, 10 of them saw their intakes exceeding 100%, while 24 of the 105 community colleges also received very encouraging intakes. Among the fields of study that are in high demand at polytechnics and community colleges are electrical and electronic engineering, mechanical engineering (automotive), civil engineering, architecture, food technology, information technology (digital technology), creative technology, culinary arts, trade and tourism and hospitality. “As the student registration session is still open until Sept 18, the department is targeting a total of 32,000 new students to register at polytechnics and community colleges for this session.” – Bernama Overgrown area now an angling haven KOTA BHARU: About a year ago, the area around an irrigation canal stretching over 100m in Mak Mayong, Kampung Kolam was overgrown with grass and weeds. Friends Azhar Taib, 50, Muhammmad Azmi Abdul Ghani, 42, and Rusli Hamat, 55, took the initiative to clear the area. The once quiet area is now a popular fishing spot, with anglers making a beeline there every Friday to take part in a fishing competition that offers a RM10,000 cash prize. Azhar said their initial intention was just to clean up the area. But upon realising its potential, they decided to organise a fishing competition. “After cleaning up the area, we released catfish into the canal and held a fishing competition for residents living nearby, with an RM15 entry fee and a cash prize of RM1,000 for the winner. “Now, every Friday, the Mak Mayong irrigation canal welcomes about 500 to 600 participants, not only from Kelantan but also from Terengganu and even Johor. “Following the overwhelming response, the cash prize for the competition was raised several times and most recently to RM10,000,” he said. – Bernama █ BYSIVANISVARRY MORHAN [emailprotected] Funeral of state MCA chief on Thursday SHAH ALAM: The funeral service of Selangor MCA chairman Datuk Ng Chok Sin will be held at his family home in Sepang on Thursday at 10am. “The funeral service will be held at No. 179, Kampung Baru, Sungai Pelek in Sepang,” Selangor MCA Wanita chief Tee Hooi Ling said yesterday. Selangor MCA vice-chairman Tan Gim Tuan, when contacted, confirmed that Ng, 55, passed away at his home in Taman Desa, OUG, Kuala Lumpur around 8pm on Sunday. Meanwhile, MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong in a Facebook post said he was shocked to receive the news of Ng’s passing. “Ng was a Sungai Pelek native. He contested the Sungai Pelek state seat as a Barisan Nasional candidate in 2013 and 2018,” he said. Wee said Ng had held various positions in the party. “I appointed him Selangor MCA chairman after I assumed the position of MCA president in 2018. “He took on the responsibility and subsequently played a role in protecting the interests of the people alongside the Selangor MCA leadership,” he added. – Bernama FREE FUN ... Children trying out a miniature race track yesterday as part of school holiday activities at the National Science Centre in Bukt Kiara, Kuala Lumpur. – SYAZWAN KAMAL/THESUN
4 theSUN ON TUESDAY | AUGUST 29, 2023 NEWS WITHOUT BORDERS @thesundaily FOLLOW ON INSTAGRAM SCAN ME Get a jump start today on creating a successful tomorrow! For the best in local and international higher education institutions, catch theSun's fortnightly Education Focus. FOCUS 2023 EDUCATION Contact us now for special deals on digital, video and print advertising. Disability no hindrance to artistic genius PUTRAJAYA: Being a person with disability has not prevented the artistic and concept director of the National Day 2023 celebrations from ensuring that all performances for the event proceed as planned. Rosnan Nordin, who is also National Department for Culture and Arts deputy director-general (culture and arts) , said he was proud to be the first differently abled person to be in charge of the whole concept of the National Day celebrations. The 58-year-old Penang native said he had his left leg amputated last June due to a bacterial infection. “I always hold to the principle of ‘passion to work for country, not for recognition’. “If I seek recognition, I don’t think I’ll be able to fulfil this task in my current physical condition,” said Rosnan, who often draws attention when he appears on the main stage in a wheelchair overseeing the participants practising for the celebrations at Dataran Putrajaya. Rosnan, who has been involved in the planning of National Day celebrations for the past 20 years, said he and his team would usually begin conceptualising the event a year in advance. “The planning for this year’s event began immediately after the National Day 2022 celebrations were concluded. “As in previous years, the National Day and Malaysia Day celebration working committee asked me to come up with a concept for the National Day 2023 celebrations,” said Rosnan, who is assisted by 60 staff members. He said every year, the chosen theme would serve as the “soul” of the National Day celebrations and would be interpreted from dancing and singing performances to acrobatic displays by security personnel, and the parade. He said for this year’s celebrations, the Malaysia Madani unity contingent comprising 1,000 participants of various ethnicities from the peninsula, Sabah and Sarawak, would take part in the parade, which will also feature the economic contingent, that is made up of government-linked companies, government-linked investment companies, as well as telecommunication and banking companies. Rosnan said the event on Thursday will also feature other interesting performances, including a parachute display by police VAT69 commandos, adding that more than 19,000 participants would be involved in the celebrations. – Bernama Little known services of ‘snake squad’ KUALA LUMPUR: Many may not know about a group of unsung heroes, the King Cobra Squad, which is the country’s only snake expert unit set up in 2015 under the Fire and Rescue Department. The specialist unit, which is assigned to snake related intervention tasks and to save lives, has 20 members, with six of them stationed at the Wakaf Tapai Fire and Rescue Academy in Terengganu. The squad receives nearly 200 to 300 calls each year related to snakes in the state, while the department is estimated to receive nearly 20,000 snake related cases nationwide every year. Its chief instructor Safiq Mohamad said snakes are wild animals, with the potential to attack humans. “As such, we need to overcome the phobia of snakes by undergoing regular ‘snake confidence’ training Safiq showing how to handle a cobra during a ‘snake confidence’ session. – BERNAMAPIC oUnit under Fire and Rescue Dept receives some 300 calls annually in Terengganu alone Use public transport, visitors urged KUALA LUMPUR: Visitors who plan to attend the National Day celebrations in Putrajaya on Thursday are advised to use public transport for a smoother journey to the destination. Communications and Digital Ministry secretary-general Datuk Mohamad Fauzi Md Isa also advised the public to be careful and keep their children safe when they are at the event, which is expected to draw 100,000 visitors. “We also have the Nadi Putra feeder bus services in Putrajaya from 4am to 2pm, with two pick-up points at Putrajaya Sentral and Putrajaya International Convention Centre at 10-minute frequencies,” he said on RTM’s Selamat Pagi Malaysia programme yesterday. Mohamad Fauzi, who is also National Day and Malaysia Day 2023 technical committee chairman, said the Mass Rapid Transit service will also be coordinating their operating hours for the convenience of the public. – Bernama Air show to feature 50 military assets KUALA LUMPUR: About 50 air assets of security forces will be involved in an air show in conjunction with the National Day celebrations at Dataran Putrajaya on Thursday. The show, which will be led by the Royal Malaysian Air Force, will involve assets of various categories including Sukhoi Su-30MKM fighter jets, F/A-18D Hornet and BAE Hawk, A400M transport aircraft and C130 Hercules as well as helicopters from the army and navy. There will also be aerial assets from the police, the Fire and Rescue Department and the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency. The highlight of the air show is the combined segment of the helicopter formation that will showcase thrilling stunts for spectators. The show will also display the capabilities of the country’s security forces. – Bernama training for the Royal Malaysia Air Force and the Armed Forces. It has also collaborated with other defence forces, including the US and Brunei, to make Malaysia a referral nation for modules in handling poisonous snakes and other animals. The squad has a handbook with its own specialised training modules, that are updated annually to equip the team with various techniques and knowledge in handling venomous and nonvenomous snakes. The training modules have to be regularly updated with the latest techniques and information given that there are over 200 species of snakes in Malaysia, and most of them have yet to be identified. Only 20 species are known to live near human settlements. Safiq said there are 17 types of snakes, including venomous and non-venomous snakes at the gallery. All the snakes are registered as live assets to allow the squad to secure a budget for food and health examinations conducted annually by the Veterinary Services Department. within a glass enclosure at the Snake Training Gallery here,” said Safiq, who is also a senior fire officer. “This allows the team to adapt to the behavioural patterns of the different snake species such as King Cobra, Monocled Cobra and Spitting Cobra. Regular training is needed to acquire handling and manipulation techniques for catching snakes. “What is interesting is that many other parties are also keen to undergo training with the squad, especially the emergency response teams at factories and other government agencies,” he told Bernama. “They undergo various types of training, including the theoretical aspects covering introduction to snakes and other snake species as well as early treatment for snakebite victims,” he said. To date, the squad has provided
5 NEWS WITHOUT BORDERS theSUN ON TUESDAY | AUGUST 29, 2023 ‘Ex-AG cut 1MDB fine to RM15m’ KUALA LUMPUR: Former Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) governor Tan Sri Dr Zeti Akhtar Aziz told the High Court yesterday that the central bank had recommended a RM23 million fine against 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB), but the then attorney-general (AG) lowered it to RM15 million. She said BNM needed the consent of ex-AG Tan Sri Mohamed Apandi Ali to impose a penalty. “The AG refused the amount recommended by us. We (BNM) recommended RM23 million. However, the AG reduced it to RM15 million.” oOriginal RM23m penalty imposed due to inability to bring cash back and provide evidence on status of funds: Zeti The 46th prosecution witness was replying to lead counsel Tan Sri Muhammad Shafee Abdullah at former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak’s trial involving the misappropriation of RM2.3 billion of 1MDB funds. She said the fine was due to the inability of the sovereign wealth fund to bring the monies back and to provide evidence on the status of the funds. 1MDB paid the sum on May 25, 2016, Bernama reported. Muhammad Shafee: Were there any attempts by then finance minister (Najib) to waive this fine imposed on 1MDB? Zeti: I do not know. She also said AmBank had informed her that Najib would be opening an account, but its managing director Cheah Tek Kuang did not notify that there were expected incoming donations. Zeti, 76, said BNM does not conduct due diligence on individual accounts, adding that it was the duty of each financial institution. Her testimony contradicts Cheah’s statement as the 39th prosecution witness, claiming that he had told Zeti about the purported incoming “donation”. On Oct 4 last year, Cheah said he followed the AmBank chairman’s instructions and went to Najib’s house in 2011 to help him with the documents to open an account, which is where the latter had claimed there would be a US$100 million (RM465.45 million) donation coming in from the Saudi Arabian government for Islamic activities. Najib, 70, is facing four charges of using his position to obtain bribes totalling RM2.3 billion belonging to 1MDB and 21 charges of money laundering involving the same amount. The trial before Judge Datuk Collin Lawrence Sequerah continues. Woman’s bid to renounce Islam dismissed PUTRAJAYA: The Court of Appeal yesterday dismissed a woman’s bid to obtain leave to commence a judicial review to challenge a syariah court decision that disallowed her from renouncing Islam. A three-member panel chaired by justices Datuk Azizah Nawawi, Datuk See Mee Chun and Datuk Azizul Azmi Adnan ruled unanimously that only a syariah court has the exclusive jurisdiction to determine issues of renunciation, as per Article 121(1A) of the Federal Constitution. “The Syariah High Court is competent to hear the matter. We agree that the High Court judge has no jurisdiction to review the decision of the syariah court. “The civil and syariah courts are two separate legal systems and the syariah court is not an inferior tribunal subject to judicial review. Thus, the appeal is dismissed and the decision of the High Court judge (is) affirmed,” Azizah said in dismissing the application with no order as to costs. Fahri Azzat represented the woman, while senior federal counsel Ahmad Hanir Hambaly and federal counsel Mohammad Sallehuddin Md Ali represented the respondents – the Syariah Court of Appeal, Syariah High Court, Federal Territories Islamic Religious Council and the government. The 33-year-old woman, who was born to a Muslim convert father and a Muslim mother, was appealing against a June 15 High Court ruling dismissing her application for leave to challenge the syariah court dismissal of her suit. She filed her judicial review in the High Court on March 4 last year. She is seeking at least 12 court orders, including declarations that she is no longer a Muslim and that she is entitled to profess her religion of Confucianism and Buddhism. The woman also sought the High Court to declare the decisions by the Syariah High Court and Syariah Court of Appeal, which rejected her bid to be recognised as no longer a Muslim, as illegal, unlawful and void. The Syariah High Court on July 27, 2020, dismissed the woman’s bid to be declared no longer a Muslim and ordered her to go through istitabah, or repentance, and Islamic classes and further counselling. She then brought the matter to the Syariah Court of Appeal, which also rejected her application on Dec 8, 2021. – Bernama HEAVY HAUL ... Perlis Customs director Ismail Hashim (right) showing part of a 150kg consignment of ganja seized by the department last Wednesday. – BERNAMAPIC Lorry driver denies causing death of foreigner PETALING JAYA: A lorry driver pleaded not guilty at the Sessions Court yesterday to a charge of causing the death of an Indian national, whose body was found in a gunny sack. S. Dorairaj, 43, and three other individuals were charged with causing the death of accounts clerk A. Vinayagamoorthy, 41, at a scrap metal yard in Taman Bukit Serdang, Seri Kembangan at 1.30pm on Aug 4. He was charged under Section 304(a) of the Penal Code, which provides a jail term of up to 30 years and a fine. Dorairaj’s lawyer Datuk Suraj Singh pleaded for bail to be granted and suggested that his passport be surrendered to the court. “The defence has no objection for the case to be jointly tried with the three (others) who have been charged as it involves the same investigation and witnesses.” Judge Faiz Dziyauddin granted bail of RM10,000 in one surety and imposed an additional condition that the accused must report to the nearest police station once a month. – Bernama Teacher cheated of RM37,000 in cat scam ALOR GAJAH: A 39-year-old teacher was cheated of RM37,750 in a Facebook advertisem*nt scam promoting the sale of a Munchkin cat. District police chief Supt Arshad Abu said in a statement the woman transferred RM300 into a bank account after deciding to purchase the pet, which was offered for sale at RM600 on Aug 23. “She was instructed to make several more payments over three days from Aug 24, which totalled RM37,750, for Wildlife and National Parks Department licensing, overseas flight costs and a cat import licence.” The woman transferred the funds, but lodged a report on Sunday upon realising that she had been cheated. “Anyone who suspects they have been duped should call the National Scam Response Centre at 997 so that action can be taken to block the money transferred.” – Bernama Audit report tampering case management tomorrow PUTRAJAYA: The Court of Appeal has fixed tomorrow for another case management on the prosecution’s appeal against the acquittal of Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak and former 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) CEO Arul Kanda Kandasamy in the 1MDB audit report tampering case. Najib’s lawyer Alaistair Brandah Norman and Datuk N. Sivananthan, representing Arul Kanda, confirmed the date. Sivananthan said the court will decide whether the matter should be fixed for case management before its deputy registrar or mentioned before a Court of Appeal panel. However, Alaistair said the defence was taking a position that the prosecution’s appeal is defective as a petition of appeal has not been filed. According to procedure, the petition is required to be filed within 10 days of receipt of the appeal records from the High Court registry. – Bernama Hadi probed over comments on 3R issue JOHOR BAHRU: Police have confirmed conducting an investigation over statements made by PAS president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang at the PAS Bakri headquarters in Muar, which are believed to have disputed the authority of the Pardons Board. State police chief Datuk Kamarul Zaman Mamat said in a statement the investigation was carried out by the Bukit Aman Classified Crime Investigation Unit under Section 4(1) of the Sedition Act 1948. He added that an offender could be fined a maximum of RM5,000, imprisoned for a maximum of three years, or both. “We advise the public not to touch on the 3Rs (royal institution, religion and race topics) to maintain peace and public order. “Action will be taken against anyone if they touch on these issues.” Abdul Hadi allegedly said during a Perikatan Nasional rally on Saturday that the way Malaysia grants pardons to offenders was not under Islamic teachings. – Bernama
6 theSUN ON TUESDAY | AUGUST 29, 2023 NEWS WITHOUT BORDERS @thesundaily FOLLOW ON TWITTER SCAN ME WASHINGTON: As the Republican race for the White House in 2024 ramps up, threats by the party’s presidential candidates to launch military strikes on Mexico’s drug cartels are being taken increasingly seriously, sparking worries on both sides of the border. In the party’s election debate last week, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis – a distant second in the polls to former president Donald Trump – said that, if elected, he would send US forces in to dismantle Mexican drug labs “on day one”. Shortly after the debate, DeSantis doubled down: “When I talk about using the military to take on the drug cartels, because they’re killing tens of thousands of our citizens, we have every right to do it.” Trump, who skipped the debate, has made some of the strongest calls for military strikes. Rolling Stone magazind reported recently that he asked advisers for military “battle plans” to unleash against Mexico if he is re-elected next year. Three other candidates, Vivek Ramaswamy, Nikki Haley and Tim Scott, have also endorsed the idea. In March, Haley – a former US ambassador to the United Nations – said that the US should address Mexican traffickers as it does the Islamic State group. “We can do that by putting special ops in there ... just like we dealt with Isis, you do the same thing with the cartels.” Foreign policy experts are warning that the calls need to be taken seriously, and that they comprise a dangerous threat to Washington’s always tenuous relationship with its crucial southern neighbour. “It’s sheer lunacy,” said former Mexican ambassador to the United States Arturo Sarukhan, now at the Brookings think tank in Washington. It is not a new idea. During his 2017 to 2021 presidency, Trump expressed interest in undertaking cross-border strikes against the cartels. But aides reportedly talked him out of it, and it was never considered a real policy option. What has changed since then has been the surge in deadly fentanyl flowing across the border from Mexico, feeding an epidemic of American drug overdose deaths. In addition, Sarukhan said Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador has curtailed cooperation with US authorities on the drug trade, illegal immigration and other issues. As a result, Republicans are calling for the kind of surgical drone strikes and nighttime raids that American forces have undertaken against militant groups in countries such as Iraq, Syria and Somalia, with few diplomatic consequences. International Crisis Group senior adviser Brian Finucane said the talk should not be dismissed as election bluster. “Such stunts in Congress and bellicosity on the campaign trail increase the likelihood that a future president may regard such an attack as a real option.” When talk of military action surged among Republicans earlier this year, Lopez Obrador called it “irresponsible” and “a lack of respect for our independence and sovereignty.” “We’re not going to allow any foreign government to intervene, much less the armed forces of a foreign government.” A unilateral attack on Mexico would not be seen in the same way as a surgical counter-terror strike on Islamic State overseas, Sarukhan said. Instead, it would see Mexico do even less to stop the flow of migrants and drugs to the US. Mexico City would also likely cut intelligence sharing in battling militants, and basic bilateral issues like watersharing pacts would be jeopardised, Sarukhan said. “It’s an act of war and it’s a violation of i n t e r n a t i o n a l law.” – AFP Moscow confirms Wagner chief’s death MOSCOW: Wagner mercenary chief Yevgeny Prigozhin was formally confirmed dead on Sunday following genetic analysis, investigators said, as anger and questions continued to mount over what caused his plane to crash earlier in the week. Speculation that the Kremlin may have been involved in the crash has been rife, with the incident coming exactly two months after Wagner staged a mutiny against Moscow’s military leadership. “Molecular-genetic examinations have been completed as part of the investigation into the plane crash in the Tver region,” said Investigative Committee spokesman Svetlana Petrenko. “According to their results, the identities of all 10 victims were established, they correspond to the list stated in the flight list.” Among the nine other people listed onboard the Embraer private jet that crashed on Wednesday was Dmitry Utkin, a shadowy figure who managed Wagner’s operations and allegedly served in Russian military intelligence. Russian officials opened an investigation into air traffic violations after the crash but have not disclosed details about a possible cause. President Vladimir Putin said on Thursday that he had known Prigozhin – once a loyal ally – since the early 1990s, describing him as a man who made mistakes but “achieved results”. His comments did little to stem mounting questions and anger over the mercenary’s chief’s death, with makeshift shrines to Prigozhin springing up across Russian cities. Video taken by AFP showed one memorial on Moscow’s Varvarka street, just outside the Kremlin, as people stood solemnly before a line of red roses and pictures of the mercenary chief. – AFP Threats of US strikes in Mexico spark worries oRepublican presidential candidates’ calls for attacks on drug cartels ‘sheer lunacy’, says former ambassador French govt sees Islamic clothing in schools as ‘political attack’ PARIS: The wearing of abaya dresses by some Muslim women in French schools is a “political attack”, the government’s spokesman said yesterday as he explained a ban announced on the clothing. Education Minister Gabriel Attal said on Sunday the long, flowing dresses that originated in the Middle East would no longer be allowed in schools when the new term begins next week because they violate secular laws. Government spokesman Olivier Veran said it was “obviously” a religious garment and “a political attack, a political sign” which he saw as an act of “proselytising” or trying to convert to Islam. “School is secular. We say it in a very calm but firm way: it is not the place for that (wearing religious clothing),” he told the BFM TV channel. Attal said yesterday that the government was clear that abaya “did not belong in schools”. “Our schools are being tested. These last few months, violations of our secular rules have considerably increased, particularly with regard to the wearing of religious clothing such as abaya or qami, which have appeared – and remained – in some establishments.” Attal’s decision to ban abaya has sparked a new debate about France’s secular rules and whether they are used to discriminate against the country’s large Muslim minority. A law of March 2004 banned “the wearing of signs or outfits by which students ostensibly show a religious affiliation” in schools. This includes large Christian crosses, Jewish kippas and Islamic headscarves. Unlike headscarves, schools had struggled to regulate the wearing of abaya which were seen as being in a grey area. The government has sided with politicians on the right and far-right who had pushed for an outright ban. But politicians on the left and many Muslims see France’s secular rules – known as laicite – as a front used by conservatives for Islamophobic policies. – AFP xx XX Zimbabwe opposition challenges election results HARARE: Zimbabwe’s opposition leader Nelson Chamisa on Sunday contested the official re-election of President Emmerson Mnangagwa and claimed victory in an election which international observers said fell short of democratic standards. Mnangagwa, 80, won a second term with 52.6% of the ballots against 44% for his main challenger, Chamisa, 45, according to official results announced on Saturday night by the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC). The opposition Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) refused to ratify the results, asserting that they were “false”. “We have won this election. We are the leaders. We are even surprised why Mnangagwa has been declared a leader,” Chamisa, a pastor who heads the CCC, told a press conference. Zimbabweans voted on Wednesday and Thursday for a president and new Parliament, in polling marred by delays that sparked opposition accusations of rigging and voter suppression. Mnangagwa challenged those who contested his re-election to go to court. “Those who feel the race was not run properly should know where to go to.” – AFP B R I E F STWO ARRESTED FOLLOWING RAILWAY HACKING IN POLAND WARSAW: Polish police on Sunday arrested two men suspected of hacking into the national railway's communications network, which destabilised traffic in some areas of the country this weekend. “The two men arrested are Polish citizens,” said Tomasz Krupa, a police spokesman in the eastern city of Bialystok where the arrests occurred. Police also seized radio equipment from the apartment where the men, aged 24 and 29, were detained. On Friday night, the radio communication network of the Polish PKP railway was hacked near the northwestern city of Szczecin leading to the issuing of several stop signals which brought to a standstill or delayed some 20 trains. – AFP HEAVY RAINS LEAVE 13 DEAD IN TAJIKISTAN DUSHANBE: At least 13 people were killed after heavy rains lashed central Tajikistan, the latest natural disaster to hit the mountainous Central Asia country, the presidency said yesterday. The deaths occurred in areas just south and east of the capital Dushanbe, where storms on Sunday had caused “mudslides, falling rocks and landslides” in around a dozen districts, said an Emergencies Ministry spokesman. “Because of the heavy rains, a natural catastrophe happened and caused the deaths of 13 people, including 11 in Vahdat and two in Rudaki district,” the office of President Emomali Rahmon said in a statement. Risks of further landslides “remain high”, the spokesman said. – AFP A mother helping her child over the barbed wire fence in Eagle Pass, Texas, after crossing into the US from Mexico. – AFPPIC
7 NEWS WITHOUT BORDERS theSUN ON TUESDAY | AUGUST 29, 2023 Taliban ban women from national park KABUL: The Taliban’s latest edict banning women from entering one of Afghanistan’s most popular national parks has sparked outrage from the international community. In a video shared on Sunday, Acting Minister of Virtue and Vice Mohammad Khaled Hanafi announced he would forbid the entry of women to the popular Band-e-Amir Park amid Afghanistan’s deteriorating track record for women’s rights. The minister argued the move, a further clampdown on the presence of women in public spaces, was because they were not observing the proper way to wear the hijab while coming to the public park. “Going sightseeing is not a must for women,” the minister can be heard saying in the video. The Taliban have taken away the essential rights of women, said Human Rights Watch director of women’s rights Heather Barr. “This latest order by the Taliban instructing women not to go to Band-e-Amir is part of a pattern where the Taliban are step by step and quickly taking away from women everything that they need for their lives. “What explanation can you think of, other than cruelty?” asked Ms Barr, while sharing a news report on the issue on X. “Taliban banned women from Band-e-Amir National Park in Afghanistan. Just when you believe the Taliban can’t go any further, they unveil a new measure underscoring their war against women’s existence,” human rights activist Omar Haidari said on X. Khaled Hanafi said security forces will be deployed by the Taliban to prevent women from entering the park. – The Independent Libyan minister suspended over talks with Israeli counterpart TRIPOLI: The leader of Libya’s government said on Sunday that he had suspended his foreign minister after her Israeli counterpart announced he had held talks with her last week in Rome. Najla al-Mangoush has been “temporarily suspended” and will be subject to an “administrative investigation” by a commission chaired by the justice minister, Prime Minister Abdulhamid Dbeibah said on Sunday evening. The Libyan Foreign Ministry described it as a “chance and unofficial encounter”, but news of the meeting had already led to street protests in several Libyan cities. The political row broke out Sunday after Israel’s Foreign Ministry said the two countries’ foreign ministers had met the previous week. The statement said Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen and his Libyan counterpart spoke at a meeting in Rome hosted by Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani. The Israeli statement described it as the first such diplomatic initiative between the two countries. But the Libyan Foreign Ministry said on Sunday evening that Najla had “refused to meet with any party” representing Israel. “What happened in Rome was a chance and unofficial encounter, during a meeting with his Italian counterpart, which did not involve any discussion, agreement or consultation,” it said in a statement. – AFP Japan summons China envoy over crank calls TOKYO: Japan summoned the Chinese ambassador yesterday to protest against a flood of nuisance calls from China to local businesses following the release of water from the f*ckushima nuclear power plant. Deputy Foreign Minister Masataka Okano told ambassador Wu Jianghao that China should properly inform the public “rather than unnecessarily raising people’s concerns by providing information that is not based on scientific evidence”, the Foreign Ministry said in a statement. Last week, China banned all seafood imports from its neighbour after Japan began releasing cooling water from the stricken f*ckushima plant in an operation that Tokyo and the UN’s nuclear watchdog have said is safe. Since then, apparently randomly chosen Japanese businesses ranging oSouth Korea president eats seafood amid concern over f*ckushima water release Eight US Marines in hospital after Australia crash CANBERRA: Eight US Marines were in hospital yesterday – one of them in intensive care – following a military aircraft crash in northern Australia that killed three of their comrades, authorities said. Twenty-three Marines were on board the Boeing MV-22B Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft when it crashed on Melville Island, north of Darwin, on Sunday morning during a military exercise for locally based troops. Northern Territory Chief Minister Natasha Fyles said eight Marines were still receiving treatment and that she wanted to “assure their families that they are getting the best care possible and we’re working to ensure they’re supported”. Authorities have launched an investigation into what caused the crash and efforts are also under way to recover the remains of the three dead Marines. An exclusion zone has been established around the crash site. Northern Territory police commissioner Michael Murphy told reporters the recovery and investigation would be “prolonged, enduring and complex”, adding that officials were expecting to be at the crash site for “at least 10 days”. “Absolutely everything” was being dedicated in terms of resources, he said. – AFP STARTING YOUNG ... Pupils wearing Hanfu clothing holding up cards with the character ren, meaning ‘person’, during an initiation ceremony to learn about traditional culture at a primary school in China’s southwest Guizhou province yesterday. – AFPPIC B R I E F STYPHOON WEAKENS AS IT NEARS TAIWAN MANILA: Tropical Storm Saola headed towards Taiwan yesterday while bringing heavy rain to the northern Philippines, cutting power to some towns and forcing the evacuation of nearly 2,000 people. With Saola forecast to make landfall over southern Taiwan late tomorrow or early on Thursday, the typhoon’s maximum winds eased to 155kph, with gusts of up to 190kph, the weather bureau said. Besides the wind, rain and power cuts, it forced nearly 2,000 people to seek shelter in evacuation centres. “Flooding and rain-induced landslides are still expected, especially in areas that are highly or very highly susceptible to these hazards,” the weather bureau said in an advisory. – Reuters IMRAN’S SEDITION CASE QUASHED ISLAMABAD: A Pakistani court yesterday quashed a sedition case against former prime minister Imran Khan, his lawyer and a court order said. Imran, 70, had been charged in March with the sedition case registered in southwestern city of Quetta, the capital of Balochistan province, on a complaint that alleged that one of his speeches amounted to sedition. Following an appeal by Imran, the Balochistan High Court said prosecutors had failed to obtain the required consent from the federal or provincial government to lodge the charges of sedition. The charges are “without lawful authority and are of no legal effect”, the court ruled, directing authorities to quash the case. – Reuters from bakeries to aquariums have received reportedly thousands of sometimes abusive crank calls from Chinese numbers. Social media users in China have posted recordings and videos of these calls, some of which have attracted tens of thousands of likes and a large number of comments. “Since the start of the discharge ... there have been numerous phone calls and other harassment regarding the discharge that are suspected of originating from China. “The situation has not improved since then,” Okano told Wu. “A number of similar incidents are also happening in China against Japan-related facilities. “This is extremely regrettable and we are deeply concerned,” he said, according to the release. According to Japanese media, there have been several incidents of stones and eggs being thrown at Japanese schools. Meanwhile, South Korea President Yoon Suk Yeol had a seafood lunch yesterday, his office said, to allay public concern over the safety of local fish products after Japan began discharging treated radioactive water from its f*ckushima nuclear plant. In South Korea, the government has said it has found no scientific or technical problems with the release, but public concern remains high over seafood and ocean contamination. During his weekly meeting with Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, Yoon had a seafood lunch. The presidential office cafeteria also had raw fish on the lunch menu for its staff, it said. “The presidential office decided to provide Korean seafood products on the lunch menu at our cafeteria every day for a week starting Monday, hoping our people consume our safe seafood products without concerns,” it said in a statement. In a July public survey by pollster Media Research, 62% of South Koreans said they would cut back or stop consuming seafood once the f*ckushima discharge goes ahead, despite government assurances that it would closely monitor the release. – Agencies
8 theSUN ON TUESDAY | AUGUST 29, 2023 SPEAK UP Preventing infant deaths I COMMEND the Health Ministry for its recent decision to include the three-in-one Tetanus-diphtheriapertussis (Tdap) vaccine into the public vaccination programme for expectant mothers. This move is essential, given the increasing incidence of pertussis cases in Malaysia, especially in Rompin and Alor Gajah. As a strong advocate for maternal immunisation, I find it reassuring that the ministry is taking such a proactive step. This initiative will help reduce the risk of vaccine-preventable diseases in newborns and promote the overall health of children across Malaysia. While there has been significant worldwide progress in reducing childhood mortality since 1990 as part of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, which aim to eradicate preventable deaths among newborns and children under five by 2030, there has been a noticeable deceleration in the improvements in survival rates since 2010, especially in neonatal mortality, which pertains to the death of a newborn within the first 28 days of life. Each day, around 6,400 newborns lose their lives, and nearly 47% of child fatalities occur among those under the age of five. In Malaysia, the neonatal mortality rate in 2021 was at 4.1 per 1,000 live births, marking an increase from the 3.9 rate observed in 2020. We need to improve the newborn survival rate, especially given that vaccine-preventable infections have been identified as significant contributors to neonatal mortality. Nevertheless, various challenges arise when it comes to safeguarding infants younger than three months of age, who are too young to receive vaccinations, especially diseases such as pertussis. Prioritising maternal immunisation To address this issue, maternal immunisation seems to be one of the most effective solutions as this approach is already widely practised in many developed countries, and is a proven method to prevent illnesses and save lives. When a mother receives vaccinations during pregnancy, she achieves dual advantages: boosting her immunity and providing protection for her unborn child. The antibodies in the mother’s body are transferred to the baby through the placenta, protecting the baby during birth and shielding the child for several months until the baby receives his vaccinations. This intervention can benefit the mother and her child. This initiative represents a significant milestone in public health by providing mothers with protection at a time when they need it most. In Malaysia, maternal Tetanus Toxoid (TT) vaccination is already part of the public programme for expectant mothers. However, we must remain vigilant and continue to enhance our strategies to address any emerging cases of vaccine-preventable diseases. Pertussis, a rising concern The World Health Organisation’s (WHO) Expanded Programme on Immunisation initially succeeded in reducing pertussis cases worldwide, but the disease is making a resurgence due to factors, such as declining immunity and instances of vaccine refusal or delay. There is a concerning prevalence of neonatal pertussis cases within Southeast Asia, especially among infants under three months, leading to mortality rates ranging from 5.6% to 14.7% in the region, and this vulnerable age group faces a higher risk of severe illnesses and requiring hospitalisation. In Malaysia, there has been a consistent rise in pertussis cases over the past two decades, with vaccine refusal rates escalating from 600 in 2013 to 1,600 in 2016. Authorities suspect higher actual incidence due to undetected or unreported cases. Pertussis presents differently in adolescents and adults compared with infants, and is often underdiagnosed. While they may be carriers of the infection, they can unknowingly transmit it to infants, leading to severe consequences. As of Aug 19, there has been a total of 329 cases of pertussis nationwide this year, resulting in 23 deaths. And 189 of these cases or 57.4%, involve infants under 12 months of age. A recent year-long study conducted across multiple hospitals revealed that a significant 89.3% of confirmed pertussis cases were observed in infants, who were either too young to be fully vaccinated or were under-vaccinated for their age. These figures indicate that childhood diseases, such as pertussis, are difficult to eliminate. It is crucial to also recognise the emotional stress and financial strain that parents and families endure when their infants become seriously ill. Timely infant vaccination to avert vaccine-preventable infectious diseases cannot be stressed enough, and maternal immunisation is an important measure to curb infections, such as pertussis. Safeguarding our infants Numerous studies have found that immunity from maternal immunisation has the most significant effect in preventing pertussis among newborns. Despite the benefits and WHO’s recommendation to consider the Tdap vaccination for pregnant women, many countries in Southeast Asia continue to recommend the TT vaccine for pregnant women or women of childbearing age. Our neighbouring country Singapore has already incorporated the Tdap vaccination into its healthcare programme for expectant mothers, and it would be prudent for us to take a similar approach. In Malaysia, a significant number of women are not receiving maternal vaccinations due to various factors, including limited awareness, vaccine hesitancy, safety apprehensions and financial constraints. Currently, the utilisation of the Tdap vaccine in Malaysia is mainly in the private healthcare and relies on individual doctors’ recommendations. I am a strong advocate of vaccinations and as of 2021, we have introduced the Tdap vaccine for expectant mothers at Hospital Al-Sultan Abdullah UiTM Puncak Alam, replacing the TT vaccine. We are the first public hospital to provide the Tdap vaccine, along with comprehensive counselling, leading to more mothers being vaccinated despite the cost of the vaccine. The confidence healthcare providers have in vaccines, their capacity to address misinformation and the availability of vaccines on-site play pivotal roles in improving vaccination rates among pregnant women in Malaysia. Therefore, I urge my peers to engage in discussions with their patients and recommend maternal immunisation to increase awareness of this life-saving measure. I appeal to the ministry to continue its efforts in strengthening the maternal immunisation initiative. Through collaboration, we can prioritise newborn health and bridge the gap in protection during a baby’s early months of life and after, thus bringing Malaysia closer to attaining the SDG targets by 2030. By uniting our efforts, we can collectively forge a healthier future for the children of our nation. The writer is a consultant of Fetomaternal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at Hospital Al-Sultan Abdullah UiTM Puncak Alam. Comments: [emailprotected] “Timely infant vaccination to avert vaccinepreventable infectious diseases cannot be stressed enough, and maternal immunisation is an important measure to curb infections, such as pertussis. Numerous studies have found that immunity from maternal immunisation has the most significant effect in preventing Pertussis among newborns. – BERNAMAPIC COMMENT by Prof Dr Jamiyah Hassan
9 SPEAK UP theSUN ON TUESDAY | AUGUST 29, 2023 Continuing Rahmah legacy vital for nation’s progress MALAYSIA is currently at a crossroads, where the preservation of Datuk Seri Salahuddin Ayub’s Rahmah legacy is pivotal in determining the course of our nation’s economic trajectory. As the nation mourns the loss of this visionary leader, the question that arises is will his legacy be continued. Discontinuing such an initiative would have adverse consequences, undermining Malaysia’s broader economic goals and depriving many low-income families of basic necessities. The responsibility for ensuring the continuity of this initiative and selecting a capable successor falls upon the rakyat and the leadership of Malaysia. The appointed person will wield the power to either propel or halt this legacy. The question that the rakyat and our leaders must grapple with is: What future do we envision for Malaysia, and who embodies the values and vision to guide us there? We must be vigilant in assessing potential candidates for this role by conducting thorough research and examining candidates’ track records, ideologies and proposed strategies in continuing the Rahmah initiatives. The chosen successor must possess the capacity to navigate our country’s evolving landscape, from technological advancements to economic shifts, while preserving the core values of compassion and social justice behind the Rahmah ideology. Transparency in the implementation of the Rahmah programmes is vital to help build the people’s trust and support. The successor must prioritise improving delivery methods and streamlining cooperation with retail industry players. Adopting technology can increase supply chain efficiency and reduce operational costs while making essential items even more accessible. Furthermore, the initiative can be strengthened by leveraging data-driven insights to refine targetting strategies, ensuring that aid reaches those who need it most while minimising wastage. It is important to improve the initiative’s messaging, communication and awareness efforts. In this rapidly evolving digital era, embracing technology is crucial for expanding the impact of the Rahmah initiatives. Digital platforms can enable beneficiaries to access information and services more easily, thus creating opportunities for financial inclusion. To effectively reach low-income households in rural areas or those with limited access to the internet and phones, utilising community centres, local gatherings and organising mobile outreach campaigns in villages can bridge the gap and ensure that the B40 population is well informed about the available products and services. Nurturing this legacy is not just a tribute to his memory but also an investment in Malaysia’s future economic growth and social progress. Rahmah was built upon compassion and embodies Malaysia’s potential to become a model for positive societal change. It is a pledge to honour the past, empower the present and pave the way for a future that is progressive and in line with the ideals that define Malaysia’s spirit. Hence, choosing the right candidate is of utmost importance. The writer is a strategic communicator in the cutting-edge technology industry in the public sector. Comments: [emailprotected] COMMENT by Ashraff Hussni Are we smart enough for smart cities? S MART cities are becoming a reality rather than a concept, and integrating technology into everyday infrastructure has become a norm. They present local authorities with a vast number of opportunities, including data-driven decision-making, enhanced engagement between citizens and the government and a reduced environmental footprint. As with any new technology, there are risks to consider when developing smart cities. One of the biggest threats is their vulnerability to cyberattacks. This is because using large and connected networks will give cybercriminals more entry points and the perfect opportunity to jump from one exposed system to the next. While we should not let fear get in the way of innovation, it is essential that we adequately prepare ourselves with robust security protocols. Challenges facing smart cities Smart cities face unique challenges when it comes to cyber security. Networks are used by public and private entities, individuals and thousands of IoT (Internet of Things) devices each day. The massive amount of data exchanged across these networks require a stringent security strategy. Some of the main challenges include: 0 Connected devices: A multitude of IoT devices that control everything from CCTV and traffic light management to organisations’ personal and financial data can be connected to a network at any one time. In theory, this sounds ideal for seamless communication and management, but in practice, they offer hackers thousands of potential entry points to launch an attack. 0 Automation of infrastructure operations: Automation offers numerous advantages across various functions within smart cities, reducing the need for direct human control over such operational systems. However, the proliferation of sensors can result in a greater number of connections to oversee and regulate. These connections can become vulnerable points susceptible to compromise. 0 Sub-standard data management processes: Data is at the heart of any smart city and is critical to everyday operations. However, many lack the correct processes to ensure this information is managed safely and securely. If a database is not policed correctly, it can be simple for hackers to target, which can lead to sensitive data being leaked, stolen or compromised. 0 Risks from ICT supply chain and vendors: We know the risks posed by supply chains and third parties. These were particularly evident during the recent zero-day vulnerability found in file transfer software MOVEit, which was subsequently exploited as part of a large-scale ransomware attack. Hackers continue to attack the weakest links, making smart infrastructure systems an appealing and lucrative target for them. To combat this, we need to adopt and adhere to secure-by-design and default practices to minimise these risks. 0 Outdated technology: Many cities have infrastructure and networks built on outdated technology, which leaves them susceptible to cyberattacks. Ensure systems are up to date with the latest software updates and security patches. Technology is central to the success of any smart city, and having resilient systems is a priority. 0 Inefficient security: Being linked directly to outdated technology, having inefficient security protocols in place can expose smart cities to malicious threats. This can leave individuals and organisations vulnerable to data breaches, identity theft and loss of sensitive information. Protecting existing infrastructure with robust security measures can prevent a potentially disastrous breach. How do we ensure that the safety, security and privacy of those who live and work in smart cities are not compromised? Build cyber resilience Research indicates that by 2024, the number of wide-area network smart city connections is projected to surpass 1.3 billion. The level of complexity within these digital infrastructures is only increasing, which means any digital services implemented by a government or organisation are vulnerable to cyberattacks. To realise their potential, smart cities need to find an effective balance between managing risk and enabling growth. Building resilience to protect a smart city against these attacks is key. The starting point should be developing a cyber security strategy that maps out the broader objective of the smart city. This will help mitigate risks arising from the interconnectedness of processes and systems. Part of any effective strategy should be to assess current data, systems and cyber defences to help give an idea of the current posture and quality of infrastructure. Creating a formal relationship between cyber security personnel and those in governance of data is also vital. This will create an agreed approach to cyber security between all parties. This means all stakeholders should work together to ensure that data that is being exchanged is secure across the networks. The policies put in place will mature alongside a city’s cyber strategy and add transparency to processes. Finally, building strategic partnerships to help address the cyber security skills shortage is key to any successful security strategy. This is a good way to develop skills and increase the knowledge base, which in turn will bolster the overall security posture and resilience. Get smart and be proactive Smart city technologies need to adopt a proactive methodology to ensure cyber security risks are at the forefront of the planning and design of technologies. Being “secure by design” is strongly recommended as a defence-in-depth approach. There may be some legacy infrastructure connecting to the smart infrastructure, and this may require a redesign to make secure connectivity and integration possible. Hackers will continue to exploit vulnerabilities. An overwhelming number of cyberattacks against businesses can be avoided if supply chains and third-party security are taken seriously. Attackers are quick to exploit vulnerabilities in well-known products. Invest in resources to help combat the everyday struggle of security patches and updates. Operational resilience is the cornerstone of smart city technology implementation. To make sure organisations are well prepared, contingencies should be put in place for different types of incidents, which can have operational impact or cause disruption. Autonomous functionality and isolation tools should exist to help minimise disruption. Risk, privacy and legality all play an important role in smart cities, making sure data that is collected, stored and processed are in accordance with regulations. Leaders, developers and business owners think that securing cyber risk within their smart city is a one-time objective. However, it is an ongoing and evolving process that can make a difference between a major breach or major growth. The writer is the lead security engineer at Check Point Software Technologies. Comments: [emailprotected] Research indicates that by 2024, the number of network connections is projected to surpass 1.3 billion. – REUTERSPIC COMMENT by Muhammad Yahya Patel “One of the biggest threats is smart cities’ vulnerability to cyberattacks. This is because using large and connected networks gives cybercriminals more entry points and the perfect opportunity to jump from one exposed system to the next.
10 HEALTH & WELLNESS theSun LYFE ON TUESDAY | AUGUST 29, 2023 Salt, stress & stroke: A lethal combination MANY Malaysians are unaware of the impact of salt in their diet. The British Heart Foundation in their “Heart Matters” magazine believes that salt could be sabotaging your health due to its high sodium content. It consists of 40% sodium and 60% chloride but the sodium content, if not managed carefully in our diets could lead to health complications. Salt is needed by the body but not much. Currently, the recommended salt intake for adults is less than 6gm a day but more is consumed daily, people regularly consume 9gm, not realising the increased risk of heart attacks, strokes and vascular dementia. Cardiovascular Institute of Northwest Florida cardiologist Dr Bussie Evans believes more can be done to bring down the level of salt consumed. “Ideally, home-cooked food instead of packaged and tinned food can make a huge effect in salt consumption. And when cooking at home, avoid salt and instead use herbs and spices for flavour, instead of salt. “Also, for example soy sauce and barbecue sauce can really add on sodium intake to the body and people are advised to read the level of sodium or salt in the food labels,” he said. Another side effect of high salt consumption is its effect on stress, as studies by the University of Edinburgh have shown that high salt content in the body elevates stress levels, and more research needs to be carried out to see the co-relation between salt and stress levels in the body. Salt and stress are a dangerous combination for those with hypertension (high blood pressure). To check on one’s blood pressure and heart health, a regular monitoring system has to be put in place, not only at clinics and hospitals but at home. Did you know that a simple habit of regular home blood pressure monitoring can significantly reduce your risk for stroke by 54%? Regular checking can reveal abnormalities, as the normal reading is 120/80, but to ensure accuracy, blood pressure can be taken at regular intervals, using a good blood pressure monitor and OMRON Healthcare’s Japan-imported blood pressure monitors are clinically validated and meet the highest standards of precision and reliability. OMRON Healthcare sets the standard as its range of connected devices also linked with the OMRON Connect mobile app, which automatically records and keeps track of blood pressure readings anytime, anywhere. These readings help with monitoring trends and changes, giving valuable insights about your blood pressure, and can be programmed to give reminders for medication times as well. One’s health data can easily be uploaded, stored and shared with loved ones and doctors, ensuring that you will always have the information you need at your fingertips. In return for the trust placed in OMRON, the HealthGift digital rewards programmes awards points (collected in the form of HealthCoins) for health prevention activities such as the regular measuring of one’s blood pressure. These HealthCoins can then be redeemed for vouchers such as Shell, Touch ’n Go, Family Mart and much more. Additionally, HealthGift users can also participate in the monthly or quarterly bidding to win exciting prizes such as Dyson home appliances, iPads and more! Thus, through regular monitoring OMRON aims to build a community of health conscious individuals, so action can be taken at the right time for those with heart conditions and other related heart conditions. Registered under Act 737 Medical device registration no: HEM-7142T1 (GB7742021-80178) Advertisem*nt Approval No: MDAMD 009/2022. █ BYDHARSHINI GANESON [emailprotected] Daily monitoring of blood pressure is a good habit and saves lives. oSodium content in our diet must be managed carefully to avoid health complications Olive oil is packed with health benefits FROM acne to itching, dryness and wrinkles, olive oil is known to be great for the skin, but it’s also brimming with health benefits. A staple of the Mediterranean and Cretan diets, olive oil is the subject of one scientific study after another, highlighting its positive effects on the brain, the heart and on longevity. All the more reason to include it in your diet. With antioxidants, monounsaturated fatty acids, vitamins and minerals, the composition of olive oil – although it may vary according to climate or olive variety – is rich in (mostly) health-promoting fats, according to the latest scientific research on the subject. While you don’t have to eat it morning, noon and night, olive oil is well worth including in a healthy diet, not only to help maintain heart and brain health but also to combat premature death. Here are three good reasons to make olive oil part of your daily diet. Reducing the risk of dementia Presented at Nutrition 2023, the annual meeting of the American Society for Nutrition, a new study highlights the virtues of olive oil for brain health. After analysing dietary questionnaires and the death records of more than 90,000 Americans over three decades, researchers suggested that consuming more than half a tablespoon of olive oil daily was associated with a 28% lower risk of fatal dementia, compared with little or no consumption. More than 55 million people worldwide suffer from dementia, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO). “Our study reinforces dietary guidelines recommending vegetable oils such as olive oil and suggests that these recommendations not only support heart health but potentially brain health, as well. “Opting for olive oil, a natural product, instead of fats such as margarine and commercial mayonnaise is a safe choice and may reduce the risk of fatal dementia,” said Anne-Julie Tessier, a postdoctoral fellow at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. The scientist points out, however, that this is observational research, which does not prove that olive oil is directly responsible for reducing the risk of fatal dementia. Still, the findings do lend weight to the idea that olive oil can help support a healthy diet. Preserving heart health Olive oil may be beneficial in protecting the heart from certain diseases, according to a study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology in 2022, which approaches the subject from a slightly different angle. More than 60,000 women and over 31,000 men free of cardiovascular disease at the start of the research were followed for 28 years, with a questionnaire on their diet every four years. The study showed that consumption of more than – again equivalent to more than half a tablespoon – was associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular mortality (-19%), cancer mortality (-17%), and Olive oil is beneficial to health and may even reduce the risk of dementia, according to several scientific studies. also of mortality from neurodegenerative disease (-29%), compared with occasional or no consumption. “Our findings support current dietary recommendations to increase the intake of olive oil and other unsaturated vegetable oils,” said the study’s lead author Marta Guasch-Ferre of Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. “Clinicians should be counselling patients to replace certain fats, such as margarine and butter, with olive oil to improve their health,” she said. The research also found that people who consumed more olive oil were more likely to be physically active, less likely to smoke, and ate more fruit and vegetables. Supporting longevity The same study came to the conclusion that a high consumption of olive oil – meaning more than half a tablespoon a day – could help people live longer. This may be especially true if the olive oil in question replaces other forms of fat. In conclusion to their research, the scientists point out that olive oil’s anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties could make a major contribution to maintaining good health.
KLCI 1,444.06 24.27 STI 3,213.68 23.80 HANG SENG 18,130.74 174.36 SCI 3,098.64 34.56 NIKKEI 32,169.99 0.35 TSEC 16,509.26 27.68 KOSPI 2,543.41 S&P/ASX200 7,159.80 44.60 TUESDAY AUGUST 29, 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 August 28, 2023 STOCK VOL CLSG (sen) +/– (sen) EKOVEST 18,884,400 49.5 +4.0 RGB 13,945,300 31.0 -5.0 IWCITY 11,475,500 66.0 +6.5 HSI-CRN 10,435,700 20.0 +1.5 UEMS 97,910,400 71.5 +4.5 EXCHANGERATES AUGUST 28, 2023 Foreign currency Bank sell Bank buy Bank buy TT/OD TT OD 1 US DOLLAR 4.7160 4.5830 4.5750 1 AUSTRALIAN DOLLAR 3.0390 2.9180 2.9080 1 BRUNEI DOLLAR 3.4730 3.3730 3.3690 1 CANADIAN DOLLAR 3.4590 3.3660 3.3670 1 EURO 5.0930 4.9270 4.9220 1 NEW ZEALAND DOLLAR 2.7950 2.6910 2.6870 1 SINGAPORE DOLLAR 3.4730 3.3730 3.3690 1 STERLING POUND 5.9500 5.7660 5.7350 1 SWISS FRANC 5.3220 5.2010 5.1740 100 UAE DIRHAM 129.7100 122.9500 123.1400 100 BANGLADESH TAKA 4.3760 4.1040 3.9170 100 CHINESE RENMINBI 65.0400 62.2700 N/A 100 HONGKONG DOLLAR 60.6700 57.6400 57.6400 100 INDIAN RUPEE 5.7900 5.4300 5.2600 100 INDONESIAN RUPIAH 0.0319 0.0288 0.0240 100 JAPANESE YEN 3.2250 3.1240 3.1250 100 NEW TAIWAN DOLLAR 15.9000 N/A N/A 100 PAKISTAN RUPEE 1.5900 1.4800 1.2800 100 PHILIPPINE PESO 8.4400 7.9500 7.7600 100 QATAR RIYAL 130.6100 123.9900 124.1400 100 SAUDI RIYAL 126.9900 120.5600 120.6100 100 THAI BAHT 14.0100 12.4300 12.0800 Source: Malayan Banking Berhad/Bernama KL MARKET SUMMARY August 28, 2023 INDICES CHANGE FBMEMAS 10,681.50 +19.25 FBMKLCI 1,444.06 -0.35 CONSUMER PRODUCTS 557.16 -1.42 INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTS 170.90 +1.87 CONSTRUCTION 180.76 +4.51 FINANCIAL SERVICES 16,191.40 +0.80 ENERGY 836.77 +12.62 TELECOMMUNICATIONS 587.32 +2.98 HEALTH CARE 1,686.77 +11.30 TRANSPORTATION 931.69 +0.25 PROPERTY 852.98 +30.93 PLANTATION 6,949.08 -9.75 FBMSHA 10,918.00 +29.07 FBMACE 5,238.47 -36.40 TECHNOLOGY 62.58 -0.61 TURNOVER VALUE 4.462 BIL RM2.848 BIL 5 TOP GAINERS August 28, 2023 STOCK VOL CLSG (RM) +/– RM DLADY 23,000 22.02 +0.52 AYER 2,800 7.39 +0.39 HAPSENG 7,092,900 3.88 +0.22 AJI 21,200 16.30 +0.20 MSM 19,446,000 1.32 +0.20 5 TOP LOSERS August 28, 2023 STOCK VOL CLSG (RM) +/– RM ALLIANZ-PA 1,200 16.12 -1.16 BKAWAN 25,700 20.30 -0.54 RAPID 117,500 23.04 -0.46 MPI 118,200 26.30 -0.42 HARISON 62,600 8.02 -0.36 First gas production achieved at Timi field off Sarawak coast KUALA LUMPUR: Timi field in Block SK318, located approximately 200km off the coast of Sarawak, offshore Malaysia has achieved its first gas production on Aug 22, according to Petronas. Block SK318 is operated by Sarawak Shell Bhd with a 75% participating interest, in partnership with Petronas Carigali Sdn Bhd and Brunei Energy Exploration at 15% and 10% participating interests, respectively. Timi field development comprises a new wellhead fixed platform connected to the F23 production hub via an 80km pipeline. Installed in water depths of about 143m, it is Malaysia’s deepest fixed platform to date. Both the topside and substructure were fabricated locally, designed to be unmanned and powered by a solar and wind hybrid power energy system. Petronas senior vice-president of Malaysia Petroleum Management, Mohamed Firouz Asnan said that Shell was able to optimise the development of Timi, a platform capable of producing up to 300 million standard cubic ft per day using less than 5kW of continuous power generation. Country Garden: US$100b Malaysia project on track KUALA LUMPUR: Embattled Chinese developer Country Garden said yesterday its US$100 billion (RM464 billion) project in Malaysia was proceeding as planned and it had sufficient assets, despite concerns over its financial strength. The comment by China’s largest private developer came after it missed two dollar coupon payments this month totalling US$22.5 million, fuelling fears that the country’s property debt crisis could hamper a broader economic recovery and spill overseas. “Our company’s projects in Malaysia are operating normally and the sales performance is strong,” the developer’s Singapore and Malaysia unit said in a statement, adding that its overall operation in the region was “safe and stable.” “Various debt management measures are considered to actively resolve the pressure of periodic liquidity, to ensure the company’s long-term future development,” it added, without elaborating. oChinese developer of Forest City in Johor says it has sufficient assets Govt to work with all parties in renewable energy to ensure systematic transition KUALA LUMPUR: The government hopes to work closely with all parties in the renewable energy (RE) industry to ensure a just and systematic transition, considering the energy trilemma of affordability, security and sustainability. Natural Resources, Environment and Climate Change Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad said a new investment of approximately RM637 billion up until 2050 in RE is required, which includes investments in RE generation sources, strengthening of grid infrastructure including transmission lines enhancement, energy storage systems integration and grid system network operation augmentation. He said a robust and flexible grid is critical as the intended ramping up of RE will be very much solar-based. “Taking into account the Malaysia Energy Transition Outlook (Meto) report, the government has announced an enhanced commitment to undertake an aspirational low-carbon energy pathway to accelerate our RE deployment in the power sector to 70%, or 55 gigawatts (GW) by 2050, compared to the current level of 25%, or 10GW, and the existing target of 40% in 2050. “This is part of the commitment I made during the unveiling of Meto, in which I had pledged to put comprehensive, competitive, and aspirational power generation and supply planning policies in place,” he said in his keynote address at the Energy Transition Conference 2023 powered by Tenaga Nasional Bhd yesterday. This, he said, enables Malaysia to decarbonise and leverage its competitive advantage to draw in high-value yet environmentally-friendly investment that is sustainable and energy-centric. Nik Nazmi said the government has also decided to allow cross-border trade of RE as a two pronged-strategy for Malaysia to capitalise and explore new higher-value RE demand in neighbouring countries, which will enable Malaysia to offer and enjoy greater grid flexibility with higher RE integration under the Asean Power Grid (APG) initiative. “Certainly, the APG is a goal worth pursuing. As a multilateral undertaking, its achievement would result in a totally integrated Southeast Asian power grid. It would promote interconnectivity across the ten Asean member states with our combined population of more than 670 million and counting, allowing crossborder electricity trade across the region. “The government invites all interested energy players, especially our local energy companies such as Telekom Nasional Bhd, to continue and facilitate the discovery of new and renewable sources of energy across the nation and our borders,” he said. He said cross-border RE trading will be part of Malaysia’s contribution to the creation of the APG and, one would argue, towards strengthening Asean integration as a whole. – Bernama 545.71 Country Garden is building its largest overseas development, the massive Forest City project, across four reclaimed islands in Johor, bordering the wealthy city state of Singapore. Beset by challenges since its 2016 launch, the project, now home to about 9,000 people, saw demand fall sharply following China’s move to stem capital outflows and the Covid-19 pandemic. Malaysians have also expressed concern at the prospect of a housing glut and environmental damage from a huge land reclamation effort. The project aims to house 700,000 people by 2035 in a development that includes office towers, malls and schools, besides residential buildings. The company statement comes after Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the project would be designated a “special financial zone” to attract investment, and help cut the cost of doing business there. Among the new incentives offered are a special income tax rate of 15% for skilled workers and multiple entry visas, Anwar said in a statement on Friday. RHB analyst Loong Kok Wen said the new designation would attract companies and residents from Singapore, where costs are considerably higher. “This move should help to revitalise the Forest City township, which has received lots of negative publicity over the last few years,” the analyst said. Malaysia’s incentives should be “very positive” for Country Garden, said Steven Leung, Hong Kong-based director of UOB Kay Hian. The Chinese developer said the incentives from Anwar’s government showed its confidence in the project, which was now in a second phase of development focused on exploring more investment opportunities. Forest City is a joint venture with Esplanade Danga 88, a private Malaysian company backed by the Johor government and the sultan of the state. – Reuters Participation 29.6 45.6 24.8 100.0 Retail Institutions Foreign Bought RM m 817.4 1319.8 710.7 2847.9 Sold RM m 869.6 1279.8 698.5 2847.9 Net RM m -52.2 40.0 12.2 0 % Preliminary stats (excluding trade amendments). For final data, please refer to www.bursamalaysia.com Source: Bursa Malaysia A Participating Organisation of Bursa Malaysia Securities Berhad A Trading Participant of Bursa Malaysia Derivatives Berhad S E C U R I T I E S S D N. B H D. 197201001092 (12738-U) 28/8/2023
12 theSUN ON TUESDAY | AUGUST 29, 2023 SUNBIZ /theSunMedia FOLLOW ON YOUTUBE SCAN ME Everplast Machinery, 3S Silicon Tech unveil their finest products KUALA LUMPUR: The Taiwan Excellence, recognised as the industrial Oscar award of Taiwanese products, set up the Taiwan Excellence Pavilion within the Taiwan Expo 2023 in Malaysia. The pavilion showcased nearly 60 innovative products from 33 brands, highlighting the prowess in highquality manufacturing that Madein-Taiwan (MIT) brings to the table. One of the Taiwan Excellence companies is Everplast Machinery Co Ltd introducing its Cement Extrusion 3D Printer at the Expo. Everplast vice-general manager Denny Huang told SunBiz that this Huang: The 3D printer offers a sustainable and eco-friendly approach to building structures. oMade-in-Taiwan, the mark of innovative and high-quality manufacturing, makes presence felt at Taiwan Expo 2023 in Malaysia █ BY HAYATUN RAZAK [emailprotected] Liu: The formic acid vacuum reflow oven makes electronics manufacturing faster, cheaper, safer, and better for the environment. 3D printer offers a sustainable and eco-friendly approach to building structures. “This 3D printer brings a sustainable and eco-friendly revolution to the construction industry. In addition, the feature of this model is that it is small, making it suitable for labs and producing small objects. It is easy to assemble, disassemble, use and clean,” he said. The printer’s versatility in working with diverse cement formulations including recycled materials, addresses waste reduction and ecological concerns. “We can also add waste material like oyster shells. Our ongoing tests encompass an array of waste materials such as green clay, waste Another Taiwan Excellence company, 3S Silicon Tech, is revolutionising electronics production with its Formic Acid Vacuum Reflow Oven. Formic acid vacuum reflow oven is a soldering and semiconductor component packaging machine. 3S Silicon Tech Inc sales and marketing director Eason Liu told SunBiz that this machine makes electronics manufacturing faster, cheaper, safer, and better for the environment, while creating highquality parts. “Because we are the only one in Asia making formic acid solution, we have the chance to cooperate with the world’s top manufacturers such as Infineon in Malacca. We are now co-operating with them for a new automation production platform for their next generation IGBT device. We’re also in the process of offering a similar solution to other customers who have similar needs as Infineon. Our aim is to partner with Malaysian companies and share our production expertise to help them achieve successful outcomes,” he shared. paper pulp, waste slag, waste gypsum board, and more, where we can help environmental causes,” he said. IOI Properties reports RM1.39b net profit for FY23, declares 5 sen dividend KUALA LUMPUR: IOI Properties Group Bhd posted a higher net profit of RM1.39 billion for its financial year ended June 30, 2023, compared with RM686.73 million posted a year earlier amid improvement in its property investment portfolio. Revenue for the year was almost flat with RM2.593 billion versus RM2.59 billion a year ago. “Though revenue in the property development segment has declined by 11%, the contraction is offset by the impressive performance observed in the property investment segment which improved by 35%.” “On a backdrop of recovering tourism related activities, the hospitality and leisure segment increased 85% against the preceding year,” it said in a statement yesterday. It has declared a dividend of 5 sen for 2023 financial year. For the fourth quarter, however, net profit slipped to RM235.37 million versus RM292.48 in the preceding year’s corresponding quarter. Revenue was also lower at RM666.46 million against RM715.94 million. For financial year 2023, IOI Properties said the property development segment achieved sales with contracts exchanged of RM1.96 billion. Local projects contributed RM1.67 billion, which is 85% of the total sales, while overseas projects from China and Singapore contributed the remaining 15% at RM290.4 million. In Malaysia, the sales secured were largely from the Klang Valley region at RM854.1 million, led by its integrated development at IOI Resort City in Putrajaya and its matured township at Bandar Puteri Puchong, Selangor. Johor continues to outperform with a sales contribution of RM772.0 million. For 2024 financial year, the property developer said it has planned a versatile range of product offerings spread across its established townships. Mid-priced residential and commercial units will be launched in 16 Sierra, Bandar Puteri Puchong, Bandar Puchong Jaya, Warisan Puteri, Bandar Puteri Bangi and industrial lots will be offered in the rebranded IOI Industrial Park at Banting in the Klang Valley. “Over in Johor, capitalising on the strong demand, launches will be focused in Bandar Putra Kulai followed by launches at the townships of Bandar IOI Segamat, Taman Kempas Utama and our industrial park at iSynergy in Senai.” – Bernama EP Manufacturing stages turnaround in Q2, continues sustainable mobility journey KUALA LUMPUR: Main Marketlisted EP Manufacturing Bhd (EPMB) reported a net profit of RM13.32 million in the quarter ended June 30, 2023 (Q2’23). EPMB’s net profit for the quarter was a turnaround from a net loss of RM1.73 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2022 (Q2’22), underpinned by a RM13.6 million disposal gain from the divestment of properties belonging to the group in Glenmarie, Shah Alam. Loss before taxation from operations for the current quarter was RM0.1 million as compared to profit before taxation from operations of RM3.6 million in the preceding quarter, mainly due to decrease in sales and allowances for doubtful debts of RM1.4 million recognised in the current quarter. Excluding the disposal gain, EPMB reported an RM0.1 million loss before taxation (LBT) from operations, a 93.8% decline from the RM1.6 million LBT from operations in Q2 FY22. This improved performance was mainly driven by a 28.1% y-o-y rise in revenue to RM137.86 million, up from RM107.63 million in the yearago period. EPMB group CEO Ahmad Razlan Mohamed said, “We are pleased to report another quarter of sustained momentum in our business, as the group reported higher revenue of RM137.86 million as compared to RM107.63 million in the proceeding year’s corresponding quarter. “The revenue higher by RM30.23 million was mainly due to increase in sales of automotive parts which resulted from high backlogged orders for new vehicles. “Our net loss from operations narrowed significantly in Q2’23 as compared to Q2’22, a strong result despite the allowance we made for doubtful debts on our balance sheet. This decision to write down the value of these assets reflects our prudent and conservative approach towards risk management, even as we continue to execute on our transformation plans which include being a sustainable mobility player.” The LBT from operations was mainly due to an allowance for doubtful debts, as well as the incurring of additional operational expenditure for the Tanjung Malim plant, ahead of its start-of-production in September. Revenue in Q2’23 was down 9.4% from RM152.12 million in the previous quarter. Sales were lower as the Hari Raya holidays resulted in a shortened working period for the quarter under review. Oppstar registers higher revenue, earnings for first quarter KUALA LUMPUR: Oppstar Bhd, an integrated circuit (IC) design service provider, in announcing its results for the first quarter of the financial year ending March 31, 2024 (Q1’24) delivered revenue and profit before tax (PBT) of RM15.7 million and RM6.8 million, marking a growth of 8.3% and 1.3% respectively as compared to Q4’23. The profit after tax and minority interest (Patami) was RM5.3 million, giving a margin of 33.8%. The Q1’24 revenue growth was primarily attributed to the turnkey design services, which itself recorded a 9% revenue growth as compared to Q4’23. This segment accounted for 70.1% of the group’s total revenue. The PBT margin was impacted by higher staff costs and overseas marketing activities in preparation for future projects. More recently, Oppstar entered into a memorandum of understanding with Chen Junhua and Shenzhen City Yixin Investment (Limited Partnership). Together, the parties formed the holding company, Shanghai Longhuixin Integrated Circuit Group Co Ltd (Longhuixin) which was incorporated in China on Aug 15. Oppstar executive director/CEO Ng Meng Thai said the group is actively exploring new business opportunities with current and potential partners in existing and new markets. He said it is also venturing into developing products and licensable intellectual properties which could provide it with recurring income streams.
13 SUNBIZ theSUN ON TUESDAY | AUGUST 29, 2023 PETALING JAYA: Sime Darby Property Bhd registered revenue of RM1.4 billion for the six months ended June 30, 2023 (H1’23), a 25% increase from the RM1.1 billion posted in the same period a year ago. The group’s gross profit margin of 28% exceeded expectations, with profit before tax (PBT) at RM212.2 million, and profit after tax and minority interest (Patami) at RM131.7 million, reflective of the more competitive and dynamic market environment. Fuelled by the progress of its on-going projects, the group registered a higher revenue at RM688.9 million compared with the preceding quarter. PBT improved 17% quarter-on-quarter (q-o-q) to RM114.3 million while Patami increased 17% to RM71.1 million. Capitalising on market opportunities, the group’s sales totalled RM1.5 billion, which represents 65% of its RM2.3 billion target for financial year 2023. The industrial segment was the key contributor with 40% or RM597 million of total sales achieved in the first half of FY23. Sime Darby Property group managing director Datuk Azmir Merican (pic) said: “In the face of current market dynamics, our strategy is rooted in understanding market nuances and consumer demand. This has allowed us to pivot effectively and capitalise on areas of growth while maintaining consistency in our offerings. This balance has been crucial for our continued sales and operational growth trajectory in H1 FY2023.” Further to its operational excellence, the group won 33 awards in H1’23, with two at the 2023 FIABCI World Prix d’Excellence Awards held in the United States – for its City of Elmina and Cantara Residences On Aug 21, Sime Darby Property completed its second issuance under its Sukuk Musharakah Programme with a nominal value of RM600 million. The issuance attracted attention from a diverse group of fixed-income and high-calibre investors, reaching an oversubscription of more than eight times and accumulating an order book valued at over RM4.8 billion. The property development segment registered 27% y-o-y revenue growth, reaching RM1.3 billion compared with RM1 billion last year. During the first half of FY23, the group unveiled new projects valued at RM2.1 billion, which represents 70% of its full-year launch target of RM3 billion. The offerings were diversified to meet market needs: 49% residential landed, 30% residential high-rise, 18% industrial and 3% commercial. The group posted higher unbilled sales of RM3.8 billion as at June 30, versus RM3.6 billion as at Dec 31, 2022, ensuring revenue visibility for the next three years. Bookings stood at RM1.9 billion on Aug 6. Sime Darby Property declared a first interim dividend of 1 sen per share for the financial year ending Dec 31, 2023 amounting to a payout of RM68 million. Confident that the strong momentum seen in the first half of 2023 will continue into the second half of the year, the group has revised its sales target of RM2.3 billion to RM2.7 billion and the GDV launch target of RM3 billion to RM4 billion. “Given the positive outlook, we believe that we are well positioned to capitalise on the resilient market demand, which also presents us with an opportunity to maximise our property development growth over the coming years. We are optimistic in our ability to achieve our goals for the year and subsequently strive towards maximising shareholders’ value,” Azmir said. Mah Sing Q2 earnings rise to RM50.48m, aided by higher sales KUALA LUMPUR: Mah Sing Group Bhd’s net profit rose to RM50.48 million for the second quarter ended June 30, 2023 (Q2’23) from RM43.04 million in the same period last year, driven by higher property sales and progressive revenue recognition from ongoing construction progress. Revenue was 18.85% higher at RM644.22 million from RM542.01 million previously. For the cumulative six months ended June 30, 2023, the property company’s net profit surged to RM100.53 million from RM86.21 million previously, while revenue was stronger at RM1.29 billion from RM975.24 million. “The group’s balance sheet remains healthy with cash and bank balances and investment in short-term funds of approximately RM929.7 million as of June 30, 2023,” it said in a filing with Bursa Malaysia yesterday. On its property segment, Mah Sing said for the period ended June 30, 2023, its operating profit rose 20.1% year-on-year to RM177.9 million on the back of higher revenue of RM1.04 billion. “The group’s property sales for the first half of 2023 increased 20% to RM1.2 billion as compared with RM1.0 billion in the same period last year,” it said. On its manufacturing segment, Mah Sing said revenue grew by 2.1% to RM218.7 million in the period ended June 30, 2023, versus RM214 million in the same quarter last year, with operating loss narrowing by 12.7% to RM7.8 million compared with RM9 million in the preceding year’s corresponding period. Moving forward, the group expects strong financial performance for financial year 2023, in view of strong sales performance and significant volume of construction progress or property completions. In a separate statement, Mah Sing said it is on track to achieve its 2023 sales target of RM2.2 billion, supported by strong sales momentum and new launches in the first half of 2023. – Bernama Sime Darby Property’s H1 revenue jumps to RM1.4b Malaysia’s terms of trade improve month-on-month in July KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia’s terms of trade increased 0.6% month-on-month to 111 points in July, according to the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DoSM). Chief Statistician Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Uzir Mahidin said export prices in July declined by 0.1% to 141.6 points from June, led by the decrease in the indices of animal and vegetable oils and fats by 4.2%, chemicals (0.6%) and mineral fuels (0.2%). “In addition, the export volume index fell by 5.7% in the same month, in line with the decrease in the indices of mineral fuels (13.9%), machinery and transport equipment (7.5%) and manufactured goods (7.2%),” he said in a statement yesterday. Mohd Uzir said the seasonally adjusted export volume index declined 1.3% to 155.7 points from 157.7 points previously. On an annual comparison, the unit value and the volume indices decreased by 6.5% and 7% respectively. Mohd Uzir said import prices fell 0.7% to 127.6 points in July compared with the month before. He said the unit value index contracted by 0.7% last month, attributed to the decrease in the indices for machinery and transport equipment (2%), animal and vegetable oils and fats (0.7%) and chemicals (0.3%). The import volume index rose 2% in July compared with June, contributed by increases in the indices for machinery and transport equipment (7.8%), miscellaneous manufactured articles (6.9%) and manufactured goods (5%). “In addition, Malaysia’s terms of trade increased by 0.6% month-on-month to 111 points in July 2023, driven by the rise in the index of machinery and transport equipment (2.7%), miscellaneous manufactured articles (1.1%) and inedible crude materials (0.8%). “However, Malaysia’s terms of trade shrank by 1% year-on-year from 112.2 points in July of the previous year,” he added. – Bernama foodpanda enhances insurance protection for delivery partners, their families KUALA LUMPUR: Foodpanda Malaysia, the food delivery platform, will extend insurance coverage for accident protection to its riders and their families outside their working hours. Foodpanda Protect+ is an accident insurance top-up scheme that provides roundthe-clock, double protection for foodpanda delivery partners and their next of kin. Developed in partnership with InsurTech firm PolicyStreet, the affordable scheme provides an additional 24-hour worldwide coverage against death, disablement and hospitalisation caused by accident from only RM3 per month. Delivery partners can extend the coverage to include their spouses and up to two children in the monthly coverage for an additional RM6 and RM1 only for each subsequent child. For delivery partners who are single, the insurance top-up plan extends to cover their parents at the same rate. This is on top of the existing free insurance coverage provided to all delivery partners during their shifts. Currently, all delivery partners are insured up to RM100,000 in the event of accidental death or permanent disability while on their delivery rounds. Mercury Securities eyes RM39.27m from IPO KUALA LUMPUR: Mercury Securities Group Bhd aims to raise RM39.27 million from its initial public offering (IPO) to support its expansion and digitalisation plans. Of the proceeds, 68.39% or RM26.86 million will be allocated for expanding margin financing facility services. Meanwhile, 7.33% will be dedicated to enhancing the digitalisation programme and marketing activities in the stockbroking business and operations of the group. Additionally, RM4.63 million is allocated for working capital, and RM4.90 million for listing expenses. Mercury, through wholly owned subsidiary Mercury Securities Sdn Bhd, is principally involved in the provision of stockbroking, corporate finance advisory services and other related businesses such as margin financing facilities services, underwriting and placement services, as well as provision of nominee and custodian services. Regarding expanding its margin financing facility services, Mercury Securities managing director Chew Sing Guan said these operations currently contribute 21% to total income. “We believe margin financing still has a very good margin … this is probably the best return for our buck. Meanwhile, for trading and execution, the income is not as pronounced. So, margin financing is the best and easiest … (which is why the majority of the IPO proceeds will go to margin financing facility services),” he told a media conference at its prospectus launch yesterday in conjunction with its IPO and listing on the ACE Market of Bursa Malaysia . Chew said: “In terms of our digitisation programme, it is for our back office process system, which needs more automation so it is less reliant on humans.” He added hat Mercury has been profitable every year since it started operations in 1992. Currently, the highest profit margin is derived from the stockbroking segment, accounting for about 60% of segmental profit, while the rest is from corporate finance. Mercury is the first stockbroking company to seek and gain an IPO listing in Bursa in the last 20 years. “We plan to leverage this listing to continue to innovate, digitise and expand our product and service offerings,” Chew said. Upon its listing, Mercury Securities will have a market capitalisation of RM223.25 million based on the issue price of RM0.25 per share and its enlarged issued share capital of 893 million shares. Public Investment Bank is the principal adviser, sponsor, sole underwriter and sole placement agent for Mercury’s IPO exercise. █ BYHAYATUN RAZAK [emailprotected] oGroup declares 1 sen interim dividend, lifts sales and GDV launch targets █ BYGLORIA HARRY BEATTY [emailprotected] Chew (left) and Public Investment Bank deputy CEO Alynn Lim Geok Lian at the prospectus launch.
14 theSUN ON TUESDAY | AUGUST 29, 2023 SUNBIZ Evergrande loses US$2.2b in value as trade resumes 21, 2022, and resumed trading after the company said it had fulfilled all conditions by the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. Its units, China Evergrande New Energy Vehicle Group and Evergrande Property Services Group, have both resumed trading in the past month after a 16 month halt. Evergrande would have faced delisting if the suspension had reached 18 months. “Going forward things will continue to be difficult for both its operations and share performance,” said Steven Leung, Hong Kongbased director of UOB Kay Hian. “There’s little hope that Evergrande can rely on selling houses to repay debt because homebuyers would prefer state-owned developers, and it won’t be able to benefit from stimulus policies.” The Hang Seng Mainland Properties Index rose more than 6% in early morning session, before closing up 0.1% Evergrande's trade resumption also came after the developer on Sunday reported a narrower net loss for the first half of the year due to a rise in revenue. Evergrande also posted a combined net loss of US$81 billion for 2021 and 2022 in a longoverdue earnings report last month, versus an 8.1 billion yuan profit in 2020. As with Evergrande's previous two annual financial statements, auditor Prism Hong Kong and Shanghai has not issued a conclusion on this report, citing multiple uncertainties relating to the business as a going concern. – Reuters A woman leaves the China Evergrande Centre in Hong Kong. The Chinese developer is in the process of getting approvals from creditors and the courts to implement a debt restructuring plan. – AFPPIC oShares close down 79%, Chinese developer delays creditor voting on offshore debt revamp plan BYD unit buys US-based Jabil’s smartphone-making arm in China BEIJING: Chinese automaker BYD said yesterday its electronics unit has struck a deal with US-based manufacturer Jabil Inc to buy its mobile electronics manufacturing business in China for 15.8 billion yuan (RM10 billion). The deal will expand BYD Electronic’s (BE) customer base, product portfolio and its smartphone components business as it looks to capture Jabil’s potential growth in the sector. Singapore-based Jabil Circuit, which manufactures printed circuit boards, established a unit this month that absorbed its product-manufacturing businesses in Chengdu and Wuxi, which will now be sold to the Chinese group. Shares in BYD Electronic initially fell as much as 9% in Hong Kong, but reversed their losses and closed flat by the afternoon, while the broader market closed 1% higher. The Hong Kong-listed stock of its parent BYD closed 0.7% up. Although now best known for its electric vehicle business, BYD started out by selling electronic components. In 2007, it listed its BE unit on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. BE’s major business has been selling electronic components for consumer electronics products such as smartphones and laptops. This was one of three key business segments for BYD Electronic, accounting for more than 70% of its total revenue in 2022. BYD and BE did not disclose how they planned to finance the deal. BE and Jabil did not immediately respond to requests for further comment. In another development, Chinese EV maker Xpeng said it would buy Didi’s electric car development business – a deal worth up to US$744 million (RM3.4 billion) that will see it supply vehicles to the ride-hailing giant, boosting production and cutting costs. Shares in Xpeng, one of China’s smaller electric vehicle manufacturers and currently loss-making, shot up 11% in Hong Kong trade on the news which comes on the heels of a stake sale to and partnership with Germany’s Volkswagen. The all-stock deal with Didi calls for Xpeng to launch an A-class model next year under a new brand, in a project called MONA, which will be priced in the 150,000 yuan price tier. Xpeng’s current offerings are mostly priced above 200,000 yuan. Xpeng chief executive He Xiaopeng told Chinese media the car would also be sold to retail customers and he expects sales of at least 100,000 MONA cars a year. – Reuters Bank Indonesia believes new certificates will offer ‘very attractive’ yields JAKARTA: New certificates being introduced by Bank Indonesia (BI) for sale next month are expected to offer “very attractive” yields for foreign investors, an official said yesterday, generating inflows to help keep liquidity supportive for economic growth. Last week, the central bank announced that it would hold twice weekly auctions of Bank Indonesia Rupiah Securities (SRBI), using BI’s holdings of government bonds as underlying assets, from Sept 15. The instrument was intended to attract capital inflows as well as mop-up excess rupiah liquidity in the domestic financial market, and provide some stability for the rupiah currency at a time when Indonesia’s current account and balance of payments have swung into deficit. Analysts have said the success of the SRBI would depend on what return they offer. Yesterday, Edi Susianto, Bank Indonesia’s (BI) head of monetary management, provided some key details. BI would auction six-, nine- and 12-month certificates every Wednesday and Friday and they would carry similar returns to rates offered for reverse repurchase (RR) of government bonds, Edi told a press conference. At its last auction on Aug 18, BI sold six-, nine-, and 12-month RR contracts with yields of 6.31208%, 6.39517% and 6.41884%, respectively. “We think these interest rates are very attractive,” Edi said. “Of course we think that fundamentally Indonesia is still seen as positive as a place for investment.” He declined to provide guidance on how much SRBI the central bank would sell, but said domestic liquidity would be kept “not too tight”, but would be supportive for economic growth, without being excessive. The SRBI would replace BI’s Operation Twist in the bond market, where the central bank had been selling its short-term government bonds and vowing to buy long-term bonds whenever yields rise. BI would also stop offering RR of government bonds with similar tenures. The SRBI could later be expanded to shorter tenures starting from one week and the auction frequency could also be increased, Edi said. “The impact of SRBI on inflows will ultimately depend on the return being offered, but BI likely sees this as a new instrument that could potentially help manage IDR amidst the market volatility,” BofA Global Research economists wrote in a note, highlighting that Indonesia’s trade surplus has been shrinking and the current account has returned to a small deficit. Handy Yunianto, Mandiri Securities’ head of fixed income, said the SRBI auctions would provided investors with an alternative as the government reduces its bond sales. – Reuters Japan lifts exports outlook for first time in three months TOKYO: Japan’s exports have been “picking up recently”, the government said in its latest monthly economic assessment, its first upward revision since May as easing supply issues boosted auto shipments and demand for semiconductor-related goods bottoms out. “The economy is recovering moderately”, the Cabinet Office said in its report issued yesterday, keeping the same assessment made in the previous month, but listed China’s troubled economic outlook and global monetary tightening among risks to the Japanese economy. Close attention should be paid to possible impacts from China’s stagnant real estate market as the country’s economic recovery appears to be pausing, the report said. In Japan, price increases and financial volatility are the areas of focus, it reiterated. The report came after Japan’s economy grew at its fastest in more than two years in April-June. While price hikes dragged down sales of food and consumer electronics, consumer spending on services continued recovering, backing the Cabinet Office’s decision to maintain its view on consumer expenditure as “picking up” in August. – Reuters B R I E F SSIAM CEMENT CHEMICAL UNIT’S IPO PUT ON HOLD SINGAPORE: Thailand’s largest industrial conglomerate Siam Cement said yesterday it has decided not to proceed with the domestic initial public offering (IPO) of its unit SCG Chemicals due to unfavourable market conditions. Siam Cement said in a stock exchange filing that “it may not be appropriate to proceed with the IPO at this time”. Siam Cement announced in April last year the IPO plan for SCG Chemicals. It said in yesterday’s statement the IPO approval period was extended until Oct 4 this year but cannot be further extended. – Reuters AUSTRALIA’S RETAIL SALES REBOUND IN JULY SYDNEY: Australian retail sales rebounded in July after a sharp fall the previous month, but the annual rate slowed further, a result that should not upset the outlook for interest rates as high borrowing costs work to slow consumer spending. Data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics yesterday showed nominal retail sales rose 0.5% in July from June. Analysts had looked for a rise of 0.3% after a tumble of 0.8% in June. Sales of A$35.4 billion (RM106 billion) were up 2.1% from a year earlier, the lowest since August 2021, and a world away from post-lockdown boom levels of 19% in mid-2022. – Reuters HONG KONG: China Evergrande Group yesterday lost US$2.2 billion (RM10.2 billion), or 79% of its market value, after its shares resumed trading in a crucial step for the world's most indebted property firm to restructure its offshore debt. Evergrande is at the centre of a crisis in China's property sector that has seen a string of debt defaults since late 2021, and its stock has been suspended for 17 months. The developer, which is in the process of getting approvals from creditors and the courts to implement the debt restructuring plan, said yesterday it would postpone by a month meetings for these creditors to vote on the proposal to give more time “to maximise creditor engagement and support informed-decision making”. The scheme meetings will now take place on Sept 26, instead of yesterday, but three people with direct knowledge of the matter said many creditors had already registered their vote by a deadline last Wednesday to submit forms. Evergrande needs approval from more than 75% of the holders of each debt class to approve the plan, which offers creditors with a basket of options to swap debt for new bonds and equitylinked instruments backed by its stocks and those of its Hong Kong-listed units. Its Hong Kong listed shares closed down 79% to HK$0.35 yesterday. Market capitalisation shrank to HK$4.6 billion (RM2.7 billion) from HK$21.8 billion from when it last traded. Evergrande's valuation hit an all-time high of close to HK$420 billion in 2017. The stock has been suspended since March
2 9 A U G U S T 2 0 2 3 T U E S D A Y Jack the Ghostrunner is coming back to take on a violent AI cult on page 19 Technology, music and design come together at The Pitt on page 17 TikTok beauty trend takes the Internet by storm. Going viral on page 20 They are back They are back The Jonas world tour is on page 16
16 theSun LYFE ON TUESDAY | AUGUST 29, 2023 /thesuntelegram FOLLOW ON TELEGRAM SCAN ME Jonas world tour FOLLOWING their electrifying start to the “Five Albums. One Night. The World Tour” at Yankee Stadium in New York City, the Jonas Brothers embraced a more intimate setting as they graced the stage at the 10,000- seat Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut, on Aug 17. At this tour’s fifth stop, the iconic trio delivered a marathon performance, treating their devoted fans to a staggering 67 songs that spanned their illustrious career. Remarkably, this marked their fifth appearance at the venue, harking back to their initial showcase there shortly after the release of Year 3000 in 2007. The president of Mohegan Sun Sports and Entertainment, Thomas Cantone, reflected on the Jonas Brothers’ history with the arena. He recalled their humble beginnings, performing a halftime show at a Connecticut Sun WNBA game. Over the years, they returned as headliners, forming a close bond with the venue. Cantone said: “We’re invested in them as an act and in them personally. We know their family and all of that.” For Nick, Joe and Kevin, this performance felt like a heartfelt welcome home. The trio radiated joy as they played through tracks from their albums, including Jonas Brothers, A Little Bit Longer, Lines, Vines and Trying Times, Happiness Begins, and The Album. Their fans, adorned in both vintage and contemporary JoBros merchandise, created an electric atmosphere. The band took to Instagram to express their gratitude, calling the night “unforgettable” and acknowledging that each show on Nick, Kevin, and Joe continue their illustrious music careers with soldout tours. – VARIETY oThe brothers’ long-standing career █ BYYASMIN ZULRAEZ Gaga heals with beauty routine invested in herself. With her cruelty-free and vegan makeup brand, Haus Labs, which launched in 2019, Gaga aspires to help others unearth their own voices and cultivate self-assurance. She made it clear that the brand isn’t about imitating her looks but rather about discovering one’s unique identity. While Gaga enjoys experimenting with different makeup looks and continuously captivating her fans, she also values moments of natural authenticity. An unforgettable instance was her appearance at the Oscars, where she delivered a raw rendition of Hold My Hand. Social media buzzed with admiration for her bare-faced performance, especially considering her earlier appearance on the red carpet, adorned with vibrant makeup. In another instance, Gaga surprised her followers with a distinct and natural makeup look in a TikTok video. She promoted new lipstick shades from Haus Labs, accompanied by a caption that playfully likened the shades to her music’s energy. Lady Gaga’s relationship with makeup transcends the conventional notion of beauty; it’s a means of empowerment, self-discovery, and selfexpression. Through her personal journey, she aims to inspire others to embrace their uniqueness and find their own sources of confidence. The Oscar-winning artist becomes a beauty mogul. – BILLBOARD █ BYYASMIN ZULRAEZ Seven Samurai in space MOVING further away from the world of superheroes, director Zack Snyder is stepping into the science fiction world through his latest collaboration with Netflix. Eight months after principal photography wrapped last December, the first trailer for Rebel Moon: Part One: A Child of Fire has been released. Reportedly inspired by Akira Kurosawa’s samurai epics, particularly Seven Samurai: Rebel Moon will see Kora (Sofia Boutella) recruiting warriors from across the galaxy to defend Veldt, a moon of the planet Mother World from an invasion by Regent Balisarius, the tyrannical ruler of Mother World’s Imperium army. The almost four-minute-long trailer has almost every sci-fi imagery and trope imaginable: a princess, a prophecy, spaceships shooting lasers, a Nazi-looking space army, talking robots, an anthropomorphic spider, lightsaber-esque laser swords, a gryphon, and slow-mo every five seconds. Joining Boutella is an ensemble cast consisting of Charlie Hunnam, Djimon Hounsou, Ray Fisher, Anthony Hopkins, Ed Skrein, Michiel Huisman, Doona Bae, Jena Malone, Staz Nair, E. Duffy, Charlotte Maggi, Cleopatra Coleman, Cary Elwes, Corey Stoll, Sky Yang and more. Rebel Moon was initially a pitch for a Star Wars film that predated Disney’s 2012 acquisition of Lucasfilm. Snyder retooled the film into what it is now while working on Netflix’s Army of the Dead. The film is the latest collaboration between Snyder and Netflix after the aforementioned Army of the Dead, which was a massive hit on the platform, drawing in 72 million households in its first four weeks. Like Army of the Dead and its spinoff, Snyder has plans to turn Rebel Moon into a Netflix franchise. Rebel Moon: Part One: A Child of Fire will release on Netflix on Dec 22, while the second part, The Scargiver, will arrive on April 19 next year. Still from Rebel Moon: Part One: A Child of Fire’s trailer. – NETFLIX █ BY MARK MATHEN VICTOR GLEEFULLY, Lady Gaga, the renowned artist behind hits like Bad Romance, recently opened up about the deeper significance of her makeup routine. In a recent interview, the 37-year-old singer shared that her journey with makeup goes beyond the surface of aesthetics or making a bold statement. Gaga expressed that makeup has been a source of solace for her since her early years. During her teenage years, she grappled with insecurities, but upon graduating high school and venturing into independence, she discovered that makeup had a transformative effect on her self-perception. It became a means of altering her identity. The star of House of Gucci emphasised that makeup played a pivotal role in empowering her voice. It enabled her to advocate for herself and communicate her thoughts effectively. She highlighted that this transformation was not solely linked to her appearance but more so to her sense of selfworth. She underlined the uniqueness of each individual’s makeup style, emphasising its personal nature. Incorporating the ritual of applying makeup into her daily self-care regimen amplified her confidence and readiness to confront challenges. Gaga, a Grammy winner, explained that the process of enhancing her appearance instilled a surge of confidence, allowing her to confront obstacles with bravery due to the time and care she this tour had exceeded their expectations. During the Connecticut show, the Jonas Brothers connected intimately with the audience, inviting them to share their favourite songs and even blessing a newly engaged couple with warm wishes for a “lifetime of happiness,” culminating in a heartwarming “kiss cam” segment. Kevin, 35, expressed his appreciation on his personal Instagram page, thanking the fans for their unwavering support and sharing cherished moments from the show. Nick, 30, succinctly labelled the concert a “magical night” on his own Instagram platform. The “Five Albums. One Night. The World Tour” is far from over. The North American leg will continue to rock cities such as Detroit, Chicago, Los Angeles, Houston, Nashville, and Miami and return to New York City until Dec 9. Following that, the Jonas Brothers are set to take their talents worldwide, with international concerts planned in New Zealand, Australia, and Europe, ultimately concluding their epic journey in June 2024.
theSun LYFE ON TUESDAY | AUGUST 29, 2023 17 I MAGINE a place where technology, music, and design converge to create an unforgettable nightlife experience. This is precisely the vision that Kam Kok Fung, the brains behind Pitt Club, had in mind when he embarked on his journey to redefine the nightclub scene in Kuala Lumpur. An encounter with the owner himself reveals a captivating tale of entrepreneurship, innovation and a deep commitment to fostering connections among people. Inspiration from the global best The story behind this place is one of inspiration drawn from the vibrant nightlife of Las Vegas, known for its pulsating energy and excitement. Kam’s aspiration was to craft a unique space that would break away from the traditional nightclub mould, offering an immersive encounter that transcends the ordinary. The club’s core philosophy revolves around delivering an engaging, multi-faceted experience where patrons can revel in exceptional entertainment, form meaningful connections and create lasting memories. With a fusion of cutting-edge technology, captivating performances, and unparalleled customer service, it came into being as a testament to Kam’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of nightlife entertainment. The journey to establish Pitt was not without its challenges, especially in the post-pandemic era. Kam’s resilience and determination enabled him to overcome these obstacles, recognising that even in the face of change, people’s desire for socialisation and enjoyment remains constant. This belief is mirrored in the heart of the club’s success: its ability to curate an ambiance that resonates with diverse preferences. This very principle is mirrored in the meticulous selection of music and DJs, ensuring an array of festival The crowd exudes a remarkable sense of respect, creating a harmonious atmosphere of consideration and appreciation. – PICS BY PITT oA paradigm shift in nightlife entertainment █ BYTHASHINE SELVAKUMARAN The DJ’s performance is nothing short of astonishing and exuberant. The club’s ambiance has a very inviting vibe with an inclusive environment. From left: Kam, chief operating officer Koon and general manager Adrian How. sounds, coupled with the skill to seamlessly adapt sets and connect with the crowd, truly setting Pitt apart. Cyberpunk aesthetics Central to the club’s allure is its innovative design and ambiance. The club’s futuristic cyberpunk style embodies its vision of reshaping conventional nightlife. From the kinetic LED lighting systems that mesmerise with their intricate choreography to the captivating visual displays and top-tier audio arrangements, it immerses patrons in a sensory journey that transcends the ordinary. The club’s interior design is meticulously curated to foster a warm and inviting atmosphere, a space where music, visual aesthetics, and human interaction coalesce to create an experience that lingers long after the night ends. Having had the privilege to experience Pitt Club firsthand, it’s evident that Kam’s vision has been masterfully brought to life. The ambiance within is nothing short of mesmerising. The kinetic light show takes centre stage, captivating every onlooker and prompting them to capture its splendour on their phones. It’s a testament to the club’s commitment to innovation that patrons are not only immersed in the experience but also empowered to share it with the world. Harmonious synergy What truly sets this place apart, however, is the synergy among its patrons. The crowd exudes a level of respect that’s all too rare in bustling nightlife venues. This respect flows from the welcoming demeanour of the staff, whose genuine warmth sets the tone for the night. Amid the sea of entrancing beats and melodies, it’s clear that the music is carefully curated to cater to diverse tastes, contributing to an unforgettable experience. Indeed, the evening spent at this amazing place was marked by an atmosphere of camaraderie and joy. Each moment was a testament to founder’s unwavering dedication to crafting an unparalleled nightlife experience. As we left the club, it was with the knowledge that this isn’t just a place to be entertained; it’s a haven for connection, enjoyment, and the creation of lifelong memories. If you’re considering a visit to this place, it’s advisable to reserve in advance. Given the club’s growing popularity and the exceptional experiences it offers, securing your spot ensures you don’t miss out on an evening that promises to be truly unforgettable. From the mesmerising light show to the diverse music selection, and from the respectful crowd to the welcoming staff, Pitt is poised to redefine your perception of nightlife entertainment. Prepare to be captivated, enthralled and immersed in an encounter that transcends the ordinary and ushers in a new era of nightlife indulgence. Address: 3rd Floor, Life Centre, 20, Jln Sultan Ismail, Kuala Lumpur, 50250 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur Opening hours: 10pm-3am (Wed-Sat) & on the eve of public holidays Social Media: Instagram / Facebook / Tiktok / XHS - @PittClubKL Electrifying elegance
18 theSun LYFE ON TUESDAY | AUGUST 29, 2023 HEINEKEN, the iconic and globally embraced beer brand, marked a momentous occasion as it celebrated its 150th anniversary. This landmark event wasn’t just a simple commemoration; it was a vibrant tribute that embraced the diverse ways people revel in good times with the brand. Whether it was with that classic twist of lime or an affectionately coined “green one,” Heineken has stood as a faithful companion during joyous moments for an impressive 150 years. It has fostered genuine connections, each unique in its expression. To capture this radiant milestone in Malaysia, Heineken joined forces with the renowned fashion influencer Jane Chuck and her home-grown premium label, Motherchuckers, to launch the ultraexclusive Heineken 150xMotherchuckers limited-edition street wear collection. Inspired by the universal language of style and expression, this collection embodies the essence of Heineken’s global influence and Motherchuckers’ distinctive flair. The “That After Party” collection, curated by Motherchuckers, showcases a diverse mix of items, from cropped and regular t-shirts to coordinated sweat suits. The collection presents a stylish ensemble for any night out, whether it’s a short break, an ochre, or the signature Heineken red and green colorways. The limited-edition pieces are exclusively available during the Heineken Party, starting on Aug 18. For those seeking to keep the good times flowing in style long after the event, the collection can also be purchased online. HEINEKEN Malaysia Marketing Director Willemin Snep, emphasised that this milestone isn’t just about toasting with a glass; it’s a moment to raise the style bar. Their collaboration with Motherchuckers enables the preservation of those largerthan-life joyful moments, transforming them into wearable memories. At Heineken, the focus is on fostering authentic human connections, celebrating not just the good times but also the captivating stories and timeless nights that remain eternally stylish. Jane Chuck, the visionary behind Motherchuckers and the creative force behind the capsule collection, envisions this compilation as a catalyst for individuals to embrace the art of initiating dialogue. In her view, “That After Party” extends beyond mere participation in the festivities; it encapsulates the spark that sets the party ablaze. It’s a homage to the spirited and enduringly memorable moments that have graced us in the aftermath of lively celebrations. – BY THASHINE star of the night: the Guinness Burgers and Dawgs, at least for me. A harmonious blend of sizzle and succulence, this delectable offering stood out as the epitome of culinary artistry. From the very first bite, it was evident that this creation wasn’t just food; it was a revelation, a fusion of flavours that danced effortlessly on the palate. The smoky exterior gave way to a succulent core that oozed with the essence of Guinness, infusing each bite with a richness that was both indulgent and beguiling. The culinary expedition was elevated by live performances from local artists, a daily spectacle that enthralled festival goers. From A$ix to Darren Ashley, the stage was a canvas for perfection. The excitement amplified through the Guinness STOUTie machine, capturing joyous moments with selfies printed onto the velvety Guinness head. And, of course, the Guinness Long Bar Challenge added a competitive twist as friends cheered one another on in a bid to slide a Guinness bottle with precision and claim exclusive merchandise. Amidst the swirling aromas and the kaleidoscope of flavours, the Guinness Flavour By Fire Festival delivered an experience that transcended expectations. The festival grounds buzzed with an electric energy, where laughter and camaraderie mingled with the joyous rhythms of live music. The meticulous preparation was evident at every turn, a testament to the organisers’ dedication to creating a sensory wonderland. The seamless fusion of culinary mastery, captivating performances, and an atmosphere ablaze with excitement spoke of a festival that was wonderfully curated. S TEP into a realm where flames meet flavour as the Guinness Flavour By Fire Festival came to life at Sentul Depot. For aficionados of the black brew, this event has ignited a new kind of fervour. I embarked on an expedition to this festival on its opening day, and the sensory journey was beyond captivating. Enveloped in a smoky and vibrant ambiance, the festival grounds unleashed a symphony of aromas that beckoned, a cornucopia of delectable cuisines that tantalised, and a kaleidoscope of sights and sounds that ensnared the senses. This wasn’t your run-of-the-mill festivity; it was a blaze-infused extravaganza that merged the mastery of flame-kissed culinary creations with an unparalleled atmosphere, crafting indelible memories and elevating the palate to realms of the extraordinary. Over three days, starting from Aug 18 to 20, more than 12,500 fervent fans and food enthusiasts converged to experience the Guinness Flavour by Fire spectacle. Amid a line-up of 11 dynamic culinary artisans and more than 20 open-flame grills, the pièce de résistance was the unceasing flow of smooth, creamy Guinness draught from an impressive count of 27 taps. What sets this feast apart is the enchanting combination of Guinness infusion and firegrilling, where each dish becomes an alchemical symphony of flavours and aromas. The very essence of fire and Guinness’s rich, distinctive flavour, borne from the meticulous fire-roasting of its barley at precisely 232 degrees Celsius, converge to redefine gastronomy. From succulent lamb ribs to perfectly grilled salmon, artisanal burgers, and desserts that dance with Guinness-infused decadence, each morsel is a testament to the extraordinary union of fire and flavour, creating an experience that is as unforgettable as it is irresistible. Masters of grill artistry, including Chef Franky of Arthur’s Storehouse, the rock and roll culinary duo Johnny and Sherson of Kitchen Mafia, and the ingenious Chef Navin Karu of Big Boyz Barbecue, unleashed their expertise. Not to be outdone, beloved favourites such as Yat Sing Smokehouse, KAO BBQ, and Tipsy Boar also showcased their inventive Guinnessinfused offerings. One culinary creation emerged as the true Flavour blaze oGuinness Flavour By Fire in full swing Guiness Flavour By Fire entrance. – GUINNESS Guests enjoying their evening at Sentol Depot. – ADIB RAWI YAHYA/THESUN Guiness Flavour By Fire returns with a bigger line-up of renowned chefs. – GUINNESS █ BYTHASHINE SELVAKUMARAN Everyone had a good time at “That After Party.” Heineken and Motherchuckers join forces for a limited streetwear edition. – PICS BY HEINEKEN 150 years of glamour
theSun LYFE ON TUESDAY | AUGUST 29, 2023 19 Wukong is no monkey business oJourney to the West game release window set for 2024 BASED on the classic Chinese novel Journey to the West from the 16th century, Black Myth: Wukong has resurfaced at Gamescom 2023. In its latest trailer, Wukong shows its titular hero, the Monkey King, Sun Wukong, travelling across several locations and fighting a variety of bosses, such as a humanoid tiger. Developed with Epic’s Unreal Engine 5, Wukong continues to look like an impressive, truly next-gen game, with gameplay that takes the Dark Souls approach to intense, fastpaced melee-magic battles that will surely test the reflexes and mettle of gamers. First revealed three years ago, the game has ironically existed as its namesake, a myth. A reminder that the game still exists would resurface once a year whenever the Chinese studio Game Science provided “development progress,” and then it would be back to radio silence, seemingly dooming the game into the black hole of goodlooking Chinese game trailers of never-to-be released games.” However, this year, things are different. Prior to Gamescom, IGN was invited to a hands-on event in Hangzhou, China, along with reportedly “over a thousand players from across the country” to try the latest trial version of Wukong. The reasons why anticipation and expectation for Wukong is running high is fairly obvious. It looks like it will be a very good game, and secondly, games – particularly AAA-quality action-RPGs – based on Chinese settings, folktales and stories are rarely made outside of China. The common go-to for Westerndeveloped games is usually based around European or Japanese aspects. Occasionally, outliers would be games set in the Middle East, like Ubisoft’s Assassin’s Creed games, such as the upcoming Assassin’s Creed Mirage, which will take place in ancient Baghdad. Though there is still no release date set for Black Myth: Wukong, Game Science is targeting a summer 2024 release for the PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S and PC. █ BY MARK MATHEN VICTOR Another game in October RELEASED at the tail-end of 2020, Ghostrunner earned a reputation as an extremely hard cyberpunkinspired game built around “speedrunning” (completing levels quickly). After Cyberpunk 2077 released a month later in the same year in a disastrous state, Ghostrunner was once again in the spotlight as the game scratched the cyberpunk and swordplay itch. Its gameplay revolved around mad, calculated dashes across floors and walls, evading enemies, looking for openings, and landing killing blows. It was Mirror’s Edge with swords. Officially announced during this year’s PlayStation Showcase in May, Ghostrunner 2’s release date was expected to be revealed during Gamescom, but a couple of days before the event began in Cologne, Germany, the game’s release date was leaked. “Despite our best ninja skills, we couldn’t stop the news leaking on Ghostrunner 2,” publisher 505 Games joked in a tweet. Set one year after the events of Ghostrunner, players will once again control Jack the Ghostrunner as he takes on a violent AI cult that is seeking to shape the future of humanity through the Dharma Tower, the last refuge of mankind. In the same tweet, with their hands forced, 505 Games revealed that the cyberpunk ninja sequel will launch on Oct 26 for the PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC. The game will come in three versions: standard, deluxe and brutal. Each edition will come with certain cosmetic bonuses, but the Brutal Edition purchases will exclusively contain 48-hour early access. IN less than two months, the Metal Gear Solid Master Collection Vol. 1 will be released on several platforms. The collection, which will contain the first three Metal Gear Solid games, has had some alarming information released by its publisher, Konami. In a new round of previews, sites such as IGN and NintendoLife have reported that Metal Gear Solid 2 and Metal Gear Solid 3 will only run at 720p on current-generation consoles, which is the same as their HD versions on the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 from 12 years ago. According to NintendoLife, Konami has made no attempt to hide this, as the menus for both games have “HD Edition” and “© 2012 Konami”. The two games are also capped at 30fps on the Nintendo Switch; the original HD versions on the PS3 and 360 were capped at a higher 60fps. This does not make sense because the Switch is a far superior console to the latter two, which are almost 20- year-old consoles. The Master Collection will also come loaded with bonus content, such as Metal Gear and Metal Gear 2, the digital graphic novel for Metal Gear Solid and Metal Gear Solid 2, a digital soundtrack for the first game, and digital screenplays for all three of the Metal Gear Solid games. The first volume of the collection will come to the Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S and PC. Though not officially revealed yet, the second volume will presumably include Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots, Metal Gear Solid 5: The Phantom Pain, and Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker. █ BY MARK MATHEN VICTOR █ BY MARK MATHEN VICTOR Left: Black Myth: Wukong might end up being a boss rush game, as smaller enemies are rarely seen. Below: It’s not a game based on Chinese mythology without giant dragons. The collection has three of the first games and a lot of bonus content. – PICS BY KONAMI DIGITAL ENTERTAINMENT The games in the collection are basically ports with certain downgrades. Certain sites that previewed the collection have reported slowdowns during cutscenes. The key to not failing in Ghostrunner is to never stop and always be in motion. – 505 GAMES In first-person view, the game’s action and speed are much more visceral. MGS master collection: Warts and all Expect a lot of drinking from gourd flasks to replenish health in the game. – PICS BY GAME SCIENCE
20 theSun LYFE ON TUESDAY | AUGUST 29, 2023 THERE are countless skincare and makeup products out there designed to hide or minimise dark circles, yet TikTok users have come up with an innovative new technique that does the job in style. Known as ombre concealer, this method involves using a combination of shades of concealer and blush under the eye to neutralise dark circles, brighten eyes, and even enhance cheekbones. The ombre concealer technique, demonstrated here by @Klaudiasyd, involves using dots of concealer and blush in different colours to neutralise dark circles and brighten the eyes. – ETX STUDIO oIntroducing the rainbow trick to hide dark circles Melanated complexions need more peachy or orangey concealer colours. – GLAM New rainbow trick that perfectly covers dark circles. – REFINERY 29 TikTok beauty: Ombre concealer Tired friends, come hither, as this new TikTok trick promises to mask dark circles in a flash. After the ombre hair coloration technique, with shades fading from dark to light, here comes the ombre concealer. And this too is about playing with colour, shadow, and light, only this time in the eye area. The aim is to camouflage dark circles while brightening the eyes and even enhancing cheekbones in the process. It’s a sort of all-in-one solution that has already won over millions of followers on TikTok, including some of the biggest names in beauty and makeup – proof that the tip hasn’t gone unnoticed. More than 15 million views A rainbow of colour is what the ombre concealer technique is all about. Such is the popularity of this method that the hashtags #ombreconcealer and #ombreconcealertutorial alone have already generated over 15 million views on TikTok in just a few weeks. One of the most viewed videos (3 million times) was created by a user called Klaudia (@klaudiasyd), who has a passion for makeup and beauty tips. She demonstrates her own version of the ombre concealer trick, using no less than five dots of colour applied under each eye to achieve a look worthy of the most glamorous Hollywood red carpets. To try this technique, all you need are three different shades of concealer or liquid corrector (two much lighter than your foundation shade and a third slightly lighter), plus two shades of blush (a peach colour and a cerise shade, for example). In her video, the user applies the three dots of concealer from the inner corner of the eye, starting with the lightest shades, then finishes with the dots of blush at the outer corner. Now, believe it or not, you’re almost done. The final, essential step is to blend in all the product, again starting at the inner corner of the eye, to achieve a seamless line of colour fading from dark to light. It’s also possible to set the product in place with powder to perfect the application. As we’ve seen, ombré concealer already has millions of followers on TikTok, but it’s not the only makeup method shared by users to hide dark circles. Over the past few months, pink concealer has been the talk of the social network, acclaimed for its ability to mask dark circles while guaranteeing a healthy glow. The same result has been achieved with pink blush, which was also a viral trend on TikTok for several weeks. – ETX STUDIO The threat of beauty filters THERE’S a growing body of research on the impact of beauty filters on mental health across the world, and the findings seem to align: the public dislikes them and fears their harmful effects on self-esteem. A recent poll conducted in the United States reveals that a significant proportion of the population would like to impose an age limit on their use or even ban them outright. Should beauty filters be banned from social media? It’s a question on the minds of many parents, but they aren’t the only ones, as a survey conducted by StyleSeat revealed. The beauty and wellness booking platform asked 700 Americans to test the “Bold Glamour” filter, which guarantees a flawless face, and then asked them about their perception of the beauty filters popular on social networks. And the results were clear: three out of five respondents thought they were bad for their mental health, and 70% feared they would have a negative impact on self-esteem. Contrary to popular belief, younger people are not more inclined to turn to beauty filters when posting photos or videos on social networks, or at the very least they fear their effects as much or more than other demographics. Nearly three-quarters of Generation Z respondents (72%) think that these filters have a negative impact on mental health. And with good reason: these applications, which modify users’ appearance, often to meet certain unrealistic beauty standards, could be linked to low self-esteem or even Three out of five Americans believe that beauty filters are harmful to mental health, a survey reveals. – ETX STUDIO Beauty filters modify appearance according to very specific stereotypes. – DEMILKED body dysmorphic disorder, which is characterised by an obsession with non-existent or imperceptible physical defects. The survey reveals that one in three Americans would like to look the same in real life as they do when they look at themselves through a beauty filter. Implement age restrictions In this regard, Americans are even more concerned about the impact of beauty filters on the mental health of younger people. Many social platforms have rules and restrictions in place for younger users, especially teenagers and children under the age of 16 (the age required to register depends on the country of origin). But this does not apply to beauty filters. For this reason, one in three Americans now believes that beauty filters should be subject to an age requirement, and one in five believes they should be banned outright. It’s important to keep in mind that beauty filters totally modify appearance according to very specific stereotypes: a flawless complexion, a slimmed-down nose, a perfectly sculpted chin, cheekbones, and luminous eyes. A perception of beauty far removed from reality, particularly when taking the diversity of the world’s population into account. So it’s hardly surprising to learn that, after viewing their faces through the “Bold Glamour” filter, around 20% of those surveyed said they felt less sure of themselves. And an overwhelming majority (80%) already believe that this type of filter has transformed beauty standards. The impact of social media on mental health and self-esteem is a concern not only in the USA, as shown by a survey conducted by Edelman DXI for Dove in collaboration with Mental Health Europe and the e-Enfance association, published last spring. Carried out among the general population as well as parents, teenagers, and experts in youth mental health, it highlighted the growing concern of healthcare professionals about the use of filters in France. More than half of them (52%) felt that content encouraging the intensive use of filters could be the cause of feelings of anxiety, as could content showing perfect bodies or bodies far removed from reality (44%). – ETX STUDIO
21 * SPORTS theSUN ON TUESDAY | AUGUST 29, 2023 DALAM PERKARA MAHKAMAH TINGGI MALAYA DI MELAKA PENGGULUNGAN SYARIKAT NO. MA - 28NCC - 23 - 07 / 2023 DALAM PERKARA SEKSYEN 465 (1) (e) AKTA SYARIKAT, 2016 DAN DALAM PERKARA NIREX ENGINEERING & AUTOMATION (M) SDN. BHD. (NO. SYARIKAT 199701026998 [442496-D]) ANTARA RHB BANK BERHAD (NO. SYARIKAT 196501000373 [6171-M]) … PEMPETISYEN DAN NIREX ENGINEERING & AUTOMATION (M) SDN. BHD. (NO. SYARIKAT 199701026998 [442496- D]) … RESPONDEN IKLAN PETISYEN NOTIS ADALAH DENGAN INI DIBERI bahawa suatu Petisyen untuk penggulungan Syarikat yang dinamakan di atas oleh Mahkamah Tinggi telah, pada 31 Julai 2023, dikemukakan oleh RHB BANK BERHAD. DAN bahawa Petisyen tersebut diarahkan supaya dibicarakan di hadapan Mahkamah yang bersidang di Melaka pada pukul 2.00 petang pada 17 Oktober 2023 secara sidang video. DAN mana-mana pihak Pemiutang atau penyumbang Syarikat tersebut yang ingin menyokong atau menentang sesuatu Perintah mengikut Petisyen tersebut boleh hadir dengan tujuan itu secara peribadi atau melalui peguambelanya pada masa perbicaraan. Salinan Petisyen tersebut akan dibekalkan oleh pihak yang bertandatangan di bawah kepada mana-mana pemiutang atau penyumbang Syarikat tersebut yang memintanya dengan membuat bayaran yang ditetapkan. Alamat berdaftar Pempetisyen adalah di Level 9, Tower One, RHB Centre, Jalan Tun Razak, 50400 Kuala Lumpur. Peguamcara Pempetisyen ialah Tetuan Taye & Co. yang beralamat di No. 23F, Taman Harta Pertama, Bukit Baru, 75150 Melaka. ....................t.t.................... TETUAN TAYE & COMPANY Peguamcara bagi Pempetisyen PERINGATAN : Sesiapa yang ingin hadir pada perbicaraan Petisyen tersebut hendaklah menyampaikan atau menghantar dengan pos kepada Peguamcara Pempetisyen tersebut di atas suatu notis bertulis tentang niatnya sebegitu. Notis tersebut mestilah menyatakan nama dan alamat pihak berkenaan, atau jika ia sebuah firma, nama dan alamat firma, dan mestilah ditandatangani oleh pihak atau firma berkenaan atau peguamcaranya, jika ada. Notis hendaklah disampaikan, atau jika dihantar dengan pos, hendaklah dihantar dalam jangkamasa mencukupi, supaya sampai kepada pihak yang dinamakan di atas sebelum pukul 12.00 tengahari pada 16 Oktober 2023. [Ruj : ALT/MR/573/2022(1)] DALAM MAHKAMAH TINGGI MALAYA DI SHAH ALAM DALAM NEGERI SELANGOR DARUL EHSAN, MALAYSIA (BAHAGIAN KELUARGA) SAMAN PEMULA NO: BA24F-133-05/2023 Dalam Perkara Seksyen 106 (1) (vi) Akta Membaharui Undang-Undang (Perkahwinan dan Perceraian) 1976 ANTARA NGUYEN THI HUYNH NHU (P) (No. Pasport Vietnam: C0755417) …PLAINTIF DAN TEH WOEI HANN (No. K/P: 780627-01-5653) ...DEFENDAN NOTIS Kepada : TEH WOEI HANN No. 94, Pesta 5, Jalan Sungai Abong, 84000 Muar, Johor. AMBIL PERHATIAN bahawa suatu tindakan telah difailkan terhadap kamu di Mahkamah Tinggi Shah Alam Saman Pemula No: BA24F-133-05/2023 oleh NGUYEN THI HUYNH NHU (P) Plaintif di atas telah memohon untuk memfailkan satu petisyen perceraian ke Mahkamah selepas satu pengecualian rujukan kepada badan pendamai dibenarkan untuk PENGURUSAN KES pada 25 September 2023. ADALAH DIPERINTAHKAN bahawa penyampaian Saman Pemula bertarikh 18.05.2023 kepada kamu dalam tindakan tersebut hendaklah dilaksanakan melalui penampalan sekali di papan notis Mahkamah Tinggi Shah Alam dan di premis beralamat No. 94, Pesta 5, Jalan Sungai Abong, 84000 Muar, Johor serta melalui pengiklanan notis sekali di akhbar tempatan “The Sun” ini, dan BAHAWA Saman Pemula tersebut adalah dianggap sebagai serahan yang sempurna ke atas kamu selepas tarikh penyampaian secara gantian tersebut. Bertarikh pada 18 Ogos 2023 -T.T- ……………….…… Peguamcara Plaintif Tetuan Kelvin Wong, Phang & Associates Notis Iklan ini difailkan oleh Tetuan Kelvin Wong, Phang & Associates, Peguambela & Peguamcara bagi Plaintif yang beralamat di Block J-3A-04, Setiawalk, Pusat Bandar Puchong, 47160 Puchong, Selangor. Tel: 03-8600 2162, Faks: 03-8600 2163; Email: [emailprotected] (Ruj Kami: LIT/KWPA/4023/NTHN/ TWH/DIV/S106/h) 322 Notices IN THE HIGH COURT OF MALAYA AT SHAH ALAM IN THE STATE OF SELANGOR DARUL EHSAN, MALAYSIA COMPANIES WINDING-UP NO.: BA-28NCC-450-08/2023 In the matter of Section 465 (1) (e) of the Companies Act 2016, the provisions of the Companies Act 2016 and the Companies (Windingup) Rules 1972 AND In the matter of Vertical Impact Sdn. Bhd. [Company No. 200701013864 (771870-T)] BETWEEN PERBADANAN USAHAWAN NASIONAL BERHAD [COMPANY NO.: 199101010745 (221057-V)] …PETITIONER AND VERTICAL IMPACT SDN. BHD. [COMPANY NO.: 200701013864 (771870-T)] …RESPONDENT ADVERTIsem*nT OF PETITION NOTICE is hereby given that a Petition for the Winding-Up of the above-named Company by the High Court at Shah Alam was on the 21st day of August 2023 presented to the said Court by Perbadanan Usahawan Nasional Berhad. And that the said Petition is directed to be heard before the High Court of Insolvency sitting at Shah Alam on Tuesday, the 21st day of November 2023 at 9:00 o’clock in the forenoon and any creditor or contributory of the said company desirous to support or oppose the making of an order on the said Petition may appear at the time of hearing by himself or his Counsel for that purpose and a copy of the Petition will be furnished to any Creditor or contributory of the said Company requiring the same by the undersigned on payment of the regulated charge for the same. The Petitioner’s address is at 10th Floor, Block 1B, Plaza Sentral, Jalan Stesen Sentral 5, Kuala Lumpur Sentral, 50470 Kuala Lumpur. The Petitioner’s Solicitor is Messrs. Kama & Wan, whose address is at 5-1-1, Jalan Medan PB 4A, Seksyen 9, 43650 Bandar Baru Bangi, Selangor Darul Ehsan. ……………………… Messrs. Kama & Wan Solicitor for the Petitioner NOTE: Any person who intends to appear on the hearing of the said Petition must serve on or send by post to the abovenamed Messrs. Kama & Wan, notice in writing of his intention so to do. The notice must state the name and address of the person, or, if a firm, the name and address of the firm and must be signed by the person or firm or his or their Solicitors (if any) and must be served, or if posted, must be sent by post in sufficient time to reach the abovenamed not later that 12:00 o’clock in the noon of the 20th day of November 2023. This Advertisem*nt of Petition is filed by Messrs. Kama & Wan, Advocate & Solicitor on behalf of the Petitioner of No. 5-1-1, Jalan Medan PB4A, Seksyen 9, 43650 Bandar Baru Bangi, Selangor Darul Ehsan. (Tel: 03 89221485) (email: [emailprotected]) (Ref No.: WS/PUNB/VISB/2167(L) IN THE HIGH COURT OF MALAYA AT KUALA TERENGGANU IN THE STATE OF TERENGGANU DARUL IMAN, MALAYSIA COMPANIES WINDING-UP NO.: TA-28NCC-12-07/2023 In the matter of Section 465 (1) (e) of the Companies Act 2016, the provisions of the Companies Act 2016 and the Companies (Windingup) Rules 1972 AND In the matter of Kedai Emas Khamisah Sdn. Bhd. [Company No. 201101003730 (931870-D)] BETWEEN PERBADANAN USAHAWAN NASIONAL BERHAD [COMPANY NO.: 199101010745 (221057-V)] PETITIONER AND KEDAI EMAS KHAMISAH SDN. BHD. (COMPANY NO.: 201101003730 (931870-D)) RESPONDENT ADVERTIsem*nT OF PETITION NOTICE is hereby given that a Petition for the Winding-Up of the abovenamed Company by the High Court at Kuala Terengganu was on the 18th day of July 2023 presented to the said Court by Perbadanan Usahawan Nasional Berhad. And that the said Petition is directed to be heard before the High Court of Insolvency sitting at Kuala Terengganu on Monday, the 9th day of October 2023 at 9:00 o’clock in the forenoon and any creditor or contributory of the said company desirous to support or oppose the making of an order on the said Petition may appear at the time of hearing by himself or his Counsel for that purpose and a copy of the Petition will be furnished to any Creditor or contributory of the said Company requiring the same by the undersigned on payment of the regulated charge for the same. The Petitioner’s address is at 10th Floor, Block 1B, Plaza Sentral, Jalan Stesen Sentral 5, Kuala Lumpur Sentral, 50470 Kuala Lumpur. The Petitioner’s Solicitor is Messrs. Kama & Wan, whose address is at 5-1-1, Jalan Medan PB 4A, Seksyen 9, 43650 Bandar Baru Bangi, Selangor Darul Ehsan. ………………………… Messrs. Kama & Wan Solicitor for the Petitioner NOTE: Any person who intends to appear on the hearing of the said Petition must serve on or send by post to the abovenamed Messrs. Kama & Wan, notice in writing of his intention to do so. The notice must state the name and address of the person, or, if a firm, the name and address of the firm and must be signed by the person or firm or his or their Solicitors (if any) and must be served, or if posted, must be sent by post in sufficient time to reach the abovenamed not later that 12:00 o’clock in the noon of the 8th day of October 2023. This Advertisem*nt of Petition is filed by Messrs. Kama & Wan, Advocates & Solicitor on behalf of Petitioner at No. 5-1-1, Jalan Medan PB 4A, Seksyen 9, 43650 Bandar Baru Bangi, Selangor Darul Ehsan. (T: 03 8922 1485) (email: [emailprotected]) (Ref. No.: WS/PUNB/KEKSB/1693(L)) 322 Notices 322 Notices NOTICE IN THE SESSION COURT AT JOHOR BAHRU SUMMON NO: JA-A52NCC-199-06/2023 Notice is hereby given to TU YOKE BIAO (I/C No.: 601022- 01-5451) (trading as JACKWAY CONSTRUCTION & ENGINEERING (Registration No.: 200603032087 / JM 0448705-V)) to appear in the Johor Bahru Session Court at 9.00 a.m. on 14-09-2023, Thursday or contact Messrs. S.K. SONG before the above date for the hearing of the above summon. Location of the Court is at Johor Bahru Session Court, Level 23A, Menara MSC Cyberport, No.5, Jalan Bukit Meldrum, 80300 Johor Bahru, Johor. In the event, if you failed to appear, the court may grant any order that the Court deems fit. This notice is filed by Messrs. S.K. SONG, Advocates & Solicitors, whose address for service is at No.75A, Jalan Mutiara 1/9, Taman Mutiara Mas, 81300 Skudai, Johor. [Ref: SKS/L 9265/23/LIM] TEL NO.: 07-556 8187 FAX NO.:07-556 8188 COURT BOX NO.: 95 LOST SHARE CERTIFICATES The following Share Certificates have been reported lost or destroyed: Name of Co: MEDICAL INNOVATION VENTURES SDN. BHD. (CO. NO.: 201201015116 (988633-U)) Certificate No. No. of Shares 002 1 004 4,999 005 18,000 013 2,000 022 16,827 024 18,173 NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT if within fourteen (14) days from date hereof, no claims or representation in respect of such certificates is/are made to the Company, MEDICAL INNOVATION VENTURES SDN. BHD., the Company will proceed to issue replacement certificates and the original certificates will be deemed cancelled and void. MEDICAL INNOVATION VENTURES SDN. BHD. Co. No.: 201201015116 (988633-U) No. 19 (1st Floor) Lintang Selat, Taman Selat, 12000 Butterworth, Pulau Pinang. Date: 29th August 2023 NOTICE IN THE SESSION COURT AT JOHOR BAHRU SUMMON NO: JA-A52NCC-187-06/2023 Notice is hereby given to CHUAH CHEN KWANG (I/C No.: 830304- 07-5339) to appear in the Johor Bahru Session Court at 9.00 a.m. on 07-09-2023, Thursday or contact Messrs. S.K. SONG before the above date for the hearing of the above summon. Location of the Court is at Johor Bahru Session Court, Level 23A, Menara MSC Cyberport, No.5, Jalan Bukit Meldrum, 80300 Johor Bahru, Johor. In the event, if you failed to appear, the court may grant any order that the Court deems fit. This notice is filed by Messrs. S.K. SONG, Advocates & Solicitors, whose address for service is at No.75A, Jalan Mutiara 1/9, Taman Mutiara Mas, 81300 Skudai, Johor. [Ref: SKS/L 9255/23/LIM] TEL NO.: 07-556 8187 FAX NO.:07-556 8188 COURT BOX NO.: 95 322 Notices 322 Notices IN THE MATTER OF COMPANIES ACT 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF FORLEASE SDN. BHD. (In Members’ Voluntary Winding Up) [Registration No. 197401002208 (19245-H)] NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to Section 292 of the Companies Act 2016, that the special resolutions set out below were duly passed by the Member(s) of Forlease Sdn. Bhd. [Registration No. 197401002208 (19245-H)] on 22nd day of August 2023. 1. That the Company be wound up voluntarily and that Mr Saw Khai Phin (NRIC No. 510322-07-5305) of 168- 26-1 Persiaran Gurney, 10250 George Town, Pulau Pinang (the Liquidator) who has given his consent to act, be nominated to act as Liquidator of the Company for the purpose of such winding up. 2. That the Liquidator be empowered to act under Section 456 of the Companies Act 2016. 3. That in consideration of Mr Saw Khai Phin agreeing to act as Liquidator of the Company, the member(s) of the Company hereby irrevocably and unconditionally undertake to pay, satisfy and discharge at such times hereafter to keep him and his estates and affects fully and effectually indemnified and held harmless from and against all actions, proceedings, claims, demands, costs, damages and expenses properly incurred by the Liquidator in the performance of his duties as Liquidator and so much of his remuneration for so acting as Liquidator. 4. That the Liquidator be authorized to divide all or such part of the surplus assets of the Company as he shall think fit in cash and/or in specie amongst the member(s) of the Company. Dated this 29th day of August 2023. IN THE MATTER OF COMPANIES ACT 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF FORLEASE SDN. BHD. (In Members’ Voluntary Winding Up) [Registration No. 197401002208 (19245-H)] NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Creditors of Forlease Sdn. Bhd. [Registration No. 197401002208 (19245- H)] which is being wound-up voluntarily, are required on or before the 28th day of September 2023 to send their names and addresses and particulars of their debts or claims and the names and addresses of their solicitors (if any) to the undersigned Liquidator at 64, Cantonment Road, 10250 George Town, Pulau Pinang, and if so required in writing from the Liquidator, are by their solicitors or personally to come and prove their debts or claims at such time and place as shall be specified in such notice or in default thereof they will be excluded from the benefit or any distribution made before such debts are proved. Dated this 29th day of August 2023. Liquidator Saw Khai Phin 322 Notices CALL TO PLACE CLASSIFIED ADS MS. SHOBA T 03 7784 8888 F 03 7784 4424 Hovland charges to Viktor-y Norwegian outduels Schauffele to win Tour Championship, FedEx Cup VIKTOR HOVLAND outdueled Xander Schauffele through yesterday’s storm-hit final round to win the US PGA Tour’s season-ending Tour Championship, capturing the US$18 million (RM81m) FedEx Cup top prize by five strokes. The 25-year-old Norwegian fired a bogey-free 7-under 63 to stand on 27- under after 72 holes at East Lake in Atlanta while American Schauffele was second after matching his season-low round with a 62. “It’s just pretty surreal standing here right now, playing basically my best golf the last two weeks,” said Hovland as he held the playoff trophy. “It couldn’t have happened at a better moment.” World No. 5 Hovland shook off a storm delay of one hour and 53 minutes early in his round that dumped nearly half an inch of rain, making four birdies in the first six holes to fight off the reigning Olympic champion. Starting scores in the FedEx Cup playoff finale were staggered based on season points, with top-ranked Scottie Scheffler at 10-under, Hovland next at 8- under and Schauffele on 3-under. Hovland made up the deficit in the first round and charged from there. Schauffele, winless this season, opened with seven birdies in the first 12 holes but settled for the US$6.5m (RM30m) runner-up prize from a US$75m (RM338m) bonus pool. “The game plan before starting today was middle of the green, make a lot of pars and make Xander get after it, which he did early so I had to change my game plan a little bit,” Hovland said. Schauffele sank an 18-foot birdie putt at the par-3 11th and a 12-foot birdie putt at 12 to pull within three to set up the late drama. Hovland stayed three ahead by sinking a pressure-packed 23-foot putt – his longest of the week – to save par at the 14th. “I was happy I didn’t make a bogey,” Hovland said. “I was staring at five on 14. When that putt went in, that was just huge for momentum because two shots with four holes to go is a lot different from three shots. “That was just a big one for momentum and after that I really relaxed.” Hovland curled in a birdie putt at 16 from just beyond 10 feet – his first birdie since the sixth hole – and sank a 12-foot birdie putt at 17 to seize a five-stroke edge and seal the triumph. “He played great. I didn’t do enough,” Schauffele said. “I thought 62 would have let me get close to him, but the closest I got was three shots back. He played unbelievably well. He made important putts and he’s just played like a champ. “I’ll hold my head up high. It was the most fun I had losing in quite some time. It’s such a weird feeling. I shot 62. I lost by five. Just kudos to Havi.” American Wyndham Clark, the US Open winner, was third on 16-under after closing on 65 with four-time major winner Rory McIlroy from Northern Ireland fourth on 14-under after a 65 and American Patrick Cantlay fifth on 13- under after firing 66. – AFP Megan gets long-awaited first win MEGAN KHANG used a birdie on the 18th hole to force a playoff yesterday, then won the CPKC Women’s Open on the first extra hole to just get past South Korea’s Jin Young Ko at Vancouver. Khang had a one-shot lead after two rounds and started the final round with a three-shot advantage, but she struggled to a 2-over-par 74 yesterday. But it was just enough to stay even with Ko and finish off her first career victory in eight years at Shaughnessy Golf and Country Club. Khang and Ko were tied at 9-under 279 heading into the playoff. “Out there, seemed like a struggle out there for me,” Khang said about career on the Golf Channel broadcast. “I’ve been hitting the ball so good this week and then couple missed fairways, couple punch outs, couple early bogeys, and you look at the leaderboard and you are wondering when you’re going to get it going.” Ruoning Yin of China finished two shots behind the leaders at 7-under and a tie for fourth place at 6-under included Australia’s Hannah Green and South Korea’s Sei Young Kim. Vijay benefits as Goydos implodes VIJAY SINGH of Fiji collected his first win on the PGA Tour Champions in nearly five years after some late drama at the Ally Challenge yesterday in Grand Blanc, Michigan. Not long after Vijay signed for a 4-under 68 that boosted his 54-hole score to 14-under 202, Paul Goydos five-putted at the par-3 17th hole at Warwick Hills Golf & Country Club. After failing to convert a birdie putt, Goydos missed three more times from 3 feet to plummet from 15- under to 12-under. That left Vijay in the lead for good, as Goydos could only par the final hole to finish two shots behind. Vijay said he couldn’t believe it when Goydos’ name disappeared from the digital leaderboard near the 18th hole. “I’m as shocked as anybody else,” Vijay said on the Golf Channel broadcast. “It was a long time coming. Whenever I tee it up here I always feel like I have a chance to win. But now it materialised. I’ve been working really hard. This year’s been pretty good to me.” Jeff Maggert placed second at 13-under after a final-round 69. BRIEFS Viktor Hovland celebrates with the FedEx trophy after winning the TOUR Championship. – USATODAYPIX
22 theSUN ON TUESDAY | AUGUST 29, 2023 SPORTS READ OUR HERE /thesundaily SCAN ME Teen star shines for Barca … as Catalans edge seven-goal thriller at Villarreal BARCELONA starlet Lamine Yamal shone in a thrilling 4-3 win for the Spanish champions at Villarreal yesterday in La Liga. The 16-year-old winger, making only his second start for the club, hit the woodwork twice and set up the opening goal for Gavi in an impressive performance which stood out amid a chaotic battle. Veteran Polish striker Robert Lewandowski tapped home the winning goal, his first of the season, after Yamal’s drive hit the post, to send Barca provisionally third. “We have to look at our youth academy, and even more so given the situation we’re in economically,” Barca coach Xavi told Movistar, after also giving midfielder Fermin Lopez his debut as a substitute. “Lamine (Yamal) had another great game. He helped us a lot. He set up a couple of goals and he created so much at 16 years old.” With Xavi watching on from high in the stands, serving a suspension, his charges took an early two-goal lead against the run of play through Gavi and Frenkie de Jong. Juan Foyth produced a bullet header to earn the hosts a foothold at the Estadio de la Ceramica and the second soon followed via Alexander Sorloth. Villarreal went ahead early in the second half after another impressive surge from Alfonso Pedraza, who teed up Alex Baena for a clinical finish. Substitute Ferran Torres continued his strong pre-season form by pulling Barcelona level and soon Lewandowski put the champions ahead. Yamal, playing in place of suspended winger Raphinha, did more than enough to give his coach a selection headache next weekend when the Brazilian returns. “Luckily I play without fear, I try to forget about that and just play football, which is what I’m good at,” Yamal told Movistar. “My mother is a bit afraid when I play as a starter, but she supports me a lot.” Xavi said the winger had fully earned to be playing regularly. “He’s a player who makes the difference, smart, the decision he takes is almost always correct and good,. “That’s the best thing about him, at 16 – he’s not starting just on a whim.” Athletic Bilbao came from behind to beat Real Betis 4-2 in an entertaining clash at San Mames. The visitors took an early lead through Willian Jose and Isco, but Los Leones roared back to triumph. Mikel Vesga netted two penalties before Gorka Guruzeta sent the Basques ahead and Unai Gomez made the game safe. Valencia suffered their first defeat of the season, with Osasuna’s Nacho Vidal netting a 95th minute acrobatic winner from a corner at Mestalla. – AFP Max best driver in the world, says Red Bull’s Horner CHRISTIAN HORNER has hailed “untouchable” Max Verstappen as the best driver in the world after the Red Bull star overcame a chaotic rain-hit Dutch Grand Prix to equal Sebastian Vettel’s record of nine wins in a row. Despite two separate downpours wreaking havoc at the beginning and conclusion of yesterday’s 72-lap race in Zandvoort, Verstappen delivered in front of 105,000 expectant fans to take the chequered flag ahead of Aston Martin’s Fernando Alonso, with Pierre Gasly completing the podium. Verstappen’s Red Bull teammate Sergio Perez, slapped with a five-second penalty for speeding in the pit-lane, finished fourth while Lewis Hamilton – who bemoaned his Mercedes team’s poor strategy in the inclement conditions – came home in sixth place. Verstappen, who has won 11 of the 13 rounds so far, will head to this weekend’s Italian Grand Prix in Monza 138 points clear in the drivers’ championship. There remains an outside chance he could complete his hattrick of titles at the Japanese Grand Prix on Sept 24 with half-a-dozen rounds still to run. “Max is in a period of his career where he is just simply untouchable,” said Red Bull team principal Horner, who oversaw Vettel’s streak of nine straight wins a decade ago. “I don’t think there is any driver on the grid that would be able to achieve what he is doing in that car. “To win nine races in a row is insane, and it is something that none of us would have envisaged, and I never thought we would repeat it after we managed it with Sebastian. What we are witnessing is a driver that is generational. “Max has been in incredible form for the past three years, and the most impressive thing for me is all the pressure that he is under here. “With the expectation of 100,000 Dutch fans, a lot would have cracked under that pressure, but he kept his composure and delivered, as he has done so many times.” – The Independent NAPOLI continued a perfect start to their Serie A title defence with yesterday’s 2-0 win over 10-man Sassuolo, while Juventus survived penalty controversy in a 1-1 draw with furious Bologna. Victor Osimhen netted his third goal of the season from the penalty spot 15 minutes into Napoli’s first home match since lifting the league title in front of their fans for the third time back in June. And captain Giovanni Di Lorenzo made sure Napoli would make it six points from six in the 64th minute, not long after Maxime Lopez was sent off and Giacomo Raspadori – who had hit the post seconds after kickoff – blasted a penalty into the stands. “I think we played well, kept hold of the ball, we’re happy to have won the match in front of our fans,” said Di Lorenzo. “We played well as a team. We’ve started well and the attitude is right so we’ve got everything for us to have a good season.” It’s early days but Napoli already look a dangerous proposition under new coach Rudi Garcia, who has a tough act to follow in new Italy boss Luciano Spalletti, the architect of the Scudetto triumph. “We won and picked up six points, we practically didn’t run any risks, that is all positive, but we could also have improved in attack,” Garcia told DAZN. “I think not even 20% of our shots were on target today, so there’s no miracle cure here, if you don’t get it on target, you don’t score goals.” Bologna held Juventus in Turin but were left wondering what might have been after being denied what looked to be a clear penalty moments before Dusan Vlahovic salvaged a point for the underwhelming hosts. Vlahovic headed Juve level with 10 minutes remaining at the Allianz Stadium after Lewis Ferguson had put Bologna deservedly ahead midway through the first half. But Bologna were incredulous when after on-field and VAR officials failed to punish Samuel Iling-Junior – who subsequently set up Vlahovic’s equaliser – for cutting down Dan Ndoye and stopping him from tapping in from close range. “I’ve done this job for 25 years and I don’t often go on TV to talk about referees,” said Bologna CEO Claudio Fenucci. “The win was taken from us by an incredible refereeing decision… It’s unthinkable that a challenge like that is not punished with a penalty and a red card.” – AFP Perfect Napoli see off Sassuolo Kane loving Bayern chemistry JUST two weeks after his big money move to Bayern Munich, England captain Harry Kane said yesterday he is “loving the chemistry” he shares with his new teammates. Speaking after scoring twice on his home league debut in a 3-1 win over Bavarian derby rivals Augsburg, Kane said he was already building an onfield understanding with his colleagues. “I’ve been here a few weeks now and I’ve been loving the chemistry that we’ve built,” Kane told broadcaster DAZN. “That will only grow more and more as we play.” Kane scored Bayern’s second from the penalty spot late in the first half and brought up his brace with a deft chip midway through the second period. “Every day we are learning in training, every match we learn more and more about each other,” he added. “We’ve got some fantastic quality in the side so naturally you feed off each other anyway.” Teammate Leon Goretzka said Kane has already had a big impact on the Bayern dressing room. “He’s a world-class footballer and a wonderful guy. You notice his aura immediately in the dressing room,” said Goretzka. “He helps us extremely, he’s a leader.” Kane even won praise from opposing coach Enrico Maassen who told DAZN “you can see he doesn’t need much (to score).” – AFP Hamilton rues ‘totally wrong’ weather forecast LEWIS HAMILTON said he “paid the price” for Mercedes’ strategy blunder at the start of yesterday’s Dutch Grand Prix. Following a first-lap downpour in Zandvoort, Mercedes were too slow to put both Hamilton and teammate George Russell on the intermediate tyres. The poorly-timed stops left Hamilton and Russell – who was third on the grid – 13th and 17th when the order shuffled out. “We should have pitted, but we didn’t, and we paid the price for that,” said Hamilton. “Today I had the pace, and I was on pace with Max, but we were just out of position. I was pretty happy with my drive to back into the points. I got sixth. But it could have been higher, for sure.” Alonso get cheeky about attacking Verstappen FERNANDO ALONSO admitted he thought twice about trying to pass Red Bull’s race winner and home hero Max Verstappen late in the Dutch Grand Prix because of the crowd reaction if he had succeeded. The Aston Martin driver finished second to Formula One championship leader Verstappen, who has now won at Zandvoort for three years in a row and is also on a record-run of nine successive wins, in the rain-affected and redflagged race. “This is a very special racetrack, with all the fans and the energy going on, so you feel always very focused,” the Spaniard told reporters. “I did think about trying a move in the last restart but then I thought maybe I cannot exit the circuit so I stayed calm in second.” DUTCH GRAND PRIX: 1. Max Verstappen (Red Bull), 2. Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin), 3. Pierre Gasly (Alpine), 4. Sergio Perez (Red Bull), 5. Carlos Sainz (Ferrari), 6. Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes), 7. Lando Norris (McLaren), 8. Alexander Albon (Williams), 9. Oscar Piastri (McLaren), 10. Esteban Ocon (Alpine), 11. Lance Stroll (Aston Martin), 12. Nico Hulkenberg (Haas), 13. Liam Lawson (Alpha Tauri),14. Valtteri Bottas (Alfa Romeo), 15. Yuki Tsunoda (Alpha Tauri), 16. Kevin Magnussen (Haas), 17. George Russell (Mercedes). FASTEST LAP: Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin) DID NOT FINISH: Logan Sargeant (Williams), Charles Leclerc (Ferrari), Zhou Guanyu (Alfa Romeo) WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP STANDINGS Drivers (Top 5) 1. Max Verstappen (NED) 339 pts, 2. Sergio Perez (MEX) 201, 3. Fernando Alonso (ESP) 168, 4. Lewis Hamilton (GBR) 156, 5. Carlos Sainz (ESP) 102. CONSTRUCTORS (TOP 5) 1. Red Bull 540 pts, 2. Mercedes 255, 3. Aston Martin 215, 4. Ferrari 201, 5. McLaren 111. PITLANE RESULTS & STANDINGS Barcelona’s Frenkie de Jong (right) vies with Villarreal’s Etienne Capoue during their La Liga match. – AFPPIX
23 SPORTS theSUN ON TUESDAY | AUGUST 29, 2023 ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE: Burnley 1 (Foster 47) Aston Villa 3 (Cash 8, 20, Diaby 61), Newcastle 1 (Gordon 25) Liverpool 2 (Nunez 81, 90), Sheffield United 1 (Bogle 85) Manchester City 2 (Haaland 63, Rodri 88). P W D L F A Pts Man City 3 3 0 0 6 1 9 West Ham 3 2 1 0 7 3 7 Tottenham 3 2 1 0 6 2 7 Liverpool 3 2 1 0 6 3 7 Arsenal 3 2 1 0 5 3 7 Brighton 3 2 0 1 9 5 6 Aston Villa 3 2 0 1 8 6 6 Man Utd 3 2 0 1 4 4 6 Brentford 3 1 2 0 6 3 5 Chelsea 3 1 1 1 5 4 4 Crystal Palace 3 1 1 1 2 2 4 Fulham 3 1 1 1 3 5 4 Newcastle 3 1 0 2 6 4 3 Nottm Forest 3 1 0 2 5 6 3 Wolves 3 1 0 2 2 5 3 Bournemouth 3 0 1 2 2 6 1 Sheff Utd 3 0 0 3 2 5 0 Burnley 2 0 0 2 1 6 0 Luton 2 0 0 2 1 7 0 Everton 3 0 0 3 0 6 0 LA LIGA: Villarreal 3 (Foyth 26, Sorloth 40, Baena 50) Barcelona 4 (Gavi 12, De Jong 15, Torres 68, Lewandowski 71), Valencia 1 (Duro 80) Osasuna 2 (Oroz 24-pen, Vidal 90+5), Athletic Bilbao 4 (Vesga 30-pen, 45-pen, Guruzeta 45+7, Gomez 84) Real Betis 2 (Jose 2, Isco 10). TOP 5 P W D L F A PTS Real Madrid 3 3 0 0 6 1 9 Girona 3 2 1 0 6 2 7 Barcelona 3 2 1 0 6 3 7 Vallecano 2 2 0 0 4 0 6 Bilbao 3 2 0 1 6 4 6 SERIE A: Fiorentina 2 (Gonzalez 3, Duncan 25) Lecce 2 (Rafia 49, Krstovic 75), Juventus 1 (Vlahovic 80) Bologna 1 (Ferguson 24), Lazio 0 Genoa 1 (Retegui 16), Napoli 2 (Osimhen 16-pen, Di Lorenzo 64) Sassuolo 0. TOP 5 P W D L F A PTS AC Milan 2 2 0 0 6 1 6 Napoli 2 2 0 0 5 1 6 Hellas Verona 2 2 0 0 3 1 6 Fiorentina 2 1 1 0 6 3 4 Juventus 2 1 1 0 4 1 4 BUNDESLIGA: Mainz 1 Eintracht Frankfurt 1 (Marmoush 90+1), Bayern Munich 3 Augsburg 1. TOP 5 P W D L F A PTS Union Berlin 2 2 0 0 8 2 6 B. Munich 2 2 0 0 7 1 6 Leverkusen 2 2 0 0 6 2 6 Wolfsburg 2 2 0 0 4 1 6 Freiburg 2 2 0 0 3 1 6 FRENCH LIGUE 1: Rennes 2 Le Havre 2, Montpellier 1 Reims 3, Clermont 0 Metz 1, Strasbourg 2 Toulouse 0, Lorient 4 Lille 1, Nice 0 Lyon 0. TOP 5 P W D L F A PTS Monaco 3 2 1 0 10 5 7 Marseille 3 2 1 0 6 3 7 Reims 3 2 0 1 6 3 6 Brest 3 2 0 1 5 5 6 Strasbourg 3 2 0 1 4 4 6 RESULTS & STANDINGS UNAI EMERY praised the versatility of Matty Cash after the Poland international’s first Aston Villa goals in over a year helped them to a 3-1 win at Burnley. There was speculation Cash could be on his way out of Villa Park this summer, but the 26- year-old showed what an asset he can be with two goals in the opening 20 minutes of his 100th Villa appearance. Cash replaced Leon Bailey on the right wing in the only unenforced change to the Villa side that beat Hibernian 5-0 in the Europa Conference League playoff in midweek – Robin Olsen replaced the injured Emi Martinez in goal – and caught the eye with an energetic display. “He’s versatile, he played before as a winger, he’s playing with us in a back four sometimes, sometimes lower, but we used him in pre-season playing higher, as a winger,” Emery said. “He helped us a lot today defensively and offensively and then he used the moment to remember when he played more at Nottingham Forest as a winger. His two goals were a good example for us but we know he can be versatile.” That versatility can be key for Villa at a time when injuries are limiting Emery’s options. The Spaniard named only eight players, two of them goalkeepers, on the bench, and admitted Villa could be active again before the transfer window closes. “There are still a few days to finish the transfer window and we have to be ready,” Emery said. “We have to be ready in case someone is leaving, in case we have a good opportunity to add another player with us. “Always in my teams I was working and I am ready at the end if someone can come with us or someone can leave.” Villa’s biggest move in the market so far has been the signing of Moussa Diaby from Bayer Leverkusen for a reported £51 million (RM296m). The France forward combined with Cash to create Villa’s second of the afternoon before his 61st-minute strike, his second Villa goal, settled it after Lyle Foster got Burnley back into the match. “His adaptation is going fast but he needs this adaptation each match for him to know better his team mates and then where in our structure is his best position. He is a player who is versatile as well,” Emery said. “It’s very important for him and for the team, his capacity to assist, to score goals.” – The Independent Cash delivers Emery praises ‘versatile’ winger after brace against Burnley Learning comes at a price, says Clarets’ boss Kompany VINCENT KOMPANY defended his decision to throw so many new players together whilst some senior players stayed on the bench in yesterday’s 3-1 defeat against Aston Villa. Burnley have bought 13 players this summer and all of the Clarets starters yesterday bar one have been signed by the Belgian in the last 14 months, with experienced quartet Josh Brownhill, Jack Cork, Jay Rodriguez and Johann Berg Gudmundsson all named as substitutes. Naturally there was a lack of cohesion but Kompany insists it’s better for his team to get used to the required level in the Premier League as quickly as possible even though Burnley have lost their first couple of matches, both at Turf Moor. “Learning comes at a price in the Premier League,” Kompany said. “I didn’t think we started the game badly, we had moments, we just didn’t manage to get a real grip on the game and there was always the threat of Aston Villa counters. “In the second half we built momentum, the goal helped us for that definitely, and just at the peak of that momentum we conceded the goal and that was a little bit the story of the game.” Kompany handed a debut to Hannes Delcroix, meaning six of the starting XI were new signings this summer. The manager admitted there will be a bedding-in period. “It’s a conscious choice,” he said. “You look at the bottom of the League and you find every flavour – teams that are settled and have not changed and teams that have changed. “For us, we want to move forward. I’ve seen enough in our team to know that we make a game out of games. “Every game there is something for us, and if that continues I believe we’ll have enough results.” – The Independent/Agencies JAMES MADDISON is more than happy to shoulder responsibility at Tottenham but has insisted it will take a “collective” effort to replace Harry Kane. Maddison continues to impress in the Spurs No. 10 shirt previously worn by Kane, who completed a £100 million (RM580m) move to Bayern Munich on the eve of the new season. Kane’s departure has not derailed the early progress of Ange Postecoglou’s team with Maddison relishing his role as creator in chief with two assists at Brentford earlier this month followed up with a maiden Tottenham goal in Saturday’s 2-0 win over Bournemouth. While Richarlison and captain Son Heungmin are yet to open their accounts for the season, Dejan Kulusevski ended his drought with the second at the Vitality Stadium to extend the feelgood factor currently around the club. “It’s tough if you’re asking me to try and get 30 goals,” Maddison joked. “It’s a collective. You can’t even look to replace what Harry Kane gives you. You’ve got to all chip in and look to try and score the same amount of goals from different areas. “Harry is probably the best No. 9 in the world. You will never find a direct replacement in terms of goals and what he can give you. We should all be chipping in.” When Maddison joined from Leicester in June for an initial £40million fee, he was not viewed as a replacement for Kane but continues to provide creativity and a goal threat. The 26-year-old insists the philosophy of ex-Celtic boss Postecoglou has been key to Tottenham’s flying start despite losing the England captain. Maddison told BBC’s Match of the Day: “The type of person I am, I’m at my best when I have responsibility on my shoulders and that’s when I thrive. “I am a player who loves to be on the ball and that fits with how the manager wants his players to play. This was a good day for all that. “We’ve got the bit between our teeth. We have some momentum so long may that continue and hopefully we can still implement the final steps the gaffer wants to see, which is attacking football.” – The Independent Maddison calls for collective approach █ IAN PARKER █ GEORGE SESSIONS Aston Villa’s Matty Cash celebrates scoring the first goal against Burnley during the English Premier League match at Turf Moor on Sunday. – REUTERSPIX Tottenham’s James Maddison (centre) celebrates scoring the first goal with Son Heung-min (left) and Pape Matar Sarr during the English Premier League match against Bournemouth on Saturday. – 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] ASSISTANT boss Juanma Lillo admitted he did not enjoy standing in for Pep Guardiola after Manchester City’s hard-fought 2-1 win at Sheffield United. Guardiola watched his side extend their 100% start to go top of the Premier League from Barcelona, where he is recovering from back surgery. City turned in a dominant display at a soldout Bramall Lane, but went close to letting two points slip when Blades substitute Jayden Bogle fired an 85th-minute equaliser. Bogle cancelled out Erling Haaland’s second half header – the Norway striker had missed a penalty before the break – only for Rodri to rescue City by smashing home an 88thminute winner. When asked if he enjoyed taking charge in Guardiola’s absence, Lillo said: “Not at all. I much prefer being with Pep. Especially when it’s a question of health, I don’t enjoy this at all. We miss his presence now more than ever. “I haven’t spoken to him after the match. During the match I spoke to him at some moments, but generally he was speaking to the other members of the technical staff. But he’s been totally present today.” City dominated possession throughout and were rarely troubled by the Blades, who produced a resolute and disciplined defensive display. Haaland steered his 37th-minute penalty on to a post after Blades skipper John Egan had handled, but made amends by heading his side in front in the 63rd minute. “Generally I thought we played really well today,” said Lillo, who confirmed Phil Foden had started on the bench due to an upset stomach. “It was a lot closer to what we wanted. “In the first half it was really hard to find that space in behind. The penalty could have changed everything had that gone in. We saw the team were very stable and constantly looking towards goal. “From the second half I thought we really found our rhythm and we were able to win the ball back a lot quicker. “We were able to find the new spaces created from winning the ball back quicker and we could have scored more before the first goal went in. “Playing against such a difficult opponent was even more difficult for our players.” Foden was introduced immediately after the Blades’ equaliser, and instantly created a chance for Julian Alvarez before being involved in Rodri’s winner coming in from the right. Fans and pundits have called for Foden to get more time in the No. 10 role after impressing the previous week against Newcastle, with Lillo confirming that he was not risked from the start a week on in south Yorkshire. “Phil had some problems with his stomach, he wasn’t feeling in the best condition,” Lillo said. “We have such a good squad and could see he wasn’t feeling very well and we were able to use that squad. “It would have been easy for Phil to play but it was never in question because he wasn’t feeling well.” Blades boss Paul Heckingbottom feels his side, back in the top flight after a two-year absence, are also improving despite losing their first three matches. “I’m pleased with the performance. You need a perfect performance to beat them because that wasn’t a below-par City,” Heckingbottom said. “We got punished for two things we should do better. The sickener for me is the nature of how Rodri has lashed it in. “It just comes after Phil (Foden) has mis-controlled the ball and just drops into his path. “It’s a kick in the teeth after all the good play they had had and they way we had dealt with it. We’ve lost a point, but we’ll focus on the performance I think. “Game on game we’ve got better and we certainly believe we’re going to have enough.” – The Independent/ Agencies or download app from the App Store or Google PlayTM . Read iPaper at www.thesundaily.my Free access to iPaper PDF Download SCAN ME TUESDAY • AUGUST 29, 2023 City assistant Lillo did not enjoy stepping in for Pep Super-special win Nunez comes off bench to secure all three points for Liverpool J URGEN KLOPP insisted he has never experienced anything like 10-man Liverpool’s dramatic comeback win at Newcastle in his long managerial career. The Reds were trailing 1-0 and were down to 10 men following skipper Virgil van Dijk’s first half dismissal before substitute Darwin Nunez struck twice to claim all three points at St James’ Park. Asked what the stunning comeback said about the spirit of his team, Klopp said: “Absolutely everything. In my more than 1,000 games as a coach, I never had a game like this, that is the truth. “There have been other games, but with 10 men in an atmosphere like this against an opponent like this… It’s not that I can’t remember, I’m pretty sure it never happened because these moments are rare and superspecial. “But I thought the boys deserved it today because with 10 men, we played better and gave Newcastle a proper game. “Three things were clear at halftime: Trent (Alexander-Arnold) cannot get another yellow card; we cannot concede a second and if that happens we have a chance, and that’s what the boys obviously did.” Nunez had been introduced as a 77thminute replacement for Alexis Mac Allister – who was sent off against Bournemouth last weekend before his red card was rescinded – with the Reds resisting Newcastle’s efforts to kill the game off, twice with the help of the woodwork. The £85 million (RM493m) Uruguay international endured a difficult first year on Merseyside, but he took his latest chance with both hands. Klopp said of Nunez: “Everything will be fine, it is just maybe it had to be like this. If he hadn’t been that angry and started the game today, he wouldn’t have scored in the last six minutes or whatever. Let’s take it like that. “He was obviously fired up about not starting and put all his energy in those two shots,” added Klopp. “It’s clear he is not happy – how can a player be happy when he’s not starting? The thing is it’s early in the season we need to find stability, we need to find the formation and get results. “And then we’ll play every three days anyway and everybody will play, there’s no doubt about that.” As the game reached the 80-minute mark, the Magpies looked to be heading for victory courtesy of former Everton man Anthony Gordon’s 25th-minute strike, with Van Dijk having departed prematurely shortly afterwards, sent off for felling Alexander Isak on his way to goal. Klopp said: “I don’t think it is a red card. There’s pretty much no contact, very little, but what can I say? The decision is like this and I cannot change it. “Would I whistle in a training game? Definitely not, but there are reasons why I am not a ref.” However, Nunez pounced on an uncharacteristic error by Sven Botman to level with nine minutes remaining and then repeated the dose in stoppage time from Mo Salah’s through-ball to clinch victory. Magpies boss Eddie Howe, who had earlier seen Alisson Becker pull off a spectacular save to turn Miguel Almiron’s shot on to the crossbar before the Paraguay international later fired against a post, admitted his team had been made to pay for not being ruthless enough. “I thought we played really well today. The opening stages of the game can’t be forgotten by me in regards to the team’s performance and reflection on how the game went. I thought we were excellent, individual performances were really strong,” Howe said. “The sending-off almost harms us, really, in the match, although the chances were there for us to kill the game and I think the second goal changes everything. “We didn’t get it and when Nunez comes on, they’re looking for one moment – and they didn’t just get one, they get two and they took them.” – The Independent █ DAMIAN SPELLMAN Darwin Nunez Juanma Lillo
