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ON THURSDAY DECEMBER 31, 2020 No. 7692 PP 2644/12/2012 (031195) www.thesundaily.my

ALL SET TO PARTY ... People play with confetti as New Year’s Eve organisers test the air worthiness of confetti from the Hard Rock Cafe Marquee in Times Square on Dec 29 in New York City. The 907kg of confetti to be released on New Year’s Eve will include thousands of wishes from individuals who have submitted them at the New Year’s Eve Wishing Wall. – AFPPIX

Annus horribilis █ BY EDDIE HOO AND YEOH GUAN JIN [email protected] o2020 is a year everyone wants to forget T was a year to remember - for all the wrong reasons. A public health crisis swept crippled, if not killed, the tourism sector. It has across the globe, leaving close to 80 million TELLING IT AS IT IS been estimated that potential earnings of up to people infected and nearly two million RM45 billion has been lost. Other sectors were Ikilled by a virus against which humankind has Says ... similarly, if not more severely, affected. yet to find a defence. Graphics_1 > Graphics Logos >The Sun Masthead .ai Workers are seeing their salaries halved, and Those who survive continue to grapple with anyway remain pervasive. they are the lucky ones. Hundreds of thousands an economy that has been choked almost to Also on the political front, a changing of the of others have already lost their only means to death, and unemployment rates that have guard without a single popular vote being cast make ends meet. soared above the clouds. ushered in a new administration. Just as taxing were the spate of water Saying that life changed forever in the blink As Malaysians diligently tracked the tally of disruptions in the Klang Valley - the nerve of an eye in 2020 would be an understatement new Covid-19 cases daily, one politician centre of commerce and political power for the

for the ages. repeated his years-old claim that he actually country. GEN NEXT But while people grappled with the had the numbers. These were not the result of any inadequacy challenge of putting food on the table, On the subject of numbers again, a survey in the water supply infrastructure. politicians schemed - for more power and even conducted by recruitment agency JobStreet On almost every occasion, the New kid page more money. revealed that one in five working Malaysians culprits were factory workers Turn to To the credit of our justice system, some have has lost his job in the economic fallout of wantonly discharging industrial — on the been brought to answer for their misdeeds, but Covid-19. waste into the rivers - the source page 3 18 fears that they will eventually be let off the hook The closing of our borders effectively of our water supply. block 2 theSUN ON THURSDAY | DECEMBER 31, 2020 NEWS WITHOUT BORDERS Dramatic change of guard Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah, would therefore continue as prime minister in otheSun recounts what could be described as an pending the naming of a successor. the PH government. In an unprecedented move, However, later in the day, the King named ‘unorthodox’ year for politics in Malaysia the King met all 222 MPs to Muhyiddin as Malaysia’s eighth prime minister determine who had the on the grounds that he could muster the majority in the Dewan Rakyat. support of the majority of lawmakers. THE main political event of 2020 in Malaysia Events first unfolded on Feb Meanwhile, Mahathir After nightfall, Anwar claimed PH still had was undoubtedly, the fall of the Pakatan 21, culminating in the proposed a unity government 114 lawmakers on its side, and were backing Harapan (PH) government. “Sheraton Move” two days with him at the helm while Mahathir. At the same time, about 200 people It underscored the resilience of Umno, long later, that saw the beginning of Anwar expressed opposition to gathered in central Kuala Lumpur to protest the the dominant political party in Malaysia, as the end for the PH a “backdoor government”. formation of a “backdoor government”. much as it underlined the lack of viability of a administration. Istana Negara then announced On March 1, Mahathir announced that he coalition with little compatibility among its Several political meetings were that the King was not convinced that would seek an urgent session in Parliament to components. held, fuelling talk of the formation of a any parliamentarian commanded challenge Muhyiddin’s claim to the While Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia new alliance that would include Umno. sufficient support in the Dewan Rakyat to form premiership, but also conceded that it could be (Bersatu) president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin is On the same night, prime-minister-in- a new government. However, the palace said it a futile exercise. now in the driver’s seat as prime minister, waiting Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim claimed that would continue to engage with political leaders He alleged that Muhyiddin had been Umno is the party with the highest number of some of his party colleagues were planning to to see if anyone could muster enough support plotting “for a long time” to take the seats in the Dewan Rakyat, making it the single bring down the government to deny him the to become prime minister. premiership and wondered aloud if a most powerful political group in the nation’s top job. Members of Bersatu then nominated government involving components of Barisan government. On Feb 24, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad Muhyiddin for the post, with Umno and PAS, Nasional would be ready to pursue graft The outcome of the 14th general election on announced his resignation as the nation’s and several MPs who had left PKR, promising to charges against its politicians. May 9, 2018 was unprecedented. But victory for seventh prime minister but was quickly give him their full support. The political drama ended on the same day, PH quickly turned sour, and with it went the appointed interim premier by the Yang On Feb 29, Mahathir announced that he still with Muhyiddin sworn in as Malaysia’s eighth “New Malaysia”. DiPertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah had majority support in the Dewan Rakyat and prime minister. Vernacular Hopes and dreams for 2021 press digest kWITHOUT exception, everyone will be relieved to see the back of Year 2020. A year that began with so much hope has ended with anguish for so many. Whether Resolve shortage of 2021 will be a better year is left to be seen. While most of us continue to anticipate Chinese school the worst, we cannot help but harbour hopes for the best. theSun spoke to several teachers, govt urged newsmakers for their take on what is to come and what they hope to see. █ BY KONG SEE HOH [email protected] “I want all children, regardless of race, national- “I have two wishes for DONG Jiao Zong (DJZ) has urged the Education Ministry to show sincerity in finding a ity, gender or religion to be safe and happy. My Year 2021 – for football permanent solution to the perennial shortage of teachers in Chinese primary schools. hopes are that there is enough food on the table, to make a comeback Pointing out that the problem has affected a roof over their heads, that they have access to and for the world to be Chinese primary school “frontline workers” year after year, thus undermining pupils’ learning education and no fear of detention. I want to see free of Covid-19. Until process, the umbrella body for Dong Zong (United Chinese School Committees Association) them free of discrimination and any form of then, stay safe and and Jiao Zong (United Chinese School Teachers healthy, everyone.” Association) said it is time the ministry resolved violence. My hope is that sick children are not it once and for all, the Chinese press reported refused immediate treatment and that expectant – TAN CHENG HOE, national football coach yesterday. In a statement on Tuesday, DJZ took mothers are able to deliver their babies without stress. I want to see their exception to the fact that the ministry had always underestimated the number of full-time babies inoculated against diseases. I want to see an end to discrimination “My wish is for everyone to stay healthy. Year and temporary teachers needed for Chinese primary schools, resulting in a shortage of against non-Malaysian children who are poor and marginalised. I want 2020 has been tough for everyone, and we all teaching staff for these school at the start of an end to child marriages and better access to school for all children.” every school year. want Covid-19 out of our lives for good. I also These discrepancies have to be sorted out, it – DR HARTININ ZAINUDIN, child activist wish that badminton will restart well in said, and called for a short-term solution to meet the immediate needs as well as a long-term plan January, and for our Malaysian players to do to address the issue. “As a solution for the short term, the “We hope the “My hope well.” – LEE CHONG WEI, former world #1 Education Ministry should speed up the posting government will shuttler and Malaysian icon of newly trained as well as temporary teachers is that we to schools, including 681 graduate teachers who look into expanding get closer received their scrolls in June this year and the 21 public healthcare to ending temporary teachers who passed their interviews through the creation “I hope and pray that 2021 will be a much recently. the Covid- “This will ensure that these graduate teachers of new positions, better than this sad and miserable 2020. On the and temporary teachers report for duty when 19 Covid-19 front, we have done quite well and the new school term begins next year.” permanent positions DJZ also urged the ministry to quickly and contract exten- pandemic, hope to be more successful. On the economic disburse funds needed to hire temporary front, we have to transform much more to teachers as well as cut red tape in the hiring of sions. Those deserving recognition for which has crippled the these teachers by schools still facing a shortage their services must be given promotions, entire world. We are all prosper, with priority to uplift the welfare of the when school reopens. poor. Our education system should be more This is to avoid a repeat of the situation especially if it has been long overdue. living through a dark time where school boards and parent-teacher There must be more public and private in world history and so competitive, the NEP has to be made fair for all associations have to dip into their pockets to collaboration in managing the Covid-19 races under the new policy of Shared Prosperity pay the salaries of temporary teachers. many have been affected. I Meanwhile, Malaysian Chinese Language pandemic and beyond. We hope the of the new Five-Year Plan. The government Council president Datuk Eddie Heng Hong Chai people will take the SOP more seriously as would like to remain urged fresh graduates to consider taking up should resolve to fight corruption, money employment as temporary teachers in Chinese the country cannot afford more lockdown optimistic and believe that politics, racism, bigotry and wastage more primary schools. measures.” 2021 will be a new and He made the call following reports that vigorously, or we will lose out badly to other another 1,334 teachers were needed for Chinese – DATUK DR M. SUBRAMANIAM, better beginning.” countries.” primary schools next year. This means that there will still be vacancies Malaysian Medical Association presi- – HARITH ISKANDER, – TAN SRI RAMON NAVARATNAM, for 633 temporary teachers even after the 681 dent comedian chairman - Asia Strategic Leadership Inst graduate teachers and 21 newly hired temporary teachers are posted to schools. theSUN ON THURSDAY | DECEMBER 31, 2020 3 he ear hat as NEWS WITHOUT BORDERS

N Malaysia sends 150 containers of plastic waste back to the Mahathir Mohamad launches United States, the United Visit Malaysia Year 2020. Kingdom, France and Canada. Ban on smoking and vaping at Pandemic balm for nature eateries takes o . First cases of Covid-19 reported in Malaysia. They noise, from motorised traffic to industrial achieved with curtailing human activity, Maszlee Malik quits Cabinet. were three Chinese nationals. o activities, had driven wild animals deeper he said Malaysia could take this further While Covid-19 into the jungle. by introducing more environmentally Kelantan replaces brought untold hardship, “With the sharp drop in traffic and friendly practices. Protons with work stoppage at factories, the noise level “For instance, illegal logging, Mercedes Benzes its restriction of human was cut significantly, beckoning animals poaching and land clearing continue for Deputy out of the jungle,” he said. unabated in spite of the fact that these Mentri Besar and activities gave the other state Another positive outcome of the MCO activities are prohibited,” he said. leaders, drawing environment a break was a big reduction in air pollution “We need the political will to criticism. and greenhouse gas emissions. preserve and protect endangered According to Amlir, species, both flora and fauna. sulphur dioxide and We could start by taking █ BY ELLY FAZANIZA carbon monoxide levels public transport rather than oMahathir resigns and [email protected] were halved. drive to reduce traffic on the immediately reappointed as He attributed this to a road, thereby cutting down First Malaysian, a 40-year-old Acting Prime Minister. woman who had oMuhyiddin Yassin EVERY dark cloud has a silver lining. In reduction in traffic, on pollution.” returned from announced Bersatu pulling the case of the Covid-19 pandemic, it was especially in urban “But most importantly, Singapore, tests out of Pakatan Harapan. a respite of sorts for Mother Nature. centres such as Klang, we should make our positive for With human activity restricted, Putrajaya and Shah Alam. politicians accountable for “Covid-19”. oPKR sacks Mohamed Azmin Ali and Zuraida wildlife regained its space, the air became Unfortunately, the what is happening to the Kamaruddin. less polluted and there was a drop in interlude was short-lived. environment,” he added. The “Sheraton Move” greenhouse gas emissions. With the easing of restrictions The Consumers Association of begins, and eventually All over the world, there were reports and the resumption of human activity, Penang said more can be done to protect leads to a change of Mahathir calls for “unity of sightings of wild animals in urban wild animals have retreated back to their rivers, such as imposing a total ban on government. government”. areas. Wild boars were seen in the Israeli jungle refuge. mining and export of sand. city of Haifa and a wild puma was seen Amlir said he would like to see a “Data from the United Nations wandering along deserted streets in the continued scaling back of human activity Statistics Division shows that in 2017 First two Covid-19 fatalities Chilean capital of Santiago. to promote environmental sustainability. alone, more than 1,800 tonnes of sand reported. Just a month after the movement “For instance, only drive when was exported from Malaysia, with 95% of control order (MCO) was imposed across absolutely necessary,” he said. it going to Singapore.” Muhyiddin Malaysia, a family of four wild elephants Environmentalist Andrew Sebastian The association said sand mining sworn in as Movement control order Prime imposed nationwide. was seen walking past a petrol station in agreed that the MCO led to a reduction in could lead to degradation of river Minister of Kenyir, Terengganu. pollution caused by traffic and heavy ecosystems. Perikatan The reappearance of wildlife in public industries, but said it was short-lived. An environmentalist pointed out that Nasional Covid-19 tally surpasses 1,000. areas is the result of a significant “Yes, the air quality did improve. a lot can be done to keep our government. reduction in outdoor human activity, However, with little or no push for the use environmentsafe.

according to environmental group of more eco-friendly innovations and “We do not need another global Muhyiddin unveils RM250 EcoKnights. ideas, this is only a temporary relief.” pandemic to teach us the importance of billion stimulus package. Its vice-president Amlir Ayat said Pointing out the gains that have been protecting our surroundings.” Muhyiddin unveils Cabinet line-up, breaking tradition by Women and Family appointing four senior Development Ministry issues ministers in lieu of a deputy tips to wives on how to prime minister. manage under Covid-19 lockdown, including First Covid-19 cluster -- the advice to “talk like “Tabligh” cluster with 3,375 Doraemon” to cases -- reported their husbands.s. Backlash against politicians Mahathir and four others outing the MCO. sacked from Bersatu.

N Sabah studentent Veveonah Muhyiddin announces second Mosibin makeskes stimulus package that will cost headlines byy RM35 billion. staying up oonn a tree overnightght to get betterer internet Malaysia eases lockdown into connection for her online “recovery phase”. university exams.

Najib Abdul Razak found guilty of misappropriation of RM42 million of SRC International funds.

G Lim Guan Eng charged with corruption over RM1.5 billion undersea tunnel project. Mahathir launches Parti Pejuang Tanah Air.

Covid-19 tally Sabah goes to the polls PRIME PREDATORS ... Visitors to the Malacca Zoo marvelling over a display of prehistoric beasts at its Dinosaur Encounter attraction surpasses 10,000. despite Covid-19. that features 150 giant replicas of wildlife from the Jurassic era. – BERNAMAPIX Anwar Ibrahim announces he has the numbers to form a new government. Much uncertainty in coming year As a result, taps ran dry for hundreds of the hope and trust their constituents had linked to a multi-billion ringgit scandal OO NO thousands of households, bringing untold placed in them. It is a treachery the people but has yet to be locked up, while similar O N misery to millions. are still trying to come to terms with. charges against another politician were Muhyiddin requests for Budget 2021 passed. Yet, the toxicity that seeped into The Pakatan Harapan coalition dropped. proclamation of emergency to combat Covid-19. our raw water sources pales in swept into power in 2018 on the At best, 2020 has been the Lost Year. comparison with the shenanigans From promise of democratic reforms Virtually everyone has lost something of O that have come to define Year front and structural change, but these value - jobs, businesses, livelihood, good The Yang DiPertuan Agong 2020. page were slow to materialise. health and, in extreme cases, loved ones. decides there is no need for Political manoeuvrings led to The cracks within the coalition With the infection curve yet to be state of emergency. D the fall of a legitimately elected widened soon enough, and with the flattened, and the vaccine yet to make its D government less than two years into its help of a resurgent Umno, the hopes of a debut in Malaysia, 2021 will bring with it Compiled by, N 2,335 new cases of Covid-19 term in what is now known infamously as “New Malaysia” soon turned to despair. much uncertainties. reported, the highest the “Sheraton Move”. Expectations that justice would be But for now, as we sign off with an Auld theSunGraphics© - Magenan single-day increase ever. All it took was for a few elected served quickly soured. A former prime Lang Syne, we say good riddance to an representatives to change sides, betraying minister was found guilty of corruption annus horribilis. 4 theSUN ON THURSDAY | DECEMBER 31, 2020 NEWS WITHOUT BORDERS Prepare for the worst, govt urged 1,000-mark since Dec 13. The daily Subramaniam also noted that “Hospital beds, especially those in oSet a plan to deal with possible massive increase has breached the 2,000-mark while the ministry is already reaching intensive care units, should be on at least four occasions. out for volunteers, many hospitals are reserved only for those seriously ill.” upsurge in daily Covid cases: Expert Subramaniam noted that Malaysia still facing a shortage of staff. Meanwhile, he said the people had already achieved the World Galen Centre for Health and Social should continue to work with the Health Organisation (WHO) Policy chief executive officer Azrul authorities to curb the spread of █ BY RAJVINDER SINGH possibility that hospitals across the recommended doctor-to-patient ratio Mohd Khalib said the healthcare Covid-19 by observing the standard [email protected] country will reach their maximum of 1:454, as announced recently by system will fracture, and in some operating procedures. capacity. Health Minister Dr Adham Baba. places even collapse, if most of those “It is better and less costly to PETALING JAYA: Healthcare experts He commended the government “Nonetheless, the ratio has infected become seriously ill and prevent an infection than to treat it. remain confident that the Malaysian for its decision to consider other changed significantly as more need to be hospitalised. We need to do better.” medical facilities are adequate to options, such as converting workers’ medical personnel are infected with He said the intensive care units in Azrul noted data showing that the deal with the rising number of new hostels into quarantine centres and Covid-19,” he told theSun. major hospitals and states, such as occupancy rate at hospitals Covid-19 infections. home isolation for cases with mild Subramaniam fears a new Sabah, are almost at full capacity. nationwide is currently at 8% while Nonetheless, they said, there symptoms. epidemic among healthcare workers, “We expect the resources in the rate at Covid-19 quarantine and should be a plan in place to deal with Health Director-General Tan Sri such as mental problems, is hospitals in other states to be similarly low-risk treatment centres is at 58%. a massive upsurge in the number of Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah recently imminent if the healthcare system is stretched if there is a surge beyond the He said any decision to allow more new cases daily, if it materialises as gave an assurance that despite the not expanded to meet future needs. numbers we’re seeing today,” he patients to undergo home quarantine predicted. sharp increase in the number of He mentioned several areas that added. should be based on several factors. Malaysian Medical Association infections, the healthcare system was needed to be looked into, namely the Azrul said, on the bright side, a “The size of the house and the president Prof Datuk Dr still able to cope. distribution of doctors across the majority of Covid-19 patients are ability of officials to monitor the M. Subramaniam said the health The number of new cases reported country and the strengthening of either asymptomatic or display only patient’s well-being are matters that authorities should be prepared for the daily has not dropped below the frontlines. mild symptoms. must be taken into account.” Mersing to clean up after Sultan’s rap 1,870 new cases recorded MERSING: In response to a tick-off “Mersing, with its natural PETALING JAYA: Malaysia continued Perak had 49, Pahang recorded 48, Senior Minister (Security) Datuk by the Sultan of Johor, the Mersing beauty, has been an international to record four-digit numbers in daily Negri Sembilan had 34, Kedah Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said of the district office is now making plans tourist attraction,” the ruler pointed Covid-19 cases yesterday, after 1,870 reported 23, Malacca had eight, total, 225 were compounded while six to clean up its act. out. infections were reported. Johor Labuan and Terengganu registered others were remanded. All efforts by related agencies Mohd Radzi said the Sultan’s recorded the highest number, with two each and Putrajaya had one case. “Their offences included failing and parties will gear towards statement reflected his concern for 607. The pandemic also claimed six to provide proper customer restoring the image of the area, the district. Health Director-General Tan Sri more lives overnight, with the registration equipment (80 people), district officer Mohd Radzi Mohd “As such I have instructed the Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah said this country’s death toll now at 463. failing to wear face masks (71), Amin announced yesterday. departments involved to act and brought the total number of The deaths involved four men and running entertainment activities “But first of all, the community address the issue immediately.” infections to 110,485, of which 22,562 two women aged between 45 and 69. (63), failing to practise physical should change its attitude on In a separate statement, Mersing are active cases. Four of the fatalities were in Sabah distancing (13) and others (four),” he cleanliness and stop littering to district council president Norazmi “The increase in Johor was due to and one each in Johor and Selangor. said yesterday. keep the district clean and Amir Hamzah said his department the Tembok Choh prison cluster, There were 745 recoveries As for Ops Benteng, Ismail Sabri beautiful,” he added in response to has always maintained close which reported 374 cases, followed by reported, bringing the total number of said 11 roadblocks were mounted Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar’s rapport with the relevant agencies Selangor, with 472 cases, and Sabah, recoveries to 87,460. nationwide, with 29 illegal Facebook post expressing his to ensure the cleanliness of with 280 cases,” he said yesterday. A total of 131 cases are being immigrants arrested. disgust on the sight of garbage in the district is maintained Kuala Lumpur treated at intensive care units, with 62 The Ministry of Domestic Trade public places. and waste disposal reported 219 cases, of them requiring ventilator support. and Consumer Affairs had also made He warned the lack of is properly Penang had 69, Meanwhile, 231 people were 640 inspections, including on retailers cleanliness would have a negative m a n a g e d . K e l a n t a n detained on Tuesday for violating the (458), wholesalers (150) and impact on the public’s health. – Bernama registered 56, movement control order. manufacturers (32) on Wednesday. RM1 bus rides for Chenderiang, Lintang folk soon

IPOH: Perak will expand stage bus service at a fare of RM1 in Lintang, Sungai Siput and Chenderiang, Tapah by next Ramadan. Infrastructure, Energy, Water and Public Transport Committee chairman Datuk Zolkafly Harun said the bus service will benefit at least 40,000 residents, including AIRBORNE ... 8,000 from the orang asli Visitors parasailing communities in both areas. along Batu Ferringhi He said the service was first beach in George introduced last year in Manjung. Town yesterday after “The RM1 bus fare can be water activities enjoyed by both adults and resumed following schoolchildren. It will operate from the lifting of the morning to late afternoon, and will movement control ply routes into the orang asli order on Dec 6. settlement areas. – MASRY CHE “The bus service will be ANI/THESUN implemented for a year as a pioneer project and will be expanded to other constituencies in Perak,” he said at a press conference, here, yesterday. Mentri Besar Datuk Saarani Notify health office, Perlis advises visitors from red zones Mohamad said the government had KANGAR: Those from Covid-19 red will be referred to a hospital zone areas entering Perlis, with 257 those who returned to Perlis from red allocated RM2 million to zone areas entering Perlis are immediately, while those who are instructed to self-quarantine at zone areas but did not inform the implement the bus service, when advised to notify the Kangar Health asymptomatic are advised to be home, while 117 underwent operations room. presenting the State Budget 2021 at Office on their health and undergo socially responsible by undergoing screening tests. “Therefore, the people of Perlis, the state assembly on Dec 16. risk assessment. self-quarantine as well as complying “About 70% of those who returned who are now the frontliners, need to Meanwhile, Zolkafly said the Perlis health director Dr with the Covid-19 standard to Perlis from red zone areas were play their respective roles to ensure state government will implement Sirajuddin Hashim said those with operating procedures,” he said in a visiting their families, while the Perlis remains a green zone state.” the Smart Energy and Perak Water symptoms must go to the nearest statement yesterday. remaining went for work purposes “The head of the family should Campaign next year to encourage health clinic for treatment, undergo He said from Dec 7 to Dec 28, the and holiday,” he said. monitor their own health status as the people to use both resources Covid-19 test and be quarantined. Covid-19 operations room received Sirajuddin said the Health well as their family members. prudently. – Bernama “If the symptoms get worse, they 468 calls from individuals from red Department believes there were – Bernama theSUN ON THURSDAY | DECEMBER 31, 2020 5 NEWS WITHOUT BORDERS Above and beyond the call of duty and her husband Datuk Saiful Nizam Mohd The death of police corporal Safwan oApart from fighting crime, police also play important role Yusoff in May. Mohamad Ismail, 31, who was killed after being However, the MCO had a silver lining as run over by a drunk driver while manning an as frontliners to assist in enforcing MCO during pandemic street crimes plunged by almost 48% while MCO checkpoint in Kajang in May, also received overall crime rates declined by 23% nationwide wide news coverage. due to the heavy presence of cops on the Although police frontliners received public █ BY CHARLES RAMENDRAN checkpoints and sniffing out dodgers of the ground. recognition and praise for their sacrifices, it was [email protected] lockdown required a large number of police Other categories of crimes such as break-ins not all glitter as there appeared to be a rise in personnel on the ground. and violent crimes dropped by between 60% crimes by rogue cops. FOR more than120,000 members of the police This led to desk-bound police and 70% at the height of the MCO. Among the serious cases were that of the force, 2020 will probably go down as one that personnel being roped in and Narcotics and contraband alleged rape of two Mongolian women by a was unusual and peculiar, and not typical of reassigned to assist in enforcing the pipelines were also cut off, forcing police inspector in Petaling Jaya in April, and the their regular duties. MCO. dealers to opt for e-hailing or alleged extortion of RM3 million to cover up the Wearing many hats and having taken on Just as it was a tough task for parcel delivery services for illegal activities of a drug dealer in Cheras in multiple roles, including maintaining peace in medical frontliners, police delivery. February. the nation and fighting crime, they were sent to personnel were also pushed to However, scam syndicates There were also numerous other cases of the frontlines to counter “criminals” of a the edge, putting in long hours took advantage of the extortion by cops on those who breached the microscopic kind. daily. lockdown and operated within MCO. Police had started a task to contain the Fortunately, the military the confines of their hideouts. While the virus outbreak hogged the news Covid-19 pandemic just a month into the year, stepped in and deployed several Besides Macau scams that throughout the year, several cases of interest also such as tracing several Chinese nationals who thousand soldiers to assist the police involved various schemes to fleece raised eyebrows. dodged quarantine in Johor Baru after being within days after the MCO was victims, scammers raked in about In mid-January, the Malaysian held on suspicion of carrying the virus during implemented. RM300 million by making irresistible but Anti-Corruption Commission went public with the early stages of the outbreak. Although the MCO compliance rate was non-existent wholesale offers of low-priced face several audio recordings with damning content A lockdown was imposed on March 18, more than 90%, thousands who defied the order masks, sanitisers and other protective gear related to the 1Malaysia Development Berhad marking the beginning of the movement control were hauled up and had to pay dearly after being synonymous with the pandemic. scandal. order (MCO) under laws of the Prevention and issued summonses or taken straight to court. Among those who suffered the highest loss The conversations were allegedly between Control of Infectious Diseases Act 1988 and the Among those charged for breaching the was a 90-year-old retiree, who was hoodwinked former premier Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak, Police Act 1967. order were Umno president Datuk Seri Ahmad into parting with RM4 million in Petaling Jaya in his wife Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor and other The arduous task of manning thousands of Zahid Hamidi’s daughter Datuk Nurul Hidayah June. individuals. RM65m fire damage in Malacca this year MALACCA: Fires caused more than RM65 million in damage in Malacca as of December this year, up from RM55 million in the corresponding period last year. Malacca Fire and Rescue Department director Abu Obaidat Mohamad said the value of property salvaged also rose – from RM691 million last year to RM828 million this year. However, the incidence of fires across the state went down from 2,486 cases to 1,895 – a drop of 591 cases, Abu Obaidat told Bernama. Six people were killed in fires compared with two last year, while 80 were injured this year, up from 14. Abu Obaidat said firefighters managed to rescue 72 individuals this year, down from 83. A total of 344 structures caught fire, up from 287, while the number of vehicles meeting a similar end rose from 130 to 139. Apart from fighting fires, the department’s personnel were also involved in many search and rescue efforts. Abu Obaidat said 389 people were rescued, down from 444 last year. However, 253 were injured and 35 were killed by various mishaps. Last year 363 people sustained injuries and 52 died. He said the department will continue to hold campaigns and talks on fire hazard awareness at schools and public places, as well as hold fire drills at government and private premises such as supermarkets, factories and offices.

TEDIOUS TASK ... Residents at SS5C, Kelana Jaya in Petaling Jaya filling up water in containers following a supply disruption due to a burst pipe at Damansara Utama yesterday. – ADIB RAWI YAHYA/THESUN No Malaysians at Court rules Azhar and Azalina’s appointments valid Croatian quake site KUALA LUMPUR: There is no record of any KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Azhar Azizan election of the Speaker and Deputy Speaker. Order 4 (1) and 6 (2) of the Dewan Rakyat, Malaysians living in Petrinja, a city about 60km Harun and Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said “I view that any kind of matter or issues shall be declared without question put from the Croatian capital of Zagreb, which was will remain as Dewan Rakyat Speaker and concerning the removal and the appointment pursuant to Standing Order 4 (3). the epicentre of an earthquake yesterday. Deputy Speaker respectively after the High of the Speaker and the Deputy Speaker ought On July 23, Mahathir, his son Datuk Seri In a statement, the Foreign Ministry said the Court ruled that their appointments are valid. to be examined, discussed and resolved in Mukhriz Mahathir, former education minister Embassy of Malaysia in Zagreb had successfully Judge Datuk Ahmad Kamal Md Shahid Parliament. The Parliament has exclusive Maszlee Malik, Kubang Pasu MP Datuk Wira contacted Malaysians living in Zagreb and none allowed an application by Azhar, Azalina and jurisdiction over the matter and it has the Amiruddin Hamzah and Sri Gading MP had been reported to be in harm’s way. two others to strike out an origination absolute right to control its own proceedings. Datuk Shahruddin Md Salleh filed a legal “The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is monitoring summons filed against them by former prime “Indeed, the decision of the Parliament on action to challenge the legitimacy of the developments in the aftermath of the minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and four July 13, 2020, to remove Tan Sri Mohamad appointments of Azhar and Azalina. 6.4-magnitude earthquake in Petrinja,” it said. others to challenge the legitimacy of their Ariff Md Yusof as the Speaker and to appoint Counsel Amer Hamzah Arshad and Tania “The ministry wishes to convey the appointments. Azhar and Azalina as the new Speaker and the Scivetti represented the defendants while sympathies and condolences of the Malaysian Ahmad Kamal said after studying the oral Deputy Speaker is conclusive.” lawyer Mohamed Haniff Khatri Abdulla government to the government and people of and written submissions of both plaintiffs and In his 39-page judgment, the judge said as represented Mahathir and the other four Croatia, especially those who have been directly defendants, he found that the appointments the matter has been determined by plaintiffs. affected by the disaster. Malaysia stands in of Azhar and Azalina were valid and cannot Parliament on July 13, 2020, the court was not Amer Hamzah said based on the decision solidarity with them during this difficult time,” it be questioned by the court. allowed to question the validity of the said yesterday, there is no question on the added. “The defendants’ originating summons to proceeding in pursuant of Article 63 (1) of the appointments of Azhar and Azalina. Malaysians in Croatia may contact the strike out the application is allowed,” he said. Federal Constitution. “They can be relieved that their embassy for consular assistance by calling The judge said Article 57 of the Federal Ahmad Kamal said the first and second appointments are valid. The court had clearly +385-1-4834346, 385-1-4834347; fax (+385-1- Constitution expressly provides that it is defendants, being sole candidates whose laid out the legal principles and it should not 4834348) or email [email protected] Parliament that determines the removal and nomination was made pursuant to Standing be disputed by any party,” he said. – Bernama – Bernama 6 theSUN ON THURSDAY | DECEMBER 31, 2020 NEWS WITHOUT BORDERS Singapore begins Wuhan virus cases may be vaccinations SINGAPORE: Singapore began vaccinating healthcare workers with Pfizer-BioNTech’s vaccine yesterday, kicking off one of Asia’s first inoculation programmes against the coronavirus 10 times higher than reported that has killed 1.7 million people globally. Sarah Lim, a 46-year-old nurse, and 43-year-old infectious diseases doctor Kalisvar Marimuthu infections in Wuhan by April, nearly 10 times fellow for global health at the Council on were among the more than 30 staff at the National oStudy finds 4.4% of city’s the official tally to date of 50,000 cases in the Foreign Relations, told AFP. Centre for Infectious Diseases who were city. Qin Ying, a serological expert from the vaccinated yesterday, the health ministry said. 11 million residents had China has faced a barrage of criticism at CDC told AFP yesterday that disparities in They will return for the second dose of the home and abroad over its initial handling of data were not unique to China. vaccine on Jan 20. developed antibodies the virus, including attempts to silence “Several countries have already published “Vaccines have managed to bring pandemics whistle-blowers and not reporting any cases similar serological surveys and ... in most down to their knees before. So I am hopeful that for days in early January amid high-level instances the number of people with this vaccine will do the same,” Marimuthu said in BEIJING: The number of coronavirus cases in political consultations. antibodies against the coronavirus was recorded remarks provided by the health ministry. the Chinese city where the pathogen was first On Monday, citizen journalist Zhang Zhan several times higher than the confirmed case Singapore is the first country in Asia to approve detected may have been 10 times higher than was jailed for four years for reporting on count,” Qin said. the Pfizer-BioNTech Covid-19 vaccine. official figures suggest, according to a study by conditions inside Wuhan during the height of “So this kind of disparity is a widespread It has also signed advance purchase agreements health authorities in Wuhan. the outbreak. phenomenon.” and made early down-payments on several other About 4.4% of the city’s 11 million residents The discrepancy revealed by the CDC’s The CDC added that only 0.44% of the vaccine candidates, including those being had developed antibodies against the virus data may “point to potential underreporting population in central Hubei province outside developed by Moderna and Sinovac. causing Covid-19 by April, the report by the due to the chaos in late January and early of Wuhan exhibited antibodies for the virus, It expects to have enough vaccine doses for all Chinese Centre for Disease Control (CDC) February, when a large number of people suggesting that the 77-day lockdown on the its 5.7 million people by the third quarter of 2021. said. were not tested or were not tested accurately city may have helped prevent the spread of Singapore hopes to complete vaccination That correlates to around 480,000 for Covid-19”, Huang Yanzhong, a senior the disease. – AFP coverage by the end of next year, health minister Gan Kim Yong said. “Our priority over the next few months is to Duterte’s guards used ‘smuggled’ vaccines: Minister ensure that the vaccines that we use are safe and effective, and we are able to roll out this MANILA: The Philippine defence minister Administration (FDA) yet to approve any authorised, only the government can programme to the whole population smoothly and said yesterday that unapproved Covid-19 Covid-19 vaccine and no set timeline for authorise,” he told reporters. in an orderly manner.” vaccines given to President Rodrigo Duterte’s when health workers would receive one. “It is justified ... it will protect them so they While Gan acknowledged Singaporeans’ military security detail had been smuggled Defence secretary Delfin Lorenzana said will not be infected and at the same time they concerns over the unknowns of a new vaccine, he into the country, but called the move members of the Presidential Security Group can protect the president.” said it had met all safety and efficacy requirements “justified”. obtained the vaccine without government The FDA and health ministry both warned based on current data and that the authorities News of the special troop unit being authorisation and had administered them on Monday against use of unapproved would continue their monitoring. inoculated as early as September has caused a without his knowledge. vaccines and said importing, distributing or To show the vaccine is safe, Prime Minister Lee stir among activists, with the Food and Drug “Yes smuggled, because they were not selling them was illegal. – Reuters Hsien Loong, 68, said he and his colleagues would be among the first to get the shots. They will be free and voluntary, but the government is encouraging all medically eligible residents to take them. – Reuters

SINOPHARM SAYS JAB 79% EFFECTIVE, SEEKS APPROVAL BEIJING: Phase 3 trials of a Sinopharm coronavirus vaccine found it was 79% effective, the Chinese pharma giant said

BRIEFSyesterday, lower than rival jabs developed by Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna but a potential breakthrough in the battle to stem the pandemic in Asia. Yesterday’s announcement was the first data released regarding the efficacy of a Chinese vaccine candidate. “The protective effect of the (Sinopharm CNBG Beijing) vaccine against Covid-19 is 79.34%,“ Beijing Institute of Biological Products, a Sinopharm subsidiary that has been developing a vaccine with CNBG, said. Sinopharm has applied to China’s drug regulator for approval of the inactivated coronavirus vaccine. – AFP

FIRST US CONGRESSMAN DIES OF COVID-19 WASHINGTON: A representative-elect from Louisiana died of Covid-19 on Tuesday, the first member of the US Congress to succumb to the disease. Republican Luke Letlow, 41, had been elected to Louisiana’s fifth district and was due to be sworn in on Sunday. “I am heartbroken that he will not be able to serve our people as a US representative,“ Louisiana governor John Bel Edwards tweeted. Letlow had announced on Dec 18 that he had tested positive for Covid-19 and was quarantining at home. He was hospitalised three days FOR A GOOD CAUSE ... French DJ David Guetta poses in front of the Louvre Pyramid before performing the ‘United at Home’ fundraising live later. Letlow is survived by wife Julia Barnhill concert in Paris on Tuesday. – REUTERSPIX Letlow and two young children. – AFP Britain first to approve easy to administer Oxford-AstraZeneca jabs LONDON: Britain yesterday became statement it had “accepted the surge in the virus, with a record scheduled to be available by the end be stored, transported and handled the first country in the world to recommendation from the 53,135 cases reported on Tuesday. of March. at normal refrigerated conditions of approve the coronavirus vaccine Medicines and Healthcare Products More than 71,000 people testing On Sunday, AstraZeneca’s chief between 2°C and 8°C for at least six developed by drug firm AstraZeneca Regulatory Agency to authorise positive for the disease have died so executive Pascal Soriot said the months. and Oxford University, with a mass Oxford University/AstraZeneca’s far, one of the worst tolls in the world. vaccine provides “100% protection” That is a far cry from the -70°C rollout planned from Jan 4. Covid-19 vaccine for use”. The approval followed rigorous against severe Covid disease needed for Pfizer-BioNTech’s vaccine The vaccine can be stored, “Brilliant to end 2020 with such a clinical trials and a thorough analysis requiring hospitalisation. and could allow use of the existing transported and handled at normal moment of hope. The #coronavirus of the data by experts, who concluded Great hopes have been placed on refrigerated supply chain to cut costs. refrigerated conditions, and is vaccine is our way out of the that the vaccine has met strict the shot, originally based on a Nearly 200 million doses of the therefore cheaper and easier to pandemic – now we need to hold our standards of safety, quality and weakened version of a chimpanzee Oxford vaccine will be made before administer than the Pfizer-BioNTech nerve while we get through this effectiveness, a Department of Health virus, because of its low cost. the end of the year, the UK drug and Moderna jabs that require together,” health secretary Matt and Social Care spokesman said. The Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine manufacturer has said, and more freezing. Hancock tweeted. The government has ordered 100 also enjoys a logistical advantage than 700 million globally by the end The government said in a Britain is struggling with another million doses, with 40 million doses over the Pfizer-BioNTech jab, as it can of March next year. – AFP theSUN ON THURSDAY | DECEMBER 31, 2020 7 NEWS WITHOUT BORDERS Chinese court jails 10 Hong Kong activists for up to three years HONG KONG: A Chinese court The eight others were sentenced city for overseas and political They will likely face further possession of offensive weapons. yesterday jailed 10 Hong Kong to seven months behind bars for organisations have shuttered their charges in the city after serving their Barrister Chow Hang-tung, from activists for up to three years over a illegally crossing the border. doors as Beijing seeks to keep a lid on mainland sentences. the “Save 12” concern group, bid to flee the city by speedboat to The 10 were also fined up to unrest that rocked the financial hub Two minors from the so-called condemned China’s legal process as Taiwan, as a crackdown on dissent in 20,000 yuan (RM12,400) in addition for months last year. “Hong Kong 12”, aged 17 and 18, were “utterly unjust” as their families and the territory intensifies. to their jail terms. A total of 12 people were caught returned to the city yesterday after lawyers had been kept in the dark. The group were arrested by the The sentencing follows the on the boat and have been held in they admitted wrongdoing, Chinese “According to the state media’s Chinese coastguard on Aug 23 en imposition of a sweeping new custody for more than four months officials said. The court said it would report, the defendants even praised route to the island. security law in Hong Kong this year on the mainland. not pursue its case against them. the mainland’s justice system, which The court in Shenzhen sentenced that has given the government broad The group were facing In Hong Kong, the 18-year-old is very absurd,” Chow said. Tang Kai-yin to three years in jail and powers to prosecute political prosecution in Hong Kong related to faces charges of conspiracy to “We can’t imagine what kind of Quinn Moon to two years for dissidents. last year’s protests before attempting commit arson, while the 17-year-old treatment they have got in the organising an illegal border crossing. A number of activists have fled the their escape. faces charges of attempted arson and detention centre.” – AFP

JAKARTA: Indonesia has banned the controversial and politically S’pore arrests influential hardline group the Islamic Defender’s Front, the chief security man who spied minister announced yesterday. Indonesia bans Mahfud MD said the group, widely known by its acronym FPI, was for Beijing in US prohibited with immediate effect. SINGAPORE: Authorities arrested a “The government has banned FPI man on his return here yesterday activities and will stop any activities after he was jailed for spying for carried out by FPI,” Mahfud said. hardline group China in the United States, saying “The FPI no longer has legal they would investigate whether he standing as an organisation.” posed a security risk. The ban follows the November oFPI’s influence seen as potential challenge to govt Dickson Yeo, a Singapore citizen, return of the group’s spiritual returned to the city-state after figurehead, Rizieq Shihab, from three serving prison time in the United years of self-exile in Saudi Arabia, Six senior government officials, known for offering assistance its popularity as a social States for acting as an illegal agent of which was celebrated with events including the attorney-general, during natural disasters. phenomenon, and is likely to Chinese intelligence. attended by thousands. police chief and counter-terrorism Its political sway has risen in ‘radicalise’ some members and The Internal Security Rizieq’s return to Indonesia had agency head were involved in the recent years, particularly after its sympathisers. Department (ISD) will interview Yeo fuelled concern within the decision to ban the group, he said. role in protests in 2016 against “The government is on the to establish if he had engaged in government that he could be angling Deputy justice minister Edward Jakarta’s former governor who was offensive against what they see as a activities prejudicial to Singapore’s to harness opposition forces. Omar Sharif Hiariej said the FPI jailed for insulting Islam. potential locus of opposition, security, it said in a statement. The 55-year-old cleric was was outlawed because nearly 30 of The government saw the sharpened by the recent return of “Singapore will not allow our arrested this month and charged with its leaders, members and former demonstrations as one of the Rizieq,” he said. nationals to be subverted or used by violating health protocols and members had been convicted on biggest threats to President Joko Senior FPI member Novel any foreign actors for activities remains in custody, while a clash terrorism charges, and because the Widodo’s rule. Bamukmin was defiant, telling prejudicial to our security and between police and his supporters – group conflicted with the nation’s Dr Ian Wilson, senior lecturer in Reuters the ban would do little to national interests,” the ISD said. in which six of his bodyguards were state ideology, Pancasila, which politics and security studies and a dampen spirits. “The government takes a very shot dead – is being investigated by emphasises unity and diversity. research fellow at the Asia Research “They can disband FPI but they serious view of any Singaporean the national human rights body. Formed soon after the 1998 fall Centre, Murdoch University, said cannot disband our struggle. And if who enters into a clandestine Mahfud said the FPI had officially of former strongman Suharto, the the ban may prove to be we want, this afternoon we can relationship with a foreign been disbanded since June last year, FPI were notorious for raiding bars counterproductive. declare a new organisation. government and engages in but had continued unlawfully and brothels and intimidating “Banning the FPI will do little to “If they disband it again, we’ll espionage or subversive activities at conducting activities. religious minorities. It is also mitigate the factors that have driven create a new one.” – Reuters the behest of the foreign power,” it said. – Reuters

ISRAEL GIVES HERO’S WELCOME TO US SPY TEL AVIV: Jonathan Pollard, an American jailed in the US in 1985 for spying for Israel, landed in the

BRIEFSJewish state yesterday to a hero’s welcome led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Pollard, 66, served 30 years in prison for passing on classified documents when he served as a US Navy intelligence analyst, and had been confined to America under his parole terms since his 2015 release. After years of Israeli lobbying, the US Justice Department removed the terms EXPENSIVE and conditions last month. LESSON ... Pollard and his wife Esther arrived Students from in Israel before dawn and were seen walking off a plane towards American Univeristy a waiting Netanyahu, who raised of Beirut stand his hand in welcome. The premier among policemen handed an Israeli identity card to as they protest over the old spy, who was granted tuition fees in the citizenship in 1995. “You’re home,“ Lebanese capital on he told the couple. – AFP Tuesday. – REUTERSPIX AFGHAN TROOPS AND POLICE FLEE POSTS KABUL: Afghan security personnel have abandoned nearly 200 checkpoints in restive Kandahar province in recent weeks, officials said yesterday, in India says border talks with China yet to make progress some cases leaving behind their weapons to be seized by the NEW DELHI: Talks between India confrontation between the nuclear Ladakh, abutting the Chinese-held a staggered withdrawal. Taliban. ”Afghan security forces and China have yet to make armed neighbours in decades. Tibetan plateau. “Our expectation is that some have retreated from 193 headway to end a standoff on a “If the status quo continues, it is Twenty Indian soldiers were positive result can be achieved checkpoints and outposts in disputed section of their Himalayan obvious that the deployment won’t killed, with China suffering an through talks,” Singh said. Zharai, Maiwand, Arghandab and border, India’s defence minister said come down,” Singh said during an undisclosed number of casualties, India has positioned around Panjwai districts,“ Kandahar yesterday, as thousands of troops interview with Reuters partner ANI. and both sides ramped up their 50,000 troops in the contested area, governor Hayatullah Hayat said. from both sides faced a freezing But, he said, both sides were still military presence, moving men, some at altitudes of over 4600m, “Most of the security chiefs and winter in the mountains. exchanging messages over the weapons and supplies to the where scarce oxygen and freezing officers who neglected their Defence minister Rajnath Singh border situation and another round high-altitude desert region. winter temperatures can be duties have been dismissed.” “The said there had been “no meaningful of military talks was in the offing. Officials in New Delhi said last life-threatening. security forces exited the bases leaving behind their weapons result” from several rounds of Tensions soared in June, after month that officials from India and India and China share an and ammunition,“ local lawmaker diplomatic and military talks aimed troops clashed in hand-to-hand China had held several parleys undemarcated 3,800km long Hashim Alkhozai said. – AFP at de-escalating the worst border combat in the Galwan valley in to discuss ways to implement border. – Reuters 8 theSUN ON THURSDAY | DECEMBER 31, 2020 SPEAK UP Stem higher student dropout rate 150,000 laptops, and providing extra 1GB of Ministry should modify the education authorities and government institutions to COMMENT mobile data daily. responses of other countries and adopt a mix of formulate a strategy for remote learning. by Amanda Yeo However, the majority of children especially low-tech and high-tech interventions to ensure Even though 25-30% of students had limited in low-income families are not disciplined, learning continuity during the Covid-19 crisis. or no access to remote learning devices, the utilising data connection for entertainment According to a survey done by OECD and Education Department in Gujarat, India HE closure of schools since the middle instead of learning purposes. Harvard Graduate School of Education during managed to overcome the barriers by providing of November has raised concern, Parents with low incomes are the Covid-19 pandemic this year, learning support at the local levels (i.e. villages, particularly among low-income either not literate enough to teach the following are some of the hamlets and habitats), pairing students with families who are struggling to make their children due to lower “The majority education responses of other and without devices, promoting peer learning, Tends meet. Not only do they have to meet their educational attainment, or not able countries to ensure continuity in creating a mobile bank, offline learning, home- livelihood needs, but also have to see to the to monitor the learning progress of of children education: visits by teachers and field staff, providing educational requirements of their children. their children due to longer 0 New South Wales and access to online classes at citizen service Even though many economic activities are working hours. especially in Australia lent laptops to students. centres or village offices, as well mobile learning allowed during the recovery movement control Teachers also find it challenging 0 Great Britain and Japan relied vehicles. order period, anxieties among low-income to have close contact with their on more traditional practices by Although the government promised to families remain. Based on EMIR Research’s students as either the students have low-income printing and delivering strengthen the functions of community internet latest poll for the third quarter of this year, 80% limited access to digital devices or additional work booklets. centres and extend broadcasting hours of TV of respondents worried about the quality of choose to skip online lessons. families are not 0 Education ministries from Pendidikan, former education minister education received by their children due to the This can be seen from the 2015 Japan and the Republic of Korea Maszlee Malik warned continuous school new norm of relying on online education. OECD Pisa (Organisation for disciplined, partnered with private providers closures could put the future generation at risk As there is no sign of recovery from the Economic Co-operation and of educational content and if the government and stakeholders fail to make continuous four-digit Covid-19 daily infections Development Programme for utilising data Edtechs to provide students with efforts to prevent disruption to the education in Malaysia, there is an increasing fear that International Student Assessment) free access to a rich catalogue of system. more children will become disinterested in study, which showed that students connection for online learning resources. Therefore, the Education Ministry should studying, which might result in a higher school from higher socio-economic 0 Austria, Australia, Brazil, take a lead by introducing comprehensive dropout rate compared with the pre-pandemic backgrounds were more likely to entertainment Estonia and Portugal allowed free education measures by modifying the period. surf the internet to access useful online reading of their material. education responses of other countries – According to a recent United Nations information or read the news. instead of 0 Universities in the United encouraging teachers to have close contact with Children’s Fund study, one in five children in Lower-income peers, on the Kingdom, Norway and Estonia their students from underprivileged families by low-cost flats in Kuala Lumpur had lost interest other hand, tended to spend their learning collaborated with schools by distributing physical learning materials and in their studies since the implementation of the time chatting online and playing sharing online virtual learning organising regular home visits. movement control order. When more children games. purposes. environments and offering a This would ensure all children in Malaysia leave school, it would adversely affect their Therefore, there is no clear large catalogue of online are able to follow the education syllabus despite prospects of earning a living in the future, indication on whether the provision activities. learning barriers during school closure. resulting in social unrest. of data credit and laptops by the 0 Aside from establishing a co- The government has taken measures under government, corporates and non- operation committee, the Ministry of Education Amanda Yeo is Research Analyst at EMIR Budget 2021 to help B40 communities. These governmental organisations would effectively Iceland also organised online meetings with Research, an independent think tank focused include free credit for B40 communities to address the issue of education access among community leaders, head teachers and on strategic policy recommendations based access telecommunications services, getting children from low-income families. principals, all member organisations of the on rigorous research. government-linked companies to sponsor EMIR Research suggests that the Education Icelandic Teachers’ Union, local educational Comments:[email protected]

LETTERS [email protected] Save the environment for posterity LIVING in this world means that we need to can save the environment before it’s too late. work together to save the environment for Firstly, we should start using only future generations. Sustainable reusable bags instead of plastic ones. Plastic Improve living conditions of development goals for a better world bags take a long time to decompose, end up include focus on the environment. on beaches, rivers and oceans, threatening Every aspect of our life hinges on the marine life and the food chain. prisoners, foreign workers environment. Nature has a huge impact on Next, we should also try to use less fuel PRISON and detention centre inmates as well as of prison cells where prisoners are each confined to humans and is beneficial for us, especially as by car-pooling with friends, co-workers and foreign workers are among the statistics of the Covid a cell with a squatting toilet bowl and a wash basin. a source of food, medicines and daily neighbours or by taking to public transport. 19 pandemic causing concern to the nation. They have a bed and a small reading table. Some nutrients. It’s common knowledge that the toxic fumes This is not surprising because both these groups cells may have double-decker beds. However, we should be conscious of what emitted by vehicles are health hazards and of people, due to space constraints, are housed in This would be a luxury for prisoners here but it is we consume. We should be aware of not contribute to global warming and climate close proximity and can get easily infected with the a fundamental human rights issue that they be given over-exploiting animals and plants that are change. virus. basic amenities. on the way to extinction. We should cut down drastically on the Foreign workers often live together, with a dozen Ex-inmates of our prisons have told me that there For example, though shark-fin soup is use of paper by relying on electronic means or so crammed into small low-cost single story are about four to six prisoners confined in a small delicious, some species of sharks are almost to communicate as well as by recycling houses or flats. Hence, they are unable to follow cell with no beds, and they have to sleep on the floor extinct and we must stop catching them and paper This can go a long way to reduce the social distancing in their places of accommodation. with some light mattresses and no pillows. throwing their bodies in the sea after need for cutting down trees and decimating Greedy and unscrupulous employers, intent on The cells are next to each other and a block could removing their fins. our forests which are also the natural reaping profits, lump huge numbers of foreign have a number of cells with a hundred or so inmates. Everyday foods such as carrots, tomato, habitats of wildlife. workers into congested abodes to live in unhealthy And the worst aspect is that they have to use a meat and spices can prove to be medicinal By reducing global warming, we can conditions. bucket for toilet needs and have to clean it daily in and curative. Garlic, for instance is known to decrease the rate at which ice melts in arctic These foreign workers have no avenues to the main bathroom. They have to put up with being be good for lowering cholesterol while and antarctic zones leading to the rise in sea complain because they are at the mercy of such with the bucket in the same room. ginseng can be used as a tonic. levels. This will help prevent islands from employers who themselves live in mansions. They eat out in an open space during meal times Many consider tiger parts can treat ulcer, being inundated, protect coastal areas and I know of Bangladeshi workers who work shifts where they gather together and enjoy some leg malaria and dysentery and hence hunt safeguard communities living tahere. as security guards and share the same bed and space. Ex-convicts have told me that they are given them. But the Malayan Tiger is one of the Nature is something that we really should pillows in the same room with other workers. Some good food regularly, and on festive days special animals that is almost on the verge of be thankful for. It needs a lot of effort from 10 to 20 workers are housed in each low-cost home meals are served. extinction. everyone’s part to save this precious gift. or flat. However, their living conditions need to be We should save our rich forests as they These workers who left their homeland for a looked into seriously. Having more than four or six are a vital source of clean oxygen for our Nurin Qasdina Nazaruddin better life and future have to slog it out under such prisoners in a small cell is a recipe for the spread of very survival. There are many ways people Petaling Jaya poor living conditions. communicable diseases. Social distancing and good hygiene, which are With such unhealthy living conditions, the virus the prerequisites for fighting the pandemic, are not can cause mayhem. Another thumbs-up for theSun possible for such foreign workers. We know that the Prisons Department is doing its And now, after the revelation and hue and cry of best with limited resources and space. I TAKE this opportunity to echo the feast of articles and features that await me social rights activists, some employers are providing Understandably, the authorities are facing tough sentiments expressed by Dr Hans Volker Wolf within their pages. them better accommodation. challenges. in the piece entitled “Reader fascinated by I congratulate the people behind theSun All it took was one invisible virus to make this However, the time has come to change norms articles” ( theSun, Dec 30) and add to all that for their ingenuity in having made it the daily drastic change for the better. and practices, and improve the living conditions of he has said by pointing out that the feature that stands head and shoulders above all Prisons are another place where people are inmates for the better. We need to take better care of articles in theSun are of superior quality both others in its unwavering appeal to the lumped together for convenience and due to lack of our prisoners though they have erred and gone in terms of language and penetrative Malaysian readership. space, leading to a spike in Covid-19 cases. astray. insights. Each morning as the sun beats down into This was bound to happen and today we gather Mahatma Gandhi said that a nation is judged by As I pick up theSun each day, I am my room, I rise from my night’s slumber and that nearly all detention centres and prisons which the way it treats its animals. inescapably touched by the very same as I shake off the vestiges of sleep, I am are over-crowded have experienced increases in I think, more importantly, we need to treat our feelings that assailed me when I used to pick cheered by the thought that theSun awaits infection rates. foreign workers and prison inmates more humanely up any of the popular English dailies during me in the sitting room to give me a buoyant We do not know how many inmates are actually to be judged as progressive and developed. my brief sojourn in Leeds, United Kingdom, a start to a new day. put in a cell. But we do know that prisons are long time ago. overcrowded and are facing space constraints. Samuel Yesuiah I used to experience a surge of J. Yugaraj Some of us have seen American and British films Seremban excitement at the thought of the bountiful Kuala Lumpur theSUN ON THURSDAY | DECEMBER 31, 2020 9 SPEAK UP

COMMENT by Dr Khor Swee Kheng Why are vaccine prices secret? N Dec 22, Science, Technology and buys two billion vaccine doses per year, for average Malaysian can benefit too, if but they are responsible if leaks happen and we novation Minister Khairy Jamaluddin instance). institutions like Employees Provident Fund, lose vaccines. announced that the government will Pharma often ask their customers to sign Khazanah, Permodalan Nasional Berhad and Thirdly, the government can commit to spend RM2.05 billion to purchase non-disclosure agreements (NDAs), even large private asset managers invest in pharma. release the details of each contract at a pre- Ovaccines for 26.5 million Malaysians. If every customers. The NDAs can cover areas like Now you might say “pharma shouldn’t profit agreed date, for example “two years after person receives two doses, that works out to intellectual property, prices or commercial from disease” and this is a very reasonable signing the contract”. This is an easy clause to approximately RM39 per dose on average, terms. It’s probable that these NDAs cover ex- statement. But the solution is not to solely blame insert into a contract with any pharma. which is a very reasonable price and appears factory prices (wholesale, but not retail prices) pharma, but also to change the structural forces Fourthly, the government can release more globally competitive. and other commercial terms such as CIF that compel pharma to act in certain ways. non-price details today, for example the terms These vaccines are important in our fight (Customs/Insurance/Freight) terms or mark- We must change the way global capitalism for logistics, indemnity, insurance and freight. against Covid-19. Malaysia has done well to ups along the distribution chain. functions and how global health goods (like These value-added services are not price- sign procurement agreements with several Pharma want the NDAs to preserve or vaccines, medicines and oxygen) are managed, related and can be public information. companies to deliver enough vaccines for 83% enhance their advantage. One, keeping priced and governed. Then, we can have Fifthly, Malaysia needs long-term work to of our population. However, this important intellectual property and patents secret equitable outcomes for the poorest and most strengthen our own external reference pricing milestone is being overshadowed by questions provides an advantage over their competitors. vulnerable people in the world. system (to benchmark prices against peer regarding the transparency of prices for each Two, keeping ex-factory prices secret But that’s a very complex conversation, and countries) and build our own domestic individual company. enhances their negotiating strength with other it should be done separately. This article only manufacturing capacity to reduce over-reliance These demands for price transparency are buyers. This is especially true because speaks about Covid-19 vaccine prices and on foreign entities. reasonable, for public trust, vaccine confidence multinational pharma sell to countries with NDAs. At this point, we understand that the Finally, Malaysia must actively lead reforms and anti-corruption reasons. As a global health different levels of wealth. NDAs are outside our government’s control. of global health. Two specific examples are the and health policies expert, I am supportive of Three, keeping commercial terms (such as Malaysia must comply with them, because governance and pricing of global public goods transparency and fair contract terms between freight prices, insurance terms and mark-ups) we have no choice. Revealing vaccine prices such as vaccines and medicines. low-and-middle-income countries and large secret provides another advantage over their means that we break the NDA, and we could I personally do not support NDAs. However, and powerful multinational pharmaceuticals. competitors. potentially lose our vaccines. I accept the current realities of global health However, price transparency for the vaccine You may ask then, why would a customer It’s not just Malaysia under the NDA, even and the global capitalist system. Malaysia is a is a highly-complex situation with two sides. We sign NDAs? the European Commission (with 27 countries middle power with limited leverage in a global must consider both sides to understand why Firstly, there’s no clear disadvantage for a and 450 million people) signed an NDA with health and capitalist landscape that is tilted the Malaysian government cannot disclose customer to sign an NDA. There’s only a clear Pfizer. against low-and-middle-income countries. vaccine prices. advantage if all other customers stop signing all But, although the government is under That understanding will give us a firm As a brief disclosure, I’m an independent NDAs with every company. So far, there is no NDAs, it cannot “hide” behind them. foundation to mitigate the disadvantages of consultant for health systems and policies. I do single actor in the world willing and able to Transparency will increase vaccine confidence NDAs, while working hard to increase our own not own stocks in any company anywhere. I convene this collective action. and public trust which strengthens public self-reliance and change the deep spent eight years working for a large Secondly, the customer needs or wants the health. There are several ways we can build infrastructure of global health. pharmaceutical company (two years in medical products made by the pharma and is willing to trust and fight corruption, despite the NDAs. In the case for NDAs and Covid-19 vaccine affairs in Singapore and six years as Ethics and sign an NDA. Firstly, publicly announcing the overall prices, although the government is bound by Compliance director based in several countries. NDAs could help pharma make more vaccine cost is an excellent move. Kudos to NDAs, it can still do a lot. It’s up to citizens to Firstly, we must consider the forces outside money. At this point, maybe you’re angry at Khairy for this transparency. Secondly, he has understand both sides of the issue, and hold the government control. Pharma companies have pharma. But we can’t blame pharma because the right instinct to offer to disclose more to government accountable where possible. three major customers – governments (health it’s only responding to global capitalism. relevant Parliamentary Select Committees and ministries, hospitals or government insurers), Wall Street, pension funds and asset the Public Accounts Committee. The writer is a physician working on health private entities (private hospitals, distributors managers want higher profits to benefit In theory, individual MPs can sign NDAs to systems, policies and global health. or agents) and global organisations (Unicef shareholders, pensioners and investors. The preserve the confidentiality of the disclosure, Comments:[email protected] 10 theSUN ON THURSDAY | DECEMBER 31, 2020 MEDIA & MARKETING Survival of the fittest oGig economy workers say they can no longer survive

WHETHER in Paris, Kuala Lumpur or California, gig economy workers fear they can no longer survive on meagre earnings from jobs that leave them increasingly vulnerable. The term “gig” stretches back a century to jazz musicians who used it to refer to a one-off show but now the “gig economy” involves millions of people in all sorts of jobs, from Uber drivers to Deliveroo delivery teams. Many Malaysians make a living delivering food, medication and shopping by motorcycle, but wages can be low and the hours gruelling. Algorithm slaves Wissem Inal does more than 700 kilometres a week on his scooter, Gig economy workers at Uber, Deliveroo and Lyft fear they can no delivering up to 10 takeout meals in longer survive on meagre earnings from jobs that leave them the Paris suburbs every evening. increasingly vulnerable. “At the moment, with the lockdown I end up with 500 euros Juggle the platforms He is one of many Malaysians who (RM2,400) a month net,” said She does Twenty-seven-year-old Devon makes a living delivering food, the 32-year-old who has driven for not buy the argument that gig work is Gutekunst delivers for DoorDash, medication and shopping by Deliveroo since 2017 but also takes Mighetto lived in flexible. which just took in almost US$3.4 motorcycle in Petaling Jaya, an jobs for Uber Eats and Stuart. Sacramento but would drive “I personally call it on demand billion (RM10.8 billion) in its stock affluent suburb of Kuala Lumpur. Inal has trouble seeing the “good more than an hour to the San work ... there’s no flexibility – market debut. Before Covid-19 hit, he was a side” of his job at the moment and Francisco area on weekends because you have to work when there’s His smartphone offers him a job – driver for Grab in Johor, southern criticises calculations by Deliveroo’s there was more work in the richer demand. You’re going to work late US$5.50 (RM22) for a 4.6-mile Malaysia. algorithm that decide how much to towns. nights, long weekends and every delivery in 30 minutes. “I could easily make a comfortable offer him for jobs. She slept in her car or shelled out single holiday.” “That’s the equivalent of US$11 living. But after the virus outbreak, “A delivery that’s worth six euros at US$25 (RM100) for a room. In the spring, she gave up driving (RM44) an hour, that’s too little,” said life became tough as many people noon is worth just three euros in the Mighetto was pulling in US$60- for fear of catching Covid-19 but had Gutekunst. lost their jobs and my income was evening. You can’t earn a living with US$80 (RM240-RM320) an hour to fight for unemployment benefits of “My personal minimum is US$18 reduced,” Amal told AFP. this job, unless you’re willing to live before expenses in 2017 but a series US$450 (RM1,800) per week instead (RM72) an hour. I often make more Given the bleak prospects in like a slave.” of rate cuts caused that to fall to of the US$167 (RM676) paid to gig than that, because I have a strategy.” Johor, he headed to the capital. He recently joined an association US$20 (RM80) at the beginning of the workers. Part of it is to be selective and “There were no job opportunities of gig delivery drivers that seeks to year and to less than US$10 (RM40) She received a US$600 (RM2,400) focus on western Los Angeles and the in my home town as I lack academic improve working conditions. in March. per week supplemental federal beach towns of Marina Del Rey and qualifications,” he explained. “We should be able to defend She finds the algorithms opaque benefit that the US introduced as part Santa Monica. But mostly it consists Amal earns a little more than ourselves,” he maintains. and pernicious. of its Covid-19 stimulus measures but of playing different platforms off US$700 a month (RM2,800) if he puts “So it knows me personally,” said it ran out after four months. against each other. in long hours. That day he reached ‘Flexibility’ or ‘on demand’? Mighetto. “And the bonus offers were Mighetto is bitter about a Gutekunst’s job acceptance rate his daily average of US$27 (RM108) When Erica Mighetto began driving changed, you know, based on what I California referendum (backed by for DoorDash was 12% that day but after a gruelling 14 hours. with Lyft three years ago, “I just loved was willing to accept.” Uber) to overturn a state law that he said it can often be just two “Look around, there are so many it”, she said. If friends were getting bonus offers have forced gig firms to recognise percent. of us doing delivery. It is getting Her grown son had left the house of US$50 (RM200) for doing 20 rides their drivers as employees, and “To make decent money ... you tough,” he said. and she thought it would be a great per week, the algorithm would offer pay them minimum wages and really have to juggle, to play with all Amal would prefer a steady job move until she found a job in her US$350 (RM1,400) – but for 120 benefits. the offers to make your living.” but does not completely regret the bookkeeping or property rides a week. California voters approved the path he has chosen. management. To get enough jobs and claim the measure with 58% of the vote. US$27 for 14-hour shift in Malaysia “What motivates me is I am “I really enjoyed, you know, bonus, drivers would accept lower “We shouldn’t be stripping Amal Fahmi, 24, keeps his eye glued the boss ... I can manage my choosing my own hours,” she told fees. workers of basic labour protections to his cell phone and the Grab time and most importantly, no one AFP. “You’re in this like, vicious cycle so people can get cheap rides,” she delivery app popular in Southeast scolds me,” he laughed. – AFP- “I thought life was good.” black hole,” said Mighetto. said. Asia. Relaxnews THURSDAY SECURITIES SDN. B HD. 197201001092 (12738-U) DECEMBER 31, 2020 A Participating Organisation of Bursa Malaysia Securities Berhad A Trading Participant of Bursa Malaysia Derivatives Berhad Editorial: Tel.: 03-7784 6688 Fax: 03-7785 2624/5 Participation Bought Sold Net Email: [email protected] % RM m RM m RM m Advertising: Tel: 03-7784 8888 Fax: 03-7784 4424 44.1 Institutions 1532.3 1687.3 -155.0 Email: [email protected] 42.8 Retail 1602.1 1526.0 76.1 13.1 Foreign 516.9 438.0 78.9 123.98 17.86 Sun9.42 21.08 578.62 BIZ35.42 215.65 52.96 100.0 3651.3 3651.3 0.0 KLCI STI HANG SENG SCI NIKKEI TSEC KOSPI S&P/ASX200 Preliminary stats (excluding trade amendments). For final data, please refer to www.bursamalaysia.com Source: Burs Malaysia 1,644.41 2,869.22 27,147.11 3,414.45 27,444.17 14,687.70 2,873.47 6,682.43

KL MARKET SUMMARY DECEMBER 30, 2020

INDICES CHANGE Open skies for cloud FBMEMAS 11,869.10 +62.49 FBMKLCI 1,644.41 +9.42 CONSUMER PRODUCTS 611.03 +4.27 INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTS 178.92 +2.87 CONSTRUCTION 187.72 -0.01 services providers FINANCIAL SERVICES 15,476.50 +23.18 ENERGY 898.04 +4.59 manage the demands of a remote workforce announced, AVM Cloud managed to TELECOMMUNICATIONS 663.97 +9.51 while optimising their infrastructure and quickly develop and introduce multiple HEALTH CARE 3,606.11 -7.16 oGrowth opportunities protecting their data. business continuity planning solutions to TRANSPORTATION 799.44 +0.39 Lim said based on its interactions with customers who were preparing for the PROPERTY 739.57 +3.65 as Covid-19 has forced partners and customers, there is one clear situation. PLANTATION 7,412.81 +18.68 businesses to accelerate change in terms of the current state of the “One such example is the virtual FBMSHA 13,275.10 +96.61 industry, where businesses now have to workspace, which we have seen benefits FBMACE 10,635.40 -66.89 their digital transformation reprioritise what projects should be put employees who were working from home. TECHNOLOGY 69.52 +1.05 forward to stretch budgets further. We also saw an increase in cloud demand “We have also shifted our priorities to due to customers relying more on online TURNOVER VALUE build product offerings that meet the ordering.” 7.815 BIL RM3.650 BIL █ BY EE ANN NEE [email protected] demand of businesses under the new AVM Cloud has been involved in the normal and provide solutions that help the cloud business over the past 10 years, and its customer to accelerate their digital core business includes anything from public 5 MOST ACTIVES PETALING JAYA: Cloud services provider transformation journey. We are shifting our clouds offering a multi-tenanted Virtual DECEMBER 30, 2020 AVM Cloud Sdn Bhd sees growth priority to build services that can help Private Cloud (VPC) service, a Cloud-in-a- opportunities in managing a larger load of business lower their cost of operation and Box which virtually co-located the VPC on STOCK VOL CLSG (sen) +/– (sen) users and data as well as maintaining offering competitively priced products.” any data centre or on-premises facility with SEALINK 344,709,100 19.5 +2.5 reliable uptime and strong security Lim said the Covid-19 situation made the consistent hybrid experience, and AVM AT 265,908,700 18.5 -1 measures currently and post-Covid management reassess its business strategy Cloud Fusion for customers who want a PHB 240,128,100 3 +0.5 pandemic. and review its business plan target. hybrid backup and disaster recovery IRIS 166,822,500 43.5 UNCH AVM Cloud chief technology “The impact on our business solution from their data centre to cloud. TECHNAX 151,013,400 16 -1 officer Kenny Lim (pix) said Covid- was minimal after we “Our complete offering and experience 19 has propelled a new wave of implemented some business with the requirements of the corporate business models that previously recovery measures to customer enables us to provide 5 TOP GAINERS only relied on the traditional ensure that customers comprehensive service beyond infra-as-a- DECEMBER 30, 2020 brick-and-mortar model. Now continue to receive the service. We now have over 100 cloud service users expect business and even same level of service we offerings with varying features from simple STOCK VOL CLSG (RM) RM government bodies to have bring with our partners. analytics to artificial intelligence/machine F&N 25,300 32.68 0.96 presence online and allow for However, the situation has learning platforms,“ said Lim. DLADY 10,700 37.88 0.78 transactions and agreements to affected some industries These services are provided via a KPOWER 2,907,400 7.28 0.58 be conducted digitally, hence such as travel and as such monthly subscription. Based on the needs EURO 9,882,500 2.88 0.57 businesses are forced to accelerate or our customers in those and complexity of the system, the monthly DIN040000223 200 103.50 0.50 enhance their digital transformation. industries have postponed or cost can range from RM100 up to RM1 “For businesses to enjoy a put some plans on hold.” million. In some cases, the solutions are successful digital Back in March scalable up or down which is a post-Covid- 5 TOP LOSERS transformation before the 19 essential as businesses are more careful DECEMBER 30, 2020 experience, they m o v e m e n t about utilising their budget. need to invest in c o n t r o l Meanwhile, NetApp country manager for STOCK VOL CLSG (RM) RM the right order was Malaysia & Brunei Azrin Abd Shukor DIN042300721 200 101.50 0.30 technology observed a large shift in the attitude towards HEIM 33,000 23.20 0.24 solutions that working from home by Malaysian HSI-HGK 45,000 0.79 0.22 enable them to businesses. He said organisations are more HSI-HGN 4,800 1.13 0.20 support remote receptive towards it, now that they can see PANAMY 8,100 30.70 0.20 workers effectively, that it is not disruptive to the business and plan for data and employees are still productive. storage capacity “In fact, its customers have been EXCHANGE RATES DECEMBER 30, 2020 optimally, as well as investing a lot more into remote working ensure that all solutions as they have seen their Foreign currency Bank sell Bank buy Bank buy business-critical effectiveness, both in helping them TT/OD TT OD applications are available drive business continuity during the 1 US DOLLAR 4.1030 3.9700 3.9600 to remote workers and pandemic and ensuring that they are performing exceptionally,” better prepared for future crises,” he said, 1 AUSTRALIAN DOLLAR 3.1470 3.0200 3.0040 he told SunBiz, adding that adding that the company helps 1 BRUNEI DOLLAR 3.0950 3.0030 2.9950 AVM Cloud and its partner organisations increase their IT capacity to 1 CANADIAN DOLLAR 3.2000 3.1100 3.0980 NetApp can help manage the demands of a remote workforce 1 EURO 5.0460 4.8780 4.8580 organisations increase while optimising their infrastructure and their IT capacity to protecting their data. 1 NEW ZEALAND DOLLAR 2.9530 2.8420 2.8260 1 SINGAPORE DOLLAR 3.0950 3.0030 2.9950 1 STERLING POUND 5.5580 5.3770 5.3570 1 SWISS FRANC 4.6350 4.5250 4.5100 Bitcoin touches record US$28,599.99 100 UAE DIRHAM 113.1900 107.2300 107.0300 LONDON: Bitcoin yesterday jumped to a that validate blocks of transactions by 100 BANGLADESH TAKA 4.9460 4.6120 4.4120 record US$28,599.99 (RM115,544), after the competing to solve mathematical puzzles – 100 CHINESE RENMINBI 62.8000 60.4000 N/A digital currency almost quadrupled in value has helped power upward moves over 100 HONGKONG DOLLAR 53.5700 50.8500 50.6500 this year amid heightened interest from recent days. bigger investors. Many recent entrants to the market are 100 INDIAN RUPEE 5.6900 5.3400 5.1400 The world’s most popular cryptocurrency holding onto positions, they said. 100 INDONESIAN RUPIAH 0.0301 0.0272 0.0222 was last up 2.3% at US$28,012. It has surged “The supply side to the Bitcoin market 100 JAPANESE YEN 3.9740 3.8460 3.8360 by nearly half since breaking US$20,000 for will remain tight,” said Jacob Skaaning of 100 NEW TAIWAN DOLLAR 15.7000 N/A N/A the first time on Dec 16. crypto hedge fund ARK36. Bitcoin has increasingly seen demand The latest gains took Bitcoin’s market 100 PAKISTAN RUPEE 2.6100 2.4300 2.2300 from larger US investors in particular, capitalisation past US$518 billion, according 100 PHILIPPINE PESO 8.6800 8.1700 7.9700 attracted by its perceived inflation-hedging to industry website CoinMarketCap. 100 QATAR RIYAL 114.0700 108.2900 108.0900 qualities and potential for quick gains, as Other major cryptocurrencies, which 100 SAUDI RIYAL 110.6700 105.0600 104.8600 well as expectations it would become a tend to move in tandem with Bitcoin, were mainstream payments method. flat. Ethereum, the second biggest, was 100 THAI BAHT 14.2900 12.6600 12.2600 Investors said limited supply of bitcoin - down 0.4%, on track for a 2020 gain of Source: Malayan Banking Berhad/Bernama produced by so-called “mining” computers around 465%. – Reuters 12 theSUN ON THURSDAY | DECEMBER 31, 2020 SUNBIZ

WILLOWGLEN BAGS S’PORE PUBLIC UTILITIES BOARD JOB UK wants to boost trade, PETALING JAYA: Willowglen

BRIEFSMSC Bhd’s wholly-owned subsidiary Willowglen Services Pte Ltd has been awarded a RM20.2 million contract by Singapore’s Public Utilities investment ties with Malaysia Board. The contract is for the replacement and enhancement of supervisory control and data immediately shifted into gear to acquisition system and oHigh Commissioner confident advise British travellers to return to ancillary works at the Tuas the UK while they still could. South Desalination Plant. The relationship will ‘grow from strength “We had to engage stakeholders contract will commence on Jan at all levels on important issues 4, 2020 and will be completed affecting our mutual interests. This by Jan 3, 2024. It is expected to to strength’ after Brexit transition included a meeting with Malaysian contribute positively to its Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin earnings and net assets per KUALA LUMPUR: The UK wants to kind between our two countries. Yassin as well as other key contacts share for the financial year strengthen its trade and investment “The Joint Committee has across different areas of our work,“ ending Dec 31, 2021 to 2023. ties with Malaysia as it emerges from commissioned six working groups he said. the end of the Brexit transition to strengthen bilateral cooperation Hay said in the run-up to the UK PPI FOR LOCAL period on Dec 31, 2020, said British and improve market access in areas hosting the United Nations Climate PRODUCTION FALLS High Commissioner to Malaysia such as education and legal Change Conference COP26 next Charles Hay (pix). services,“ he was quoted as saying in year, the High Commission has 3% IN NOVEMBER The diplomat said he is confident a statement made available to organised digital campaigns and PETALING JAYA: The Producer that the UK’s relationship with Bernama by the British High webinars in Malaysia to discuss Price Index (PPI) for local Malaysia and the Association of Commission in Malaysia. climate change, biodiversity and production decreased 3.0% Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) The European Union is a wildlife. year on year in November will continue to grow from strength Dialogue Partner of Asean. On “I’ve also had many online 2020, attributed to the declines to strength through the country’s leaving the EU, the UK submitted its meetings, including with our in mining (-45.8%), electricity & application to become a Dialogue application to become Asean’s strong foundation, and that has Chevening scholars, journalist gas supply (-0.2%) and manufacturing (-0.1%). Partner of the regional body. Dialogue Partner in June. The UK helped the High Commission to groups, the science and tech Conversely, the index of “Last month (November), we already has a dedicated ambassador weather the impact of the Covid-19 community,“ he said. agriculture, forestry & fishing held the inaugural meeting of the to Asean. pandemic. Commenting on 2021, Hay said it and water supply rose 21.5% UK-Malaysia Joint Committee on Reflecting on 2020, Hay said he is The High Commissioner said is an important year to build back and 0.9% respectively. Bilateral Trade and Investment thankful of the UK-Malaysia when global travel became better – economically and November’s PPI showed an Cooperation – which is the first of its relationship, which is built on a very increasingly restrictive, his office sustainably. improvement compared with -3.6% in October 2020. On a monthly basis, the PPI for local production grew 2.0% in November 2020. The PPI for 7-Eleven’s Caring Pharmacy to open 15 outlets annually local production for January to PETALING JAYA: 7-Eleven Malaysia and reputation in the pharmacy November 2020 fell 2.7%, Holdings Bhd’s indirect 75%-owned segment in North Malaysia as well equivalent to the changes for subsidiary Caring Pharmacy Retail as to capitalise on the expected January to October 2020. Management Sdn Bhd plans to synergies from the enlarged group. open about 15 pharmacy outlets For its outlook, the group expects AMBANK ISLAMIC’S across the nation annually. the pharmacy industry to continue FACILITY FOR According to its circular to growing steadily in Malaysia with shareholders issued yesterday, each the aging and growing population PUBLIC SECTOR STAFF outlet opening required capital and the government’s commitment PETALING JAYA: AmBank Islamic expenditure of between RM600,000 to improve public healthcare has introduced the Personal and RM800,000, depending on the services. It expects the community Financing-i, a financing facility format of the outlet. pharmacy segment to become for employees of the federal Currently, 7-Eleven has 144 increasingly competitive as the and state governments, pharmacy outlets under the Caring segment benefits from the selected agencies, government- brand name via the Caring group. conducive pro healthcare business linked companies and statutory bodies. The Personal Financing- Caring has proposed to acquire environment in the country. i is syariah-compliant, offering stakes in The Pill House Sdn Bhd 7-Eleven explained that the financing amount of up to (TPH), Wellings Pharmacy Sdn Bhd existing Caring outlets are mostly RM200,000. It requires no as well as a number of business located in the Klang Valley, Malacca guarantor, collateral and even assets in pharmacies for RM48.86 and Johor. any lock-in period. The product million. This includes a 67% stake in “The acquisitions are part of the also features a three-month TPH for RM25.51 million, a 60% The existing Caring outlets are mostly located in the Klang Valley, Malacca and expansion plan to enter into the payment holiday at the stake in Wellings Pharmacy for Johor. market in the northern part of inception as an added benefit. RM19.90 million and business Malaysia covering Penang, Kedah and Hence, the first repayment will assets in four pharmacy outlets for Pharmacy’ brand name and four from 7-Eleven shareholders at the Perlis, which will serve as a new only commence on the fourth RM3.45 million. pharmacy outlets under the forthcoming EGM and are expected platform of growth for the pharmacy month after disbursement. Upon completion of the ‘Wellings Pharmacy’ brand name, to be completed by the first quarter business of the group as it provides Personal Financing-i comes acquisitions, the Caring group will all operating in the northern of 2021. immediate access to fully licensed with optional takaful coverage have 171 pharmacy outlets. This Malaysia region. 7-Eleven aims to leverage on the and operational pharmacy business by AmMetlife Takaful Bhd. includes an additional 23 pharmacy The proposed acquisitions are strength of ‘Georgetown Pharmacy’ in the North Malaysia region with outlets under the ‘Georgetown subject to approval being obtained and ‘Wellings Pharmacy’ brands readily available large customer base.” Sales tax exemption extension will boost auto sector’s 2021 TIV PETALING JAYA: The six-month stronger recovery for the sector in assist those whom might be house has increased its TIV second half of this year and it believes extension to the 100% sales tax 2021, with a total industry volume financially challenged by Covid-19 projection by 5.9% to 627,000 units. more relaxed measures from the exemption on locally assembled or (TIV) target of 585,000 units, a 17% impact,” said Kenanga Research. Accordingly, it adjusted earnings banks could help to partially spur completely knocked-down (CKD) increase year on year. For the coming year, it holds the of companies under its coverage sales volume demand. cars and 50% on imported or It believes the new volume view that an expected global growth higher by 2.8% to 15.7% after For 2021, it forecast TIV to increase completely built-up (CBU) cars to launches in the final quarter of 2020 – recovery and the impact of the large factoring in higher car sales by 6% to 500,000 units, supported by June 30, 2021 under the short-term Proton X50, Honda City and Nissan fiscal stimulus on the domestic assumptions. This has raised 2021 new and facelifted models, coupled national economic recovery plan Almera – could help improve economy would result in a projected sector earnings by 5.8%. with low financing rates. (Penjana) is expected to augur well consumer sentiment with back- growth rebound in gross domestic Consequently, TA Research has “Nevertheless, we expect for the sector. logged booking to overflow into 2021 product (GDP) to 6.1% compared with upgraded its call from neutral to consumer sentiment to remain weak Kenanga Research opined that this and boosted by the exemption GDP growth forecast of -5.1% in 2020. overweight for the automotive sector. due to an uncertain economic positive surprise for automakers and extension, along with seasonal Following the earnings upgrade “Coupled with other positive environment that may curb spending consumers should prompt a buying promotions and new launches in for the SST-exempted sales extension, drivers such as economic recovery on big-ticket items, hence retain our frenzy over the next few months and second-half 2021 (H2’21). the research house have upgraded the and the accommodative interest rate neutral stance on the sector,” said the relieve the backlogged bookings. “Overall, the 2021 could sector’s call to overweight from environment, the automotive research house. “The sales tax exemption has potentially be a better year supported neutral. industry is set to recover from Covid- It also believes that valuations on resulted in reduced prices for by the new launches in 2021 (e.g. Similarly, TA Research believes 19 next year,” it said. auto stocks have already priced in the passenger cars, although pick-up Perodua D55L) along with better the extension will provide a boost in Aside from the positive positive development, as the sector is trucks are not eligible as they are incentive programme under National car sales next year, as the initial sales developments arising from the tax currently trading at 20x forward PER, classified as commercial vehicles,” it Automotive Policy 2020, positive exemption period from July to exemptions, PublicInvest Research compared to 5-years average PER of said in a report. impact from the overnight policy rate November saw a 14.5% growth (year pointed out the loan approval rate 14x. “Hence, valuations appear The research house envisaged a cut and pre-emptive measures to on year). With that, the research has shown improvement in the unattractive, in our view.” theSUN ON THURSDAY | DECEMBER 31, 2020 13 SUNBIZ K-One gets MDA nod for five new nasal swab variants PETALING JAYA: K-One Technology Bhd’s This development comes amidst the surge of additional variants of nasal swabs will help to with local distributors to intensify its marketing wholly owned subsidiary K-One MediTech Sdn Covid-19 cases which rose to 108,615 cases on meet the surge in demand. activities to sell its wide range of approved nasal Bhd has received approval from the Medical Dec 29 with 21,443 active cases and a death toll K-One stated that this latest approval on the swabs to public and private hospitals as well as Device Authority of Malaysia (MDA) to of 457 people. five variants is additional to the previous test laboratories in Malaysia. manufacture and supply additional variants of The group relayed the Health Ministry has approval for nasal swab obtained on Sept 3. Aside from that, it will also tap into the rising nasal swabs. stepped up its effort for mass screening in It explains that the variants help meet the demand in the overseas markets such as India, It stated that the approval is timely targeted hotspots to curb the spread of varying needs of children and adults who Indonesia, Philippines, Brazil, Spain, UK and US considering the government’s decision for pandemic which is likely to drive demand for require different head diameter, applicator as most of these countries are enforcing tighter mandatory Covid-19 testing for all foreign nasal swab in tandem with the rise in testing. length and break point. restrictions and pushing for more Covid-19 workers effective Jan 1, 2021. It is optimistic that the latest approval of its With that the group will work aggressively testing in order to contain the spread.

At the signing Covid-19 nudges 69% ceremony for the sale of industrial of Malaysians towards plots of SiLC Phase 3 are (from left) UEM contactless payments Sunrise COO (Southern) Zamri PETALING JAYA: The Yusof, UEM Sunrise Covid-19 pandemic has chief officer compelled 69% of (performance Malaysians to depend delivery and more heavily on various commercial) Anuar forms of contactless Kasim, Kelvin Lee payment, according to the and AME executive UOB Asean Consumer director Simon Lee. Sentiment Study . It found payments made through mobile banking are consumers’ most popular choice with 69% of Malaysian respondents saying they used them more frequently during the pandemic. Other forms of contactless payment options that have become the preferred payment option includes QR code payment and internet banking at 65% as well as mobile wallet debit or credit cards at 60%. Among the different age groups, the survey found that Generation Y relied mostly on mobile banking at 75%, while 76% of Baby Boomers preferred internet banking and 64% of Generation X used QR code payments more often. Although Malaysians are keen on contactless payments, two-thirds of the respondents are still likely to have used cash at least once a week. On the whole, it showed that nine in 10 are willing to go entirely cashless if more initiatives are put in place to support digital payments. AME to generate GDV of Among the improvements that Malaysians expect are a wider variety of cashless payment options (94%), better security (94%) and greater ease of use (93%). UOB Malaysia managing director and country head of personal financial services Ronnie Lim over RM1.5b for Johor land (pix) noted that the findings reflect consumers’ preference for convenient payment solutions that regional economic hub, and we look forward suit their everyday needs, especially during the oBuys 169.8-acre plot in Iskandar Region for RM434m, to continue supporting the region’s long pandemic when physical contact has to be term aspirations through launching more of minimised. expands landbank to last till 2027 our i-Parks going forward,” added Lee. He highlighted that the pandemic has AME is currently developing two accelerated the adoption of contactless payments integrated industrial parks in Johor: i- in Malaysia, as the total number of digital fund PETALING JAYA: Integrated industrial space high take up rates, as we continue to attract Park@Indahpura (Phase 3) and i- transfers through the bank’s all-in-one mobile solutions provider AME Elite Consortium various leading domestic and international Park@Senai Airport City (Phases 1, 2 and 3). banking app, UOB Mighty grew over 76% year- Bhd is targeting to generate more than companies. Both industrial parks feature custom-built on-year (yoy) in the first 11 months of 2020. RM1.5 billion in gross development value “With the new lands, our total landbank industrial buildings within a well-planned “From what we have seen, customers prefer to (GDV) through its 169.8-acre land would increase to 232.2 acres, allowing us to gated and guarded compound, use our mobile banking service to make fund acquisitions in The Southern Industrial and generate sizeable GDV over the complemented by recreational facilities and transfers and to pay their bills,” he said in a Logistics Clusters (SiLC) in Iskandar Puteri, development period. The enlarged scale of workers’ dormitories. statement yesterday. Johor Baru for RM434.3 million. developments would extend the AME’s i-Parks are home to numerous UOB Malaysia’s data revealed DuitNow was the AME’s wholly owned subsidiaries sustainability of our earnings even further,” Malaysian and international companies most used digital payment function on the app, Pentagon Land Sdn Bhd and Greenhill SILC Lee said in a statement. across various industries, including accounting for 74% of all digital transactions Sdn Bhd entered into two sales and purchase Additionally, the new lands are situated precision engineering, pharmaceutical carried out from January-November this year. agreements with UEM Land Bhd and in Phase 3 of the 1,300-acre SiLC industrial manufacturing, trading, warehouse/storage, “We understand that customers want speed, Nusajaya Heights Sdn Bhd, both wholly development, featuring innovation-driven electrical and electronics manufacturing, security and convenience when carrying out owned subsidiaries of UEM Sunrise Bhd. industries that augment the value-chains of research and development and assemblies. digital payments on a mobile banking app.” The new lands are located near to AME’s integrated clean industrial clusters in i-Park@SiLC industrial park that was advanced technologies, health and nutrition completed in 2013, and 30 minutes to its and integrated logistics. SiLC is envisioned ongoing integrated industrial park to be a world-class, managed, green SC cautions public on unlicensed investment advisers developments, namely i-Park@Indahpura industrial park designed to meet the latest and i-Park@Senai Airport City. demands for environmentally sustainable PETALING JAYA: The Securities Commission of a market manipulation scheme. AME group managing director Kelvin Lee development. Malaysia (SC) has issued a guidance note on In addition, it also reminded investors to Chai is optimistic of the prospects of the new The acquisitions are subject to AME provision of investment advice in response verify the licensing status of platforms, lands, as the group aims to replicate its past obtaining approval from shareholders at an to the increasing number of queries and companies and individuals offering capital successes in industrial park developments. EGM to be convened, and UEM Land complaints received regarding various social market services or products, including the “The land acquisitions from UEM Sunrise obtaining consent and approval from the media, chat rooms and messaging provision of investment advice, before are the precursor to our collaboration Economic Planning Unit of the Prime applications that appear to be providing making any investment decision. Information towards collectively generating economic Minister Department. specific stock recommendations and/or on persons licensed or registered by the SC benefits, by transforming the parcels of land The purchase consideration would be investment advice to the public for a fee. can be found at the public register of licence into a successful gated-and-guarded fulfilled in tranches until 2024 or later The guidance note aims to provide clarity holders and list of registered recognised integrated industrial park. We have built a dependent on progress of compliance, to be to the industry and the public on conduct market operators on SC’s website. commendable track record via our i-Park funded via a combination of bank which the SC would consider as falling The SC warned that any person carrying developments, generating GDV exceeding borrowings and internal funds. within the regulated activity of providing on a business of giving investment advice RM2.5 billion through the completed i- “The expansion of our landbank enables investment advice under the Capital Markets without a licence commits an offence under Park@SiLC and i-Park@Indahpura (Phase 1 continued growth of our industrial park and Services Act 2007 (CMSA). the CMSA which is punishable with a fine & 2), as well as ongoing i-Park@Indahpura presence in Iskandar Malaysia. Iskandar The regulator cautions the public against not exceeding RM10 million or (Phase 3) and i-Park@Senai Airport City Malaysia also has special economic zone dealing with unlicensed investment advisers imprisonment not exceeding 10 years or developments. Our projects have registered status and is planned to become a major as they could be defrauded or used as part both, if found guilty. 14 theSUN ON THURSDAY | DECEMBER 31, 2020 SUNBIZ

Indonesia, EU looks to new chapter LG Energy sign US$9.8b in relations with Britain EV battery MoU JAKARTA: Indonesia and a unit of one copy to Brussels with a signed copy bearing South Korean firm LG Group have oBrexit trade agreement will preserve London’s tariff- the bloc’s golden stars on the blue leather folder. signed a memorandum of Britain formally left the EU nearly a year ago understanding (MoU) on a US$9.8 and quota-free access to the bloc’s 450 million consumers and the new partnership agreement will regulate billion (RM40 billion) electric ties from Jan 1 on everything from trade to vehicle (EV) battery investment transport, energy links and fishing. deal, the head of Indonesia’s BRUSSELS: With a call for both sides to look the bloc’s 450 million consumers. After both sides have signed, the deal will be Investment Coordinating Board forward to a new chapter in their relationship, “It is of the utmost importance for the in place until the end of February, pending final said yesterday. EU chiefs signed the Brexit trade deal agreed European Union and the United Kingdom to approval by the European Parliament that would The deal was signed on Dec 18 with Britain and sent the text off to London look forward, in view of opening a new chapter make it permanent. and includes investments across yesterday for Prime Minister Boris Johnson to in their relations,“ the bloc said in a statement, EU lawmakers are to debate the treaty – the the EV supply chain, the board add his signature. calling for joint action on climate change and result of months of negotiations that often came head, Bahlil Lahadalia, told a news Against a backdrop of EU flags, top EU international affairs. close to collapse – yesterday. The British conference. officials signed the treaties struck on Dec 24 to A British Royal Air Force plane was due to parliament will also debate, and is expected to An official at LG Energy Solution, preserve Britain’s tariff- and quota-free access to take the documents to Johnson before returning pass, the deal. – Reuters a unit of LG Group, South Korea’s fourth-largest conglomerate, confirmed it had agreed an MoU but could not provide details or the China-US ties deal’s value. LG Group in Seoul FTSE Russell could delete more Chinese referred Reuters to its affiliate. hold up property Bahlil said the agreement made Indonesia the first country in the deal with firms after US bolsters executive order world to integrate the electric battery industry from mining to SHANGHAI: Global index or controlled by the Chinese But on Monday, MSCI said in producing electric car lithium HK consulate: publisher FTSE Russell said it military. a statement it will now only batteries. may delete more Chinese FTSE Russell, which has distribute the new indexes upon “We have signed an MoU for the Hang Lung companies from its global announced the exclusion of nine request by clients, and reminded construction of an integrated benchmarks, after the Trump Chinese companies from its index users that they are electric battery factory from HONG KONG: Hong Kong developer administration on Monday global indexes in response to the “responsible for ensuring upstream to downstream,“ Bahlil Hang Lung Properties said it was strengthened an executive order executive order, said in a compliance” with applicable said. unable to complete the purchase of a barring US investment in firms statement late on Monday that it sanctions and rules. “Mines, smelters, precursors, property owned by the US consulate with alleged Chinese military is reviewing the US clarification FTSE Russell has deleted cathodes, cars to recycling facilities as scheduled on Wednesday because backing. and will make evaluation for eight US-blacklisted Chinese will be built in Indonesia,“ he said, it involved foreign affairs between The executive order, signed “potential additional companies from its global adding that the project will be China and the United States. by President Donald Trump on exclusions”. indexes include Hangzhou located in North Maluku and The latest twist in the US$331.5 Nov 12, triggered a rush by FTSE FTSE Russell reiterated it will Hikvision Digital Technology Co Central Java. million (RM1.34 billion) deal in an Russell, MSCI and S&P Dow publish an announcement on and China Railway Construction Under the MoU, at least 70% of upscale location in the financial hub Jones Indices to remove US- Jan. 4, 2021, with any additional . It will remove Chinese the nickel ore used to produce the comes amid growing tension blacklisted Chinese companies deletions being effective from chipmaker Semiconductor EV batteries must be processed in between the world’s two biggest from their indexes to keep their Jan 7. Manufacturing International Indonesia, he said. economies over a host of issues. clients compliant, but the scope MSCI has announced the Corp in January. Indonesia aims to start The developer, which agreed in of the sanctions was seen as deletion of 10 securities issued The Office of Foreign Assets processing its rich supplies of nickel September to buy the property used vague. by seven Chinese firms while Control, the financial laterite ore for use in lithium to house US consulate staff, said in a The US Treasury Department S&P DJI said it would remove intelligence and enforcement batteries as part of a bid to filing yesterday it received a letter on Monday published guidance securities of 10 Chinese agency of the US Treasury eventually become a global hub for from the Land Registry last week that clarifying that the executive companies following Trump’s Department, on Monday producing and exporting EVs. the property is “not an ordinary real order, released in November, executive order. published a so-called Indonesia said earlier this month estate property”. would apply to investors in MSCI had said it would also “Communist Chinese Military that US automaker Tesla, will send According to the letter, the exchange-traded funds and create a new and separate index Companies List” that gives more delegations to Indonesia in January Chinese government has advised the index funds as well as series which does not reflect the precise information on the to discuss potential investment in a Hong Kong government that if the subsidiaries of Chinese changes, and will distribute the sanctioned Chinese firms and supply chain for its electric vehicles. US Consulate General intends to rent, companies designated as owned tools to clients automatically. their securities. – Reuters – Reuters purchase or sell any real estate in Hong Kong, the US government must make a written application to China at least 60 days before the UK house prices increase by most in six years deal, and the deal shall not proceed without the written consent of the LONDON: British house prices rose Chinese government. faster than expected in December “The matters as stated in the letter to record their biggest annual were exceptional and were not made increase in six years, as tax known to or anticipated by (Hang incentives and Covid-driven Lung),“ the developer said. appetite for larger homes It said after informing the United continued to boost demand, States, the US on Tuesday contested mortgage lender Nationwide said. the necessity to comply with the House prices rose by 0.8% in diplomatic obligations and did not December alone, barely slowing produce the evidence as demanded. from the 0.9% recorded in The group is currently evaluating November, and were 7.3% higher and taking legal advice on the than a year earlier, well above various appropriate actions, forecasts in a Reuters poll for a including exploring the feasibility of 6.7% rise. extending the time for deal After a collapse in house completion. purchases during the first months A US consulate spokesperson told of lockdown, there has been a Reuters additional time is needed for surge in demand to move house, the buyer and seller to complete the driven in part by a temporary administrative processes required for exemption of property purchase closing on the property, and the taxes which will expire at the end department is not at liberty to of March. comment on the specific terms of Nationwide said the strength of ongoing contractual transactions. the housing market contrasted During the tender of the property, with weakness in some other parts Analysts expect housing market activity to slow in coming quarters if labour market weakens. – REUTERSPIX property consultants said many of the economy – especially those developers in mainland China and exposed to renewed Covid-19 perhaps sharply, if the labour So far furlough payments and expectations, he added. Hong Kong were hesitant to venture restrictions – and said the outlook market weakens as most analysts similar support for the self- Demand for detached homes an offer because it was seen as for prices in 2021 was highly expect, especially once the stamp employed had limited the impact had risen most, with an average politically sensitive. uncertain. duty holiday expires at the end of of a historic 26% fall in economic rise of just over 8% in the past 12 The former British colony returned “Housing market activity is likely March,“ Nationwide economist output on the housing market, months, while prices for flats had to Chinese rule in 1997. – Reuters to slow in the coming quarters, Robert Gardner said. against most economists’ earlier risen by 4%. – Reuters theSUN ON THURSDAY | DECEMBER 31, 2020 15 ENTERTAINMENT Wonder Woman hits a high in cinema, streaming showdown

WONDER WOMAN 1984 pulled in US$36.1 million (RM146 million) at worldwide theatres over the Christmas weekend and boosted streaming viewership on HBO Max, A scene from the award-winning animation film Batuh Bijanji. Warner Bros. said as it confirmed plans for a – PHOTO COURTESY OF WAN DINNIE A scene from Cikgu Hana. – PHOTO COURTESY OF WAN DINNIE third film in the superhero franchise. An estimated US$16.7 million (RM67 million) of the box office total came from US and Canadian theatres, the AT&T Inc-owned studio said. That ranked as the highest domestic opening since the pandemic The dream chaser shuttered theaters in March, though the numbers were a fraction of usual receipts for a big-budget action flick. The 2017 Wonder oSelf-taught filmmaker Wan Dinnie Woman film opened with US$103.2 million (RM417 million) domestically. With two-thirds of US theatres closed, is teaching primary school pupils how Warner Bros. opted for making WW84 available at the same time to US customers to create award-winning animation of AT&T’s HBO Max streaming service. Millions watched the film on HBO Max, █ BY BISSME S. He said: “I would read them. I the company said in a statement, but it did think all that reading created a not specify how long they tuned in. Total OME dreams cannot be passion in me for films.” viewing hours on the platform tripled on forgotten. Wan Zulfadli Ad- His father also introduced Friday compared with a typical day in the Dinnie, better known as well-known visual artists around previous month, the statement said. Wan Dinnie, is a case in the world to his five children. The movie “exceeded our expectations Spoint. “He would read to me the life across all of our key viewing and subscriber He aspired to be a filmmaker, story of Vincent Van Gogh (the metrics in its first 24 hours,” said Andy Forsell, but did not have the funds to go to impressionist artist) as a bedtime executive vice president and general film school. story,” he said. manager of WarnerMedia Direct-to- “Everyone kept telling me that Like his late father, Wan is Consumer. there is no stability in being a slowly exposing the world of film Warner Bros. said it would accelerate filmmaker,” said 30-year-old Wan, and arts to his five-year-old son, development of a third Wonder Woman who was born in Terengganu and Mohd Hamizan. Wan Dinnie teaching his students during an animation class. – PHOTO movie also written and directed by Patty grew up in Perak, and who is “My son just loves watching COURTESY OF WAN DINNIE. Jenkins and starring Gal Gadot as the lasso- currently based in Kuching, YouTube videos,” said Wan, who is wielding warrior. The studio did not Sarawak. married to an occupational James Lee’s thriller Histeria, with the 1978 animation film The Lord announce a release date. Wanting a stable career, he therapist. actress Liyana Jasmay in the lead of The Ring under the direction of Paul Dergarabedian, senior media analyst chose to become a teacher. It appears another budding role. Ralph Bakshi, followed by George at research firm Comscore, said WW84 Currently, he is teaching visual filmmaker is in the making. In the “I like the fast cut in the film. Dunning’s Yellow Submarine, a performed well in theatres given “an arts at Sekolah Kebangsaan near future, Wan hopes to shoot a The gory scenes look real.” 1968 British animated musical extremely challenging marketplace.” Temong, a rural primary school in short film that will be In terms of adventure film inspired by the “Considering the availability of this Serian, Sarawak. dedicated to his animation, music of the Beatles. blockbuster film at home, the numbers for He has not forgotten about his father, who died of he is a “I have loved drawing comics the theatrical debut of WW 1984 should dream to be a filmmaker. To date, a heart attack in b i g since young,” he said. actually be encouraging to theatrical he has done more than 30 short July. f a n He thought it would be great to exhibition,” he said. films. Some of his works have “Right now, o f see the comics he has drawn WW84 faced competition from Pixar’s featured in local and international the film is in the come to life and that is when he animated movie Soul, which Walt Disney Co film festivals and a few of them scripting stage.” started to dabble in the world of delivered to the Disney+ streaming service have won awards and good He is a self- animation. and some theatres overseas. reviews. t a u g h t He believes every film, The movie took in “I love teaching,” he says. filmmaker who whether it is good or bad, should US$7.6 million (RM31 “I love moulding young minds. learned the art be considered as art. million) in But filmmaking is my first of films from “In the West, even bad films theatres. Disney passion.” books and have their own set of fans.” did not He has also been participating w a t c h i n g He cited the example of disclose how in a government project called documentaries American filmmaker Ed Wood, many people Digital Storytelling Animation that feature his who was considered the worst watched Soul (Dista) since 2017, where he favourite film director when he started his via streaming. joined other teachers to teach d i r e c t o r s career in the ‘50s. Warner students in his school how to speaking about “But now, some critics are Bros. has create animation. Some of the their experience looking at him differently. They announced the works by his students have been making films. applaud him for his bravery and same release sent to local and international film “For example, his persistence for making films strategy for its events. from watching Hong with a limited budget and theatrical movies Recently, one of the animation Kong action star and limited resources. Every film in 2021, sparking a works under this workshop, Batuh director Jackie Chan’s is an art.” backlash from Bijanji (The Promised Stones), documentary called My Wan Dinnie loves directors and won the Best Jury Film Award Stunts, I learnt how to direct drawing comics cinema operators, (Primary School Category) at the certain action scenes and how to since young. who hope for a Festival de Cinema Escolar de create fake blood,” he said. rebound after Alvorada in Brazil. He had a fun time reading COVID-19 It was his father, an English how a well-known director, vaccinations teacher, who instilled the love the late Stanley Kubrick, increase. – for film in his soul. loved retaking the same Reuters “My father was a movie scene so many times to the addict,” he said. point that the actors get “He would watch all frustrated doing the same kinds of films. He also thing again and again. encouraged his five The other filmmakers children to learn he admires are David Gadot stars English from Lynch, who is famous for as Wonder Hollywood movies.” directing Mulholland Woman. His father loved Drive, and Robert buying film books such Rodriguez (who is as Movie Guide by famous for directing El Leonard Maltin and film Mariachi.) magazines such as Empire and In terms of Malaysian Total Films. films, he is a big fan of 16 theSUN ON THURSDAY | DECEMBER 31, 2020 ENTERTAINMENT

HE dancers stopped strutting on Bollywood film sets this year as the Indian film industry struggled to find any Tspring in its step during a disastrous 2020. The annus horribilis for the world’s most prolific movie industry began with the heartbreaking deaths in April within 36 hours of luminaries Irrfan Khan and Rishi Kapoor. Others to pass away included composer Wajid Khan, who died from the coronavirus at 42, director Basu Chatterjee, Bollywood’s first female choreographer Saroj Khan, and S.P. Balasubrahmanyam, singer of an estimated 40,000 film songs. But it was the suicide in June of 34- year-old star Sushant Singh Rajput that had the widest repercussions. India’s sensationalist TV news channels – eager to cast the film Irrfan Khan. industry as a den of iniquity – accused Rajput’s former girlfriend, comedy out on Netflix this week, told actress Rhea Chakraborty, of driving AFP: “There are certain films that him to his death with black magic and must be seen projected onto the big cannabis. screen.” The 28-year-old, who denies any “Filmmakers create content based wrongdoing, spent months in on where their work will be seen ... custody for allegedly buying drugs for You have to know what size of screen Rajput, while stars such as Deepika A lighting crew works on a your film is going to be seen on, and Padukone were hauled in for Bollywood film set on Madh studios and distributors must fulfil questioning as the investigation Island off the coast of Mumbai. that promise,” he said. escalated. The casualties are already piling “It has been a terrible year,” actress Reel problems up. Swara Bhasker told AFP. A string of beloved single-screen “The slander campaign by some cinemas have downed their shutters sections of the media against the film oAfter catastrophic year, Bollywood hopes for a 2021 comeback and many others are contemplating industry has been horrendous.” closure, film trade analyst Komal Nahta told AFP. Loss of income Saroj Khan. “It is going to be catastrophic,” he Virus restrictions meanwhile forced said. producers to hit pause on shootings, (left) Sushant And although shoots have putting thousands of livelihoods at Singh Rajput. resumed, every week throws up new risk in Hindi-language Bollywood as cases of stars testing positive for well as India’s other regional film coronavirus, forcing productions to industries. shut down. From “spot boys” running errands But as vaccine efforts pick up on set to “junior artistes” eking out a pace, and with eagerly- living as extras, the sector relies on a awaited films like 83 and huge army of low-paid workers. Sooryavanshi tipped for “The loss of employment and release in cinemas next year, income has been devastating for so observers are betting on a many,” Bhasker said. boisterous, Bollywood-style Productions have tentatively comeback. resumed, but pandemic restrictions “How long it will take, I forbid them from shooting the don’t know. But it will strike back elaborate musical sequences that are with a big, big bang,” said Nahta. a hallmark of Hindi movies. Hari Prasad Jayanna, a This point was brought home in a film director in social media post in August by Bangalore, superstar Amitabh Bachchan – who agreed: “The this year spent weeks in hospital with New releases have ground to a “I absolutely see theatres making a c i n e m a the coronavirus – describing a film set halt, with many producers preferring comeback and I really hope they do.” industry will be as “a sea of blue PPE”, or personal to screen their films directly on But he acknowledged that the forever.” – AFP- protective equipment. streaming platforms that boomed as immediate outlook appeared hazy. Relaxnews the pandemic forced millions into “I think we are at the crossroads Making a comeback lockdown. right now ... What is that new normal Cinemas were shut for months and But Bachchan’s actor son going to be?” although they re-opened in October, Abhishek, whose crime caper Ludo virus-wary viewers are staying away, went straight to Netflix last month, Big bang and some theatres are wondering if told AFP that the silver screen Although Hollywood has mooted the the crowds will ever return. experience “cannot be duplicated”. idea of showing films simultaneously A trip to the cinema has “We love our outings to the in cinemas and on digital platforms, traditionally been hugely popular in theatre; we love watching our films with Warner Bros planning to do so India, ranging from US$1 (RM4) on the screen while eating a nice tub with all its 2021 releases, its Indian tickets at single-screen theatres to air- of popcorn, our samosas and cold counterparts have no such plans. Rishi conditioned multiplexes offering drinks and going with our friends and Filmmaker Anurag Kashyap, who Kapoor. seat-side biryani and hot fudge family,” he said. is starring in AK vs AK, a black sundaes. Boba Fett to get own Star Wars spinoff TV series BOBA FETT will be joining the was teased last week, is set to Star Wars. Star Wars characters who are make its debut on the Disney+ Favreau said The Book of Boba stepping out from the streaming service in December Fett was an addition to the slew of background and getting their 2021. some 10 new Star Wars related own television shows. “This is actually separate from TV shows and movies announced Jon Favreau, creator of The Mandalorian season 3,” by Disney earlier this month. Disney’s hit TV series The Favreau said. He said the Boba Fett series Mandalorian, said recently that The Mandalorian, which has was held back from that the The Book of Boba Fett is set to proved a huge hit for Disney+, announcement because “we be a standalone spinoff series stars Pedro Pascal as a bounty didn’t want to spoil the surprise”. starring the clone bounty hunter hunter sent on a sensitive The Book of Boba Fett will be People dressed who was previously best known mission and features fan set in the same timeline as The as Star Wars for helping to capture Han Solo in favourite Baby Yoda. It is the first Mandalorian – shortly after the characters Boba the sci-fi saga. live-action TV series set in the events depicted in the 1983 Fett (left) and a Favreau told Good Morning galaxy far, far away that was first movie The Return of the Jedi, Stormtrooper. America that the series, which seen on screen in the 1977 movie Favreau said. – Reuters theSUN ON THURSDAY | DECEMBER 31, 2020 17 LIFESTYLE

small in the face LTHOUGH A worker sorts of South America’s giants, Haiti is slowly developing its cocoa beans cocoa industry, earning in the betterA incomes for thousands of workshop of farmers and refuting the stereotype the Makaya that culinary art is the preserve of chocolate wealthy countries. company in Haiti’s annual production of 5,000 Petionville, tonnes of cocoa pales in comparison Haiti. to the 70,000 tonnes produced per year by neighbouring Dominican Republic, but the sector’s development is recent in the island (right) Leroy nation, reports AFP-Relaxnews. prepares a Feccano, a federation of cocoa chocolate cooperatives in northern Haiti, mousse in the became the first group to organise workshop. exchanges in 2001 by prioritising farmers’ profits. “Before, there was the systematic destruction of cocoa trees because the market price wasn’t interesting for farmers who preferred very short- cycle crops,” said Guito Gilot, Feccano’s commercial director. From bean to bar The cooperative now works with more than 4,000 farmers in northern Haiti. oHaiti’s cocoa wants international recognition By fermenting its members’ beans before export, Feccano has been able to target the market for fine and “We buy fresh cocoa, the same ‘Plant your cocoa’ “Even in cooking Paul, 22, head of Makaya’s aromatic cocoa. day as the harvest so the farmer no For master chocolatier Ralph Leroy, schools, we don’t learn laboratory. “Feccano’s customers pay for longer has the problems of drying making a rum ganache – Haitian, just this. I learned Echoes of car horns reach the quality: they don’t have the New York and storing that they would have if like all the products he uses – was not everything here and I ears of Makaya employees Stock Exchange as a reference,” said they sold it to an intermediary,” said an obvious choice. am very, very carefully sorting cocoa beans, a Gilot. the French agronomist. After years in proud,” said side effect of the chaotic traffic In recent months, this just-in- Montreal, he returned D u a s m i n e that paralyses Haitian capital Port- Just-in-time collection time bean collection from all sites home to Haiti as a au-Prince at the end of the year. Smelling potential, Haiti’s private has been more challenging because haute-couture stylist. From his workshop, where sector finally began investing in the many roads were regularly blocked His shift to cocoa he also concocts chocolate- cocoa industry, which until then had due to socio-political unrest. began when he made based cocktails, Leroy been supported solely by non- Maintaining organic and fair clothes out of chocolate for sees as sweet revenge governmental organisations and trade certifications for the cocoa is a culinary trade show. The the great marketing of humanitarian efforts. delicate, but the Haitian style has training he then underwent for a year his bars. By setting up its fermentation made its mark abroad. in Italy fueled his passion as much as “The greatest setter in 2014 in Acul-du-Nord, 15 “Today there are bars sold in the his pride. pleasure is when, kilometres (nine miles) from Haiti’s United States that are called Acul- “The first week, I think I was before travelling, second city Cap-Haitien, the du-Nord,” Etlicher said proudly. insulted when the professor said, Haitians come company Produit des iles (PISA) “With our customers, we are part ‘Chocolate is made for Europe. You here to buy a lot entered the market. But the logistical of the ‘bean to bar’ movement of there, plant your cocoa, we buy the to offer abroad. challenges are many. chocolate makers who transform the cocoa and do the work’,” he recalled. Master It’s become their “The producers we work with farm cocoa bean into the chocolate bar,” Today, Leroy runs the chocolate chocolatier pride. And also less than a hectare, often divided into she said, adding that by cutting out company he founded in 2016, Leroy holds when Europeans several plots whereas, in Latin the middleman, Haitian producers’ Makaya, and the edible sculptures one of his come and buy all America, a small producer already revenues have doubled. that come out of his workshop are a creations: a the stock ... I tell owns four or five hectares,” explained And on the other end of the huge sensation at parties. His high-heeled myself that I am doing Aline Etlicher, who developed the chain, bean processing remains company now has about 20 shoe made of a good job,” he says with a industry at PISA. local. employees who share his passion. chocolate. burst of laughter. A sensorial experience Comfort food for Malaysians Teppan OKONOMI meaning ‘what Wagyu MALAYSIA’S latest quick service In the app, customers can leave you like’ or ‘as you like’ in Beef Set. food brand Pop Meals opened a suggestions for new menu items Japanese is an informal concept store at D’Pulze Mall in that are then developed by the in- restaurant evoking the vibrant Cyberjaya recently and its signature house food development team and atmosphere and casual Mac & Cheese became an instant hit launched in the outlets. vibes of downtown for both lunch and dinner crowds. Nurul said that Pop Meals was Tokyo where With meals at under RM15 each, blending customer suggestions and t e p p a n Pop Meals has quickly proven to be order data to continuously innovate specialist and a hit with shoppers as the offerings on its menu and showcase it chef Takeshi range from local to Western food through its “Top Hits” charts. Wada shows which have become the “comfort” “This ensures that the menu is his prowess; food of Malaysians. always evergreen and exciting. serving up his “Pop Meals is all about the While most restaurants only launch s i g n a t u r e excitement for food. Our team new menu items once a year or so, specialities to tempt works relentlessly to identify the we are bringing new exciting meals the tastebuds. most popular meals in Malaysia and to our menu every other week. Okonomi by offers them at our outlets. “We’ll rapidly open more concept Tokyo Don’s sleek Customers can dine-in, get take stores in Klang Valley and later in and spartan interior away or order delivery through our other states” she added. in neutral and earth own mobile app,” said Pop Meals plans to go nation- tones is dominated communications manager Nurul wide in 2021 and afterwards by a teppan counter Jamaludin. regionally in Southeast Asia. – a cooking method in post-World War II Japan which uses a teppan (iron griddle) to grill, broil or pan-fry cooked food wafting around hence yaki. Experienced them. teppanyaki chefs like Wada-san Likewise, the menu will take great pride in demonstrating channel popular downtown their multi-tasking skills, from Tokyo fare such as Okonomiyaki A wide cutting and pan-frying to culinary (savoury Japanese-style pancake array of knowledge and cordial customer made with Yamato imo [Japanese popular relations. yam], shredded cabbage and meals Dining at Okonomi by Tokyo crispy pork belly), Yakiniku Set under Don is a sensorial experience: (Japanese-style BBQ Australian diners will be able to see the chefs wagyu beef subtly flavoured with RM15. in action right in front of them, special soy sauce concoction) listen to the exciting buzz of and Yakisoba (Japanese-style house specialities being fried noodles). prepared, and smell the Okonomi by Tokyo Don is appetising aroma of freshly located at Level 6, Pavilion KL. Okonomiyaki from Okonomi. 18 theSUN ON THURSDAY | DECEMBER 31, 2020 YOUTH

Liang is a versatile actor both on stage and on screen. – COURTESY OF MAGNUS LIANG

Next Gen Next New kid on the block

Liang wants oRising young actor Magnus Liang hopes to sit in the director’s chair one day to be a renowned █ BY BISSME S. Most people believe Maths is boring. But I Some Malaysian actors have based actor. try to make the subject interesting. themselves overseas. Do you have similar – COURTESY ARLY this year, 22-year-old Klang- “My passion lies in acting. My long-term plans? OF MAGNUS born Magnus Liang was nominated goal is to go back to acting again. “I do not mind acting in films overseas. But I LIANG for the Best Actor of the Year award “I also have a desire to sit in the director’s want to be based in Malaysia. I love my at the ADA Drama Awards for his chair in future. A director has the power to country. Econvincing performance as a bad high shape how the production will look like and “A lot of people like to put down school boy who hits his teacher in the stage can share his knowledge with his cast and Malaysian films. But over the years, there play production Her Story, My Life. crew.” has been a lot of improvement. We have Later, he was cast in the popular Chinese seen some good actors, good directors and television drama series Shimmering You have a bachelor’s degree in good storylines.” Fireworks. psychology. Do you plan to become a While the young actor is currently more psychologist? Describe your childhood. familiar to local Chinese-speaking “I have no plans to be a psychologist. But I “My mother is a primary school teacher audiences, he admits he would love to act in have no regrets studying psychology. I am while my dad is a businessman. I am the the Malay film industry if given the curious to explore the human mind and youngest in the family and I have two older opportunity. human behaviour. Studying psychology sisters. fulfils this need. “There is a large age gap between my What motivated you to be an actor? “The best thing is my knowledge in sisters and I. My older sister is 32 while my “When I was 13, I joined the drama society psychology makes me understand my second sister is 29. Both of them work in in my school because I wanted characters better. When you understand banking.” to have some fun. I your character, you perform better.” enjoyed the Did you face any objections from your experience very How do you get into your characters? parents due to your career? much. “The first thing I usually do is ask my “My parents and I do not really talk about TRIVIA “Slowly, I director and the screenwriter what are their my career choices. But I think my parents \ developed a feelings about the character I am are secretly proud of my achievement. I have Favourite actress passion for acting. portraying. caught my parents watching my TV drama “Anne Hathaway. She is beautiful and Later, after leaving “I think the most important thing for an series. talented.” school, I wanted to actor is to observe everyone and everything “Last year, for the first time, they came to Favourite actor continue my around them. Observation makes you a see my performance on stage. They even “Lai Yu Cheong. He is always passion for acting. I better actor.” brought along my sisters.” convincing in whatever role you put started to get him in.” involved in the You act on both screen and stage. Which Some believe acting is not a stable career Fashion sense Malaysian theatre medium do you prefer? in Malaysia. What is your opinion? “I do not have a specific fashion style. scene.” “I love them both. But I was exposed to “Some have told me that I am making a But you will find a lot of black in my theatre first. I must say I love theatre a little mistake by choosing a career where one has wardrobe.” What is your long- more than the screen. In theatre, you to struggle, and which sometimes does not Favourite hobbies term goal? cannot retake your scenes. You have to pay well. If I have to make a choice between “I love to run, and watch all kinds of “Currently, I am thrash everything out in your rehearsal a job with a high salary and a job that I like, I movies.” teaching maths in a process. The best thing about the stage is will always choose a job that I like. school in Kuantan. I that you will know immediately if the “Life is too short and I want to have a love teaching the kids. audience loves or hates your performance.” happy life.” CAREERS Ready for a career change in 2021?

PUBLICATION DATE 19 JANUARY, 2021 (Tuesday)

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█ BY S. TAMARAI CHELVI

ITI Nur Nabilah Lutfi fell in love with 3D jelly art cakes Love at first bite after taking the first bite and it led to her desire to learn about Sthe art and her journey of crafting clear jelly cakes, consisting of oJelly artist Siti Nur Nabilah Lutfi turns her love stunning flowers and coloured fish. Her beautifully designed jelly art for flowers into beautiful 3D jelly art cakes (made from seaweed) appears like flowers blooming underwater or from a pond, rising from the bottom cakes after attending a class in of a glass case. It looks like a garden Shah Alam. inside water-filled globes. “When my mum turned “I love cakes but I always 50, my sister and I pondered whether I should eat decided to do healthily or indulge in desserts to something different satisfy my cravings,” said 27-year-old for her birthday. Nabilah. Instead of “But when I took a bite of a 3D Jelly celebrating with cake for the first time, I fell in love, not a feast with the only because of the beautiful look but usual cake, we also due to its refreshing taste. I found planned an the answer to a guilt-free way to a c t i v i t y satisfy my cravings for desserts, and together.” the art is beautiful,” gushed Nabilah. S h e Besides, eating jellies also brought stumbled upon back sweet memories of her a 3D jelly cake grandmother, who passed away in c l a s s September 2016. advertisement “I love jelly not only for the taste and the three of but also for the fond memories I them enrolled in shared with my late the class grandma. Colourful together in jelly was my 2016. At g r a n d m a ’ s the time, signature dessert. jelly art was I remember the relatively new time when I in Malaysia. helped her to “We had fun in p r e p a r e the class and jelly Some of Nabilah’s captivating traditional cakes sparked my creations. – COURTESY OF SITI NUR colourful jelly for interest in its edible NABILAH LUTFI our family events.” art form. I decided to “It feels amazing sign up for more classes cakes begins by boiling the jelly to know that my to hone my skills before granules in hot water and pouring it childhood memories turning my passion into an into a round or heart-shaped mould paved the way for my online business through and leaving it to cool. career and just like my Instagram page A syringe and special carving tools my grandmother, I @sugarcoastermy,” are used to inject coloured jelly by am happy that I she said. applying a slanting flowers technique am making jelly Crafting flowers to create 3D flower petals, one by one. cakes, my in jelly cakes has It is a bit of a tricky process as the s i g n a t u r e also taken over injected jelly needs to be soft and hot, dessert for Nabilah’s love for since it needs to be in liquid form. But family events, flower gardens. She it is her favourite and most now,” she said. enjoys gardening challenging part of the jelly cake but the lack of space making process. A dessert to to pursue this hobby “I love to see different colours remember while living in the city left mixing at the base. It gives me great Nabilah, who has a her feeling stressed. pleasure and happiness ... it’s beyond Nabilah loves nature and enjoys gardening. degree in “Life in the city words.” Biomedical makes me want to She also carves on the jelly cake. coconut lychee, made with fresh conscious or those with diabetes who Engineering and break away and get Then, another layer of flavoured jelly lychee fruits and coconut milk. crave for sweet desserts. She uses a is currently out and so, jelly- is added on the crafted jelly. The “My customers love multiple sugar substitute and feels it is suitable pursuing a making is the best entire process takes 2-4 hours to flower designs and the goldfish for vegetarians, as jelly is made from Masters in way to destress complete, depending on the (coloured fishes) design,” she said. seaweed. Engineering myself,” said complexity of the design. Once the One customer loved Nabilah’s Koi “My plan is to organise classes for Science at Selangor-born jelly is set completely, the chilled Fish pond themed birthday jelly cake jelly art lovers. Hopefully, the year University Malaya Nabilah. dessert is ready for tasting. made for her father’s birthday so 2021 will be a milestone for me to while working as a The completed jelly cake has much, she ordered one more. achieve success in the jelly art- research assistant, The art of jelly cakes intricate flower designs in vibrant She makes various flavoured jelly making industry,” said Nabilah about began to make jelly The process of making jelly colours. Her best-seller is the creamy cakes, including for the health- her future plans. Some grape varieties can help wine withstand climate change WHAT kinds of wines will we still be caused by the climate and the region climate change than expected.” able to enjoy in 2050? Climate change where they are grown. The scientists However, the effects of these may be threatening wine production found that wine grape varieties from characteristics remain difficult to but certain grape varieties have regions that are more prone to water predict, especially as heatwaves properties that could help them stress have traits that could help them become more extreme. Just as withstand global warming, cope with climate change. humans cool themselves by researchers have found. The study revealed that grape sweating, grapevines also use In February this year, varieties that produce their best evaporation to cool their leaves. international research published in wines in warmer, drier regions – such But if evaporation is too tightly the prestigious PNAS journal looked as Italy’s Sangiovese and restricted, the vine leaves could reach at the different grape varieties that Montepulciano – have characteristics harmful temperatures, reducing their may be able to better withstand that conserve water, helping the vines future photosynthesis and limiting climate change. Now, these varieties extend their water resources to last the sugars available for ripening, the are the subject of new research, over the growing season. researchers explain. published in the Journal of “The relationships between grape “We have more work to do to Experimental Botany, carried out by a varieties and regions have historically understand how these traits will team of scientists at the University of been based on wine, without affect grapevines as the climate California, Davis. considering traits that affect drought reaches new extremes,” concludes To determine whether we will be or heat tolerance,” said lead author Bartlett. able to carry on sipping quality wines Megan Bartlett, an assistant professor “These findings show that traits in the coming decades, the in the Department of Viticulture and will be important to consider when researchers studied 34 varieties of Enology. we predict what will happen to wine grapes found in Europe (France, “These findings show these different wine regions.” – AFP- Spain, Italy, etc.), assessing the stress varieties could be more resilient to Relaxnews 20 theSUN ON THURSDAY | DECEMBER 31, 2020

322 Notices

IN THE MATTER OF NO. 20 IN THE MATTER OF IN THE MATTER OF DALAM MAHKAMAH DALAM MAHKAMAH MAJISTRET THE COMPANIES ACT (RULE 46) THE COMPANIES ACT 2016 THE COMPANIES ACT, 2016 MAJISTRET DI SHAH ALAM DI SHAH ALAM 2016 AND IN THE MATTER OF AND GUAMAN NO: BA- GUAMAN NO: BA- ADVERTISEMENT OF APPOINTMENT DAYA CLARIMAX SDN. BHD. IN THE MATTER OF A72NCvC-2019-11/2020 A72NCvC-1975-11/2020 AND OF LIQUIDATOR 200201029445 (597108-K) CHALLENGE COSMETICS (M) (In Members’ Voluntary Winding ANTARA ANTARA IN THE MATTER OF IN THE MATTER OF Up) SDN. BHD. (Registration No. TEONG HOCK POSC TI SDN. BHD. (IN LIQUIDATION) 199201021907 (253411-U)) KOI TROPIKA JOINT MANAGEMENT KOI TROPIKA JOINT MANAGEMENT 322 Notices At a General Meeting of the Members BODY (No. Daftar: MPSJ/COB PC DEVELOPMENT SDN. of the abovenamed Company held (In Creditors’ BODY (No. Daftar: MPSJ/COB PC [REGISTRATION NO.: on 30-12-2020, the following special Voluntary Winding Up) 0035) 0035) BHD. 201101044965 (973085-P)] resolution was duly passed:- …PLAINTIF …PLAINTIF DAN (Company No. By an order of the High Court Companies NOTICE is hereby given pursuant NOTICE “THAT the Company be wound up to Section 439 of the Companies DAN 199601042742 (Winding Up) Order No. voluntarily pursuant to section 439(1) RAMESH A/L THARUMARAJAH Act, 2016 that the resolutions set YET HON KAM (415095-X)) WA-28PW-164-02/2019 made on the (b) of the Companies Act 2016 and out below was duly passed by the (No. K/P: 760505-14-5945 / 22nd day of April 2019, Mr. Lim Tian Huat that Mr. Lai Chung En and Ms. Chan A3412710) (No. K/P: 790525-08-5449) To whomever with knowledge of Members of Challenge Cosmetics … DEFENDAN … DEFENDAN of Messrs. Rodgers Reidy & Co. (AF: Bee Lee (f) of StanleyCo Corporate On 16th December 2020, Services Sdn. Bhd., Suite 15, 6th Floor, (M) Sdn. Bhd. at an Extraordinary NOTIS and/or information in relation to 001974), K-3A-09, No.2, Jalan Solaris, IOI Business Park, Bandar Puchong General Meeting held on 28th NOTIS the Directors of Teong Solaris Mont’ Kiara, 50480 Kuala Lumpur Jaya, 47170 Puchong, Selangor be and December 2020:- Kepada: - Kepada: - Hock Development Sdn. the biological mother of a baby boy has been appointed as Liquidator of the are hereby appointed as Liquidators RAMESH A/L THARUMARAJAH YET HON KAM above-named company without a for the purpose of such winding up “THAT it has been proved to the (No. K/P: 760505-14-5945 / (No. K/P: 790525-08-5449) Bhd. agreed to withdraw satisfaction of this meeting that committee of inspection. with all powers given under section A3412710) born in Hospital Kajang at 4, Jalan 456 and the Eleventh Schedule of the the Company cannot by reason of SILA AMBIL PERHATIAN bahawa the Declaration of Dated this 31st day of December 2020 Companies Act 2016.” its liabilities continue its business SILA AMBIL PERHATIAN bahawa suatu tindakan telah dimulakan Solvency dated 13th Semenyih, Bandar Kajang, 43000 and that it is advisable to wind up suatu tindakan telah dimulakan terhadap kamu di Mahkamah LIM TIAN HUAT Dated this 31-12-2020 the Company and accordingly the terhadap kamu di Mahkamah Majistret Shah Alam, dalam Guaman October 2020 and Kajang, Selangor on 11.9.2019, Liquidator Company be wound up voluntarily. Majistret Shah Alam, dalam Guaman No. BA-A72NCvC-1975-11/2020 special resolutions in KONG TECK FONG No. BA-A72NCvC-2019-11/2020 oleh Koi Tropika Management Director respect of the company’s 3.07pm, kindly contact Messrs THAT Mr. Khor Yong Yong (I/C No. oleh Koi Tropika Management Body (“Plaintif”) yang beralamat IN THE MATTER OF 760718-07-5119) of Level 6, 33B Body (“Plaintif”) yang beralamat di Management Office, Koi Tropika winding-up passed at THE COMPANIES ACT, 2016 IN THE MATTER OF di Management Office, Koi Tropika Serviced Condominium, Batu 13 THE COMPANIES ACT 2016 Jalan Pahang, 10400 Georgetown, Kee Sern, Siu & Huey by or before Serviced Condominium, Batu 13 ½, Jalan Puchong, 47100 Puchong, the meeting held on 13th AND AND IN THE MATTER OF Pulau Pinang be and is hereby DAYA CLARIMAX SDN. BHD. appointed Liquidator to act for ½, Jalan Puchong, 47100 Puchong, Selangor Darul Ehsan di mana Plaintif October 2020 which 15.1.2021. Selangor Darul Ehsan di mana Plaintif menuntut terhadap kamu antara lain IN THE MATTER OF 200201029445 (597108-K) the purpose of such winding-up advertised on 22nd POSC TI SDN. BHD. (IN LIQUIDATION) (In Members’ Voluntary Winding of the Company and that he shall menuntut terhadap kamu antara lain untuk Up) be indemnified by the Company untuk membayar caj penyelengaraan membayar caj penyelengaraan dan October 2020. [REGISTRATION NO.: dan ‘sinking fund’ atas hartanah di ‘sinking fund’ atas hartanah di alamat, 201101044965 (973085-P)] against all costs, charges, losses, Tel: (03) 9212 2688 Notice is hereby given that the expenses and liabilities incurred or alamat, Unit D-20-07, Block D (Taisho), Unit D-08-01, Block D (Taisho), Koi NOTICE TO ALL CREDITORS Creditors of the above Company, sustained by him in the execution Koi Tropika Condominium, Batu 13 ½, Tropika Condominium, Batu 13 ½, Dated this which is being voluntarily wound Jalan Puchong, 47100 Selangor Darul Jalan Puchong, 47100 Selangor Darul PURSUANT TO SECTION 525 and discharge of his duties in Ehsan, faedah dan kos. Ehsan, faedah dan kos. 31st December 2020 up, are required on or before 31- relation thereto.” 322 Notices NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the 01-2021 to send in their names and creditors of Posc Ti Sdn. Bhd. (In addresses with particulars of their DAN TELAH DIPERINTAHKAN DAN TELAH DIPERINTAHKAN bahawa debts and claims and of any security Yew Seng @ Yew Kean Tong bahawa Writ Saman dan Pernyataan Writ Saman dan Pernyataan Tuntutan Neoh Teong Sar Liquidation) (“the Company”) having a held by them and the names and Chairman Tuntutan bertarikh 11.11.2020 bertarikh 04.11.2020 dilaksanakan Director claim present or future, certain or addresses of their Solicitors (if any) dilaksanakan secara penyampaian secara penyampaian ganti terhadap contingent, that:- to the undersigned Liquidators at Date: 31st December 2020 ganti terhadap kamu dengan kamu dengan menghantar melalui Suite 15, 6th Floor, IOI Business Park, menampalkan pada alamat terakhir pos berdaftar ke alamat terakhir LOST CERTIFICATES If you have not submitted your claim yet, Bandar Puchong Jaya, 47170 Puchong, IN THE MATTER OF IN THE MATTER OF kamu, menampalkan pada Papan kamu, menampalkan pada alamat you are required to submit an affidavit Selangor and if so required by notice THE COMPANIES ACT, 2016 Notis Mahkamah Majistret Shah terakhir kamu, menampalkan pada THE COMPANIES ACT, 2016 The following Share Certificates have been reported lost or verifying debt together with all documents in writing from the said Liquidators AND Alam dan mengiklankan sekali di Papan Notis Mahkamah Majistret AND are by their Solicitors or personally to IN THE MATTER OF suatu penerbitan akhbar ‘The Sun’ Shah Alam dan mengiklankan sekali IN THE MATTER OF destroyed to substantiate your claim to the come and prove their debts or claims Liquidator of the Company at the CHALLENGE COSMETICS (M) dan penyampaian Writ Saman dan di suatu penerbitan akhbar ‘The Sun’ at such time and place as shall be Pernyataan Tuntutan sedemikian dan penyampaian Writ Saman dan REXOB TRADING SDN. BHD. following address not later than specified in such notice or in default SDN. BHD. Certificate No Name No Of Share (Registration No. 199201021907 akan disifatkan sebagai penyerahan Pernyataan Tuntutan sedemikian (FORMERLY KNOWN 5.00 p.m., Friday, 22nd day of January thereof they will be excluded from the benefit of any distribution made before (253411-U)) lengkap dan sempurna terhadap akan disifatkan sebagai penyerahan AS H&F SHOES (M) SDN. BHD.) 2021: kamu dalam masa tujuh (7) hari lengkap dan sempurna terhadap LAM SOON (M) BERHAD such debts or claims are proved. (In Creditors’ (IN CREDITORS’ VOLUNTARY Voluntary Winding Up) selepas tarikh penampalan atau kamu dalam masa tujuh (7) hari 28897 – 98 FOO CHEE KANG 2 x 1,000 Address : The Liquidator pengiklanan yang terakhir tersebut. selepas tarikh penampalan atau WINDING UP) Posc Ti Sdn. Bhd. Dated this 31-12-2020 36806 – 07 HEE LING SEONG 2 x 1,000 CHAN BEE LEE (F) The Liquidator of Challenge pengiklanan yang terakhir tersebut. (REGISTRATION NO.: (In Liquidation) 8184 TAN GIM CHEW 1 x 1,000 LAI CHUNG EN Cosmetics (M) Sdn. Bhd. hereby Jika kamu berhasrat untuk membela 201401029229 (1105315 – W)) c/o Messrs. Rodgers Reidy Liquidators give notice that the Creditors of tindakan tersebut, kamu mestilah Jika kamu berhasrat untuk membela 19621 – 22 TAN GIM CHEW 2 x 1,000 & Co. (AF:001974) the Company must send details, memasukkan kehadiran sama tindakan tersebut, kamu mestilah SECTION 440(1) ada secara sendiri atau melalui memasukkan kehadiran sama K-3A-09, No. 2, Jalan Solaris in writing, of any claim against STATUTORY DECLARATION OF the Company to the Liquidator at peguamcara kamu. Jika kamu ingkar ada secara sendiri atau melalui NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that if within fourteen (14) days from Solaris Mont’ Kiara hadir sedemikian, penghakiman boleh peguamcara kamu. Jika kamu ingkar INABILITY OF COMPANY TO CONTINUE 50480 Kuala Lumpur Level 6, 33B Jalan Pahang, 10400 diberikan terhadap kamu. hadir sedemikian, penghakiman boleh BUSINESS AND THAT MEETINGS OF THE the date hereof, no claim or representation in respect of such Georgetown, Pulau Pinang, by diberikan terhadap kamu. Tel. No. : (03) 6204 0928 1st February 2021, which is the COMPANY AND ITS CREDITORS HAVE certificates is made to the Directors, they will then proceed to Bertarikh pada BEEN SUMMONED Fax No : (03) 6204 0428 last day for admitting claims. The 21 haribulan Disember, 2020 Bertarikh pada issue replacement certificates and the original certificates will be Liquidator also give notice that he 21 haribulan Disember, 2020 We, LIM YOK LEE (I/C No. 560119-04- Failure to submit abovementioned will then make a final distribution deemed cancelled and void. affidavit to the Liquidator by the stipulated ...………t.t………… 5018), PAULINUS ANTONIUS MARIA to Creditors and that a Creditor TETUAN A. BASKARAN & CO ………t.t…….... date can result in your claim being TUERLINGS (Passport No. BK862J743) who does not make a claim by the Peguamcara Plaintif TETUAN A. BASKARAN & CO and STEWART ROLAND HUSSEY REGISTRARS excluded from the benefit of any 322 Notices above date will not be included in Peguamcara Plaintif AISHALTON (Passport No. 801596584) of distributions made before the debt or the distribution. ini telah diisukan oleh Tetuan BOARDROOM SHARE REGISTRARS SDN BHD (378993-D) NOTIS Rexob Trading Sdn. Bhd. (Formerly claims are proved and from objecting to A. Baskaran & Co, peguamcara NOTIS ini telah diisukan oleh Tetuan known as H&F Shoes (M) Sdn. Bhd.) Date: 31.12.2020 the distributions. IN THE HIGH COURT OF MALAYA KHOR YONG YONG pihak Plaintif yang beralamat di Unit A. Baskaran & Co, peguamcara pihak AT SEREMBAN Liquidator 2-1, The Cube, Jalan 6/18A, Taman Plaintif yang beralamat di Unit 2-1, solemnly and sincerely declare that the By Order of the Liquidator COMPANIES (WINDING-UP) NO: Mastiara, Jalan Ipoh, 51200 Kuala The Cube, Jalan 6/18A, Taman Company cannot by reason of its liabilities Lumpur. Mastiara, Jalan Ipoh, 51200 Kuala Lim Tian Huat NA-28NCC-34-12/2020 Dated this continue its business, and that meetings NOTICE OF FINAL MEETING 31st day of December, 2020. Lumpur. of the Company and of its creditors have Dated this 31st December 2020 Ruj: ABC.1795/K.30.14/BAS/L/ Ruj:ABC.1793/K.30.12/BAS/L/ OF MEMBERS 322 Notices In the Matter of Section 465(1)(e) been summoned for a date within thirty PMT/2020 PMT/2020 (30) days of the date of this declaration. FROM THE LIQUIDATOR Note: read with Section 466 (1)(a) of the Tel: +603-6179 4711 Tel: +603-6179 4711 Companies Act, 2016 Fax: +603-6179 5711 Fax: +603-6179 5711 1. Please do not submit an affidavit if you The meeting(s) of the Company and of its Emel: [email protected] Emel: [email protected] creditors will be held on 27 January 2021 LAI GUAN (M) SDN. BHD. have submitted once before. And Company Registration No. at K-3A-09, No. 2, Jalan Solaris, Solaris 2. If you have submitted an affidavit but 322 Notices Mont Kiara, 50480 Kuala Lumpur. 197601003108 (29052-W) In the Matter of ESPRIT PARTNERS have not received any response from (Members’ Voluntary SDN. BHD. And we make this solemn declaration the Liquidator, please contact them at [Company No. 200501022967 conscientiously believing the same to be Winding-Up) the above address. DALAM PERKARA DALAM PERKARA IN THE MATTER OF (705098-D)] AKTA SYARIKAT 2016 AKTA SYARIKAT 2016 THE COMPANIES ACT, 2016 true and by virtue of the provision of the NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN 3. Creditors who have not responded to DAN DAN AND Statutory Act, 1960. Between DALAM PERKARA DALAM PERKARA :- pursuant to Section 459 ( 2 ) of the Liquidator’s request for further IN THE MATTER OF:- Subscribed and solemnly declared by the documents and/or particulars relating CHALLENGE COSMETICS (M) 1) PANARENA MARKETING SDN. BHD. the Companies Act, 2016 that SDN. BHD. abovenamed at Wilayah Persekutuan to their claims are reminded to submit KONICA MINOLTA BUSINESS 201001011522 (896182-D) 1) PANARENA MARKETING SDN. BHD. the Final Meeting of members SOLUTIONS (M) SDN BHD (No. Pendaftaran: 199201021907 (Dalam Penggulungan Sukarela 201001011522 (896182-D) Kuala Lumpur on 29 December 2020. the further documents and/or (253411-U)) of the abovenamed Company [Company No. 198101006526 Pemiutang) (In Creditors’ Voluntary Winding Up) LIM YOK LEE particulars without delay or risk (72640-P)] (Dalam Penggulungan will be held at Unit 5.10, Level having their claims rejected. Sukarela Pemiutang) 2) TAKDIR TULIN SDN. BHD. 2) TAKDIR TULIN SDN. BHD. PAULINUS ANTONIUS MARIA 5, Plaza DNP, No.59, Jalan …Petitioner 201001035013 (918936-K) 201001035013 (918936-K) TUERLINGS (Dalam Penggulungan Sukarela Dato’ Abdullah Tahir, 80250 NOTIS ADALAH DIBERIKAN bahawa (In Creditors’ Voluntary Winding Up) STEWART ROLAND HUSSEY AISHALTON And menurut Seksyen 439 Akta Syarikat Pemiutang) Johor Bahru on Monday 01st Directors 2016, resolusi yang dinyatakan di 3) WIDE DELTA SDN. BHD. 3) WIDE DELTA SDN. BHD. February 2021 at 10.30 a.m. for ESPRIT PARTNERS SDN. BHD. bawah ini telah diluluskan oleh Ahli- 200701020436 (778452-K) 200701020436 (778452-K) Dated this 31 December 2020 the following purposes :- [Company No. 200501022967 Ahli Challenge Cosmetics (M) Sdn. (Dalam Penggulungan Sukarela (In Creditors’ Voluntary Winding Up) Bhd. pada Mesyuarat Agung Luar Pemiutang) (705098-D)] SECTION 513(1) 322 Notices …Respondent Biasa Syarikat yang diadakan pada NOTICE is hereby given pursuant to 1. To receive the liquidator’s 28hb. Disember 2020:- NOTIS ADALAH DIBERIKAN bahawa menurut Section 439 of the Companies Act, Seksyen 439 Akta Syarikat 2016, resolusi yang NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT AND statement of accounts for 2016 that the resolutions set out below ADDRESS OF LIQUIDATOR ADVERTISEMENT OF PETITION dinyatakan di bawah ini telah diluluskan oleh was duly passed by the Members the period from 31st October IN THE MATTER OF “BAHAWASANYA telah dibuktikan Ahli-Ahli Syarikat-syarikat tersebut di atas bahawa Syarikat tidak dapat of the abovenamed Company at the 2019 to 01st February 2021 THE COMPANIES ACT 2016 pada Mesyuarat Agung Luar Biasa Syarikat I, Lim Tian Huat of Messrs. Rodgers AND IN THE MATTER OF NOTICE is hereby given that a meneruskan perniagaan dengan masing-masing yang diadakan pada 28hb. Extraordinary General Meeting held on Reidy & Co. (AF:001974), I/C showing the manner in LABEL PRINT SYSTEMS SDN. BHD. petition for the winding-up of the sebab liabilitinya dan dinasihatkan Disember 2020: - 28th December 2020 respectively:- No. 541128-04-5235 hereby give notice untuk menggulung Syarikat dan oleh which the winding-up has 200801018015 (819311-U) abovenamed company by the High that:- (In Members’ court was on 15.12.2020 presented itu Syarikat akan digulung secara “BAHAWASANYA telah dibuktikan bahawa “THAT it has been proved to the been conducted and the sukarela.” Syarikat tidak dapat meneruskan perniagaan satisfaction of this meeting that the Voluntary Winding Up) by the said company and that dengan sebab liabilitinya dan dinasihatkan (a) I was appointed Interim Liquidator of property of the Company Company cannot by reason of its liabilities Rexob Trading Sdn. Bhd. (Formerly the said petition is directed to be BAHAWASANYA Encik Khor Yong untuk menggulung Syarikat dan oleh itu continue its business and that it is disposed of and hearing At a General Meeting of the Members heard before the Court sitting at Syarikat akan digulung secara sukarela. known as H&F Shoes (M) Sdn. Bhd.) any explanation that may be of the abovenamed Company held Yong (No. Kad Pengenalan: 760718- advisable to wind up the Company and on 30-12-2020, the following special Seremban at 9.00 o’clock in the 07-5119) yang beralamat di Tingkat BAHAWASANYA Encik Khor Yong Yong accordingly the Company be wound up by a resolution of Rexob Trading given by the Liquidator. resolution was duly passed:- morning, on the 10.2.2021, and any 6, 33B Jalan Pahang, 10400 (No. Kad Pengenalan: 760718-07-5119) voluntarily. Sdn. Bhd. (Formerly known as H&F creditor or contributor of the said Georgetown, Pulau Pinang dilantik yang beralamat di Tingkat 6, 33B Jalan Shoes (M) Sdn. Bhd.) passed on 2. To approve the liquidator’s “THAT the Company be wound up company desiring to support or sebagai Pelikuidasi untuk tujuan Pahang, 10400 Georgetown, Pulau Pinang THAT Mr. Khor Yong Yong (I/C No. 760718- 29 December 2020; and voluntarily pursuant to section 439(1) penggulungan tersebut dan Syarikat dilantik sebagai Pelikuidasi untuk tujuan 07-5119) of Level 6, 33B Jalan Pahang, remunerations. oppose the making of an order on penggulungan tersebut dan Syarikat-syarikat (b) of the Companies Act 2016 and the said petition may appear at the tersebut menanggung rugi kesemua 10400 Georgetown, Pulau Pinang be and (b) my office address is K-3A-09, No. 2 tersebut menanggung rugi kesemua kos, is hereby appointed Liquidator to act for that Mr. Lai Chung En and Ms. Chan time of hearing by himself or his kos, caj, kerugian, perbelanjaan dan caj, kerugian, perbelanjaan dan liabiliti yang Jalan Solaris, Solaris Mont’ Kiara, liabiliti yang ditanggung atau dialami the purpose of such winding-up of the 3. To determine by ordinary Bee Lee (f) of StanleyCo Corporate counsel for that purpose, and a copy ditanggung atau dialami oleh beliau dalam 50480 Kuala Lumpur. Services Sdn. Bhd., Suite 15, 6th Floor, oleh beliau dalam menjalankan menjalankan tanggungjawab berkenaan.” Company and that he shall be indemnified resolution the manner IOI Business Park, Bandar Puchong of the petition will be furnished to tanggungjawab berkenaan.” by the abovesaid Company against all LIM TIAN HUAT in which the books, Jaya, 47170 Puchong, Selangor be and any creditor or contributory of the Ong Chee Keong costs, charges, losses, expenses and Interim Liquidator accounts and documents are hereby appointed as Liquidators said company requiring the same Yew Seng @ Yew Kean Tong Pengerusi liabilities incurred or sustained by him in Dated this 31 December 2020 of the Company and of the for the purpose of such winding up by the undersigned on payment of Pengerusi the execution and discharge of his duties with all powers given under section the regulated charge for the same. Tarikh: 31hb. Disember 2020 in relation thereto.” liquidator thereof shall be 456 and the Eleventh Schedule of the Tarikh: 31hb. Disember 2020 SECTION 449 AND 450 DALAM PERKARA Ong Chee Keong disposed of. Companies Act 2016.” AKTA SYARIKAT 2016 The Petitioner’s address is at No. 8 Chairman NOTICE OF MEETING OF CREDITORS & 10, Jalan Kota Laksamana 3/14, DALAM PERKARA DAN Dated this 31-12-2020 AKTA SYARIKAT 2016 DALAM PERKARA :- NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to KON SING @ CHUA KON SING Taman Kota Laksamana, Seksyen Date: 31st December 2020 DAN Section 449(4) of the Companies Act, Liquidator SIMON LYDDON PUGH 3, 75200 Melaka. 1) PANARENA MARKETING SDN. BHD. DALAM PERKARA 2016, a meeting of the creditors of the Date: 31st December 2020 Director CHALLENGE COSMETICS (M) 201001011522 (896182-D) IN THE MATTER OF (Dalam Penggulungan Sukarela THE COMPANIES ACT, 2016 above Company that is in interim The Petitioner’s solicitors is Messrs SDN. BHD. Pemiutang) IN THE MATTER OF Chua & Partners, Advocates & (No. Pendaftaran: 199201021907 AND Liquidation will be held pursuant to IN THE MATTER OF:- NOTE: THE COMPANIES ACT 2016 Solicitors of 46-01, Jalan Molek (253411-U)) 2) TAKDIR TULIN SDN. BHD. Section 449 (1), Companies Act 2016 on AND IN THE MATTER OF (Dalam Penggulungan 201001035013 (918936-K) 27 January 2021 at K-3A-09, No. 2, LABEL PRINT SYSTEMS SDN. BHD. 1/28, Taman Molek 81100 Johor 1) PANARENA MARKETING SDN. BHD. A member entitled to attend Sukarela Pemiutang) (Dalam Penggulungan Sukarela Jalan Solaris, Solaris Mont’ Kiara, 200801018015 (819311-U) Bahru, Johor. Pemiutang) 201001011522 (896182-D) and vote at the above- (In Members’ NOTIS ADALAH DIBERIKAN BAHAWA (In Creditors’ Voluntary Winding Up) 50480 Kuala Lumpur at 10.00 a.m. for mentioned meeting is entitled Voluntary Winding Up) Sgd pemiutang-pemiutang bagi Syarikat 3) WIDE DELTA SDN. BHD. the purposes mentioned in Sections 449 ………………………… tersebut di atas adalah diminta pada 200701020436 (778452-K) 2) TAKDIR TULIN SDN. BHD. and 450 of the Companies Act, 2016. to appoint one or more proxies Notice is hereby given that the (Dalam Penggulungan Sukarela 201001035013 (918936-K) Solicitors for the Petitioners atau sebelum 1hb. Februari 2021 Pemiutang) The purposes of the meeting are:- to attend and vote instead of Creditors of the above Company, Messrs Chua & Partners untuk menghantar nama, alamat dan (In Creditors’ Voluntary Winding Up) him. A proxy need not be a which is being voluntarily wound butir-butiran mengenai hutang dan NOTIS ADALAH DIBERIKAN BAHAWA • To lay out the Statement of Affairs of member of the Company. up, are required on or before 31- tuntutan mereka dan nama serta pemiutang-pemiutang bagi Syarikat-syarikat 3) WIDE DELTA SDN. BHD. the Company pursuant to Section 449 01-2021 to send in their names and NOTE:- Any person who intends to 200701020436 (778452-K) appear on the hearing of the said alamat peguam mereka (jika ada), tersebut di atas adalah diminta pada (5)(a) of the Companies Act, 2016. addresses with particulars of their kepada Pelikuidasi Syarikat tersebut atau sebelum 1hb. Februari 2021 untuk (In Creditors’ Voluntary Winding Up) debts and claims and of any security petition must serve on or send by di Tingkat 6, 33B Jalan Pahang, menghantar nama, alamat dan butir-butiran • To appoint a Liquidator for the held by them and the names and post to the abovenamed Messrs 10400 Georgetown, Pulau Pinang, mengenai hutang dan tuntutan mereka dan The Liquidator of the abovenamed Creditors’ Voluntary Liquidation of addresses of their Solicitors (if any) Chua & Partners, notice in writing nama serta alamat peguam mereka (jika Company hereby give notice that the dan jika dikehendaki, melalui notis ada), kepada Pelikuidasi Syarikat-syarikat the Company pursuant to Section 450 to the undersigned Liquidators at of his intention so to do. This notice daripada Pelikuidasi Syarikat tersebut, Creditors of the Company must send Suite 15, 6th Floor, IOI Business Park, tersebut di Tingkat 6, 33B Jalan Pahang, details, in writing, of any claim against of the Companies Act, 2016. Bandar Puchong Jaya, 47170 Puchong, must state the name and address peguam mereka atau pemiutang hadir 10400 Georgetown, Pulau Pinang, dan secara peribadi untuk membuktikan jika dikehendaki, melalui notis daripada the abovenamed Company to the • To appoint a Committee of Inspection Selangor and if so required by notice of the person, or, if a firm, or his or Liquidator at Level 6, 33B Jalan Pahang, their solicitor (if any) and must be hutang-hutang atau tuntutan-tuntutan Pelikuidasi Syarikat-syarikat tersebut, consisting not more than five (5) in writing from the said Liquidators peguam mereka atau pemiutang hadir 10400 Georgetown, Pulau Pinang, by 1st are by their Solicitors or personally to served, or, if posted, must be sent tersebut pada masa dan tempat yang persons pursuant to Section 450(4) dinyatakan dalam notis tersebut dan secara peribadi untuk membuktikan hutang- February 2021, which is the last day for come and prove their debts or claims by post in sufficient time to reach hutang atau tuntutan-tuntutan tersebut pada of the Companies Act, 2016, if kalau gagal membuat sedemikian, admitting claims. The Liquidator also at such time and place as shall be the abovenamed not later than masa dan tempat yang dinyatakan dalam give notice that he will then make a thought fit. CALL TO PLACE CLASSIFIED ADS specified in such notice or in default mereka akan dikecualikan daripada notis tersebut dan kalau gagal membuat 12:00 o’clock noon of the 9.2.2021. manfaat pembahagian sebelum final distribution to Creditors and that a thereof they will be excluded from the sedemikian, mereka akan dikecualikan Creditor who does not make a claim by LIM YOK LEE hutang-hutang dan tuntutan-tuntutan daripada manfaat pembahagian sebelum benefit of any distribution made before the above date will not be included in the PAULINUS ANTONIUS MARIA such debts or claims are proved. This Advertisement of Petition tersebut. hutang-hutang dan tuntutan-tuntutan TUERLINGS is prepared by Messrs Chua & tersebut. distribution. MS. SHOBA STEWART ROLAND HUSSEY AISHALTON Dated this 31-12-2020 Partners, Advocates & Solicitors KHOR YONG YONG Pelikuidasi KHOR YONG YONG KHOR YONG YONG T 03 7784 8888 CHAN BEE LEE (F) of 46-01, Jalan Molek 1/28, Taman Pelikuidasi Liquidator Directors LAI CHUNG EN Molek 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor, Tarikh: 31hb. Disember 2020 Dated this 31 December 2020 F 03 7784 4424 Liquidators solicitors for the Petitioners. Tarikh: 31hb. Disember 2020 Dated this 31st day of December, 2020. 2 The SunMegazine Thursday, 31 December, 2020 theSUN ON THURSDAY | DECEMBER 31, 2020 21 * SPORTS

BOWLED OUT for 36. Missing three, “We had a lot of positives in Black Caps end arguably four, first-choice players. Adelaide but at the end of the day it is Losing another mid-Test. Spending India ace Test of character the result that counts. We were blown Pakistan defiance months on the road and in mentally “I think this will go down in the the character they have shown. Real away in the second innings in one challenging bubbles. annals of Indian cricket – no, world character.” hour. So when you are blown away, NEW ZEALAND beat Pakistan by Losing the toss. Becoming only the cricket – as one of the great The key to this comeback, Shastri you are blown away. 101 runs yesterday after a thrilling third team to come back from a 0-1 comebacks in the history of the game,” said, was to accept the result in “There is nothing you can do about finish to the first Test in Mount deficit in the last 50 years in Australia. Shastri told espncricinfo.com after India Adelaide and move on. He was asked it than to get up and fight, which we Maunganui, where the visitors You might have accused India defeated Australia by eight wickets in what the chat was in the dressing did in this Test match. were just 27 balls from pulling off coach Ravi Shastri of hyperbole in the Melbourne. room in Adelaide and then in “To beat a team like Australia, a battling draw. past, but you probably wouldn’t argue “You know to be rolled over for 36 Melbourne when they rocked up. especially in Australia, there is no point Tail-enders Shaheen Afridi and against his assessment that India’s win and then three days later to get up “No chat,” he said of Adelaide. “And having one good day or two good Naseem Shah blocked for seven in Melbourne after all that is one of the and be ready to punch was when we arrived in Melbourne, it was days, you have got to have five good overs in fading light before great comebacks in Test history, not outstanding. the things we have got to do to get up days if you have to beat them. As Naseem was caught and bowled just Indian cricket. “The boys deserve all the credit for and fight. simple as that.” – Agencies by spinner Mitchell Santner for one, ending Pakistan’s resistance. The end for Pakistan had begun when Kyle Jamieson, celebrating his 26th birthday, broke the 165-run fifth-wicket Aussies seek quick fix stand by Fawad Alam and Mohammad Rizwan. Warner, Pucovski get call up as host look to recover from Melbourne misfire The victory was crucial for New Zealand, who need to sweep the USTRALIA yesterday included David progress in his recovery from injury and will be given Former skipper Ricky Ponting said they were two-Test series to have a chance of Warner and debutant Will Pucovski in their every chance to play,” Hohns said. batting like they were “scared” to get out. making the World Test squad for the third Test against India, with Australia’s sub-par batting in the first Test was “They’ve got to show some more intent,” he told a Championship final at Lord’s in selectors ditching Joe Burns after a poor start glossed over by the thumping three-day win at the Cricket Australia website. June. toA the series. Adelaide Oval, but there was no hiding behind the “They’ve got to get them quicker than two-and-a- Once Jamieson claimed the Warner will return as he continues recovering from bowlers in the eight-wicket loss in Melbourne that half runs an over because what we’ve seen from crucial wicket of Mohammad, lbw a groin injury, while Pucovski is also expected to be fit levelled the series 1-1. Adelaide to here, if they’re trying to apply themselves for 60, Neil Wagner – bowling after a concussion, Cricket Australia said in a Skittled for 195 in the first innings and only and bat for long periods of time they haven’t been despite breaking two toes while statement. reaching 200 in the second due to doughty tail-end good enough to do that.” batting – removed Fawad for 102 Fast bowler Sean Abbott has also recovered from a resistance, Australia failed to record a half-century for India set up victory with a first innings 326, and New Zealand were into the calf strain and was included in the 18-man squad for the first time in a home Test match since 1988 when anchored by a sparkling century by stand-in captain tail as Pakistan folded from 240 for the remainder of the four-Test series. they were beaten by a mighty West Indies team. Ajinkya Rahane, yet the result might have been four to be all out for 271. But out-of-form Burns was released after India’s bowlers have adhered to simple plans – different had Australia held their catches. Jamieson produced a struggling in the first two Tests. attacking the stumps and setting leg-side fields – but Having spilled seven at the MCG and reprieved particularly miserly spell after the “Unfortunately, Joe’s returns haven’t been what he the home side’s batsmen have looked bereft of Rahane twice, the team’s bowlers will demand better tea break when he sent down nine or the selectors would like or what we consider he is answers. support in the field at the SCG when the third Test overs and took two for four. capable of,” national selector Trevor Hohns said. Steve Smith, the world’s top-ranked test batsman, starts Jan 7. – Apart from when Pakistan Although Warner was still admitted yesterday he had allowed Ravichandran Reuters/Agencies whipped out the New Zealand recovering from his injury, Ashwin to “dictate terms” after being dismissed for a openers cheaply on day one, the selectors were hoping the duck and one run by the spinner in the series. match had been in New Zealand’s opener would be fit for the Marnus Labuschagne, who piled up the runs control until Mohammad, the match at the Sydney Cricket against New Zealand and Pakistan in the last stand-in skipper, joined Fawad in Ground. home summer, has also been stifled by the middle with Pakistan 75 for “David has made strong India’s disciplined attack. four on the final morning. New Zealand required six more wickets, Pakistan needed 298 runs and more than 78 overs remained. By tea, Fawad and Mohammad Will Pucovski were still together, Pakistan had (left) and narrowed the target to 158 in 36 David Warner. overs and New Zealand still needed six wickets. But Jamieson removed Rizwan 11 overs into the final session and Fawad lasted three more overs until he gloved a Wagner short ball to wicketkeeper BJ Watling. – AFP

322 Notices BRIEFS

PARIT Sri Lanka try to stay and there is no better player in the team to concerns about the novel coronavirus. “The tournament is proactively working ENTERPRISE SDN. BHD. for that,” De Kock told reporters. The seam West Indies are due to play three one-day with the ATP and WTA Tours as well as title Company No: positive after defeat 196201000278 (4774-P) attack of Lungi Ngidi, Anrich Nortje, Wiaan internationals and two Tests in sponsor BNP Paribas to confirm dates Incorporated in Malaysia SRI LANKAN captain Dimuth Karunaratne Mulder and Lutho Sipamla went into the Chattogram and Dhaka starting from Jan later in the year to hold the event,” (Under Members’ said his team would try to stay positive game with only 12 Test appearances 20. Darren Bravo, Shamarh Brooks, Roston tournament organisers said in a Voluntary Winding-Up) after losing the first Test against South between them, but the latter two, both Chase, Sheldon Cottrell, Evin Lewis, Shai statement. “Details will be released in the NOTICE OF Africa by an innings and 45 runs inside 22, were particularly impressive. Hope, Shimron Hetmyer and Nicholas near future as plans are finalised.” FINAL MEETING four days at SuperSport Park in Centurion Pooran are the other players who opted UNDER SECTION 272 OF THE COMPANIES ACT, yesterday. Karunaratne bemoaned the Cummins backs batsmen out of the series. Fabian Allen and Shane Tsonga not fit for AO 1965 injuries that derailed his bowling attack, Dowrich are also unavailable due to with fast bowlers Kasun Rajitha and to come good personal reasons. FRENCHMAN Jo-Wilfried Tsonga (pix) NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a Final Meeting of the Lahiru Kumara both suffering groin AUSTRALIAN fast bowler Pat Cummins has joined Roger Federer in withdrawing Company will be held at B-2- injuries and being unable to bowl again. said he had “every confidence” Australia’s Indian Wells postponed from the 2021 Australian Open after 13, Tingkat 2, Intan Business “We were in the driving seat after scoring top batsmen would return to form failing to recover fully from a lower Centre 2, Lebuh Medan Ipoh, Bandar Baru Medan, 31400 nearly 400 runs,” the skipper said. “We following an underwhelming first two THE prestigous BNP Paribas back injury. The 35-year-old has Ipoh, Perak on 1st February, were doing pretty well as a batting unit Tests against India. With the series level at Open tennis tournament in not played since retiring from his 2021 at 10.00 a.m. but we lost a couple of bowlers. We have 1-1 heading into the third Test in Sydney, Indian Wells that was first-round match at Melbourne AGENDA another game to go… We need to keep a Cummins parried talk of crisis and said scheduled to be held in Park in January when trailing positive mindset.” batters like Steve Smith would rediscover California in March has Alexei Popyrin 6-7(5) 6-2 6-1. 1. To receive and consider their touch. “Absolutely no stress,” been postponed due to “Despite great progress in recent the Liquidators account of receipts and payment and Proteas need right mix, Cummins said. “They’ll come good. Steve’s Covid-19 concerns, organisers months, I am still not able to play in statements of distribution been champion for a dozen years or so, so said yesterday. It marks the competition,” Tsonga, a 2008 finalist among the contributories says De Kock absolutely no stress at all. Every batter, second consecutive year the dual in Melbourne, wrote in a social media and any explanations arising therefrom. SOUTH AFRICA must find the right every player, goes through ups and ATP-WTA hardcourt event, post. “In agreement with the balance between youth and experience, downs and the great ones find a way to which is often called medical team, the 2. To resolve that under Section 284(3)(b) of the according to captain Quinton de Kock, get back, so yeah absolutely no stress that the “fifth major” Australian Open is Companies Act, 1965, who praised the performance of his they’ll come good, I’m sure.” after the four therefore the books, accounts and rookie bowlers in their innings and 45-run Grand Slam compromised this documents of the Company be destroyed after the first Test victory over Sri Lanka yesterday. Holder, Pollard opt out of tournaments, year. I am looking expiration of three (3) The triumph was also set up by a superb has been forward to getting months from the date of the 199 from former captain Faf du Plessis, the Bangladesh tour impacted by back on a tennis Final Meeting. most experienced member of the squad. CRICKET West Indies (CWI) said Test the virus as court, but I have to Dated 31st December, 2020 “You need to find that balance (between captain Jason Holder and limited-overs the 2020 be patient… Even youth and experience) and Faf came out skipper Kieron Pollard are among 10 edition if not going to CHAN WAI MENG Liquidator and showed his leadership qualities. He players who have chosen not to travel to was Australia this year has been in a lot of pressure situations Bangladesh for their upcoming tour due cancelled. is a heartbreaker.” 22 theSUN ON THURSDAY | DECEMBER 31, 2020 SPORTS

ARCELONA ended a difficult year with another disappointing result as they were held 1-1 at home by struggling Eibar yesterday. BThe result left Barcelona in sixth place in La Barca limp into 2021 Liga, seven points behind Atletico Madrid who have played two fewer matches. Home draw with Eibar ends Catalan’s gloomy year on drab note “We have to be realistic,” said Barcelona manager Ronald Koeman. “The league is very pounced after a defensive mistake from Ronald Koeman, before asking: “How is it possible that out exactly what’s wrong with him”. complicated. In life nothing is impossible, but Araujo. we didn’t win this match?” Fullback Junior Firpo appeared to put the you have to recognise the points gap to a team “I take responsibility,” said Araujo. “I didn’t “We created chances, we missed a penalty, burden of blame on Barcelona’s front line, like Atletico, which seems to give very little notice that the forward was so close.” and we gave away a goal, the only shot on target telling Spanish sports daily Marca: “We need a away.” “It’s a pity, we wanted to win and we played they had?” thousand chances to score.” The six-time Ballon d’Or winner Lionel well” Barcelona have struggled with injuries this “They (Eibar) had one clear chance and Messi is nursing an ankle injury and watched Ousmane Dembele levelled 10 minutes later season and lost Philippe Coutinho who limped scored… It’s the trend of the season,” Firpo from the stands. with a right foot shot but Barcelona could not off in added time. bemoaned. “The games are tough and it’s all In his absence Martin Braithwaite took an find the winning goal. “He said he was feeling pain in his left knee,” uphill.” eighth minute penalty kick, and missed. The “We were missing Leo, of course,” said said Koeman. “We need to do more tests to find On a personal level, the former Real Betis Dane did put the ball in the net in the 25th player was pleased with his own contribution. minute but the strike was disallowed. “I felt good,” he said. “It’s noticeable when Although Barcelona dominated possession you don’t play so often, but I always try to train and took far more shots, Eibar took the lead Party talk dents Neymar’s to the fullest. When I get a chance I try to take after 57 minutes. Their captain Kike Garcia advantage of it.” In the other early game, Lucas Ocampo improving image converted an early penalty and Youssef En- RUMOURS of a giant year-end party Neymar away from Nike in September. Neyri added a second after the break as Sevilla organised by Neymar in Brazil in the midst Contacted by AFP, the German sports- beat visiting Villarreal 2-0. of the pandemic have revived his image as goods manufacturer refused to comment. Sevilla moved onto a tie for third with Real an eternal spoiled child. The refusal to deny the party is taking Sociedad and Villarreal. – AFP/Agencies 5218/2020 30/12/2020 (WED) The Paris Saint-Germain striker’s place has brought a reaction from Brazilian SPORTS TOTO MALAYSIA SDN BHD (8420 - D) entourage vigorously denies reports in media. TOTO 4D PRIZE PAYMENTS GUARANTEED IN FULL Brazilian media, but the silence of the “It would be much simpler if Neymar 1st Prize 0659 player, normally active on social media, went on social networks and said he had speaks for itself. nothing to do with it. LeBron James, Lewis 2nd Prize 6835 When a young woman filed a Hamilton, Lionel Messi or Cristiano complaint against him for rape last year – Ronaldo don’t throw any parties,” said 3rd Prize 9582 Draw Date: 30/12/20 (Wed) Draw No: 5165/20 Venue: PERAK TURF CLUB a case that was eventually dropped – the Galvao Bueno of TV Globo, yesterday. Special Consolation Brazilian football star did Juca Kfouri, another veteran sports 6672 4868 4468 4036 not hesitate to reveal journalist, went further, speaking of 0584 3797 4062 5865 intimate exchanges “criminal irresponsibility” in a podcast from 8037 8459 0596 7073 4671 of messages with the UOL website. 7382 1262 9698 4762 his accuser. “Not only is there nothing in his head, 1900 9600 5114 9373 5879 This time, he but he is irresponsible, this is a very bad 8058 is keeping example for Brazil,” said Kfouri, recalling quiet. So too that the 28-year-old striker has often 8646 + 5203 4123 + 5035 are his main appeared alongside far-right President Jair 4,053,355.61 sponsors Bolsonaro, who has repeatedly 3682 + 4979 1046 + 3923 Puma, who downplayed the importance of the virus. 8135 + 2973 7666 + 5844 0659 6835 6835 0659 wrenched After a series of seasons marred by 4222 + 7236 0621 + 0405 0659 9582 9582 0659 injuries, failures in big matches and 9582 9582 6835 0405 + 7409 1288 + 7150 6835 complaints about his diving 226,376.81 when tackled, Neymar helped Paris Saint-Germain reach Winning combination of any 1 of Top 3 & any 1 of Special prizes. their first Champions RM13,499,451.40 League final. His image received 8037 + 1900 1900 + 8037 1st Prize 0659 + another lift when he 8037 + 8058 8058 + 8037 and Kylian Mbappe led 1900 + 8058 8058 + 1900 2nd Prize 6835 + the Paris Saint- RM125,514.90 3rd Prize 9582 + HORSE Germain players off the field after a match 4th Prize Special Prize + official aimed a racist 5th Prize Consolation Prize + remark at a coach of opposing 6th Prize Any 4D drawn number Basaksehir three weeks ago during a 788 037 +MONKEY RM290,000.00 TOTO 5D & 6D PRIZE PAYMENTS GUARANTEED IN FULL Champions League 19004 match. 811 900 +DRAGON RM2,316,457.50 “His image was 9004 improving, but has 71612 004 been severely 988 058 + TIGER RM1,544,339.60 27481 04 damaged again, even though 2020 was one of his best years,” sports 508 646 795 203 814 123 785 035 701591 marketing consultant Erich 143 682 324 979 521 046 973 923 Beting told AFP. – AFP 158 135 932 973 577 666 365 844 70159 01591 734 222 027 236 560 621 930 405 7015 1591 760 405 057 409 581 288 027 150 701 591 SIDENETTING 70 91 Wolves looking into Costa deal under Jose Mourinho and Antonio Conte TOTO GAMES GIVES YOU MORE WINNING CHANCES! respectively, finishing as the Blues’ top WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS are scorer in each of those campaigns. 037 900 058 23 29 34 39 51 56 contemplating a move for former Atletico Madrid striker Diego Costa on a free Tuchel eyes EPL move 47,491,041.56 transfer. The Spanish striker was let go by Atletico Madrid on Tuesday after asking DESPITE many around the football world RM607,988.00 3 9 17 22 48 55 the club to tear up his £270,000-a-week knowing for almost a week, Paris Saint- (RM1.4m) contract due to “personal Germain officially announced the sacking 037 + 900 + 058 900 + 058 + 037 10,268,942.89 reasons”. Costa can now sign for a club for of Thomas Tuchel on Tuesday. And less 037 + 058 + 900 058 + 037 + 900 no transfer fee during the January transfer than a day later the German has found 900 + 037 + 058 058 + 900 + 037 window with Wolves’ Premier League rivals himself linked with the Chelsea job. Tuchel 8 11 17 18 33 40 43 Arsenal also linked with the forward. And is well known for having an admiration for Wolves could move in for the 32-year-old the Premier League and, according to BILD, 1+3DJP2 RM527k,3DJ RM607k & Jackpot 1 2,386,672.72 as the Midlands club look for a he’s already building that project so it Bonus 3rd RM308k won on 27/12/20 Jackpot 2 133,677.67 replacement for Raul Jimenez who is becomes a reality. The German publication currently ruled out with a fractured skull. also adds that out of any Premier League The striker helped Diego Simeone’s Atleti club his most likely destination would be Visit www.sportstoto.com.my win La Liga and reach the Champions to Chelsea if they drop further points. League final in 2014 before moving to Arsenal have also been linked with for e-Results and more info. Stamford Bridge later that year for £32m bringing Tuchel in but back-to-back wins (RM169m). Costa won the Premier League have quieted any talk of Mikel Arteta in his first and last seasons at Chelsea being dismissed.

Media: Sun Size: 26cm (H) x 6.3cm(W) theSUN ON THURSDAY | DECEMBER 31, 2020 23 * SPORTS Bielsa not getting carried away disappointment,” he said. Leeds boss says there are bigger challenges ahead after West Brom thrashing “It’s a huge blow when you see something like that happen – particularly with the position we are ARCELO BIELSA has warned Leeds They rose to 11th in the Premier League table doing it over a longer period of time. We have had in (second-bottom). United against thinking they have but Bielsa has urged caution after yesterday’s a lot of highs and lows. Only two games ago we “The lads think ‘oh no what’s next, what can made it in the Premier League after rampant win. had an important defeat and our idea is to play in happen now’? You have to dismiss it from your they demolished West Brom 5-0 at The “We have only been in this league for 16 games a consistent manner. mind and have more fight and determination. MHawthorns following a first-half four-goal blast. and there are still many challenges and many tests “The team was very efficient – from eight “You have to play your way back into the game Ezgjan Alioski, Jack Harrison and Rodrigo we have to pass before we can legitimately say we chances we scored five goals and we managed to and we failed to do that at every level. We let Leeds scored three in nine minutes after Romaine belong,” he said. score five, even if one of the goals was not through overrun us and didn’t show any of the fight, Sawyers’ comical own goal gave the visitors the “Every game in this league is a challenge, all the our own doing.” determination and quality defending we showed lead. teams have secrets and capacities. There are few Baggies boss Sam Allardyce admitted his side at Liverpool. Raphinha’s fine strike made it 5-0 in the second games you can think of where there are very few never recovered from Sawyers’ own goal and “What the players have to realise is, whatever half as Leeds earned their biggest win in the top difficulties to resolve. blasted his flops. they think they are at this moment is not enough. flight for 17 years. “We have to keep doing the same and keep “I expect us to overcome that “I said on day one they had to individually work harder, not only at the club but look after themselves better away from the club. I’m yet to SIDENETTING see that, whether they have dedicated themselves more. Derby starting to “Tonight put a lot of doubt in my mind about believe: Rooney their dedication. Leeds didn’t only play us off the field, they ran us off the field.” – The DERBY COUNTY’S 4-0 thrashing of Independent Birmingham City yesterday not only lifted them out of the Championship’s bottom three, for caretaker manager Wayne Rooney it was a sign the players are starting to believe in themselves. Derby have had three wins, four draws and a 454/20 30/12/2020 defeat since Rooney took over and he said he was delighted for the 0265 players after yesterday’s win. “That performance has been coming over 0790 Burnley’s Nick Pope (centre) in action the last few weeks,” he told reporters. “I’m starting to see a team against Sheffield United during their 9588 that believe in themselves. They’ve English Premier League match at Turf Moor yesterday. – REUTERPIX been putting in good 2512 2581 3502 1361 performances. People say it would be a psychological boost to get out 0246 3739 3564 8124 of the bottom of the three, but I had said after the last game that I wasn’t 9110 4792 9967 5394 worried. We’ve got a lot of quality in Clarets move out of drop zone 0895 9193 0213 0973 the squad and with January coming BURNLEY’S recent Premier League improvement you look at their scorelines and they are tight. up, and a few players coming in, continued as they edged to a narrow victory over There were not many chances overall but it was 8395 5622 9610 2940 hopefully, to iron out some of the bottom side Sheffield United at Turf Moor the quality of chances, that is important for us. cracks and take us to that next yesterday. “We didn’t take them but we scored from the level.” Captain Ben Mee’s first-half header from a set-piece and the way we saw the game out, I corner was enough to separate the two lowest- thought we were outstanding.” Norwich slip up again scoring sides in the top flight. The Blades have now equalled Queens Park RM 8,403,951.28 Sean Dyche’s side have now won three of their Rangers’ record of 16 games for the longest 0265 + 0790 0265 + 9588 CHAMPIONSHIP leaders Norwich past five games and rise to 16th, while the Blades winless start to a Premier League season and their dropped points for the second time remain bottom with only two points. cause was not helped by a statement prior to 0790 + 0265 0790 + 9588 in four days as they were held 1-1 The result represents a good start to the week kickoff yesterday confirming a number of 9588 + 0265 9588 + 0790 by struggling QPR yesterday. After for Burnley, who may finish it under new individuals at the club have tested positive for RM 263,805.24 losing 1-0 at Watford on Saturday, ownership, but the beleaguered Blades have now coronavirus and gone into self-isolation. Norwich slipped up again as the equalled Queens Park Rangers’ record of 16 “I think we were a little bit naive at times in visitors recorded a hard-earned games for the longest winless start to a Premier certain aspects of the game,” Blades boss Chris point in a game of two penalties. League season. Wilder said. The Canaries were dominant “Working hard without the ball has seen us “They got their noses in front and did what throughout and looked as though through a tough game,” Clarets’ boss Dyche told they needed to do to see the game out. A big they had won it when Teemu Pukki BBC Sport. three points for them and another defeat for us. scored his 11th goal of the season “We were playing against a Sheffield United “It was a good start by them but we got a from the spot with 15 minutes side who I think are a good side – talk about a foothold in the game and started to dictate and remaining, but were pegged back team that is fighting, they are fighting and put us had a couple of opportunities. Yet again (we were) 05 07 09 13 17 31 33 36 nine minutes later as Bright Osayi- under pressure in the second half. not showing that quality that decides the game.” – Samuel followed suit for the visitors. “We thought it would be a tight game because Agencies Sheffield Wednesday responded to the sacking of Tony Pulis by beating 16 24 playoff chasing Middlesbrough 2-1 RESULTS while Stoke moved to within a point of the playoff places with a 1-1 draw ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE: Brighton 0 Luton 2 Bristol City 1, Preston 2 Coventry 0, with Nottingham Forest. Arsenal 1 (Lacazette 66), Burnley 1 (Mee 32) Huddersfield 2 Blackburn 1, Stoke 1 Notting- Huddersfield made it five home Sheffield United 0, Southampton 0 West ham Forest 1, Millwall vs Watford (postponed wins in a row as Naby Sarr’s double Ham 0, West Brom 0 Leeds 5 (Sawyers 9-og, due to coronavirus infections). earned a 2-1 victory over Blackburn. Alioski 31, Harrison 36, Rodrigo 40, Raphinha 72), Preston beat Coventry 2-0 to move Manchester United 1 (Rashford 90+3) Wolves 0. LA LIGA: Sevilla 2 (Ocampo 8-pen, En-Nesyri 53) within four points of the playoffs Villarreal 0, Barcelona 1 (Dembele 67) Eibar 1 6 5 9 0 8 8 and Wycombe earned just their CHAMPIONSHIP: Birmingham 0 Derby 4, Sheff (Kike 57), Cadiz 0 Real Valladolid 0, Levante 4 65908 59088 third win of the season with a 2-1 Wed 2 Middlesbrough 1, Wycombe 2 Cardiff 1, (Duarte 2, Morales 22, 24, Roger 55) Real Betis 3 win over Cardiff. Norwich 1 QPR 1, Rotherham 1 Barnsley 2, (Mandi 12, Canales 78-pen, 86). 6590 9088 659 088 No home comfort for Hasenhuttl after stalemate 65 88 SOUTHAMPTON boss Ralph move into the Premier League’s live voice but you don’t have the minutes, Southampton were Hasenhuttl said attempting to top four, despite dominating on picture and this makes it difficult very good. I thought we grew 90 manage from home was the ball, and remain ninth. to coach and concentrate on the into the game in the second half “horrible” after his side were “(It was) horrible, very game. But I’m happy that it and arguably had the best 0 2 held to a goalless draw at home difficult,” said Hasenhuttl. “Before worked quite well, I think.” chance of the game. by West Ham. the game it was good, I must The result leaves both sides “It was good to get Michail RM 7,650,168.85 Hasenhuttl had to work from say. We had definitely found a winless in four League games, [Antonio] back. We have home via a video link, as he is good way of managing the with Southampton three points perhaps not played as well as RM 113,528.70 self-isolating after a member of players. above West Ham in 10th. we would like to in recent his household tested positive for “The difficulty was that I “I’d have to say yes (I’m happy games but the players who have coronavirus. didn’t have the live picture and with a point),” Hammers boss come in have done great. I want His side were unable to claim the live voice and this was David Moyes told BBC Sport. competition for places.” – the victory they needed to horrible, because you hear the “We barely had a kick for 15 Agencies QUOTE OF THE DAY They’ve got to show some more intent. They’ve got to get them quicker than two-and-a-half runs an over because what we’ve seen from Adelaide to here, if they’re trying to apply themselves and bat for long periods of time they haven’t been good enough to do that.” Former Australian cricket captain Ricky Ponting THURSDAY • DECEMBER 31, 2020 Arteta hints at transfer plans after Brighton win ARSENAL manager Mikel Arteta wants to carry out. win three Premier League games in and give it some freshness. from Bernd Leno at his near post. insists his January transfer plans will “The last few results won’t a row for the first time this season. “We weren’t threatening in The Brighton boss remained in not change despite recording back- change our approach to the Alexandre Lacazette gave Arteta’s certain areas. In the second half we good spirits, despite his side having to-back wins in the Premier League. window,” Arteta said in his post- side a vital three points at Brighton looked much more confident and last won in the League on Nov 21. Arsenal beat Brighton 1-0 at the match press conference at the Amex. with a goal just seconds after we were playing more forward. “There was lots to be positive Amex yesterday to back up the Real Madrid star Isco is one player coming off the substitutes bench. “The best medicine is wins. It’s a about, certainly first half,” he told Boxing Day victory over Chelsea. The linked with a move to the Emirates And Arteta was delighted with different world and a different story. BBC Sport. Gunners have moved up to 13th in but Arteta refused to be pressed on the second-half performance from The picture looks much better.” “I thought we did well in the the table with 20 points from their speculation surrounding the Spain his side on the south coast. On 2020 Arteta added: “Any game against a team that has some 16 matches. international. “We know we’ve been struggling manager it’s hard enough good attacking players. Arsenal have been linked with a “Obviously we cannot talk about with results,” he told Amazon Prime considering the context – it’s been “It’s just frustrating that we’re not host of players ahead of the winter individual players,” Arteta said. Video. quite a challenge. I’ve suffered in winning or picking up the points window, with attacking midfielders Norwich City’s Emiliano Buendia “The fact we won against Chelsea some moments but I have great we’d like to. high on the agenda. and Barcelona’s Riqui Puig are also was a big boost. To come here and people around me.” “We’re doing some things well Arteta’s side have scored just 16 reported targets of the Gunners, get another win was massively Graham Potter’s Seagulls once but we need to carry on improving. goals in the Premier League so far with a deal for Lyon’s Houssem important. again looked comfortable and This league is so demanding, so and are in need of an extra bit of Aouar not viewed as realistic “I’m proud for the boys and composed on the ball but it was a punishing. creativity. midway through the season. happy for the result. (Alexandre) frustrating story in attack. “These things can happen and And even though results have Arsenal face struggling West Lacazette is in a good moment. He’s The closest the home side came we have to stick together as a started to pick up, Arteta says he Brom at the Hawthorns on Sunday full of confidence. We wanted to to scoring was when Alireza group.” – Express remains focused on the business he (4am Malaysian time) as they aim to change the team in the second half Jahanbakhsh forced a sharp save Newspapers/Agencies Grounded Sol Solskjaer throws cold water on title race talk after win over Wolves █ SIMON PEACH towards the end of games. That’s something we do as a club – we’ve done LE GUNNAR SOLSKJAER was that so many times and we’ve done that coy about Manchester United’s quite a few times this season as well. title hopes after Marcus “Physically we last games more. I have Rashford’s last-gasp effort against to say I feel a bit for Wolverhampton, they OWolves propelled them up to second in the have had one recovery day, which I don’t Premier League. think is right for any player or any team to A topsy-turvy year that started with only have one day between games. supporters calling for the heads of “We were the lucky ones with the early executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward kickoff at Leicester in this respect. Of and the Glazer family ended with the Red course we had less recovery before the Devils winning at an empty Old Trafford to Leicester game. move just two points behind leaders “But I think the players deserve at least Liverpool. two days in between and I think it showed United’s mentality has been key to their towards the end.” improvements during 2020, with United goalkeeper David De Gea Solskjaer’s men digging deep yesterday to believes everyone must stay cool as seal a 1-0 win against Wolves through excitement over challenging for the Rashford’s deflected late strike. League crown is bound to mount. Asked at what point he and the players “We need to be calm. There are still acknowledge they are in a title race, the a lot of games to play, big games, and United manager said: “There’s no title race we have the cups as well so there are after 15 games. many, many games,” De Gea told “You can lose the chance of being in a MUTV. race in the first 10 games, of course you “We have to stay focused and can. not look forward too much but “But play another 15, get to 30 and then just look to the next game. So, maybe we can start talking about a title Aston Villa (Saturday, 4am race, when you get to March or April, when Malaysian time) is the we have at least played more than half a most important thing now.” season. Nuno Espirito Santo was “But the belief is there. Of course the understandably gutted by the late gut players go into every game thinking we can punch yesterday, saying “it was tough to win against anyone anywhere. take. “Away we’ve shown what we’re capable “We are experienced to know that of. I think we’re improving at home as well sometimes it’s the other way around. We Manchester United’s and this result is massive for confidence take this and move forwards,” the Wolves Marcus Rashford (left) and for the attitude.” boss said. celebrates after While United’s play was ponderous at “(The young players) did well. I think scoring the winning times yesterday, Solskjaer was proud of his they did well. Situations happen. It’s up to goal with teammate players’ desire “to create that little bit of us to decide the right moments to play luck” before eventually ending the year on them and the answer was good. Paul Pogba during a high. “I think today was a game that their English Premier “You get that by personalities, by everybody should learn from, especially League match against recruitment,” he said of the group’s the young boys. It’s nothing that they have Wolverhampton improving mentality. to worry about – I think they did really, Wanderers at Old “Of course we’ve added that spark I really well. Trafford yesterday. think but also when you get results, and “But the game teaches that you have to – AFPPIX things are going your way, that helps. be focused until the last moment. It’s a “We brought it up early on in pre- tough lesson to take but it’s a good one.” – season that we need to add more points The Independent/Agencies 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: [email protected] • Tel (Advertising): 03-7784 8888 Fax: 03-7784 4424 Email: [email protected]