œ  INSIDE page page Bad times bring out 2 Cardboard city 3 TELLING IT AS IT IS the best in people needs help

ON MONDAY JANUARY 11, 2021 No. 7698 PP 2644/12/2012 (031195) www.thesundaily.my

STRANDED ... A resident of Kampung Mambang in Pekan, Pahang appears helpless at the window of his stilt house while waiting to be evacuated yesterday. – ASHRAF SHAMSUL AZLAN/THESUN

Plan for the long term

█ BY NICOLAS ANIL [email protected] oAlso essential to look at the big picture when ETALING JAYA: A combination of measures is essential to formulating solutions for annual floods problem reduce, if not stop, the floods in several states in Malaysia during managed to keep the floods at bay. and government agencies is also Pthe annual monsoon season. “The principle is to control the crucial to reduce the risk of On the one hand, rivers can be problem. Floods have a role to play too. major flooding and to prevent widened and deepened to increase their They carry good soil downstream and pollution,” he added. capacity for a higher volume of water play a role in ensuring balance in the Nor Hisham’s when the monsoon brings incessant ecosystem,” he said. predecessor at the DID, rains, particularly in the east coast states “While floods are inevitable for some Datuk Keizrul Abdullah, of Peninsular Malaysia. people, steps can be taken to ensure that said that while urban At the same time, reforestation, or re- they do not render us useless,” he added. areas like Kuala Lumpur greening of our environment, must be He said that good reserves, such as have a good system to carried out to reduce water flow into the wetlands, cater to the overflow of water, deal with flash floods page rivers, according to two flood mitigation but they must be protected. that are intense and experts theSun spoke to. “We must learn to control the water scattered, the Director-general of the Drainage and before it flows into the reserves. We can approach is 15 Irrigation Department (DID) Datuk Nor do this by managing the water flow at the different in rural Hisham Mohd Ghazali pointed out that source to retain water upstream by areas where to address the annual problem, a long- creating river ponds,” he said. monsoon rains term plan must be put in place. Nor Hisham said that one way to persist over “Rivers can be widened and mitigate the flood problem is to look into l o n g e r Man of deepened. In addition, flood banks or river basins on a macro level. “State periods. levees can be built to prevent the river planning agencies must make use of the from overflowing its banks if there is a natural resources to control the water many deluge,” he said. flow,” he said. Turn to However, Nor Hisham said, the “Plans for more sustainable land use — page 3

exploitation of land for development and water management must be done talents SPEAK CELEB activities and agriculture must be well together. The cooperation between state 2 theSUN ON MONDAY | JANUARY 11, 2021 NEWS WITHOUT BORDERS Bad times bring out the best in people █ BY HAKEM HASSAN money flowed in through the causes donors opted for were [email protected] oPandemic helps boost collections by online internet. medical aid, education, The Covid-19 pandemic also led empowerment of single mothers as PETALING JAYA: Last year was a fund-raising platforms to the formation of several new fund- well as emergency aid. “The B40 boom for GlobalSadaqah and, by raising organisations, such as the group as well as refugees made up a extension, its beneficiaries. Serum Initiative and The Hope large proportion of the beneficiaries.” In a year when many companies been on the rise in the past few years, activities to gain public support, he Branch, according to Qistina. But, as with all things digital, the were swimming in red ink and but the big push came last year, said. “Most non-governmental risk of scams and fraud is ever hundreds of thousands lost their jobs, thanks largely to the Covid-19 With movements and close organisations (NGO) focus on Covid- present. the online fund-raising platform saw pandemic. contacts restricted, fund raisers had 19 related initiatives and they are To address the threat, Qistina said, its best 12-month period ever. Apart from financial aid, little choice but turn to new diverting their resources to where NGO seeking financial aid in GlobalSadaqah raised more than GlobalSadaqah also saw a significant technology to appeal for financial they are needed most.” Malaysia are put through a two-tier RM1.8 million, the highest annual increase in the number of donors. help. She said donors were most verification process, supported by the collection since its formation in 2018. “We found that there were many It was also another good year for generous whenever there was an Registrar of Societies, to ensure This was a 178% increase over the donors at the door who had no GivingHub. Set up in 2015 as an urgent appeal for medical treatment. transparency and accountability. 2019 collection, which amounted to avenues to give their money away,” NGOhub, the organisation raises “There was also a significant “Individuals and unregistered RM655,317, according to country Ifran said. money through crowd-funding, number of initiatives that helped organisations may also use our manager Ifran Tarmizi. “These are individuals who were online and offline. provide food aid and personal platform and services if they have the The funds were channelled to looking to donate for waqf projects or Since 2018, it has raised close to hygiene essentials for the most supporting documents from the areas most in need, Ifran told theSun. to channel their zakat contributions RM900,000, its head of fund-raising, vulnerable communities.” authorities.” And, like everything from to serve social needs.” Qistina Johari, said. These online fund-raising The database of verified NGO shopping to business meetings, the There also were many The bulk of the collection received platforms equip NGO as well as social enable donors and volunteers to internet has become the go-to place organisations looking to channel in 2020 came in March and April, impact initiatives with the technology make informed choices about the for fund-raisers. funds to deserving recipients. They when the movement control order to connect directly with donors. charities and non-profit projects that Online fund-raising efforts have needed a platform to showcase their was in place. A large sum of that According to Ifran, the main they want to support. Chow says sorry for buying new car Pangkor Airport runway GEORGE TOWN: Penang Chief On Thursday, the Penang State in accordance with the proper suggest that schools be used as Minister Chow Kon Yeow apologised Secretary’s office announced that the administrative process. “I take note of alternative quarantine centres. to the people of Penang for buying a chief minister had been given a new the views of all parties on the issue. I However, it will need the approval of extension new official car at a time when the official car, a Mercedes S560e, to also admit it is a lesson for me and the the Penang State Health Department. country is facing a major health and replace the Mercedes S300L bought state government as the purchase has “Maybe hotels can also be used being studied economic crisis. in 2013. offended the people. I bear the full but the cost is quite high,” he said. Chow, who is also the state The purchase drew criticisms responsibility. Earlier at the event, One Hope LUMUT: Various aspects, assemblyman for Padang Kota, said from several quarters, including “We are ready to face another Charity adviser Datuk Seri R. including costs, are being he took full responsibility for the Gerakan, which urged the state movement control order (MCO),” he Arunasalam handed over 4,200 food considered before a final decision purchase of the 2019 model government to refrain from spending said. “I have directed state executive baskets containing basic necessities is made on the extension of Mercedes S560e for RM458,000. extravagantly. councillors and the State Financial worth RM300 each to Chow to be Pangkor Airport’s runway. “I will (henceforth) be more Penang is one of several states that Officer to be ready to provide aid if donated to needy families. Malaysia Airports Holdings careful in making decisions involving has seen an increasing number of the MCO is re-imposed.” Chow said the assistance Bhd (MAHB) chairman Datuk Seri purchases, especially when people Covid-19 infections, forcing On another matter, Chow said the amounting to RM1.26 million was Zambry Abd Kadir said the types are facing difficult times, like now,” he lockdowns in several areas, keeping a Penang government is prepared to given to 40 state assembly of aircraft that will be landing at told reporters after attending a One choke-hold on economic activities. consider using schools as low-risk constituencies in Penang. He the airport, located in Teluk Hope Charity donation event at the Chow conceded that the purchase quarantine centres if the number of thanked the NGO for its effort, adding Dalam, are also being considered. Padang Kota Service Centre of the new car was inappropriate. Covid-19 infections continues to rise. that it has been “very active and The extension is necessary yesterday. Nonetheless, he said it was done “Besides community halls, we will caring”. – Bernama before the airport can resume operations. The airport, which has a 732m-long runway began operations in 1993 and ceased Geopark Kayaking was functioning in February 2014. It introduced was scheduled to resume development yesterday at the operation last year, but runway Perlis Geopark safety and technical inspections in Bukit Jernih. have yet to be carried out. won’t hamper – BERNAMAPIX The runway has to be extended to enable planes such as the ATR other projects 72, which can take up to 70 passengers at full capacity, to land PADANG BESAR: The development at the airport, Zambry said. of the geopark site near here will not He was officiating the “Ceria hinder other aspects of development, Kembali ke Sekolah said Energy and Natural Resources #MYAirportCARES” programme, Minister Datuk Dr Shamsul Anuar in collaboration with the Pangkor Nasarah. state constituency service centre, He said the development would at the 2G Phase Community Hall be in line with efforts to preserve the yesterday. area’s geological heritage for future To travellers who are generations. concerned about the Covid-19 “This is an effort to preserve the situation, Zambry, who is also existing heritage (nature), while Pangkor state assemblyman, said providing many benefits to the MAHB is always prepared for communities such as business any eventuality given that airports opportunities, development of serve as entry points into the tourism and so on,” he told reporters country. after a working visit to the Perlis “We will engage in continuous Geopark in Bukit Jernih yesterday. Perlis Geopark as a national geopark. million years ago. It also has have already been developed. discussions with the National Shamsul Anuar, who is also the “Each geopark in the country has educational value as it offers “To develop the remaining 12 Security Council so that airports Lenggong MP, said the ministry and its own uniqueness and value. In opportunities for geological studies.” geopark sites, the ministry has are always properly controlled to the state government are working to Perlis, there are high-value rocks that Shamsul Anuar said there are 18 allocated between RM300,000 and ensure that the possible spread of accelerate the development of the were formed between 400 and 500 geopark sites in Perlis, six of which RM600,000.” – Bernama Covid-19 can be avoided.” MAHB Group chief executive officer Datuk Mohd Shukrie Mohd Salleh said that currently total RM157m for bumiputra youth entrepreneurs passenger traffic through airports is between 30% and 40% of normal KUALA LUMPUR: A total of RM157 entrepreneurs had benefited from Superb 2020 competition based on with current developments that have volume. It may decrease at a rate million has been channelled to the programme, with the latest their presentations since it started in seen the growth of the gig economy of 10% to 15% if travel restrictions Bumiputra youth entrepreneurs addition of 25 more announced at the August last year. around the world. Malaysia is one of are implemented again. through the Bumiputra Entrepreneur 2020 Superb Winners Appreciation “The winners selected this year the largest internet user countries in At yesterday’s event, a total of Start-up Scheme Programme ceremony officiated by Minister in have presented business ideas that the Asian region. It needs to seize 925 underprivileged students from (Superb) since its launch in 2014, the Prime Minister’s Department are quite innovative and thorough in opportunities to create more several areas in the Lumut Bumiputera Agenda Steering Unit (Special Functions) Datuk Seri Mohd terms of digitalisation and use of entrepreneurs, businesses, parliamentary constituency chief executive officer Md Silmi Abd Redzuan Yusof on Saturday. technology, are competitive and able employment opportunities and gig- received donations in the form of Rahman said. All 25 recipients were selected to thrive in line with the new norms. based businesses,“ Mohd Redzuan school supplies amounting to He said a total of 183 from 1,149 participants through the “This is something that augurs well said. – Bernama RM125,000. – Bernama theSUN ON MONDAY | JANUARY 11, 2021 3 NEWS WITHOUT BORDERS

MUSTAPA TESTS POSITIVE FOR COVID-19 KUALA LUMPUR: Minister in the Cardboard city SOS Prime Minister’s Department (Economy) Datuk Seri Mustapa BRIEFSMohamed has tested positive for “It takes more than political will to help Covid-19. According to a statement oInstead of handouts, a long-term programme to help the them, as each one’s situation is different. from his office, the minister was “It is about providing a good quality of life confirmed positive after he homeless is needed, says social activist and uplifting the dignity of every homeless underwent a swab test upon his person. arrival in Kota Baru, Kelantan from “The situation at present is giving handouts, Kuala Lumpur on Saturday. Mustapa █ BY ELLY FAZANIZA business. But he blew it all on heroin, which which although a noble act, does not resolve was admitted to the Raja Perempuan [email protected] cost RM60 a straw that weighs 2.7g. the issue. Thus, an in-depth study of the Zainab II Hospital, Kota Baru at The long arm of the law caught up with him community needs to be done, and that means 10.30pm, the same day and is and he was jailed five years for possession with to meet them at the ground level.” reported to be in stable condition. PETALING JAYA: Illicit drugs have ruined intent to distribute. Denison added that different entry-point “Datuk Seri Mustapa apologised for all the inconvenience caused,” the countless lives, including that of a former He was in and out of rehabilitation several jobs could be created by corporate entities to statement said. It said that, Mustapa budding footballer. times, each time believing he had kicked the help the homeless get back on their feet. underwent Covid-19 screening on Mohd Rosdi Shamsuddin, 50, has been habit for good. “There is no exact definition to the word Jan 1, but the result came back alternating between life on the streets in Kuala “I’ve only been released last November. I am ‘homeless’,” he pointed out. negative. - Bernama Lumpur, drug rehabilitation and prison for back sleeping on the streets,” said the resident “To our understanding, it is a person that has almost three decades. of Kuala Lumpur’s version of cardboard city. no home, but in reality, it (includes) the rural to HEALTH DG CONCERNED Ironically, he left Kampar, Perak when he The meals provided by soup kitchens at urban migration.” was 18 to run away from an early drug problem. various parts of the city in the evenings have The migration rate of the rural population to OVER HIGH FATALITY He was kicked out of his school football team been a blessing for homeless folk like Rosdi. urban areas in 2018 was 4.8%, according to then KUALA LUMPUR: Health director- after failing a urine test for substance abuse. There are about 2,000 homeless people Rural Development Minister Datuk Seri Rina general Tan Sri Dr Noor Hisham “I grew up surrounded by drugs, especially roughing it out under bridges and on sidewalks Harun. Abdullah has expressed concern over my friends who were on it. I wanted to get away in the city, according to Kuala Lumpur City Meanwhile, economist Prof Dr Barjoyai the increase in the number of Covid- from it, from friends who kept encouraging me Hall’s estimate. Bardai proposed an endowment fund similar to 19 fatalities in the country. He said a to use it,” he said. Rosdi’s story of broken dreams and Norway’s to provide monetary relief to the total of 71 deaths were recorded within the first nine days of this year, “I tried ganja when I was nine years old. My shattered lives is all too familiar, but a bigger homeless. compared to less than 100 fatalities parents had problems, they fought a lot, and plan to help the homeless is needed to prevent “Norway tapped into its natural resources, recorded during the first nine later got divorced. But it was not their fault that more from falling through the cracks. that is oil, which then uses the profits for its months of 2020. “We’re very I got involved in drugs.” Social activist Prof Datuk Dr Denison citizens,” he said. concerned with this development With a little more than bus fare in his wallet, Jayasooria said a multi-stakeholder committee “The current ad hoc (aid) system exists and may Allah swt protect us all. he took off for the capital city with hopes for a that includes the corporate sector can be because we were rushing to become a #Kitajagakita,” he tweeted. His tweet better life. formed to help the homeless. developed nation, but instead we now have 5% garnered 9,334 likes as well as 232 He initially put up with friends. After several “A long-term sustainable programme is of our household in poverty. comments after nine hours it was odd jobs, Rosdi saved enough to open a small needed, rather than handouts that are short- “Balancing the economic development and posted. One of the users said he corner stall selling drinks. He was making about term,” he said. the poor should be the priority. The measure of hoped the government would RM2,000 a month, which was a princely sum for “City (Hall) officials can be the point of economic well-being should not be impose total lockdown to prevent someone in his 20s then. contact, following which a serious protection materialistic only, but happiness must be more Covid-19 deaths. - Bernama He even had three helpers to run his programme for the community can be created. measured too.” ‘Reforestation crucial to mitigate flooding’ Warning to bosses monsoon rains persist over longer evacuated to higher grounds,” he “Therefore, replanting of trees or periods. From said. reforestation is important and necessary to who hide workers’ “The monsoon is widespread and front However, he said, the cost would reduce the intensity of floods,” he added. tends to exceed the capacity of rivers. page be exorbitant and it would not be Keizrul, who is chairman of Wetlands Covid-19 status When the water overflows, it leads to possible to protect a large area. International Malaysia, was one of the key floods. Building a flood wall like a “We can only isolate certain areas personnel who oversaw the development of MERSING: There are employers who have boulder would prevent a river from to protect them. Another way is a Flood Mitigation Master Plan. He also been detected hiding their employees’ overflowing and flooding low-lying areas. reforestation, which I am all for. Where managed the Smart Tunnel project to divert Covid-19 positive status for fear of not being Besides that, building large dams to contain there is greenery, water flow into the river flash flood away from the Kuala Lumpur city able to operate at full capacity. water would also helps, and victims must be will be reduced,” he said. centre. Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri M. Saravanan, when disclosing the matter, Muhyiddin said that his ministry regretted that there still chats with were companies that refused to make flood victims reports on their employees who tested during his visit positive for Covid-19. to the “I have given a warning to the temporary manufacturing and construction evacuation companies. There are also positive cases but centre at SMK (employers) do not inform the Health Tengku Ministry for fear they will not be able to Ampuan Afzan, operate,” he told Bernama after presenting Chenor donations to flood victims at the temporary yesterday. relief centre (PPS) at SK Labong, here, – BERNAMAPIX yesterday. He said that such a move was a bad practice or culture by employers, especially when the country was at war with a pandemic. “I urge employers if there is a positive case, please inform the ministry (for further action),” he said. Earlier, Saravanan presented financial contributions amounting to RM120,000 from Pembangunan Sumber Manusia Bhd, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, the Skills Development Fund Corp and Talent Corporation Malaysia Bhd, to 320 victims from 85 families affected by the floods in Mersing district. Asked about the people’s concerns about their jobs after the rumour that the movement control order (MCO) would be re-imposed soon, Saravanan said that the government was thinking of the best way to curb the spread of the pandemic following PM visits floods relief centres in Pahang the sharp increase in new cases. TEMERLOH: Tan Sri Muhyiddin visited flood SMK Seberang Temerloh at 10am, was chatted with the flood victims and handed out “(Whatever steps that the government victims housed in two relief centres in Pahang welcomed by Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Wan food kit contributions. will take) will not succeed if there is no yesterday. Rosdy Wan Ismail, and he spent about 40 Muhyiddin also surveyed the facilities support from all parties. Recently, there was The prime minister’s visit to the relief centres minutes with the evacuees. provided at the SMK Seberang Temerloh relief an employer association making an at SMK Seberang Temerloh here and SM He was also briefed on flood management centre, which as of noon yesterday, was housing announcement and said it was not Tengku Ampuan Afzan in Maran brought out operations in the two districts. 873 flood victims from 204 families. appropriate to re-impose MCO. the smiles and some relief to the evacuees, who Also present was National Disaster During his visit to the SM Tengku Ampuan “We see there are two crises, the first one have had to deal with having their homes hit by Management Agency director-general Datuk Dr Afzan relief centre, Muhyiddin was briefed on is economic due to the implementation of major floods in the past week. Aminuddin Hassim. the flood situation in the district and spent MCO and the second one is the health crisis. Muhyiddin, who arrived in a helicopter at During the visits, Muhyiddin mingled and some time with the evacuees. - Bernama The government is doing its best.” - Bernama 4 theSUN ON MONDAY | JANUARY 11, 2021 NEWS WITHOUT BORDERS 2,433 new Covid cases, nine deaths reported PETALING JAYA: A total of 2,433 new Covid-19 cases were recorded in the country yesterday, with nine more casualties. Five new clusters were detected. With 1,277 recoveries, the cumulative number of those who have recovered is 108,109, or 79.5% of the total number of cases. Health Director-General Tan Sri Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah said 135,992 positive cases have been detected to date, while 27,332 cases are still active. “Of the total number of new cases reported, seven are imported from abroad, while 2,426 are local transmissions. “Of the local transmissions, 1,784 cases are Malaysian citizens, and 642 cases are non-citizens,“ he said in a statement yesterday. Selangor reported the highest number of new daily cases with 730, followed by Sabah, with 403, while Johor had 321. The death toll yesterday involved six men including two non-citizens, as well as three Malaysian women – aged between 37 and 94 – from Selangor, Kuala Lumpur and Sabah. There are 171 cases being treated at intensive care units, with 76 requiring respiratory assistance. Meanwhile, 203 people were arrested at entertainment outlets for violating the movement control order on Saturday. Senior Minister (Security) Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said in total, 528 individuals were A file photo of Malaysia Bridge in Paju Province, South Korea. arrested while three were remanded, with the other offences including not wearing a face mask (149), failing to provide equipment to record customer details (101), failing to comply with physical distancing (73) and other offences Ties that bind across a bridge (2). oMalaysia Bridge in S. Korea, part financed by Malaysia, remains a symbol of the strong friendship shared between both countries since 1965

█ BY HAKEM HASSAN [email protected] Almost every South Korean president and most of Malaysia’s prime ministers have visited each other’s country. PETALING JAYA: Just an hour by road away Ties between the two countries received a from the South Korean capital, Seoul, lies a boost when Malaysia launched its “Look reminder of Malaysia’s once economic East” policy in 1981 and again when South prowess. Korea introduced its “New Southern Policy” Despite having gained independence less in 2017. Trade between the two countries than a decade before, Malaysia was already have multiplied by 6,370 times over the past rich enough to help “poor” South Korea. six decades. In 1965, the country gave the Seoul In 1965, Malaysia-South Korea trade government 5,000 Malayan dollars (the amounted to only US$2.83 million (US$23.3 equivalent of RM28,000 today) to part finance million or RM99.3 million in today’s value). the construction of a bridge in Paju province. By 2019, it ballooned to more than US$18 While the South Koreans are now way billion (RM76.7 billion). ahead of Malaysia in economic and Business on both sides have been equally infrastructure development, the bridge enthusiastic about investing in each other’s remains a symbol of friendship between the country. It is estimated that cross-investments two countries. between the two countries have exceeded South Korean YouTube channel Blimey US$8 billion (RM34.1 billion) to date. aired a short feature on the bridge recently, In 2019, the number of travellers between highlighting the local residents’ appreciation the two countries exceeded a million for the for the fact that it has made communication first time. easier for them. “We could have seen even more Malaysian A local man who was interviewed said tourists visiting South Korea and vice versa before the bridge was built, they had to step in 2020 if not for the Covid-19 pandemic,” from one rock to another to cross the stream. Lee said. “When it rained, we were unable to cross Today, more than 20,000 South Koreans the stream to go to school,” he recalled. live and work in Malaysia while 14,000 According to Lee Kyoung Dock, Minister Malaysians have made South Korea their Counsellor of the South Korean Embassy in home, another sign of the good ties between Malaysia, parts of South Korea had been the two countries. devastated by floods at that time. Lee said cooperation between the two has “To help ease the burden of the people of extended far beyond the building of a bridge South Korea, the Malaysian government in 1965. Ironically, South Korea would donated 1.32 million South Korean won for eventually be involved in building a far bigger the construction of the bridge,” Lee told bridge in Malaysia – the Penang Bridge. theSun. More joint projects are on the cards, such The bridge was named Malaysia Bridge in as the Kota Kinabalu Smart City project and honour of the donor country. the Korean Education Centre that will be The bridge has been a symbol of the strong opened in Kuala Lumpur soon. diplomatic ties that the two countries share, “We are marching together with Malaysia as well as a sign of their eternal friendship. and we will never forget that Malaysia “No one can deny that a lot has been helped us when we were desperately in need,” achieved since the establishment of Lee added. diplomatic ties between our two countries on “As the proverb goes – a friend in need is a Feb 23, 1960,” Lee said. friend indeed.” theSUN ON MONDAY | JANUARY 11, 2021 5 NEWS WITHOUT BORDERS

Disappearing Trade Breathing new life into dying art form oEnthusiast plans to revive Chinese opera Leong (right) harbours through Facebook and Instagram to instil hopes that Cantonese opera will be recognised passion in young people as a Malaysian art form.

█ BY SHIVANI SUPRAMANI led to a decline, and eventual demise, [email protected] of the opera. “Many associations folded up BACK when the web was what when their opera troupes could not spiders spun and the TV was in black keep up with the times. The Yuet Wan and white, the Chinese opera was the is likely the only group still active in entertainment that drew large Malaysia,” he told theSun. crowds. Leong lays the blame partly on the Today, such performances are failure to instil a love for the art staged only occasionally, mostly on among the younger people. significant dates such as the Hungry As a young man practising an Ghost Festival. age-old art, he is a rarity. He still dons For the younger generation, who the full regalia for the occasional have unlimited entertainment performance. options thanks to new technology, Leong laments the fact that many sitting in the moonlight for a sifus, or masters of the art form, have three-hour stage retelling of palace not been able to find sufficient intrigue or lost love is no longer as interest among the younger magical. generation to whom they can pass on But, if Chinese opera enthusiast their skills. Daryl Leong, 43, has his way, the lost Opera, Leong pointed out, is an art art may yet get a revival, thanks to form that takes years to learn and technology. even longer to perfect. Another In Malaysia, the Chinese opera, in setback is the high cost of the various dialects such as Cantonese, costumes. Teochew and Hokkien, had its “Our costumes cost thousands of hey day in the 1920s and 1930s, ringgit, but we do not earn enough to “The young participants have musical instruments. Leong still harbours hopes that when several troupes travelled across cover even a fraction of that,” he paved more paths for better exposure “We strive for authenticity so we more young people will be drawn to the country to perform for eager added. of Cantonese opera through don’t use pre-recorded music for our the art. fans. A three-night performance today Facebook and Instagram,” he said. shows. We still rely on older members “I would like to see the Cantonese However, the number of local would bring barely RM400 to the Many challenges remain. to provide the music but we need opera recognised as a Malaysian art troupes eventually dwindled, table. But the destroyer of the opera “For instance, there are not younger people to take over,” he said. form although it originates in China. replaced mostly by those from may yet be its saviour. enough musically-talented people Lots of practice is essential, as the “The Tourism, Arts and Culture Thailand, particularly for Leong is looking to new who are interested in opera,” he said. association’s long-time sifu Yoong Ministry should look into rekindling performances in the Teochew dialect. technology to advance a bold plan – Leong, who has been pursuing his Poo Hiong pointed out. “She often dying arts and traditions such as ours According to Leong, who is chief to give Cantonese opera a revival. He love for the art with the association reminds us to follow her teachings to boost tourism. With the help of secretary of the Yuet Wan Cantonese has assembled a troupe of 10 young since 2016, said the immediate closely so we may pass on the ‘full social media, I believe we can instil Opera Association Kuala Lumpur, social media wizards to advance his priority is to find a new set of talents package’ to the next generation. This the same passion among the young,” urbanisation and globalisation also plan. who can play traditional Chinese is a life-long learning experience.” he said. Woman held Anti-acne cream gets sales boost via TikTok Man nabbed for driving for sending KUALA LUMPUR: Decades-old found videos showcasing the few succeed. against traffic skin ointment, touted as an effectiveness of Nixoderm in “It’s a dream come true for any death threats excellent pimple-fighting agent, has fighting acne. company – for consumers and JOHOR BARU: A woman was seen a revival in Malaysia, defying The trend began with a video by followers to generate content for █ BY CHARLES RAMENDRAN arrested on Saturday for allegedly the pandemic-era depression that Amir Aqram Azizi on the free and have everyone join in,” he [email protected] driving a car against traffic flow. has hit other businesses. @thedancedoc Tik Tok account on said. The incident, near the Cahaya And this is all thanks to social Dec 16 last year, explaining how the However, going viral can turn PETALING JAYA: A 29-year-old Baru toll plaza exit to Masai of the media app TikTok. ointment can combat acne. out badly too. man was arrested after he Senai-Desaru Highway, was caught Nisolab, which owns the It racked up over 208,100 views In December 2019, Peloton, a randomly sent death threats in an on video and uploaded on social licensing rights to Nixoderm in with almost 14,000 likes. high-end interactive exercise attempt to extort cash from media on Thursday. Malaysia and Singapore, saw retail Other videos soon followed, equipment company, released an dozens of cellphone users. Johor police chief Datuk Ayob sale of the ointment rise by up to racking up more than half a million ad featuring a woman who charted Since early this month, Khan Mydin Pitchay said the 40%. Sale on online store Shopee views and almost 48,000 likes, her efforts to lose weight using an Petaling Jaya police received 35 46-year-old woman was arrested at has doubled. documenting the users’ journey exercise bike her husband gave her police reports from those who 6.30pm when she showed up at the The sudden boost in sale caught towards a blemish-free skin. for Christmas. had received the text message in Traffic Investigation and Prime Group, which owns Nisolab, Several TikTok users have since Social media users took issue Damansara, Kota Damansara and Enforcement Division of the Seri by surprise, managing director Tan posted videos of themselves with the storyline and the ad, which Sungai Way. Alam district police headquarters. Sri M. Ariffin Yusuf told Bernama. purchasing the product. depicted an already thin woman Petaling Jaya police ACP Nik “The department received a copy “At first we didn’t know why the Dr Suhaimee Saahar, who struggling to lose more weight, Ezanee Mohd Faisal said of the dashcam recording around sale was suddenly doing so well. teaches digital marketing and social accusing the company of sexism. yesterday the message threatened noon on Saturday. After all, the economy is not been media at Universiti Teknologi Mara, The viral ad and the backlash wiped the recipients with death if they “Acting on information, the good.” said many companies strive for out US$1.5 billion (RM6 billion) of did not deposit RM10,000 into a department managed to obtain He said his staff eventually virality on social media but only a its market value within three days. local bank account. details of the vehicle, and where the Nik Ezanee said last incident happened,” he said in a Wednesday night police received statement yesterday. a report from a 32-year-old The woman was being Brothers among five arrested for firearms possession female company executive who investigated under Section 42 (1) of claimed to have received the the Road Transport Act 1987, which BALING: Two siblings were among homemade shotgun with two three shared residences at the farm. same threat via short-message- carries a jail term of up to five years five men arrested for possession of bullets and a homemade air rifle The five suspects, who knew each service. and a fine of not less than RM5,000 homemade firearms in two raids in with 22 ball bearings. other, were believed to have been Investigators, who traced the and not more than RM15,000, and Kuala Ketil on Wednesday and on “Police also found two magnets, using the rifles for illegal hunting. call to Langkawi, headed to the revocation of driving licence not Saturday. two stocks believed to be used for The siblings are being remanded island where the suspect was exceeding five years. Baling district police chief Supt making homemade guns, a cutter until Jan 15 while the Thai men are arrested at Pantai Cenang. Ayob Khan said police were taking Shamsudin Mamat said in the first and a weapon cleaner,” Shamsuddin remanded for 14 days starting from Police seized four cellphones the matter seriously and would take raid at 4.30am on Jan 6, the siblings, told a news conference yesterday. yesterday. The case is being and a bank card from the suspect, stern action against anyone who aged 34 and 43, were nabbed at a Police then arrested three Thai investigated under Section 8 of the who is a local with a past criminal deliberately violated traffic laws. house in Kampung Bukit Pak men, aged 36 to 46, at a farm in Firearms (Increased Penalties) Act record for an offence related to “The case will be brought to court Kuning. Padang Ragut, Bukit Pak Kuning at 1971, Section 36 of the Arms Act illegal gambling. for the negligence of the suspect The raid was conducted noon on Saturday. 1960 and Section 15(1) of the The suspect is under a which could endanger other road following a tip-off from the public. Shamsudin said police also Immigration Act 1959/1963. three-day remand order and is users,” he said. – Bernama “Police inspection found a found three homemade rifles in – Bernama being investigated for extortion. 6 theSUN ON MONDAY | JANUARY 11, 2021 NEWS WITHOUT BORDERS

Power outage plunges Indonesia locates black Pakistan into darkness ISLAMABAD: Power was gradually being restored to major cities across Pakistan yesterday after it was hit by a massive electricity blackout, officials said. boxes of crashed jet The electricity distribution system in the nation of more than 210 million people is a takeoff from Soekarno-Hatta International seven children and three babies. complex and delicate web, and a problem in oRescuers pull out debris Airport. President Joko Widodo, speaking at the one section of the grid can lead to cascading Even before the latest crash, more people palace in Bogor, expressed “deep breakdowns countrywide. and body parts from sea had died in air crashes in Indonesia than in condolences” over the disaster and urged the The latest blackout was caused by “an any other country over the past decade, public to pray the missing people could be engineering fault” in southern Pakistan at according to Aviation Safety Network’s found. 11.41pm local time on Saturday (2.41am JAKARTA: Indonesian authorities yesterday database. Tracking service Flightradar24 said the yesterday in Malaysia), which tripped the located the black boxes of the Sriwijaya Air jet Indonesia National Transport Safety aircraft took off at 2.36pm local time (3.36pm system and caused power plants to shut down, that crashed into the sea soon after taking off Committee chief Soerjanto Tjahjono said the in Malaysia) and climbed to reach 10,900ft power minister Omar Ayub Khan said. from the capital Jakarta, as human body parts locations of Flight SJ 182’s two black boxes within four minutes. “Our experts are trying to determine the and suspected pieces of the plane were had been identified. It then began a steep descent and stopped exact location of the fault.” retrieved. “Hopefully, we can retrieve them soon,” transmitting data 21 seconds later. He said will take “another few hours as the The Boeing 737-500 with 62 passengers military chief Hadi Tjahjanto said, without There were no immediate clues on what area is still covered in dense fog”, but that power and crew was headed to Pontianak in West giving an estimated timeframe. caused the jet’s sudden descent. had been partially restored in most areas of Kalimantan on Saturday before it disappeared Pieces of wreckage were brought to Jakarta Most air accidents are caused by a cocktail Punjab, the most populous province, as well as from radar screens four minutes after takeoff. port by rescuers. Authorities said they came of factors that can take months to establish, the economic hub Karachi in the south. It is the first major air crash in the country from a depth of 23m near a group of islands off safety experts say. “It will take some time for nuclear and since 189 passengers and crew were killed in the Jakarta coast. A transport ministry spokesman said air thermal power plants to get operational.” 2018 when a Lion Air Boeing 737 Max One twisted piece of metal was painted in traffic control had asked the pilot why the People were cracking jokes and exchanging also plunged into the Java Sea soon after Sriwijaya Air’s blue and red colours. plane was heading northwest instead of on its memes on Twitter, Facebook and WhatsApp, Indonesian authorities said they had also expected flight path seconds before it mostly ridiculing Prime Minister Imran Khan’s retrieved body parts and clothing. disappeared. government and its performance. Police asked families to provide The pilots had decades of experience “Power breakdown in Pakistan is information such as dental records and DNA between them with the flight captain reported blackmailing Imran Khan,” tweeted Musarrat samples to help identify bodies. to be a former air force pilot and his co-pilot at Ahmedzeb in reference to the premier’s recent The plane had 12 crew and 50 passengers Sriwijaya Air since 2013, according to their statement accusing protesters of blackmailing on board, all Indonesians and including Linkedin profiles. – Reuters him after killing of 10 miners. A message on WhatsApp said: “New Pakistan sleeps in a night mode”. – AFP

WEST JAVA LANDSLIDES KILL 11, SCORES MISSING JAKARTA: At least 11 people were killed, including a six-year-old boy, and scores more were missing after deadly landslides hit BRIEFSIndonesia’s West Java province, authorities said yesterday. Torrential rains triggered the disaster on Saturday evening in the town of Sumedang, where a second landslide buried residents and a rescue team that had been searching for the initial victims, Bandung rescue agency spokesman Seni Wulandari said. “We’re still documenting how many are missing after the second landslide because there were many people who joined the original rescue effort,“ she said. At least one survivor was seriously injured, while 11 people were confirmed dead, she said. – AFP

US AND ALLIES ‘CONCERNED’ OVER HONG KONG ARRESTS WASHINGTON: The United States, Britain, Australia and Canada released a statement on Saturday underscoring “serious concern” over the mass arrest of Hong Kong activists under a new security law. The statement from US secretary of state Mike Pompeo and the foreign ministers of the UK, Canada and Australia said they wished to “underscore our serious concern at the mass arrests ... in Hong Kong for subversion under the National Security Law“, calling it “a clear breach of the Sino-British Joint Declaration”. The foreign ministers called on Hong Kong authorities and Beijing to respect rights and freedoms in the former British colony, and for delayed local elections to be held “in a fair way that includes candidates representing a range of political opinions”. – AFP

Indonesian Navy divers hold wreckage from Flight SJ182 during a search and rescue operation near Lancang island yesterday. – AFPPIX IRAN TO EXPEL UN INSPECTORS IF SANCTIONS NOT LIFTED TEHRAN: Iran will expel United Nations nuclear watchdog inspectors unless US Pompeo lifts restrictions on US-Taiwan relationship sanctions are lifted by a Feb 21 deadline set WASHINGTON: The United States is ending Taiwan’s government welcomed the move. already heightened tensions between Beijing by the parliament, a lawmaker said on Saturday. The hardliner-dominated restrictions governing official contacts with “Decades of discrimination, removed,” and both Washington and Taipei. parliament passed a law in November that Taiwan, secretary of state Mike Pompeo said tweeted Hsiao Bi-khim, Taiwan’s diplomatic It was not clear what the change means in obliges the government to halt inspections on Saturday, a move hailed by Taipei as envoy to the US. practice, with Pompeo saying executive of its nuclear sites by the International ending “decades of discrimination”. “A huge day in our bilateral relationship. I branch communications with Taiwan will be Atomic Energy Agency and step up uranium Pompeo said the “complex internal will cherish every opportunity.” handled by the American Institute in Taiwan , enrichment beyond the limit set under restrictions” on contacts with Taipei by Foreign minister Joseph Wu said he was which is owned by the US government and Tehran’s 2015 nuclear deal if sanctions are diplomats, service members and others had grateful Pompeo had lifted “restrictions serves as the de facto embassy. not eased. Iran’s Guardian Council watchdog been imposed “in an attempt to appease the unnecessarily limiting our engagements”. The shift comes after a year of mounting body approved the law on Dec 2 and the Communist regime in Beijing”. “The closer partnership between Taiwan US-Chinese tensions. government has said it will implement it. “If Pompeo added: “No more.” and the US is firmly based on our shared Trump has sent multiple senior officials to the Americans do not lift financial, banking The declaration may be more symbolic values, common interests and unshakeable Taipei last year as he clashed with China on a and oil sanctions, we will definitely expel the than substantive in effect, but it nonetheless belief in freedom and democracy.” host of issues, ranging from its handling of the inspectors,“ parliamentarian Ahmad appears certain to anger China, which sees It comes in the final weeks of the Donald coronavirus pandemic to disputes over trade, Amirabadi Farahani said. – Reuters Taiwan as its own territory. Trump administration, and at a time of security and human rights. – AFP theSUN ON MONDAY | JANUARY 11, 2021 7 NEWS WITHOUT BORDERS

CUBA TO TEST VACCINE CANDIDATE IN IRAN HAVANA: Cuba will test its most advanced Trump threatened with Covid vaccine candidate in Iran, the research centre that developed it announced on BRIEFSSaturday. State-run Finlay Vaccine Institute (IFV) and the Pasteur Institute of Iran signed an agreement in Havana that will see a Phase 3 clinical trial in Iran, the IFV second impeachment announced on Twitter. The news came on the heels of Iran’s supreme leader on Friday banning the import of US and UK-produced threatened the integrity of the democratic vaccines against Covid-19, saying they were oDefiant US president shows no signs of stepping down system, interfered with the peaceful transition “completely untrustworthy”. Ayatollah Ali of power, and imperiled a coordinate branch Khamenei tweeted: “It’s not unlikely they of government,” it reads. would want to contaminate other nations.” Trump, who had urged his supporters to The Sovereign 02 is Cuba’s most advanced WASHINGTON: US Democrats on Saturday Capitol on Wednesday by angry Trump come to Washington on Wednesday for a rally vaccine candidate, showing “an early were readying for an unprecedented second supporters, which left five people dead, opposing his election loss, has remained immune response (at 14 days),“ IFV director impeachment of Donald Trump as the defiant including a policeman. defiant, even after finally posting a video in Vicente Verez said last month. He said it has president showed no signs of stepping down Authorities announced new arrests and which he belatedly promised an “orderly been difficult to do clinical testing in Cuba after the deadly violence at the Capitol. charges on Saturday over the incursion, transition” to the Biden administration. because its outbreak has not been as serious Democrats said impeachment including a tattoo-chested man in a horned But the president also said that “it’s only as those in many larger countries. – AFP proceedings could begin as early as today – headdress whose image was beamed around the beginning of our fight”. an extraordinary acceleration of a process that the world. That sort of language prompted Twitter to NINE ARRESTED AS DANISH historically has taken weeks, but one that That man, Jacob Anthony Chansley, also suspend Trump permanently on Friday and PROTESTS TURN VIOLENT might not be completed before known as Jake Angeli, and two others – one of fueled Democrats’ moves against him. COPENHAGEN: Nine people were arrested in President-elect Joe Biden is sworn into office them a newly elected state official from West The Twitter ban drew an angry response Denmark on Saturday after demonstrations on Jan 20. Virginia – were charged in federal court in from Trump, who accused the popular against the country’s coronavirus House speaker Nancy Pelosi warned that connection with the violence, according to platform – where he had more than 88 million restrictions turned violent in two cities Democrats will launch the process unless the attorney’s office for the District of followers – of having “coordinated with the including capital Copenhagen, police and Trump resigns or Vice-President Mike Pence Columbia. Democrats and the Radical Left”. local media said. Between 200 and 250 invokes the 25th Amendment, where the The impeachment text – signed by at least Several Democrats and at least one people had gathered in Copenhagen and cabinet removes the president. 180 members of Congress so far, according to Republican lawmaker – senator Lisa dozens in the northern city of Aalborg, “He’s deranged, unhinged and dangerous. Democratic congressman Ted Lieu – laid Murkowski of Alaska – have urged Trump to according to media reports citing police He must go,” Pelosi, referring to Trump, blame squarely at the president’s feet. resign and avoid the messiness of accounts. Organised by a group calling itself tweeted on Friday. “In all of this, President Trump gravely impeachment proceedings in his final full “Men in Black”, the demonstrations targeted The move to impeach came amid endangered the security of the United States week in power, but he reportedly has restrictions imposed to curb the spread of continued fury over the storming of the and its institutions of government. He remained defiant in talks with his aides. – AFP the coronavirus. According to media reports, protesters shouted: “Freedom for Denmark, we have had enough.“ In TV broadcasts and video posted to social media, police in riot gear could be seen Pope and Queen Elizabeth join vaccination drive clashing with protesters in Copenhagen, who lit fireworks and threw bottles. – AFP ROME: The pope and Britain’s Queen Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II and her Germany topped 40,000 fatalities Elizabeth became the latest high-profile husband Prince Philip received their yesterday, the centre for disease control figures to join the global vaccination Covid-19 vaccinations on Saturday, announced. NEW CORONAVIRUS CASES campaign against the coronavirus as Buckingham Palace said. In her weekly video message on Saturday, IN CHINA DOUBLE Germany yesterday reported 40,000 fatalities A source told the Press Association news Merkel had warned that the full impact of BEIJING: The daily number of new since the pandemic began a year ago. agency that the queen, 94, and Philip, 99, were socialising over the Christmas and New Year’s coronavirus cases has doubled in China, German Chancellor Angela Merkel given the injections by a royal household period had yet to be felt. prompting tougher movement restrictions. warned that the worst was still to come. doctor at Windsor Castle. The coming weeks will be “the hardest In the capital, passengers must scan a health More than 1.9 million people worldwide More than 1.5 million people in Britain phase of the pandemic” so far, she said, with code before boarding a cab or ride-hailing have now died from the virus, with new have so far been inoculated, in the biggest many doctors and medical staff working at car, officials said yesterday. Mainland China variants adding to soaring cases and immunisation programme in national their limits. reported 69 cases on Saturday, compared prompting the re-introduction of restrictions history, with the elderly, their carers and More than 1.9 million people have been with 33 reported a day earlier, the country’s on movement across the globe – even as with health workers first in line. infected in Germany so far, with almost 17,000 national health authority said yesterday. The new rule on cab journeys follows the mass inoculation drives underway. Countries across the world are following new cases added since Saturday. discovery on Saturday that a ride-hailing Pope Francis urged people to get the suit with coronavirus shots approved Cases and deaths also continue to spiral in driver in Beijing was an asymptomatic vaccination saying he would be inoculated including those by Pfizer-BioNTech and the United States, the world’s worst-hit carrier of the new coronavirus, city health against the virus himself next week when the Moderna and domestically made jabs from country. official Pang Xinghuo told media. Since Jan Vatican begins its campaign and denouncing Russia and China. With the 24-hour death toll exceeding 1, 96 drivers on a ride-hailing app Didi have opposition to the jab. UK health authorities announced more 3,000 in recent days – more than 4,000 on been fined for improperly implementing “There is a suicidal denial which I cannot than three million coronavirus infections Saturday – the total figure stands at 372,051 coronavirus prevention measures, such as explain, but today we have to get vaccinated,” since the pandemic began last year. fatalities, according to Johns Hopkins wearing a mask, Rong Jun, a Beijing city the pontiff tells Canale 5 in an interview. The total UK death toll stands at 80,868. University. – AFP transport official, said. – Reuters Deadly snowstorms cause chaos across Spain MADRID: Snowstorms in Spain left three people dead and caused chaos across much of the country, trapping motorists and shutting down the capital’s air and rail links, with more expected. On Friday, Madrid experienced its heaviest snowfalls since 1971 in what the AEMET weather agency described as “exceptional and most likely historic” conditions caused by Storm Filomena. Following a chaotic 36 hours, the snowfall began moving off towards the northeast from central Spain late on Saturday. One man was found dead under a snowdrift in Zarzalejo, northwest of Madrid, while two others died trying to cross a swollen river in Mijas, near Mediterranean city Malaga. Interior minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska said the national programme to vaccinate people against the coronavirus would continue. Security forces would do all they could to ensure the snow did not affect measures to stem the epidemic, “nor the vaccination campaign”, he said. Apart from Madrid, the exceptional conditions put another four regions in the centre of the country on red alert on Saturday: Aragon, Valencia, Castilla La Mancha and Catalonia. Madrid’s Barajas airport was shut down on Friday, and the snowfall disrupted traffic on nearly 400 roads. The Renfe rail network, meanwhile, said all trains to and from Madrid had been cancelled. Grande-Marlaska said emergency services and army snow ploughs had freed 2,500 drivers stuck on People walk in Madrid amid a heavy snowfall on Saturday. – AFPPIX Spain’s roads by the snowstorm. – AFP 8 theSUN ON MONDAY | JANUARY 11, 2021 SPEAK UP Trump’s feeble coup attempt

█ BY ERIC S. MARGOLIS Draft-dodger Trump fancies remained inactive due to lack of himself a potential military genius. orders. Marshal Shaposhnikov ORSE THAN a His effort at Bonapartism quickly refused to order his transport crime, a mistake” failed. aircraft to bring more troops to – Talleyrand. The A mob of low-IQ thugs waving Moscow to aid the coup. Special mob of yahoos Confederate flags was not enough to KGB “Alpha” units refused to fire on and“W cretins that broke into the US take over the US government. insurgent leader Boris Yeltsin. In all, capitol this week was not a For this, military or paramilitary the highly patriotic Red Army spontaneous act of violence. forces would have been needed to refused to engage in the coup. Quite the contrary, it was a seize the Pentagon and major The coup failed and its leaders, carefully planned criminal uprising military bases, the major media, most of them drunk on vodka, were designed to terrorise congress and airports, telecommunications, the rounded up and arrested. But this prevent the election of president- Treasury, and police headquarters. event, and the anti-Yeltsin coup two elect Joe Biden. And yet there had been open talk years later, marked the beginning of It was clear orders had been for weeks of some sort of coup the end of the Soviet Union. given to the local security forces to attempt by Trump supporters. The coup leaders were initially largely disarm but accommodate Americans were so absorbed by jailed, then released. Stalin would the rioters, and allow them into the the game of politics that they almost have had them shot. The Soviet capitol buildings. By whom? Clearly ignored the looming threat of a coup Union and its successor, Russia, by President Trump or his minions. attempt by denizens of the far right, never recovered. There will probably be no written driven to a frenzy by Trump’s crass Trump’s encouragement, and record. Trump, who grew up rubbing falsehoods about the election being then refusal, to halt the storming of shoulders with gangsters and union stolen. the capitol, will likely mark the end thugs, certainly had learned the It’s interesting to compare of his political career. lesson taught by the late criminal Trump’s coup attempt with events He could be censored, or even lawyer Roy Cohen to always skirt the in the Soviet Union in 1991. A cabal jailed for his act of insurrection. His An explosion caused by a police munition is seen while supporters of US President law and never leave a clear trail. of die-hard communists, including plans to run again for president in Donald Trump gather in front of the Capitol Building in Washington. – REUTERSPIX It’s also very likely that Trump Defense Minister Marshal Yazov, four years look highly unlikely to tried to organise a military coup sought to overthrow the reformist succeed after his act of political Americans deserve to be deeply Eisenhower Republican, I was against his own government, what government of Mikhail Gorbachev. arson. embarrassed by this week’s events. horrified by the events in Washington. Latin Americans call an “autogolpe”. They mounted a poorly- His supporters, who are large in Scenes of rioters inside the capitol Trump was flying B-52 bombers That’s why ten former US defense organised coup to seize state organs numbers, should be deterred from waving Confederate flags conjure fears over Iran while hooligans were secretaries, including the far-right in Moscow and isolated Gorbachev advocating violence, Christian of a second American civil war: many trashing the capitol. Dick Cheney, felt compelled to issue at his retreat in Crimea. political extremism, extreme of the states that voted for Trump were a joint letter warning Trump not to The two Soviet mechanised Zionism and environmental also part of the old civil war Eric S. Margolis is a syndicated involve the military in domestic divisions tasked with seizing backwardness. The Republican Confederacy. columnist. Comments: politics. Moscow went to the city centre, then Party needs a huge enema. As a New Yorker and life-long [email protected]

COMMENT by Ameen Kamal Mutations call for new vaccine design, careful inoculation BY now, most of us would have recognises other parts of the virus should consider coding for targets future vaccine choices; Keeping it’s host alive would also seen graphical representations of too (albeit at varying degrees) and that are less susceptible to 0 Monitor the first batch roll-out be beneficial. Observations on the Covid-19 virus depicting a the overall structure of the Covid-19 mutational changes, or perhaps similar to a late-stage clinical recently discovered mutated Covid- spherical structure with many virus is not only the spike (which is explore a combination of spike trial. Results from the third 19 strains appear to support this protruding “spikes”. made up of “S” proteins) but also codes as well as N codes (or other phase of clinical trials from the notion. This is a part of the virus that consists of “E” proteins making the parts of the virus that are less prone leading vaccines mentioned In December last year, The New enables it to attach to our cells and envelope, “M” proteins making up to significant mutations) to provide earlier have shown to be York Times reported new strains of enter it, causing infection. As such, the membranes and “N” proteins a potentially longer-lasting promising. However, without a the virus detected in the UK and it has become a popular target for making up the nucleocapsid immunity, as per the findings by the significantly longer-term study South Africa which were reported vaccine developers. (proteins inside the virus associated team at Cambridge. (especially on Malaysian to be 70% more contagious than The problem is that these with the viral genome). All the leading vaccines right demographics), potential long- other variants. protruding structures are also Furthermore, Caddy referenced now such as the mRNA-based term effects, immunity According to the Centers for relatively less stable i.e. more a research article by McEwan and vaccines from Pfizer/BioNTech, retainment and potential impact Disease Control and Prevention susceptible to changes through James in the Progress in Molecular Moderna, and AstraZeneca/Oxford of virus mutations cannot be (CDC), the UK strain is known as genetic mutation. Biology and Translational Science as well as adenovirus vector type determined with better lineage B.1.1.7 while the one from We are now seeing more reports journal, which pointed out that from Russia’s Gamaleya Research certainty; South Africa is lineage B.1.351. Both on these new Covid-19 virus after a Covid-19 virus infection, the Institute, code for information that 0 Authorities must ensure it is strains have notable mutations in variants with notable spike human body actually produces N allows our cells to produce viral ready to track, monitor, gather the spikes. mutations and there are concerns protein antibodies the most and not spikes or proteins that form the and analyse this “big data”. This The CDC reported that based on that our immune system will not spike protein antibodies. spikes. must not be overlooked or “preliminary epidemiologic recognise it if these spikes change This is a strong indicator that With the various vaccine options underestimated. Given the indicators” the B.1.1.7 variant is significantly enough, rendering another immunity mechanism under consideration by the overwhelmed healthcare linked with “increased current versions of the vaccines could be utilised in vaccine design. government combined with infrastructure and highly transmissibility”, but so far it ineffective. The related mechanism was uncertainties surrounding virus occupied medical professionals doesn’t seem to impact disease Although recent reports of elucidated by Caddy and other mutation (particularly with and health workers, authorities severity or vaccine efficacy. studies conducted by some vaccine researchers from MRC Laboratory vaccines that focus on the spikes must plan and execute this More data is needed but the makers claim current vaccines to of Molecular Biology and LMB’s only) and its impact of vaccine accordingly. If not, it would be a currently observed increase in likely be effective against these new Biological Services Group in validity/effectiveness, duration of waste of valuable and potentially infectivity (but not Covid-19 variants, it may only be a Cambridge when they discovered immunity retainment and potential life-saving data; and, severity/lethality) is in line with the matter of time before significant that N proteins from viruses that long-term effects, the authorities 0 Monitoring viral genome “reasonable” mutational trajectory mutations emerge to a degree have made its way inside human may consider the following: sequence to detect mutations postulated earlier. requiring the need for continuously cells are destroyed through the 0 Ensure procurement deals and correlate medical data from In October last year, an EMIR updated versions of the vaccines (to action of TRIM21 (a protein inside include favourable provisions on the first batch of vaccine roll-out. Research article highlighted how keep up with the mutation). cells), triggering subsequent effectiveness, safety, immunity Instead of petty and selfish the Covid-19 virus mutation may Mutations will keep on immune response to destroy retainment, validity of the power squabbles, politicians pose a risk to the future happening and may result in a infected cells. procured vaccine versions and should focus on the above. The effectiveness of Covid-19 vaccines situation akin to the annually- The point here is that N proteins stagger purchase commitments rakyat and the economy depends and the potential scenario of needed common flu jabs. With the (and potentially other parts of the with related milestones; on it. needing additional batches of the way things are looking, it doesn’t virus) also have the potential to 0 Conduct a “pilot-run” of vaccine Furthermore, the above same vaccine-type due to low look like this would be a one-off become a vaccine target and not roll-out using several types of recommendations may allow immunity retainment and/or affair. just the mutation-prone spikes. vaccines. The pilot run should authorities better visibility to updated batches of vaccines faster But why go through this route On this matter, Caddy pointed target smaller populations first pursue data-driven decision than expected (vaccine validity) when there could be other parts of on the low mutation rates of the N but it’s necessary to familiarise making to potentially narrow down due to virus mutations. the virus that are less susceptible to protein sequence, relative to the with logistics and handling; its best option for the next batch if mutational changes and can also spikes. This opens up a potential 0 Larger-scale of a “first-batch” and when deemed necessary. Ameen Kamal is the head of trigger an immune response? vaccine design target that is more vaccination roll-out usage Mutations of the spike are not science and technology at EMIR According to clinical research stable and could be longer-lasting involving different types of surprising given that it is a part of Research, an independent think fellow in viral immunology and before needing an updated version. vaccines, taking lessons learnt the virus that is closely linked to its tank focused on strategic policy veterinary surgeon from the Thus, to ensure a broader target from the pilot stage. This first survival. The better it can attach recommendations based on University of Cambridge, Sarah which is less susceptible to batch roll-out may also be and enter cells, the higher the rigorous research. Comments: Caddy, our immune system mutations, future vaccine designs considered a phase to funnel chances of its survival. [email protected] theSUN ON MONDAY | JANUARY 11, 2021 9 SPEAK UP A wider anti–harassment law needed There is also discriminatory it should revisited and reassessed harassment where this type of again before any final approval is by Muzaffar Syah Mallow harassment is directed at someone’s given. COMMENT There is nothing race, age, skin color, nationality and Everybody in the country should others. understand it can be difficult to specific law needs to be Harassment is commonly wrong with the It can also relate to an act of control and prevent sexual legislated in our country in understood as an rude act that discrimination based on person’s harassment if we are still unable to order to prevent all types of intends to demean, abuse, hurt, proposed sexual sexual orientation. control and even prevent other types harassment, not just sexual insult, torment, humiliate or Harassment can be of a of harassment. harassment.A embarrass an individual. harassment bill, psychological nature and can have a The issue of sexual harassment There are many kinds of In the legal sense, these are negative impact on the victim. and other types of harassment are harassment out there which can behaviors that appear to be however the They can be put down, belittled or inter connected, it should not be affect people’s lives severely, similar disturbing, upsetting or even forced to listen to needless separated and ignored. to sexual harassment, and all these threatening to the victim. objective of the condescending remarks that can If we genuinely want to address types of harassment need to be Harassment evolved from affect them. the issue concerning sexual tackled effectively through discriminatory grounds, and has the bill should be These negative remarks can be harassment effectively, all types of comprehensive legislation like the effect of nullifying or impairing a aimed at the victim from both a harassment should be given similar one proposed for sexual harassment. person from benefiting from their extended and professional as well as personal level. attention and be tackled together Sexual harassment is only one rights. We also have cyberbullying. under the same proposed bill. type of harassment which can We also have other types of widened by Cyberbullying can also been seen as a There is nothing wrong with the severely affect a person. harassment which can torment and form of harassment and it is usually proposed sexual harassment bill, If we put our focus solely to affect people’s life like physical done online. The person doing the however the objective of the bill curbing sexual harassment without harassment. inserting all types harassing can make threatening should be extended and widened by addressing other types of Physical harassment can come in statements to the victim or spread inserting all types of harassment and harassment, it can affect our efforts to the form of violence, both physically of harassment rumours on any social media not being limited to just sexual prevent sexual harassment itself and or to property. This can also be platform which can then spread like harassment. deny people the right to seek suitable threatening behaviour. and not being wildfire and out of control. The government can consider remedies for other types of Anyone may be subjected to If Malaysia is to legislate a specific creating a special committee to harassment which happens to them. physical abuse, such as pushing, limited to just law addressing sexual harassment analyse the above proposal in detail. The proposed sexual harassment punching or slapping, as well as other only, there is a fear that other types of A comparative study can also be bill which been pushed forward by kinds of physical abuse. sexual harassment will continue to be done with other countries which many non–governmental There is also personal harassment. committed. have created specific anti– organisations (NGOs) in the country Personal harassment can also be harassment Due to these reasons, it is very harassment laws as a guide like the will only address the issue labeled an act of bullying whereby important for our country to consider Harassment Act, 1997 in New concerning sexual harassment. the victim may be subjected to any legislation of a comprehensive law Zealand and Protection from This proposed bill will not address unwanted remarks, insults, offensive which can adequately prevent all Harassment Act, 1997 in the United other types of harassment which are or derogatory statements. This kind types of harassment, not just sexual Kingdom. not sexual in nature. As such, the of harassment can also include body harassment. proposed bill is itself is incomplete. shaming and stalking. Though the proposed bill on Muzaffar Syah Mallow is a senior It is very important for us to realise Being constantly put down with sexual harassment has been around lecturer of Faculty of Syariah and that harassment covers a wide range condescending statements can also for nearly 20 years, which was pushed Law at Universiti Sains Islam of behaviors or even statements be seen as personal harassment or forward by several local non– Malaysia (USIM). Comments: which are offensive nature. bullying. governmental organisations (NGOs), [email protected] 10 theSUN ON MONDAY | JANUARY 11, 2021 MEDIA & MARKETING

S Chinese New Year approaches, we look forward to a healthier, more prosperous and luckier year ahead.A Tiger Beer believes that a A smoother year ahead smoother year ahead starts with making a bold change today to bring Heineken Malaysia products in a on the ‘ONG’. oBring on the ‘ONG’ this Chinese New Year with Tiger single receipt at 99 Speedmart from To get the festivities going, limited now to Feb 15. edition Tiger Beer and Tiger Crystal Visit tigercny.my to upload your cans in auspicious colours of red and receipts, and once qualified, the gold are available in two sets of Tiger prizes will be delivered straight to Beer and Tiger Crystal packaging. your doorstep. When combined, the characters on Lucky winners will also get to spin the cans produce the greeting ‘Wang the ‘Ong’ Wheel to get some exclusive Shi Ru Yi’, which symbolises merchandise and additional prizes, prosperity. or when they spend above RM288 on Purchase one carton of Tiger Beer Heineken Malaysia products. The and one carton of Tiger Crystal to ‘Ong’ Wheel will be available until receive a set of two ‘Ong’ cans. Collect Feb 28, terms and conditions apply. all four designs from Jan 16 until Feb Roland Bala, managing director of 10, 2021 at selected outlets across Heineken Malaysia, said: “Our Malaysia. priority is to elevate the festive cheer You can also visit tigercny.my to among our loyal consumers by check out the festive Augmented bringing the ‘Ong’ to them. From the Reality (AR) animation when you prosperous limited edition Tiger Beer scan the ‘Wang’ and ‘Ru’ cans, and and Tiger Crystal cans, to the variety find out how to win ‘Ongsome’ prizes. of ‘Ongsome’ cash prizes and From now until Feb 15, consumers merchandises worth up to who purchase big bottles of Tiger RM1,000,000, we hope the Chinese Beer (660ml) and Tiger New Year celebration this year will be Crystal (600ml) at (above) and MyNews outlets, and you stand to Even more prizes like iPhone 12 a joyful one for fans of Heineken participating Limited redeem an exclusive Tiger x Pestle & and RM50 vouchers are up for grabs Malaysia brews.” restaurants, food edition Mortar t-shirt. Just snap a photo of the when you purchase RM200 worth of For full details of all promotions, courts or coffee shops, festive receipt and share it to 011-3987 9037 via visit tigercny.my, or Tiger Beer’s can check underneath Tiger Beer WhatsApp from Jan 16 until Feb 10. Facebook page at their bottle caps for the and Tiger You can also have chilled beers and facebook.com/TigerBeerMY. ‘Ong’ characters – “A”, Crystal ciders delivered directly to your door Promotions are only open to “B”, “C” and “D” – cans. with Drinkies (www.drinkies.my). And non-Muslims aged 21 and representing different when you purchase RM210 worth of above. prizes to be won! (left) Tiger Beer, Heineken or Guinness, One “A” bottle cap Tiger including Tiger Crystal, you also get a wins consumers an Ong Tiger Ong Lai Bowl Set. This promotion ‘Ongsome’ Ang Lai is available until Feb 28, 2021. Pow of Bowl You can also get Guinness Gold RM18,888, a “B” Set . Playing Cards upon purchasing RM200 bottle cap wins worth of Guinness products. And if you an ‘Ongsome’ fancy a Heineken Cooler Box, simply Ang Pow worth spend RM250 on Heineken brand Tiger Rummy Set. RM388, and a products. “C” bottle cap wins an ‘Ongsome’ Ang Pow worth RM88, while collecting 12 bottle caps marked “D” allows customers to Berjaya Sompo offers 24-hour claims for flood losses redeem an exclusive Tiger Ong Lai Bowl Set. BERJAYA SOMPO Insurance Berhad is available 24 hours and 7 days a week. Shoppers at selected (Berjaya Sompo) has activated the For Private Car Comprehensive supermarkets and hypermarkets who Catastrophe Loss Management hotline Policyholders who would like to report buy any two cartons of Tiger Beer, to ease the claim process for their a breakdown, they may contact the Tiger Crystal, Heineken and customers who are affected by flood. hotline number at 1-800-18-8033 for Guinness, as well as one carton of Under this new initiative, flood assistance. Apple Fox Cider, can purchase an claim payments of up to RM25,000 will In the last major flood catastrophe in exclusive Tiger Rummy Set at RM99! be disbursed within 24 hours after they 2017, Berjaya Sompo Insurance had To double the celebration, with every have received a signed letter of settled more than RM10 million flood purchase above RM200 of Tiger Beer, acceptance. For claim amounts claims to affected policyholders. Tiger Crystal and Apple Fox Cider, exceeding RM25,000, an interim Berjaya Sompo Insurance is shoppers can redeem a Tiger Ong Lai payment of 20% of the total claim committed to assisting policyholders to Bowl Set. This promotion runs from amount will be made within the same recover their financial losses quicker now until Jan 15, while stocks last. acceptance period. and to resume business operation. To make a claim on flood losses or To find out more about Additional rewards for enquiry, policyholders can contact Berjaya Sompo Insurance’s products Spend above RM20 on Heineken its Catastrophe Loss Management and services, please visit Malaysia Berhad products at 7 Eleven hotline number at 1800-18-8010 which www.berjayasompo.com.my

Celebrate An OX-Picious Chinese New Year with us. Advertise your business in the Chinese New Year Special, SPECIAL FOCUS out on 29 January 2021.

PUBLICATION DATE 29 JANUARY, 2021 (Friday)

Speak to theSun’s Sales team now for special deals on BOOKING & STORY DEADLINE 15 JANUARY, 2021 (Friday) digital, video and print advertising. MATERIAL DEADLINE 22 JANUARY, 2021 (Friday) MONDAY SECURITIES SDN. B HD. 197201001092 (12738-U) JANUARY 11, 2021 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 45.2 Institutions 3023.9 3452.8 -428.9 Email: [email protected] 36.5 Retail 2612.1 2618.7 -6.6 18.3 Foreign 1529.0 1093.5 435.5 Sun30.24 86.22 329.70 BIZ6.10 648.90 249.95 120.50 45.92 100.0 7165.0 7165.0 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 1,633.19 2,993.19 27,878.22 3,570.11 28,139.03 15,463.95 3,152.18 6,757.87

KL MARKET SUMMARY January 8, 2021

INDICES CHANGE At the end of the day, FBMEMAS 11,637.40 +125.98 FBMKLCI 1,633.19 +30.24 CONSUMER PRODUCTS 593.72 -5.42 INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTS 174.58 +2.77 CONSTRUCTION 171.96 -1.89 it’s about discipline FINANCIAL SERVICES 15,008.10 +40.12 ENERGY 844.26 -31.76 TELECOMMUNICATIONS 637.82 -8.10 HEALTH CARE 3,627.79 +135.24 o Any drawdown should be avoided and funds must be TRANSPORTATION 735.69 -20.50 PROPERTY 687.81 -17.10 continually replenished, says asset management firm CEO PLANTATION 7,418.29 -1.75 FBMSHA 13,153.90 +226.06 FBMACE 10,497.40 -43.56 █ BY AMIR IMRAN HUSAIN SAFRI RM10,000 in Account 1. As for Account 2, the TECHNOLOGY 66.72 -0.81 [email protected] average savings stood at about RM13,000, with those below 30 having about RM4,000. TURNOVER VALUE PETALING JAYA: Given the hardships faced Alizakri estimated that this translates to 10.033 BIL RM7.164 BIL by the people due to the Covid-19 situation, RM208 a month on average, if the members the decision to allow Employees Provident live for another 20 years after retirement. Fund (EPF) members to dip into their Similarly, according to a World Bank 5 MOST ACTIVES retirement savings is an understandable one, country report released in November, January 8, 2021 according to Principal Asset Management almost three-quarters of the working CEO Munirah Khairuddin (pix). population at the age of 54 have balances STOCK VOL CLSG (sen) +/– (sen) “The government is being very under RM250,000 in their retirement AT 823,489,800 19 +1 empathetic taking into consideration the savings account. PNECB-WB 217,698,600 19.5 +7 hard times faced by the rakyat, from losing “Translated into an indexed annuity, KGROUP 217,444,400 5 UNCH their jobs, a cut in their salaries, or their almost three-quarters of workers will have a HLT 212,720,200 148 +30 business may have suffered,” she told SunBiz. monthly benefit of less than RM1,050, only VC 206,254,200 5 -1 On the whole, Munirah holds the view slightly more than the poverty line income that retirement savings need to be of RM980 before its revision,” the report said. continually replenished and that any With regard to the age-old cultural norm, what they are investing in and not to follow 5 TOP GAINERS drawdown should be avoided to ensure a – where the elderly rely on their children to the crowd blindly. January 8, 2021 disciplined approach to such savings. get by – Munirah pointed out that there is a “There is a need to be a well-informed She highlighted that, as a professional, rise of the “sandwiched society”, an investor as the investment market has its STOCK VOL CLSG (RM) RM one of her worries is the possibility of a observed phenomenon where middle-aged risks and investors need to understand that.” HARTA 21,701,500 12.50 1.60 pension crisis, as Malaysia is projected to be adults are tasked with taking care of their With the high volatility and uncertainty SUPERMX 68,721,300 7.30 1.25 an aging society by 2030. parents as well as their own children. observed in the financial market now, MPI 284,600 25.70 0.96 The CEO pointed out this is With this, she cautioned that the burden to Munirah said there will always be ups and SUPERMX-C87 40,700 5.00 0.85 compounded by Malaysians’ longer life support those with inadequate pensions will downs to the stock market. As professional TOPGLOV 147,649,000 6.50 0.70 expectancy with the average mortality rate ultimately fall on the government through fund managers, she remarked, every fall currently at 75 years old. healthcare subsidies and welfare programmes. presents opportunities. “If one stops working at the age of 55 or “We need to move towards becoming a “We always look for opportunistic 5 TOP LOSERS 60, that means they will be out of a job for more self-sustaining society, as a dip in investments and long-term investments. January 8, 2021 about 20 years, while their EPF would only retirement savings will lead to a downward For professional fund managers, such last less than five years on average. So who spiral. Hence in many developed countries, volatility is acceptable as it is our job to look STOCK VOL CLSG (RM) RM is going to support them in retirement?” the pension crisis is a real one.” for good stock valuations,” she explained. CNASIA 26,527,700 1.66 0.71 Earlier this year, EPF CEO Alizakri Alias Munirah urged EPF members to get back She pointed out that by leaving such a DLADY 30,500 35.76 0.54 was quoted saying that 71% of the public on track with their retirement savings once task to professional fund managers, people CARLSBG 739,200 20.70 0.42 pension scheme’s contributors have less their financial situation has stabilised, after the could invest according to their goals. SAM 98,100 6.86 0.39 than RM50,000 in their savings. dust from the Covid-19 downturn has settled. For 2021, Munirah said, Principal Asset VITROX 367,000 13.76 0.34 On average, he said, EPF members have Commenting on the soaring retail Management is quite bullish on the stock about RM47,000 in Account 1, while those participation in the stock market during the market as the momentum from 2020 below 30 years old have only about pandemic, she advised investors to know continues to grow. EXCHANGE RATES JANUARY 8, 2021

Foreign currency Bank sell Bank buy Bank buy TT/OD TT OD Ringgit set to leave positive trails in equity markets 1 US DOLLAR 4.1040 3.9760 3.9660 KUALA LUMPUR: The robust ringgit is set investors, a strong rebound in corporate would still be dominating with the stimulus 1 AUSTRALIAN DOLLAR 3.2050 3.0760 3.0600 to leave positive trails in the equity markets earnings, and the rise of global crude oil from Budget 2021, as they are perched at 1 BRUNEI DOLLAR 3.0960 3.0050 2.9970 amid a weaker US dollar, as the benchmark which lingers at US$55 per barrel. 37% currently and, hopefully, it will amount 1 CANADIAN DOLLAR 3.2320 3.1430 3.1310 FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI (FBM KLCI) rose “A general view of a contained Covid-19 to 40% this year. 1 EURO 5.0410 4.8750 4.8550 30.24 points to end the first week of 2021 at in 2021 has also uplifted sentiment as news He said the target sectors that will the day’s high of 1,633.19 on Friday. of Covid-19 vaccination is within the radar. improve this year are the opposite of last 1 NEW ZEALAND DOLLAR 2.9930 2.8820 2.8660 The ringgit was traded as high as 3.9957 “The convincing ringgit’s strength year’s, as the laggard sectors will be leaders 1 SINGAPORE DOLLAR 3.0960 3.0050 2.9970 versus the US dollar on the first trading day against a weaker US dollar would also – the darlings of foreign funds. 1 STERLING POUND 5.5750 5.3950 5.3750 of the year, and research firms believe the contribute to spurring foreign investors in “Sectors that will pick up are the 1 SWISS FRANC 4.6240 4.5120 4.4970 US dollar weakness will resume. staging a resounding comeback to the beneficiary of foreign funds such as An analyst said it was evident last Friday, Malaysian shores in 2021,” he told Bernama Telekom Malaysia, British American 100 UAE DIRHAM 113.0000 107.0700 106.8700 after the FBM KLCI moved lower during yesterday. Tobacco, Genting, Inari and banks, as well 100 BANGLADESH TAKA 4.9450 4.5940 4.3940 morning session, that plenty of buyers were However, based on the data obtained for as construction and properties that will 100 CHINESE RENMINBI 63.4000 60.9000 N/A looking at buying any dip in cyclical the full year of 2020, international investors become leaders, together with energy or oil 100 HONGKONG DOLLAR 53.4800 50.7800 50.5800 developing markets and the price action sold RM24.6 billion net of local equities on and gas,” he said. suggested regional equities are well placed Bursa Malaysia. Budget 2021 gives great emphasis on 100 INDIAN RUPEE 5.6800 5.3300 5.1300 to move higher. Nazri said with a better performing projects with high-multiplier impact, such 100 INDONESIAN RUPIAH 0.0305 0.0276 0.0226 Inter-Pacific Asset Management Sdn ringgit, it will have a domino effect, as it will the Mass Rapid Transit 3 and Pan Borneo 100 JAPANESE YEN 3.9580 3.8310 3.8210 Bhd chief executive officer Datuk Dr Nazri support a lot of sectors, among them are Highway projects, which are being revived, 100 NEW TAIWAN DOLLAR 15.7000 N/A N/A Khan Adam Khan said 2021 will be a better commodities that should encourage the Nazri said, adding that they are expected to year on the back of a formidable ringgit, equity market. give a positive impact from as early as first- 100 PAKISTAN RUPEE 2.6100 2.4300 2.2300 which was not apparent in 2020, that will “When the ringgit is strong, people are quarter 2021. 100 PHILIPPINE PESO 8.6500 8.1400 7.9400 entice many foreign investors. flocking to buy crude palm oil. When the US By year-end, he said, the FBM KLCI 100 QATAR RIYAL 113.2700 107.5300 107.3300 “Encouraging factors include a slew of dollar is weak, all these US-denominated target would be at the 1,800-point level, a 100 SAUDI RIYAL 110.5600 104.9600 104.7600 supports coming in the form of liquidity commodities become cheap for traders to level last seen in 2018, even though at a very from Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) with the purchase, so would countries like China aggressive estimate of 16.5 per annum ratio, 100 THAI BAHT 14.2600 12.6400 12.2400 reduction of interest rates, the materialising and India,” he said. driven by the beneficiary of foreign funds, Source: Malayan Banking Berhad/Bernama of Budget 2021 stimulus, resistant retail Nazri said undoubtedly retail investors as well as cyclical sectors. – Bernama 12 theSUN ON MONDAY | JANUARY 11, 2021 SUNBIZ Section 33C – disputing an Industrial Court’s rule

FFECTIVE Jan 1, some However, the High Court party may file a notice of cross appeal High Court’s decision in a judicial duration to decide on whether to file amendments to the exercising appellate jurisdiction may within 14 days from the date of review application may be, with leave an appeal against the Industrial Industrial Relations Act 1967 reassess the evidence and make its service on him of the record of of court, escalated to the Federal Court award. (IRA) took effect, including a own analysis. It follows that the High appeal. Court. Enew section 33C to provide for an Court will be more inclined to However, leave from the Court of Under the new section 33C, the Conclusion appeal against an Industrial Court interfere with the Industrial Court’s Appeal is required for an appeal Industrial Court award will be As a whole, the new appeal process award to the High Court. In view of findings of fact based on inferences against the High Court’s decision if regarded as a decision from the introduced to the IRA is most the significance of this change to drawn from the other proved facts; or the amount or value of the subject Sessions Court for the purposes of welcome because, generally industrial jurisprudence in Malaysia, where there is no question of the matter of claim (exclusive of interest) the appeal. Hence, the Court of speaking, parties are allowed greater we explain the procedure to credibility or reliability of any is less than RM250,000.00. The onus Appeal becomes the highest forum to latitude to challenge the decision of challenge an Industrial Court award witness. is on the applicant to demonstrate: challenge an Industrial Court award. the Industrial Court award and, under the new section for the benefit There are wider scope and 0 a prima facie case of error, or In time to come, it might give rise better yet, in an expeditious manner. of employers and employees at large. grounds to challenge an Industrial 0 the question is one of general to an interesting question as to Be that as it may, it remains Court award in an appeal. In a principle decided for the first time, or whether the Court of Appeal, being unchanged that the Industrial Court What has changed? judicial review application, the High 0 the question is of importance the final appellate court on matters is a forum in which a case is decided Prior to the amendments, the IRA Court may quash the award only if upon which further argument and a originating from the Industrial Court, in accordance with equity and good did not contain any mode of the Industrial Court commits an decision of the court would be to the can refuse to be bound by a previous conscience without being burdened challenging an Industrial Court error of law on any of the four public advantage. decision of the Federal Court. On this with technicalities that are applied in award. To the contrary, the ouster grounds – illegality, irrationality, point, the Court of Appeal in a the court of law. On this footing, it clause in section 33B(1) of the IRA proportionality and procedural Court of Appeal is now the highest landmark decision, has ruled it is at would be interesting to see whether provided that an award should not impropriety. However, when sitting appellate Court for Industrial liberty to depart from the decision of the principles on appellate be challenged, appealed against, as an appellate court, the High Court Court matters the Federal Court if the decision is intervention may be applied reviewed, quashed or called in is not confined to limited grounds of Previously, any wrong, because it stands at the apex differently to the decisions of question in any court. Despite error of law. Rather, the High Court c h a l l e n g e in respect of claims solely within the Industrial Court. section 33B, historically, the may reverse an award of the a g a i n s t jurisdiction of the subordinate Malaysian Courts have consistently Industrial Court if its decision is t h e courts. It is likely that, based on these This article was contributed by Gan held that that an award of the plainly wrong due to the lack of decisions, the Court of Appeal may Khong Aik (Partner) and Lee Sze Industrial Court, which is a public or insufficient judicial also depart from the decision of the Ching, Ashley (Senior Associate) of authority exercising quasi-judicial appreciation of evidence by the Federal Court when hearing an Gan Partnership. functions, cannot escape judicial Industrial Court, giving rise to appeal originating from the interference and supervision of the an error of law and fact. Industrial Court, which is akin to an High Court by way of judicial review. appeal from the Sessions Court. It is noted that the section has been Fresh evidence at the Given that the number of removed following the recent hearing of the appeal challenges of the Industrial Court amendments to the statute. Unlike a judicial review award is reduced from three to two, Moving forward, the proper application, the High the entire industrial relations procedure to challenge an Industrial Court hearing an appeal adjudication process would become Court award made after Jan 1 is by may admit fresh more expedient and cost-saving. way of appeal to the High Court in evidence in accordance accordance with the new section with Civil Procedure, if Shorter duration to file an appeal 33C. In this regard, employers the judge is satisfied In the past, a party who wishes to should also note that the effect of the that: challenge any Industrial Court award amended section 33B, where it states 0at the hearing in is given three months from the date of that no Industrial Court award for the Industrial Court, receipt of the Industrial Court award the reinstatement or re-employment the evidence was not to decide on whether there are merits of a workman shall be subject to any available to the party to judicially review the Industrial stay of proceedings by any court. seeking to use it or Court award. With the new This would mean that employer will that reasonable section 33C, any appeal must have to re-employ the employee in diligence would be filed within 14 days from its organisation while the dispute is not have made it the date of receipt of the appealed further. so available; and Industrial Court 0 the fresh award. Thus, the Judicial Review vs Appeal – does it evidence, if true, party would matter? would have had or have a Following the introduction of the would have been likely shorter new section 33C, there are material to have a determining changes to the challenge of an influence upon the decision of Industrial Court award on the the Industrial Court. principles and procedures aspects. The significant differences between Leave of Court not required a judicial review application and an Previously, a party who wishes to Under the appeal are discussed below: challenge an Industrial Court award new section 33C, an is required to obtain leave of Court Industrial Court award Principles of intervention by the prior to making the judicial review will be regarded as a High Court application. decision from the Sessions The High Court has wider The leave requirement is not Court for the purposes jurisdiction and power in an appeal required for an appeal to the High to hear the matter on its merits by Court against an Industrial Court of appeal. way of rehearing, as opposed to a award. The dissatisfied party only – BERNAMAPIX judicial review application. In the needs to file a notice of appeal within latter, the High Court only plays a 14 days from the date of receipt of the supervisory role with limited Industrial Court award. The other jurisdiction to review the substance of the Industrial Court’s decision; it cannot review the evidence and substitute the finding of the Industrial Court with its own view.

India’s Biyani sees quick nod of Future’s US$3.4b deal despite Amazon dispute

NEW DELHI: India’s Future Group Ltd. The US giant alleges the deal view that every institution can take a Board of India (SEBI), the market Future Retail has warned that expects swift regulatory approval of breached some of its pre-existing view” on the sale, Future Group regulator that has been reviewing the failure to close the deal could lead to its US$3.4 billion (RM14 billion) deal contracts with Future. founder and CEO Kishore Biyani told deal for months, did not respond to a the company’s liquidation and job to sell its retail assets, its chief A New Delhi court in December Reuters in an interview. “So there is request for comment. losses for more than 29,000 executive said, even as its warring dismissed Future’s request to restrain no reason why things should be SEBI and India’s stock exchanges employees. business partner Amazon.com Inc Amazon’s repeated attempts to get delayed.” could still reject or take more time in “We have restored businesses to a intensifies efforts to block the deal. authorities to stall the deal. But the Amazon declined to comment on approving the deal, which is critical certain extent, but there are Future and Amazon are at judge left the fate of the transaction Biyani’s remarks. Reliance did not for the survival of Future Retail, challenges,” said Biyani, dubbed loggerheads over the Indian group’s with the regulators. respond to a request for comment. whose more than 1,700 outlets were India’s retail king for transforming the August deal with Reliance Industries “The court has already given their The Securities and Exchange hit hard by the Covid-19 pandemic. country’s retailing in recent decades. theSUN ON MONDAY | JANUARY 11, 2021 13 * SUNBIZ Are you aware of time bar?

ARE you aware that the Inland period. Reversely, the same taxpayer has knowingly and readily to set aside the time bar on sacrosanct. This is a basic right of Revenue Board (IRB) cannot raise applies to the taxpayer who intentionally gone about to grounds of negligence. This is the taxpayer. Once the time tax assessments or tax bills beyond seeks a refund from the provide false representation usually the case where the limitation provisions are regularly a 5-year period? This applies IRB. to obtain an unjust tax positions taken by the taxpayer set aside, taxpayers will never be equally to Real Property Gains Tax This provides advantage. This is done and the IRB based on the able to determine whether their matters. The only exception is certainty and made knowingly, or interpretation of the facts and the tax returns are final or not. If this matters relating to transfer pricing protection to the without belief in its law are not in agreement with one happens regularly, it sends a which can be extended to seven taxpayers against the truth, or the taxpayer is another. In such situations, the IRB wrong message to both domestic years. IRB raising recklessly careless tends to raise assessments beyond taxpayers and international The 5-year time bar also applies assessments beyond whether the information the time bar despite the taxpayer investors coming into the country. equally to a taxpayer who wishes to the five years. Please provided in the tax return having good records to support its At the same time, taxpayers must revise his earlier tax returns if he note that taxpayers are is true or false. legal stand. An example here will understand that if they file their has overpaid taxes due to error or legally required to keep Negligence refers to the failure be property groups filing an RPGT returns and there are elements of mistakes made, or to obtain a records to support the tax returns to carry out the duty imposed return vs. the IRB’s position that it fraud, wilful default or negligence, refund for any tax overpaid to the for seven years. under the Income Tax Act 1967. It should be an income tax matter. it is the duty of the IRB to guard the IRB. is a less serious misconduct Another situation where the time national “coffers” and punish such This means that once a taxpayer Can the time bar be set aside? compared to fraud or wilful bar appears to be breached are taxpayers. has filed his tax returns and if the Yes, it can be set aside where any default. Negligence is where a requests for capital statements The dividing line here is a thin tax authorities do not come back form of fraud or wilful default has taxpayer fails to do something an beyond the 5-year period. one and both parties must tread within five years (excluding the been committed by or on behalf of ordinary man would have done or carefully. year in which you filed the tax any taxpayer; or the taxpayer has does something an ordinary man The way forward return) and review the tax returns, been negligent in filing his tax would not have done. Both the taxpayers and the IRB This article was contributed by under the law, the authorities will returns. should respect the time bar Thannees Tax Consulting Services not be able to raise any additional Fraud and wilful default are What is happening in practice? provisions. The time limitation Sdn Bhd managing director SM taxes for beyond the time bar serious allegations where the Currently the IRB appears more provisions should be respected as Thanneermalai. WARRANTS WATCH Covid-19 and economic cost: Global Roaring start to new year summit THE pandemic has created colossal economic impact on for glove makers various economies globally while policy response has come under THE first week of 2021 saw the week’s top warrant in terms of increased scrutiny. Countries are Malaysia warrants market total value traded at RM41.6 going into second and third clocking up an overall turnover million. lockdowns and economies are of RM404.9 million with Meanwhile KOSSAN-C7 and closing down again as Covid-19 is warrants over single stocks TOPGLOV-C98 came in at fourth getting out of control. Some making up over 79.6% of the and fifth place with up to 61.1 countries have done fairly well to total turnover while warrants million and 56.3 million units control the virus like China, New over the Hang Seng Index came changed hands. Zealand, Malaysia and Denmark. in second, constituting up to That aside, the Hang Seng Others like UK, India, France, 14.4%. Warrants over other Index started the year with a USA, and Australia have done indices and foreign underlyings bang as it soared an impressive quite badly in handling the virus. made up the rest of the total 2.4% for the week to end at The main factor has been one: turnover for the week. 27,878.23 on Friday. POLICY RESPONSE. The As Covid-19 cases in the The gains saw the spot month question is how the global leaders country continued to mount, January futures contract surging can come up with a strong policy there was renewed interest in by 2.1% for the week to finish at response to control the virus. In rubber glove makers which were 27,80, closing in positive my opinion, global leaders from badly hammered in the last territory on four out of five 195 countries need to draw out an Covid-19 and market Economist: “Until the start of the quarter of 2020. trading days. effective strategy and to make a performance in 2020 – Covid-19 outbreak, Japan was On Friday, shares of glove Following the upbeat solid effort in order to help stop Strategic marker analysis considered an economic oddity. makers stole the show as they performance in the underlying, the spread of virus. I am very sure Covid-19 has plummeted the However, the features of the gained ground and the near expiring put warrant we have smart leaders globally markets and changed the Japanese economy – slow growth, outperformed the market. HSI-HDN witnessed up to 147.1 who can formulate a strategy to direction and landscape of many low inflation and high debt – will Rubberex Corporation led gains million units traded, landing it help stop this virus and save economies. A few insights for the become common across advanced with a whopping 29.7% rally to on the top spot of the most billions in terms of economic cost year 2020 are listed below. (see economies. The pandemic may close at RM1.92 in its best day active list. and human lives. So, countries’ table) not last once a vaccine is found. since August 2020. recoveries are dependent on However, the post-coronavirus Shares of Supermax To view the full list of other country’s response to virus. All economies are becoming zombification of the global Corporation and Comfort structured warrants available Collaboration is key among Japanese – Slow growth, low economy will be long-lasting.” Gloves jumped by an impressive on Bursa Malaysia,visit countries in tackling the virus in inflation and high debt Last year, G20 countries 20.7% and 17.5% respectively malaysiawarrants.com.my. order to get the economic According to Agathe Demarais, announced stimulus programs while the world’s biggest glove momentum going. global forecasting director at The worth around US$11 trillion [or producer Top Glove Provided for Malaysian nearly the size of the Japanese, Corporation soared 12.1% to residents’ information only. This German and French economies end at RM6.50 buoyed by strong commentary has not been Economic cost of Covid 19 globally US$27-30 trillion combined]. Eventually, countries buying activities. reviewed by the Securities Number of people gone into poverty 200-300 million will have to tackle such a large Amid the renewed interest in Commission Malaysia. It is not Number of bankruptcies globally US$500 billion-2 trillion debt pile-up. A global summit the rubber glove sector, call an offer or recommendation Stock market investors lost funds globally US$47-50 trillion can help solved the issues at warrants over glove makers saw to trade and is not Dollar Index lost value 16% hand otherwise global economy traction with TOPGLOV-C83 research material. Shale gas bankruptcies cost US$300-500 billion is heading for deep recession. and TOPGLOV-C84 registering a Past performance is not Airlines cost globally US$80-100 billion total traded volume of 100.2 indicative of future This article was contributed by million and 92 million performance. You should make Sources: EIU, FT.COM, WSJ, NYT, Forbes and global networking Juwai IQI chief economist Shan respectively as they take the your own assessment and seek Saeed (pix). second and third mostly actively professional advice. traded warrants for the week. The warrants will not be TOPGLOV-C83 was also the offered to any US persons. Inix to commission more glove lines PETALING JAYA: Inix Gloves, which will allow it to add daily production of gloves are Top warrants by volume traded Technologies Holdings Bhd is two more production lines next sold out in advance and delivery planning to commission more month. L&S Gloves currently has to their customers are done on a Warrant Volume Issuer Exercise Expiry date glove production lines at L&S two production lines. daily basis. name (’mil) level Gloves Sdn Bhd’s Selangor “Thereafter, Inix would add L&S Gloves has sufficient HSI-HDN 147.1 Macquarie 25,800 29 Jan 2021 factory, in which its subsidiary two production lines every three orders to sustain for the next TOPGLOV-C83 100.2 Kenanga 7.0 31 May 2021 Inix Glove Manufacturing Sdn months until a total of 14 two years for the planned 14 TOPGLOV-C84 92.0 CIMB 6.0 29 Jan 2021 Bhd acquired a 51% stake last production lines are production lines, which has a KOSSAN-C7 61.1 Kenanga 4.0 26 Apr 2021 month. commissioned,” said L&S Gloves production capacity of over 110 TOPGLOV-C98 56.3 Maybank 8.6 30 Sep 2021 Inix Glove signed a 10-year director Teo Yoek Leong. million pieces of latex gloves a lease agreement with L&S According to Teo, L&S Gloves’ month. 14 theSUN ON MONDAY | JANUARY 11, 2021 SUNBIZ Brexit ‘rules of origin’ spark confusion Government think tank argues High-street retail giant Marks & oUnder a provision in the trade deal, any product will be subject to a however that the complexity of Spencer warned on Friday that the supply chains means that proof of trade deal would “significantly customs levy if it enters Britain from abroad and is then exported to the EU origin can be difficult for businesses impact” business in the Czech to ascertain – and hard for authorities Republic, Ireland and France. to assess. The deal however removes tariffs LONDON: Many British businesses The rules of origin, a key aspect of “Businesses have also been A raft of British retailers are for Britain’s largely foreign-owned are swiftly discovering that they must all major trade deals, can rapidly turn completely blindsided by the ‘rule of reportedly rushing to assess the carmaking industry, which avoids now pay duties on exports bound for into a costly headache for businesses. origin’ part of the deal, which leaves impact of critical deliveries to EU customs duties for cars the European Union (EU), despite Under the Brexit provision, any them at a major competitive nations, including London’s top-end manufactured with components the breakthrough Brexit free trade good will be subject to a customs levy disadvantage when selling in the EU. department store Fortnum and made abroad. deal clinched over Christmas. if it arrives in Britain from abroad and “Unfortunately, not enough was Mason. Nissan has welcomed the The development, which has already is then exported back into the EU. done to prepare them for this. It takes Collapsed UK high-street agreement but has not yet indicated helped spark sliding freight traffic to For example, if a British clothing years to build an effective supply department store Debenhams has what will happen to the Japanese Ireland, is part of trade disruption that retailer imports Chinese-made chain – and using non-EU suppliers already shut its online website in carmaker’s largest plant in Europe has become increasingly evident this textiles, then it would then have to pay is often the best option both in terms Ireland due to uncertainty over post- which is based in Sunderland, year after Britain’s Brexit divorce was a customs charge if it ex-exports the of cost and quality.” Brexit trade rules. northeast England. It had previously finalised on Dec 31. items into a member nation of the EU’s The Brexit agreement, which was “At least 50 of our members face warned that a no-deal departure Trade has also been badly single market and customs union. sealed 4½ years after Britons voted to potential tariffs for re-exporting goods would threaten the factory’s future. hampered by new Covid-19 border Put simply, the rules therefore leave the EU, grants zero customs to the EU,“ said William Bain, trade Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s restrictions, with the rollout of testing determine whether an export is duties if at least roughly 50% of an policy adviser at the British Retail Conservative government has yet to for lorry drivers as Britain races to curb considered British or not. exported product is made in the UK. Consortium industry organisation. comment on the precise impact of a rampant variant of the deadly virus. “It is clear that many UK That applies to the majority of UK “We are working with members the rules of origin on the business At the heart of the Brexit deal, businesses exporting to the EU are exports – but certainly not all of them. on short-term options and are community. which came into force on Jan 1, is the going to be hit by tariffs,” said And the provision is all the more seeking dialogue with the (UK) “We continue to work closely with so-called “rules of origin” condition Michelle Dale, senior manager at the important because the EU accounts government and the EU on longer- businesses to help them to adapt to applied to all goods crossing the Manchester office of chartered for more than half of Britain’s trade. term solutions to mitigate the effects any new trading requirements,“ a border. accountants UHY Hacker Young. The London-based Institute of of new tariffs,” he added. government spokesman told AFP. Opec+ output cuts should help US shale profits A third-party file-sharing HOUSTON: A decision by the Organization of service used the Petroleum Exporting Countries (Opec) and allied countries to cut crude production by the central through March delivered a late Christmas bank to share present for US shale firms that have slashed and store costs, but any rise in prices spurred by the some unexpected move may be just a modest sensitive stocking stuffer. information US crude oil production has fallen 2 million was illegally barrels per day in the last year as low prices and accessed. – demand forced shale producers to cut their REUTERSPIX losses. Investors had already been pressuring the industry to curb spending and boost returns before the pandemic hit. Shale output was New Zealand central bank says data system breached quickly cut, but might return quickly if prices keep rising. WELLINGTON: The Reserve Bank of New “The nature and extent of information that report, the RBNZ warned that the frequency On Tuesday, Saudi Arabia, the world’s Zealand (RBNZ) said yesterday that it was has been potentially accessed is still being and severity of cybersecurity incidents were biggest oil exporter, said it would voluntarily responding with urgency to a breach of one of determined, but it may include some on the rise in New Zealand. reduce its production by 1 million barrels per its data systems. commercially and personally sensitive In February of last year, the bank said in a day (bpd) in February and March, after Russia A third-party file-sharing service used by information,” Orr said in a statement. report that the expected cost of cyber pushed to increase output, worried about US the central bank to share and store some In August, the operator of New Zealand’s incidents for the banking and insurance shale capitalising on the group’s cuts. sensitive information was illegally accessed, stock exchange was hit by cyberattacks. industry was between NZ$80 million and Russia and Kazakhstan will increase their the bank said in a statement. InPhySec, an independent cybersecurity firm NZ$140 million (RM233.6 million and output, reluctant to cede market share to the RBNZ governor Adrian Orr said the breach tasked with reviewing the cyber attacks, said the RM408.8 million) a year. United States. Overall, Opec+ had been due to had been contained but added it would take volume, sophistication and persistence of the “More extreme events have a low restore 500,000 bpd in each of the two months. time to understand the full implications of attacks were unprecedented for New Zealand. probability but are still plausible,” the bank Saudi officials were concerned new increases this breach. In a November 2019 Financial Stability said in that report. – Reuters would outpace demand during new coronavirus lockdowns. Prices for West Texas Intermediate on Friday topped US$52 (RM209.56) per barrel, and the 12-month futures’ price, which producers use Kim’s ambitious plan for N. Korean economy faces harsh reality to plan spending on new wells, hit US$51.37 per SEOUL: Kim Jong Un’s ambitious new plan economy,” he said in a post on Twitter. Science & Diplomacy at Donga University in barrel, up from US$44.63 at the start of for the next five years is aimed at developing Since Kim came to power in 2011, Busan. December. North Korea’s shattered economy, but the standards of living improved for many North “North Korea is going back to its 2017 plan Higher crude prices will fall directly to US proposals may falter in the face of major crises Koreans as markets proliferated and consumer – dual policy of improving its nuclear producers’ bottom lines given recent cost cuts that have already stalled the young leader’s goods became more widely available. But now deterrent and self-reliant economy,” he said. and commitments to keeping output flat. current projects. the country is facing the most challenging The new five-year plan includes a long Companies pledged to keep production flat and In remarks released at the weekend, Kim situation since a famine in the 1990s, and wish list for expanding almost every category use any price increases to boost investor returns blamed international sanctions as well as projects such as tourist resorts, economic of industry, from metal and chemical or pay down debt. unanticipated crises including the zones, and a large hospital appear stalled. production to coal mining, tourism, In top two US shale fields, oil and gas coronavirus pandemic and natural disasters, Kim’s decision to stage a huge congress modernised railways, and more public companies are profitable in the US$30 per for preventing the government from and talk of ambitious projects in the face transit. barrel to low US$40s per barrel range, according improving people’s lives, while criticising serious shortages for many North Koreans North Korea plans to invest in tidal and to data firm Rystad Energy. This year’s higher officials for mistakes that needed to be fixed. shows how the government has “internalised nuclear electricity plants as well as “zero- prices could push the shale group’s cash from He proposed becoming less dependent on its own propaganda”, said Leif-Eric Easley, a carbon buildings and zero-energy buildings operations up by 32%, Rystad said. imports, growing nearly every industry, and professor at Ewha University in Seoul. in keeping with the world trends of Another factor that will benefit producers is reforming the way officials work. “The country’s economic and social architectural development”, while the low oilfield service costs. Excess capacity at the However, the new plan is unlikely to turn conditions are worse than many outsiders country’s mobile communication networks companies that provide fracking sand and around the growing decay of the North appreciate,” he said. “Kim tells his people should become “next-generation” as soon as services cut fees and have not been able to raise Korean economy, making it difficult for Kim about domestic shortfalls and promises possible. them. to deliver on his lofty promises and improvements but is unlikely to adjust At least 50,000 apartments are to be built in “Margins are terrible,” said Chris Wright, potentially cutting the resources available for policies to receive aid and assistance.” the capital of Pyongyang, and 25,000 more chief executive of Liberty Oilfield Services, the treasured military projects, said Chad The plan – which includes proposals for dwellings in the Komdok area, which is home second-biggest fracking company in North O’Carroll, CEO of Korea Risk Group, which more advanced nuclear weapons – appears to to major mining operations. America. monitors North Korea. be doubling down on North Korea’s Kim called for the capacity to produce 8 “They’re slightly better now then they were “(There is) no apparent interest in reform, “Byungjin”, or parallel development policy, million tons of cement to support the large six months ago, but they’re still terrible.” – sanctions relief, or an opening of the said Kang Dong-wan, professor of Political building projects. – Reuters Reuters theSUN ON MONDAY | JANUARY 11, 2021 15 ENTERTAINMENT

CELEB SPEAK the industry only focuses on a couple █ BY AZIZUL RAHMAN ISMAIL of genres. Marketable ones that see a lot of airplay and promotion. E has been in the music However, there are a lot of industry for over 17 years. Man of talented musicians and In 2004, Bob Yusuf became composers out there who lack a household name after exposure. Hcompeting in the second season of “My hope is our Akademi Fantasia when the music industry [will be] more reality show opened its doors to open to diversity, and put participants from East Malaysia. many talents more effort into Today, the singer is also active highlighting different behind the scenes as a producer and types of music. Expose the a mentor. public to more than just Born in Limbang, Sarawak as oBob Yusof talks about his role behind foreign music, and Yusrizan Usop, the 39-year-old champion local considers singing to be his main the scenes of the music industry musicians with music profession, but looks at the diversity that is uniquely of the roles he has been offered as one Malaysian,” concluded of the many blessings that has gotten governmental bodies. He was also take the credit. He will never admit Bob. him through tough times. invited to mentor talents on reality that he is the main reason for the And making this possible “I’ve been working behind the shows, and recording companies success of someone who trained is in the capability of various scenes, I have been producing vocals have also sent their new talents for under him. media outlets, whether visual and music for new singers,” shared Bob to train. “To me, no matter what I share or audio, new or old, Bob. “A lot of recording companies and what I do, it is up to them to learn scheduled or streaming. “The whole music industry is very chose me to produce vocals and train from it and do what they will with it,” affected by the restrictions. After their new talents. They also gave me admitted Bob. almost a year of the pandemic, we the opportunity to produce their Of course, new talents often ask [still] cannot do shows. Singers singles. Bob for career advice. depend on shows and events. Actors “I look at it as an opportunity to “For me, it’s simple. People could were affected as well. learn. I don’t look at it as a student- see that I have done the work and I “But when the government lifted and-teacher relationship. It is more have experience in singing. However, the restrictions for the arts to like an environment where we share when it comes to a career as an continue, TV channels gave more our knowledge. artiste, to me it is subjective. I always space for singers to work. They “I find it awkward calling it a say that you have to experience it for produced and sponsored shows that student-and-teacher kind of thing, yourself. gave opportunities for musicians to and it is especially awkward when I’m “Everyone has different work during the CMCO”. working with singers my age or experiences, and got to where Bob also noticed that several veteran singers who come to me to they are in the industry in artistes have become entrepreneurs retrain their vocal skills. I mean, I different ways. Even with my and started their own business. grew up listening to their music. 17 years of experience I still “It is up to the artiste to adapt to “So, it’s not like I opened a singing consider it just ‘a drop in the the current situation. There are school. It’s all based on referrals. I ocean’. artistes who depend on their singing help where I can, and at the same “I am not a big, popular abilities alone. And there are those time, I learn and improve myself. I name with many awards. who diversify. For me, it is their see it as a part of my professional But I always tell them to choice. journey.” never be afraid to face “I find that working behind the He finds fulfilment in teaching. challenges and to do scenes has been an invaluable There is no feeling like helping an what they believe in.” experience. I learned how to experienced singer – whom he may As someone who is produce, worked in a studio, and have grown up listening to – to find experienced in the accumulated knowledge that would their voice again, and at times many aspects of the help me a lot in my career,” recounted surpass it. local music industry, he Bob. And there is also satisfaction in feels that it has to be He gushed about how teaching seeing a new vocalist bloom into an filled with a variety of new talents had also taught him a lot. admirable talent and achieve music. Bob is a much sought-after singing coach for both veteran It began with him teaching choir success. However, he artistes and new talents. - COURTESY OF BOB YUSOF groups for corporate and But Bob, being humble, will not understands that currently, Kimmel, Corden take shows back home Dr. Dre ‘doing great’ JAMES CORDEN and Jimmy Kimmel are taking their late night talk shows back home after hospitalisation due to a surge in coronavirus cases in the Los VETERAN rapper and record producer Dr. Dre Angeles area that has brought calls for said last week he was admitted to hospital and production on all films and TV shows to be was getting care from his medical team after halted indefinitely. media reports claimed that he suffered a brain Corden tweeted last week that he was aneurysm and was in intensive care. headed back to his garage to film The Late TMZ reported earlier that Dre suffered the Late Show and would remain there “until it’s aneurysm on Jan 4, and was rushed by safe to return to our studio.” ambulance to the Cedars-Sinai Medical Center Kimmel has also decided to film Jimmy in Los Angeles. Kimmel Live! remotely from home, ABC “Thanks to my family, friends and fans for television said. their interest and well wishes. I’m doing great The decisions follow appeals by the actors and getting excellent care from my medical union SAG-AFTRA and Hollywood producers team”, Dre said in a post on Instagram. for production to be suspended “I will be out of hospital and back home on all TV and film sets until soon. Shout out to all the great medical more hospital beds professionals at Cedars”, he added. become available to treat TMZ said the 55- Covid-19 patients as well year-old music as those with other mogul was stable illnesses. and lucid, but “Patients are dying in doctors did not ambulances waiting for know what treatment because caused the hospital emergency James bleeding and they rooms are overwhelmed. Corden. were doing some This is not a safe tests. – Reuters environment for in-person production right now,” Angeles County is currently a stringent testing and safety protocols were Gabrielle Carteris, the major hot spot in the agreed in June that enabled Hollywood to get president of SAG- coronavirus crisis with back to work. Dr. Dre. AFTRA, said in a joint one person dying But despite the precautions, several sets, statement issued every 10 minutes, including for the shows Young Sheldon and recently. according to local Lucifer, have reported Covid infections Despite a health officials. among their cast or crew, according to public s t r i n g e n t Film and TV health data. shutdown that production was Sunday’s appeal was for a more extensive includes gyms, Jimmy classified as an hiatus and encouraged performers, hair salons and Kimmel. e s s e n t i a l producers and crew members to stay at restaurants, Los industry after home for “the next several weeks”. – Reuters 16 theSUN ON MONDAY | JANUARY 11, 2021 ENTERTAINMENT

For its 2021 edition, the Grammy awards Goteborg Film Festival is inviting postponed until one lucky movie fan to watch the 60 films in its March over line-up alone in an isolated Covid-19 lighthouse. THE Grammy music awards slated for Jan 31 in Los Angeles have been postponed over Covid-19, which has been rapidly spreading in California. The Recording Academy released a statement saying it rescheduled the show to March 14, a week earlier than the date briefly listed on its website. “The deteriorating Covid situation in Los Angeles, with hospital services being overwhelmed, ICUs having reached capacity, and new guidance from state and local governments have all led us to conclude that postponing our show was the right thing to do,“ organisers said. “Nothing is more important than the health Noah winner – who won’t have to spend a cent – the and safety of was set to host the festival will provide all the necessary provisions those in our music 2021 show. for their entire stay on the island. community and Applications are now open to adventurous the hundreds of An experience candidates who fancy trying out this unique people who work experience. Hopefuls are invited to email the tirelessly on producing the show.” Swedish festival before Jan 17, describing The delay comes less than a month themselves and explaining why they want to before it was set to take place in the experience this week of solitude. The shadow of the pandemic, which has of a lifetime organisers will then carry out individual dealt devastating blows to the music interviews from Jan 12 to 19, after selecting a industry. handful of provisional candidates. The winner The organisation had said the show will be contacted on Jan 19 at the latest, the set for late January would be mostly oThis film festival is sending one fan to watch movies alone festival states. “They have to be a film virtual, but had not released specific enthusiast; they have to agree to record a daily plans. in an isolated North Sea lighthouse video blog about the experiment; and they Beyonce, Dua Lipa, Taylor Swift and have to be emotionally and psychologically rapper Roddy Ricch are the top suited to spend a week in this kind of nominees at the normally star-studded O mark its 2021 edition, Sweden’s No phone, no laptop isolation,” Jonas Holmberg told The gala. Comedian Trevor Noah was set to Goteborg Film Festival is offering an The organisers will set up a screening room in Hollywood Reporter. Candidates need to be host the 2021 show, and it wasn’t exceptional experience to one lucky the Pater Noster lighthouse: “You have available in the week before the event begins immediately clear if that was still the film fan. That person will be able to everything you need – great food, great drink, a to organise their trip. They should also be plan. Twatch up to 60 movies in total isolation in a nice bed – this isn’t about survival. But you aware that the departure and arrival dates to The nominations were rolled out late lighthouse on the island of Hamneskar in the can’t bring anything with you: no phone, no and from the island may be subject to change last year by stars across the globe North Sea. Hopefuls can already sign up for computer, not even a book,” the festival’s artistic depending on the weather. speaking via video chat. – AFP- their chance to win. director, Jonas Holmberg, told The Hollywood With this experience, and in light of the Relaxnews If you like watching movies alone, then this Reporter. For safety reasons, the individual Covid-19 pandemic, the Swedish film festival experience is a dream come true. To promote selected will not be left totally alone on the hopes to study the impact of this isolation on its 2021 edition, the Goteborg Film Festival has island, since a festival representative will also individuals and the role of movies in the post- set up a competition that’s so very 2020 in terms be present throughout the experience. The pandemic world. Similarly, the festival which French theatre of its socially distanced flavour. The Swedish lucky winner will have access to a computer is being held online from Jan 29 to Feb 8 – film festival is offering one movie fan the and an iPad to record a video journal reflects this in its line-up, focusing on legend dies at 93 chance to spend seven days alone – or almost documenting their experience, the festival productions with themes of social distancing alone – on the island of Hamneskar, in the Pater states. While the winner will be able to watch and which examine the pandemic’s impact on FRENCH actor and director Robert Noster lighthouse, in the middle of the North movies in a special screening room in the the world. The festival also plans to host Hossein, famous for his mega- Sea, to watch the festival’s full line-up – a total of lighthouse, they will find everything they need individual, one-person screenings in the productions of classics such as Les 60 films. The experience will run from Jan 30 to for sleeping, eating and showering in a separate Draken movie theatre and Scandinavium arena Miserables and The Hunchback of Notre- Feb 6, 2021. building on the island. In liaison with the in Goteborg. – AFP-Relaxnews Dame, died Thursday at the age of 93, his wife Candice Patou told AFP. Hossein died in hospital after suffering a “respiratory problem”, Patou More women helmed films in said. Born in Dec 30, 1927 Hollywood in 2020 to an Iranian Zoroastrian SLOWLY but surely, female directors are gaining executive producers), editors news is that we’ve now seen two composer father ground in Hollywood. In 2020, the number of and directors of photography consecutive years of growth for women and a Russian films directed by women was slightly up. They of the 100 most-watched who direct,” Martha M. Lauzen said in Orthodox mother directed 16% of the top 100 Hollywood films, films in the USA in 2020, up a statement. The author of the study Hossein began according to a comprehensive study of women’s by two points compared to added that “this breaks a recent acting in his teens. employment conducted by the San Diego State the previous year. The historical pattern in which the He made his University. details show that women numbers trend up one year and name in the 1960s The number of women directing Hollywood represented 28% of down the next. The bad news is as the smouldering blockbusters has grown for two consecutive producing jobs but only that fully 80% of top films still count of Peyrac in years, but remains low. In comparison, 12% of 12% of writing do not have a woman at the the Angelique Hossein the top 100 Hollywood films were directed by positions. The helm.” – AFP-Relaxnews series of baroque is seen in this file women in 2019 while just 4% were in 2018. study also romances. But he photo taken on This uptick results from recent blockbuster shows that Patty Jenkins is one of was also regularly Feb 1, 1971, in Paris. productions such as Wonder Woman 1984, Birds films directed the few female cast by arthouse of Prey and the critically acclaimed Nomadland, by women directors directors, all directed by women. Eternals by Chloe Zhao tend to count behind one of including Roger and Black Widow by Cate Shortland were not more female the top 100 Vadim, who picked him to play the included in The Celluloid Ceiling study, since s e n i o r suicidal love interest of Brigitte Bardot in their release was postponed because of the contributors in Hollywood Love on a Pillow in 1962. pandemic. their ranks, films in 2020. In later years he threw his energy into Hollywood is also seeing more women taking notably as huge stage productions aimed at luring on key behind-the-scenes roles beyond the writers, editors the general public into theatres. – AFP- director chair. Women made up 21% of all or composers. Relaxnews directors, screenwriters, producers (and “The good theSUN ON MONDAY | JANUARY 11, 2021 17 ZEST New year, new hope o2021 brings optimism in most countries worldwide

T feels like everyone was eagerly year for themselves and their family, awaiting this new year which, for while 90% said it had been a bad year some, was a long time coming – for their country. People in Turkey but will 2021 really be any better (89%), India (81%), Italy (80%) and Ithan 2020? So think many people in South Africa (80%) were particularly countries all around the world, who numerous in considering 2020 a bad have high hopes for 2021. In fact, the year for themselves and their family, majority are optimistic that this year while those in France (95%), will be more positive than 2020 ... so Argentina (95%) and, once again, long as the effects of the global South Africa (95%), were particularly pandemic subside. pessimistic about the year’s impact More than three quarters of on their country. people around the world (77%) are optimistic that 2021 will be a better Getting back to normal? year than 2020. This feeling is shared According to the Ipsos data, more by people in China (94%), Peru (92%) than four in 10 people worldwide and Mexico (91%), but much less so (41%) think that life will get back to in Germany (63%), France (53%) and normal in their country after the Japan (44%), where people seem less effects of the Covid-19 pandemic. confident, according to the latest Here too, it’s in China where people edition of the Ipsos Global Advisor are the most optimistic (90%), ahead Predictions report. of Saudi Arabia (75%) and India While that may seem like a logical (63%). At the other end of the scale, in observation after the difficult year Great Britain (11%), Belgium (11%) About 77% of people worldwide are optimistic that 2021 will be a better year than 2020. we’ve had, this feeling is actually and France (16%), few people think more or less the same as last year. At that life will get back to normal after much less worried. better year ahead, people around the The sample is composed of around the time, 75% of people worldwide the pandemic. But the pandemic isn’t the only world haven’t stopped making 1,000 people in Australia, Belgium, thought that 2020 would be a better This pessimism could be subject weighing on people as we resolutions, with 75% of respondents Brazil, Canada, China, France, year than the previous one, although explained by the fear of experiencing head into the new year. Following the worldwide stating that they will make Germany, Great Britain, Italy, Japan, not in all regions. In France, for a new global pandemic – a concern lockdowns and social distancing of some personal resolutions to do Spain, New Zealand and the USA, example, only 50% of respondents for 47% of people worldwide. Those 2020, almost a third of people specific things for themselves or and of 500 individuals in Argentina, shared the feeling. in certain countries seem particularly worldwide (31%) think that they will others in 2021. Chile, South Africa, Hong Kong, However, there’s no denying that troubled by the idea, such as Malaysia feel lonely a lot of the time. This is a The Global Advisor Predictions Hungary, India, Israel, Malaysia, 2020 was particularly trying for (70%), South Korea (69%) and Russia particular concern in Turkey (53%), are based on online interviews, Mexico, the Netherlands, Peru, people in all the world’s countries. (65%). On the other hand, people in Malaysia (50%) and China (45%), but carried out between Oct 23 and Nov Poland, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Seven in 10 people polled worldwide France (43%), Great Britain (33%), less so in France (26%). 6, 2020, by Ipsos among 23,007 Singapore, Sweden, Turkey and thought that 2020 had been a bad Italy (33%) and Australia (32%) seem Whether or not they think there’s a people age 16 to 74 in 31 countries. South Korea. – AFP-Relaxnews Children more likely to catch Covid-19 at family gatherings RESEARCH from the US suggests schools and childcare programmes to positive for SARS-CoV-2 were more that parents can breathe a sigh of prevent the spread of Covid-19 seem likely to have attended family relief, as school may not be the most to be paying off, since schools were gatherings or had visitors to their likely source of Covid-19 infection not found to be the principal source homes, and their parents were less among children and teenagers – on of infection. That news could prove likely to wear masks. Similarly, the contrary. According to the study, reassuring for many parents, children attending school who tested children have a greater risk of being especially since children have been positive generally reported that other infected by a family member than by back in school for several months in children or staff members were not their classmates at school. certain countries, while others are taking safety measures like mask Led by researchers at the preparing to reopen progressively. wearing. University of Mississippi Medical Several reasons could explain this. Finally, children who tested Center, in collaboration with the Children could be more likely to positive were more likely to have Centers for Disease Control and catch the virus from family members attended gatherings such as Prevention (CDC), the study is based who might not be as strict with safety weddings, parties, playdates or on interviews with around 400 precautions unlike at school. funerals. While the study is not parents and on a list of children However, it could also be linked to without limitations, such as the under the age of 18 who were tested lower rates of infection in children, sample size and limited geographical for Covid-19 between September and making for a lower risk of infection in zone – it shows how safety measures, November 2020. school settings. when they are applied, remain First, the study shows that the In detail, the study reveals that essential in limiting the spread of the continuous efforts carried out in children and teenagers who tested virus. – AFP-Relaxnews 18 theSUN ON MONDAY | JANUARY 11, 2021 FEATURE From hobby to business hand at breeding fighting fish after I oFighting spirit is key read an article about it and found out more about it on blogs. That was how to wheelchair-bound my company Steady Betta was established,” he said. Mohd Faizal’s roaring Mohd Faizal, who is the youngest among 12 siblings and studied only success up to Standard Six, said he has never regarded his disability as an impediment to his personal █ BY SUHAINIE MOHD KHALID development. Armed with a capital of just OHD FAIZAL KHAMIS RM200, he bought a pair of fighting may be wheelchair- fish of a local species and has never bound but he has never looked back since then. Two years allowed his physical ago, the Department of Fisheries Mdisability to stand in the way of Malaysia assisted him to purchase attaining success as an entrepreneur. RM20,000 worth of equipment for his He breeds betta fish, more business. commonly known as fighting fish, for Today, he breeds about 1,000 sale and runs his thriving business mature fighting fish and fish fry from his home at Kampung Batu 7 in belonging to the Crown Tail, Half Simpang Renggam, Johor. Moon, Giant and Dumbo species in According to Mohd Faizal, 38, who his mini-farm, located in the garden became paralysed from the waist of his house. Here, he also breeds downwards after he was struck by a water fleas in tanks laced with green nerve disorder at the age of 11, the algae. Known as moina, demand for fighting fish surged the fleas serve as during the movement control order food for the (MCO) period to the extent that he fighting fell short of supplies. fish. “As far as I can remember, rearing fighting fish as a hobby peaked in 2016. During the MCO, there was an overwhelming demand for the ornamental fish probably because people had more time to tend to the fish,” he said, adding that since then he has been busy serving hordes of customers, some of whom are willing to spend up to 10 hours at his farm to ensure they choose the best ones. Faizal learned how to breed fighting fish from online resources. Fighting fish are small- sized freshwater fish that are Mohd Faizal places his grew in popularity after many of his native to Southeast Asia and mature fighting fish in suitable friends promoted him on Facebook. known for their dramatic containers such as glass jars or In fact, the social media sharings also and vibrantly colourful plastic bottles that are garnered the attention of MP for flowing fins, as well as their arranged on racks. The fish fry Simpang Renggam Dr Maszlee Malik combatant nature. is left to grow in basins and who donated cement to make the pails. flooring for the area where Mohd Generating an income Stressing that it is important Faizal keeps the racks to hold the fish Pointing out that fighting fish for fish breeders like him to jars. rearing can be turned into a update their knowledge lucrative enterprise, Mohd constantly in order to enhance Challenges Faizal said he took it up as a their output, he said he uses Just like many other entrepreneurs hobby in 2007 and decided to ketapang (also known as Indian out there, Mohd Faizal has had his commercialise it in 2013 after he almond) leaves to lower the acidic fair share of challenges to contend learned how to breed the fish from level of the water in the jars housing with. Disease outbreaks are online resources. the betta fish. sometimes unavoidable and there “In 2013 when I was looking for “The leaves also make the fish feel was an occasion when he had to something to do to generate an A fighting fish belonging to the less stressed,” he said, adding that he throw away hundreds of his betta fish income, I thought of rearing guppy Koi Galaxy species is known for usually collects the leaves with the after they contracted velvet, an fish at first. But I decided to try my its colourful and flowing fins. help of some of his friends at Pantai ailment caused by parasites in the Punggur in Rengit near Batu Pahat. water. Recently, he also started to feed And, there was also an occasion his fish wolffia, an aquatic plant that is when thieves broke into his house high in protein. compound one night and carted Mohd Faizal, whose mini-farm is away jars containing about 20 fighting monitored by the Department of fish and water fleas. Fisheries’ Kluang district office, has “Fortunately, the fish that were many acquaintances in Malaysia as stolen were not the high-grade well as in Thailand, Brunei and varieties. Ever since that incident, I Vietnam who share information have been sleeping lightly at night,” pertaining to the breeding of fighting said Mohd Faizal, whose mother Mon fish. Omar, 78, and sister Rosie, 44, assists him in running his mini-farm. Crown tail Mohd Faizal, whose fighting fish Mohd Faizal’s fighting fish can fetch a has won top prizes at various price of as low as RM10 each to up to competitions at the district and state RM2,000 for a pair, with the price levels, urged people with disabilities range varying in accordance with to strive to be independent and to their special features. keep learning in order to be The Crown Tail species is a firm successful. favourite, particularly among his “Look at me, eight years ago, I customers who wish to enter fighting didn’t know anything but now I’ve fish competitions. become a fighting fish breeder … Mohd Faizal, who shares tips on from zero to hero,” added this caring for the ornamental fish in his hardworking entrepreneur, who also Facebook account ‘Atok Steady’, has has a television and radio repair customers who come from as far as certificate from the Industrial Selangor and Kelantan. Training and Rehabilitation Centre in Fish fry belonging to the Half Moon species. He said his fighting fish enterprise Bangi, Selangor. – Bernama theSUN ON MONDAY | JANUARY 11, 2021 19 FEATURE

UPM professor Mohamed Thariq holds pineapple leaves and a drone partially made with pineapple stems, in Jenjarom.

The Three Kings wave as they celebrate the eve of the Epiphany flying over the city in a hot air balloon. No parade for the Three Wise Men in Seville

THE Three Wise Men flew over Seville in a hot air balloon last Tuesday, after traditional street parades on the eve of the Epiphany were cancelled throughout Spain to avoid drawing big crowds amid the coronavirus pandemic. Melchior, Caspar and Balthazar are widely celebrated in Spain on Epiphany (every Jan 6), when they are said to have visited the infant Christ with gold, frankincense and myrrh. On that day children get presents their parents tell them have been brought by the Three Wise Men, and not Santa Claus – even if the latter has also become increasingly popular in Spain. Balthazar was impersonated by a white man with black face paint, as is often the case in Epiphany celebrations in some Spanish cities. Increasing farmers’ income The practice has not drawn the same degree of controversy and condemnation as the “Black Pete” ALAYSIAN researchers agricultural purposes and aerial Christmas character in the have developed a oMalaysian team turns pineapple waste inspections. Netherlands – a fictional character recolutionary method “Our role here is to help the usually portrayed by white people to transform fibres that into disposable drone parts industry, the farmers, to increase wearing black face paint and which is Mare found in otherwise discarded their yield and make their jobs gradually disappearing. pineapple leaves into a strong much easier,” said William Robert After flying over Seville and material that can be used to build Alvisse of the Malaysian waving at children watching from the frames for unmanned aircraft, Unmanned Drones Activist their homes, the Wise Men said they or drones. Society, a non-governmental group hoped they would be back with a The project, headed by helping to design the drone and proper parade next year. Professor Mohamed Thariq advising on the project. “It has been an amazing flight. We Hameed Sultan at Malaysia’s Putra Before the project launched come with huge enthusiasm to University, has been trying to find in 2017, pineapple stems deliver all the presents,” sustainable uses for pineapple were discarded after the Caspar told Reuters. waste generated by farmers in Hulu once-in-a-year harvest The three urged all Langat, an area about 65 km from period, but farmers people to follow Kuala Lumpur. hope the drones h e a l t h “We are transforming the leaf of project will recommendations. the pineapple into a fibre that can encourage more “You must follow be used for aerospace application, innovation to find the rules because basically inventing a drone,” he told uses for the waste and soon enough we will Reuters at a workshop. A drone flies at the pineapple plantation. boost incomes. be able to take off our Mohamed Thariq said drones “With the health masks and be able to made out of the bio-composite If the drone was damaged, the metres and stay in the air for about issue, the economy give each other kisses material had a higher strength-to- frame could be buried in the 20 minutes, he added. problem due to Covid-19, and hugs and spread love weight ratio than those made from ground and would degrade within Ultimately, the research team the society is desperate and all over Seville. Be prepared, synthetic fibres, and were also two weeks, he said. hopes to create a larger drone to there is no alternative to increase 2021 is the year to end the cheaper, lighter and easier to The prototype drones have been accommodate bigger payloads, income,” said pineapple farmer pandemic and enjoy life,” Melchior dispose of. able to fly to a height of about 1,000 including imagery sensors, for Irwan Ismail. – Reuters said. – Reuters Polish climber aims to defy critics with K2 bid SCALING the world’s second- mountaineers attempting this winter slopes, and a high fatality rate among highest peak, K2, in winter is one of to scale K2, which at 8,611 metres climbers. Eighty six climbers are the last great feats in (28,251 feet) is second only to Mount reported to have died on its slopes. mountaineering – and despite what Everest. Two years ago a Polish team some see as a lack of experience, 28- Gorzkowska, who is being abandoned their attempt to reach year-old Pole Magdalena accompanied by sherpas, said she the summit in winter due to heavy Gorzkowska wants to be the first to had returned to her base camp, at an snow. do it. altitude of 5,000 metres, after an The scale of the challenge has If Gorzkowska, a medal-winning acclimatisation trip that saw her made some in the male-dominated runner who also became the spend a night at a camp at 6,550 world of Polish mountaineering youngest Polish woman ever to metres. regard her bid with scepticism. climb Mount Everest, makes it to the “The conditions were very “Just wait for the desire to attack summit, she will have made history difficult. The mountain gives you a K2 in winter to be announced by top and silenced those who see her hard time, it is very demanding. You Polish Youtubers, Instagrammers or attempt as a social media stunt with have to climb hard all the time, the other influencers,” Polish no chance of success. wind is very strong. It is at least mountaineer Marcin Miotk said, on “Everyone can have their minus 30 degrees non-stop,” she hearing the news of her attempt. opinion, and some believe that it said. Gorzkowska is unfazed by such takes many years to be able to face comments. such challenges. I just do what I feel I 0 Notorious peak “I dreamt of K2 in winter and can do,” Gorzkowska told Reuters by K2, in the Karakorum mountains that’s why I’m here. Maybe they (her telephone from her base camp. along the border between China and critics) don’t have dreams like that, Gorzkowska attempts to climb the K2 mountain in winter, along the border “Why should I limit myself?” Pakistan, is notorious for its high maybe they aren’t so determined,” between China and Pakistan. Gorzkowska is one of several winds, especially steep and icy she said. – Reuters 20 theSUN ON MONDAY | JANUARY 11, 2021 FEATURE

█ BY S. INDRA SATHIABALAN Ponggal life,” explained Mohan. “We could celebrated at take it to free ourselves from clutter, ARIOUS communities in the Kuil and keep our environment clean, at the Indian subcontinent Viswanathar home and in our neighbourhood. look forward to Makar Visalachi, Jalan “The main reason the Hindus Sankranti as it marks a new Bayan Baru in have festivals and celebrations every beginning.V month is to help people free their Penang in Many Indian communities 2020. – mind from unwanted worries and honour this time of the year with their BERNAMA anxieties, and to engage in prayers, own celebrations (Lohri in Punjab, fasts, vigils and festivities with music and Ponggal in Tamil Nadu). and hymns to uplift the spirits. Such a While it is generally celebrated by festival, when celebrated with people of all religions in India to mark understanding, in moderation, will the winter solstice, it is also an surely bring joy and peace. occasion to offer prayers to the Hindu “To me, personally, the Ponggal sun god Surya to pray for a bountiful signifies the coming of new hope, joy, harvest. and peace. Ponggal is not a public Hindu temples often do special Mohan says holiday in Malaysia. Yet, those who prayers for the occasion. That is why Ponggal is to celebrate it take the day off to spend it many associate it with Hindusim in thank Surya with family. Unlike other festivals, Malaysia, despite it being a cultural Deva, the Sun Ponggal is usually celebrated with celebration. God. – more vegetarian meals.” In Malaysia, the Tamil community BERNAMA As he points out, the days tend to be more noticeable with their after Ponggal – Maatu Thai Ponggal celebration in Ponggal and Kaanum comparison to other Indian Ponggal – are not communities. celebrated as much here. The most common tradition Mohan’s advice to all associated with Ponggal is watching a who will be celebrating rice and milk concoction being the Makara Sankrati and cooked in a small claypot at sunrise, Ponggal festival in 2021 is and when the mixture bubbles over, A new beginning to stay safe. “Keep it those around it will utter “Ponggala small within the ponggal” to usher in not only a new oPonggal is all about celebrating new family. Avoid beginning, but also a bountiful p u b l i c harvest. beginnings, but it should be done safely this year celebrations However with the ongoing as in past pandemic, it is best to do this in the years.” comfort of your own home. Sun God. Though urbanites do not and offer an oblation to the sun as Ponggal is usually held over four engage in agriculture, their life still part of their daily prayers. days, but most urbanites observe depends on the food. So, thanking “Ponggal is a good reminder to us Thai Ponggal which will fall on Jan 14 God for giving us good food is very that our life depends on the energy this year. much necessary. we receive from the sun.” So what is the significance of this “The sun is also a symbol of There is also a celebration the day festival to urbanites? prosperity and abundance. before Ponggal, which is referred to According to Datuk R.S. Mohan Worshipping the Sun God for victory as Boghi Pandigai. Shan, the president of Malaysian [and] success also can be performed “The Boghi Festival is celebrated Hindu Sangam: “Ponggal is on this occasion. Many Hindus till to remove the negative, the essentially to thank Surya Deva, the today perform daily Surya namaskar, unwanted from our home and Rare white tiger born at Nicaragua zoo Indonesian baby sea turtles make a A RARE white tiger, named Nieve break for freedom (“snow” in Spanish) was born at Nieve cries if her the Nicaragua zoo, and is being milk bottle is late, NEWLY hatched, dozens of baby raised by humans after its mother or cold, her turtles flipped and flopped their way rejected it, the director of the zoo keeper says. down a beach towards the crashing told AFP. waves of the Indian Ocean, under the Nieve came into the world a watchful gaze of conservationists at week ago, weighing just under a an Indonesian national park. kilogramme at birth, said director Small enough to fit into the palm Eduardo Sacasa. of a hand, some ended up on their Conservation group WWF backs, wriggling their tiny flippers describes white tigers as “a helplessly as they tried to get back on genetic anomaly”, with none track. known to exist in the wild. There But the conservationists did not are several dozen in captivity. interfere, as they wanted the White tigers are Bengal tigers creatures to “map” their surroundings whose parents carry a recessive and then return to lay eggs decades gene, according to The Wildcat later. Sanctuary in Minnesota which “Sea turtles mature at 25 years old, helps and studies felines. They are so if they’re released today, we’ll not albinos or a separate species. probably meet them again 25 years Some parks and zoos inbreed from now,“ said Ardhini Estu Wardana, white tigers, as a forest ranger at Meru Betiri National white cubs draw Park on the eastern edge of Java. protected under Indonesian law. more visitors, yellow-and-black-coloured Its beaches are nesting grounds Their eggs are considered a though this is often Bengals. for several species of turtle. delicacy and they are also at the cost of The cub’s mother, rescued after The night before, a giant female – slaughtered for their meat, skin and malformations she was abandoned by a circus, over a metre long – laid more than shells. and other genetic had inherited the rare gene from 160 eggs on the shore, sweeping Six of the world’s seven turtle problems, states her grandfather, who was white. mounds of sand over them to protect species can be found in Indonesia, an the sanctuary Nieve was taken away from her them from predators. archipelago of more than 17,000 website. mother, who rejected her, and is Turtles, under threat from islands and home to a dizzying array The Nicaragua zoo being bottle-fed by Sacasa’s wife, poaching and habitat destruction, are of exotic wildlife. – AFP-Relaxnews said Nieve was the first- Marina Arguello, who helps ever white tiger born in manage the zoo of some the country, to a pair of 700 animals and a rescue centre. Arguello whispers sweet nothings into the tiny cub’s ear while it The shores of suckles, and pats it lighty Mera Batiri on the back afterwards. “She has not lost her National Park appetite; every three in Indonesia hours she gets the bottle. are nesting If not, she screams ... also grounds for if the milk gets too cold,” several said Arguello. – AFP- species of Relaxnews turtles. theSUN ON MONDAY | JANUARY 11, 2021 21 * SPORTS India battle to save Money matters 190 Shops to Let Mercedes chief ‘baffled’ by Hamilton’s salary demands GREAT Sydney Test EWIS HAMILTON wanting the The Chairman of Daimler’s Board of Mercedes car. RETAIL SPACE INDIA were battling to avoid same salary as last year has Directors “cannot understand” why the “He is normally qualifying P15/P16 at FOR SALE! defeat against Australia after baffled Mercedes chief Ola 36-year-old is hoping for the same Williams and then suddenly he is Address: losing two wickets before the Kallenius, it has been claimed. contract he had last year. qualifying second to Valtteri Bottas and Kota Raya Complex close of play yesterday in a third LThe Briton won the F1 Drivers’ Mercedes are having to cut costs closer to what Lewis managed at the Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock 50000 Kuala Lumpur Test marred by allegations of Championship for a seventh time in across all levels as a result of the previous race when he was in the car. racist abuse from the Sydney 2020, drawing level with Michael coronavirus crisis, and Hamilton staying “Then in the race, George gets past Area: crowd. Schumacher in the process. on would be a significant expense. him and pulls away and was nine 5th Floor – 26,102 sf 4th Floor – 22,390 sf The hosts declared their But his long-term future in the sport It’s claimed that Jim Ratcliffe, chief seconds ahead at one point. So it’s very Other Floors – second innings at tea on day four is up in the air, with the Silver Arrows executive officer of Ineos, wants the difficult to judge the best driver because From 205 sf to 2,982 sf at 312 for six, leaving India being linked with Williams’ George Silver Arrows to do everything in order to it is a full package thing. For viewing appointment, needing a mammoth 407 to win Russell. keep Hamilton with the team. “It’s car, it’s driver, it’s strategist, it’s please call and they reached 98-2 at stumps, Hamilton and Mercedes head Toto But, as things stand, no new contract making sure every mechanic is doing Ms. Chloe : 03-2072 2562 still needing a further 309 runs Wolff have both admitted they’re eager appears forthcoming. their job correctly, it’s pit stops, it’s a full with the four-match series locked to strike an agreement over a new Meanwhile, former F1 star Jenson team effort and that’s why I love Formula at 1-1. contract. Button believes Hamilton is “definitely in 1. 322 Notices No team has ever bettered 288 The Brit wants a salary of around £40 the mix” when it comes to being “But when you try and compare every to clinch victory in the fourth million (RM212m) a year to stay with the regarded as the greatest driver of all time. driver and try and say is it more the car or IN THE HIGH COURT OF MALAYA AT innings at the Sydney Cricket Silver Arrows, who he’s been with ever “He’s definitely in the mix (for best driver, they are all pointless things KUALA LUMPUR (COMMERCIAL DIVISION) Ground, with Australia achieving since joining from McClaren in 2013. ever),” Button told PlanetF1. because you can never answer that. COMPANIES (WINDING-UP) that mark against South Africa in However, GPblog.com claim that “Formula 1 is a very unusual sport. It “But Lewis is definitely one of the best NO.: WA-28NCC-680-12/2020 2006. Hamilton’s salary demands have baffled is a team sport and that was proven drivers that has ever driven in Formula In the matter of Sections 465(1)(e) and 465(1)(h) of the Companies Act 2016; India’s record run chase started Mercedes chief Kallenius. when George Russell jumped in the 1.” – Express Newspapers

And steadily before losing openers In the matter of Companies (Winding Up) Shubman Gill for 31 and Rohit Rules 1972; Sharma for 52, leaving their hopes And resting on Cheteshwar Pujara, Palmer, English share lead at Hawaii In the matter of Galaxy Group Sdn Bhd who was nine not out, and [Company No. 199201015873 (247377- W)] captain Ajinkya Rahane, unbeaten RYAN PALMER birdied six of Tournament of Champions. Morikawa, last year’s BETWEEN on four. the last seven holes to share Palmer fired a bogey-free 9- PGA Championship

FINTEC GLOBAL LIMITED Sharma and Gill lived the lead with fellow American under 64 to match English, winner, was third on (COMPANY NO. 1946247) dangerously against some early Harris English who shot a bogey-free 66, on 199 with fellow … PETITIONER torrid bowling by Josh Hazlewood after the third 21-under 198 after 54 holes American Daniel AND and Pat Cummins. round of over the par-73 Plantation Berger GALAXY GROUP SDN. BHD. But they settled in and began the US course at Kapalua, Hawaii. fourth on [COMPANY NO. 199201015873 (247377- W)] playing their shots, with the PGA “It was pretty spot on,” 201 and South … RESPONDENT graceful Sharma bringing up an Palmer said of his round. Korea’s Im Sung-jae and ADVERTISEMENT OF PETITION 11th Test 50 before being caught “I drove it pretty third-ranked Justin Thomas NOTICE is hereby given that a petition at fine leg hooking a Cummins well. My sharing fifth on 202. for the winding-up of the above-named company by the High Court was, on the short ball. Ryan Palmer putting has Palmer has not won a solo 11th day of December 2020, presented plays his shot by Fintec Global Limited (Company No. Gill, who has cemented his really come PGA event since the 2010 Sony 1946247) of Lot 13.1, Level 13, Menara place in the side after making a from the 18th around.” Open in Hawaii and English has Lien Hoe, No. 8 Persiaran Tropicana, Tropicana Golf & Country Resort, 47410 debut this series, again looked at tee during the English hasn’t made a not won a solo PGA event Petaling Jaya, Selangor Darul Ehsan. And that the said petition is directed home until he nicked a third round of bogey since the seventh hole since 2013 at Mayakoba. to be heard before the Court sitting at Kuala Lumpur, at 9 o’clock in the Hazlewood delivery to Tim Paine the Sentry of the opening round. But both qualified for the morning, on the 10th day of March, behind the stumps on 31. Tournament Of “Extremely satisfied,” English Champions event by making 2021; and any creditor or contributory of the said company desiring to support Australia’s declaration came Champions at said. “Normally Saturday is my the Tour Championship field or oppose the making of an order on the said petition may appear at the time of after Green fell on the stroke of tea the Kapalua toughest day. I feel like I played last year in a special one-year hearing by himself or his counsel for that purpose; and a copy of the petition will be for an entertaining 84, his maiden Plantation really well, stuck to my strategy, entry rule change due to the furnished to any creditor or contributory Test half-century, with captain Tim stayed patient. Covid-19 pandemic. of the said company requiring the same Course in by the undersigned on payment of the Paine unbeaten on 39. Hawaii “I’m confident about my A back-nine birdie barrage regulated charge for the same. Steve Smith made 81 and yesterday. game. I felt like I struck it really by the leaders set up today’s The Petitioner’s address is Lot 13.1, Level Marnus Labuschagne 73, with well.” shootout for the crown in the 13, Menara Lien Hoe, No. 8 Persiaran – AFPPIX Tropicana, Tropicana Golf & Country Ravi Ashwin and Navdeep Saini Seventh-ranked Collin first event of 2021. – AFP Resort, 47410 Petaling Jaya, Selangor Darul Ehsan. grabbing two wickets each. – AFP

The Petitioner’s solicitor is Messrs Chong+Kheng Hoe, A3-3-3A, Solaris umpires at the end of the third yesterday. The International Cricket absolutely no reason for me to say Dutamas, No. 1, Jalan Dutamas 1, 50480 Kuala Lumpur. 322 Notices BRIEFS day’s play on Saturday after quicks Council probe followed anything like that. It’s terrible. I’m

………………………… Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Mohammed Siraj and Jasprit extremely embarrassed. It’s not Messrs Chong+Kheng Hoe IN THE MATTER OF THE In pain Down Under Siraj complained of hearing racist Bumrah apparently being targeted who I am, it’s not the kind of Solicitors for the Petitioner COMPANIES ACT, 2016 slurs while fielding near the on Saturday and in a second person that I am or anything that I NOTE: AND IN THE MATTER OF INDIA’S Ravindra Jadeja has boundary rope. In a statement, CA incident yesterday, play was halted do. Unfortunately, I did it and I Any person who intends to appear on the FOCAL ACE SDN. BHD. dislocated his left thumb, the team condemned all “discriminatory just before the tea break when Siraj have to own up to it and I’m very hearing of the said petition must serve 201101032209 (960344-W) on or send by post to the above-named said yesterday, making it highly behaviour” and said they would act ran from the fine leg boundary apologetic.” The US PGA Tour is Messrs Chong+Kheng Hoe, notice in (In Members’ Voluntary writing of his intention so to do. The Liquidation) unlikely that the all-rounder will against anyone found to have towards the umpires, pointing into expected to fine Thomas, who is notice must state the name and address play any further part in the third been guilty of vilification. “As series the crowd. It was not immediately tied for fifth place, for the remark. of the person, or, if a firm, the name and NOTICE OF FINAL MEETING address of the firm, and must be signed Test against Australia. The news on hosts, we unreservedly apologise clear what had been said on by the person or firm, or his or their solicitor (if any) and must be served, or if NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Rishabh Pant, who was also sent to our friends in the Indian cricket Saturday, but The Times of India posted, must be sent by post in sufficient Final Meeting of the members of Chinese GP seeks time to reach the above-named not later the Company will be held at No. for scans after being hit by an team and assure them we will newspaper said “Bumrah and Siraj than twelve o’clock noon of the 9th day postponement of March, 2021 (the day before the day 41-3, Jalan PJU 5/10, Dataran Australian bouncer while batting prosecute the matter to its fullest were called monkeys, w*nker and appointed for the hearing of the petition). Sunway, Kota Damansara, 47810 on Saturday, was more promising, extent,” Head of Integrity and motherf***** by the people almost ORGANISERS of the Chinese (Ref: 20111164) Petaling Jaya, Selangor on 18th day of February, 2021 at 10.00 however. The wicketkeeper- Security Sean Carroll said. throughout the time they were Grand Prix say they have asked a.m. for the following purpose: batsman was still suffering some fielding,” it claimed. Formula One management to Advertise with us 1. To receive and adopt the pain in his elbow and undergoing … as ICC starts probe move the Shanghai race from April & connect to our final account of the liquidator treatment, the team said. Pant was Thomas sorry for to later in the 2021 calendar, showing the manner in which replaced by Wriddhiman Saha CRICKET chiefs have motorsport.com has reported. “We urban readers. the winding-up has been anti-gay slur conducted and the cash behind the stumps for Australia’s launched an have been in contact (with F1) via KLANG VALLEY balance of the Company second innings but the investigation into GOLF’S world No. 3 Justin conference call almost every week,” PENANG | KEDAH disposed off. experienced reserve would not be allegations of Thomas (pix) apologised for a Yibin Yang, the general manager of PERAK | PERLIS 2. To consider and if thought fit, able to bat. The loss of Jadeja will racist abuse of homophobic slur picked up race promoter Juss Event, was pass the following resolution be a major blow to the tourists and the India team by television microphones at quoted as saying by the website. PAHANG | KELANTAN as Ordinary Resolution: “That TERENGGANU the books, accounts and not just for his batting. He took from sections of the US PGA Tour’s “Despite the calendar being in documents of the Company four wickets with his accurate and the crowd in the Tournament of Champions place as usual, I think it’s hugely MS. Shoba and of the liquidator be TEL: 03-7784 8888 destroyed 3 months after the astute left-arm spin bowling in third Test, as six yesterday. American Thomas uncertain the F1 race would take Australia’s first innings, which he people were uttered the anti-gay slur on place in the first half of the year, in FAX: 03-7784 4424 Company has been dissolved.” ended with a brilliant piece of ejected and play the fourth hole of his third April. We aim to swap it to the By virtue of section 334(1) of the MALACCA | Companies Act 2016, a member fielding to run out Steve Smith. halted for nearly round in Hawaii after missing a second half of the year, and we of the company is entitled to 10 minutes five-foot par putt, and it have formally submitted the SEREMBAN appoint another person as his caused an immediate request that we hope to move it to MR. Rajah proxy to exercise all or any of CA issues apology his rights to attend, participate, stir on social the second half of the year.” Aston TEL: 012-628 2844 speaks and vote at a meeting of CRICKET AUSTRALIA apologised media. “It’s Martin team owner Lawrence Stroll FAX: 06-764 2051 members of the company. to the India team yesterday after inexcusable,” said last week that agreement had ……………………. visiting players alleged they had Thomas said. already been reached to postpone JOHOR BAHRU Yap Seng Puay been racially abused by part of the “First off, I just the Australian Grand Prix to the Liquidator MS. Anne Lim crowd during the third Test at apologise. I’m back end of the season with TEL: 013-770 6699 Kuala Lumpur Sydney Cricket Ground. Media an adult. I’m a Bahrain replacing it as the opening FAX: 07-355 5549 Dated: 11/01/2021 reports said India captain grown man, race in March due to the Covid-19 Ajinkya Rahane spoke to the there’s pandemic. 22 theSUN ON MONDAY | JANUARY 11, 2021 SPORTS

INEDINE ZIDANE said Real Madrid’s Koeman. “We have to stay humble, to keep goalless draw with Osasuna yesterday working and winning.” was “not a football match” and should Messi’s double, the second a sweetly-struck have been called off after Spain was hit free-kick, came between two strikes from Zby a snowstorm. ‘That’s not football’ Antoine Griezmann, who is also enjoying a Madrid missed the chance to overtake revival after a disappointing 18 months at Camp Atletico Madrid at the top of La Liga and Zidane blasts snow-hit pitch as Real Madrid held Nou. allowed Barcelona to creep closer after Lionel Some had wondered if Messi would ever get Messi scored twice in a 4-0 victory over Real Madrid are due to play Athletic Bilbao today the conditions were not met to see a back to his best following an underwhelming Granada. in Malaga on Thursday in the Spanish Super football match.” start to the season but his latest contribution Atletico’s match at home to Athletic Bilbao Cup semifinals. Messi scored twice against Granada to make makes him the league’s top scorer on 11 goals, earlier was postponed due to the snow, “We don’t know what we’re going to do now, it four goals in three matches for him since the five months after he tried to leave. meaning Diego Simeone’s side are top with whether we stay here tomorrow or if we’re going turn of the year and his resurgence has “From day one, my interactions with Leo three games in hand over their rivals. to travel on Monday, we’ll see.” coincided with an upturn for the team too, this have been good,” said Koeman. “We’re used to Osasuna’s pitch in Pamplona was certainly Zidane added: “It is not an excuse. What victory Barca’s third on the bounce. this, if there are a couple of games where he affected by the snowfall, especially in the everyone wants to see is a football match and “We are calmer,” said Barca coach Ronald doesn’t score, there will be a couple of people middle third, but large parts were green and the who will be unhappy, but not me, never.” referee decided the game should go ahead. Koeman deserves credit for the rejuvenation “We played the game because they told us to Borussia Dortmund’s of players like Griezmann, Ousmane Dembele play the game but the conditions were very Erling Braut Haaland and Frenkie de Jong, all of whom have difficult,” said Zidane. in action with RB improved significantly in recent matches. “For me this was not a football match. In the Leipzig’s Willi Orban Barcelona’s recovery has a long way to run, end we played, and that’s it.” (right) during their with unresolved issues on and off the pitch Bundesliga match at likely to resurface before the end of the season. the Red Bull Arena Yet Koeman will hope a corner has been yesterday. turned and at a good time, with the Champions – REUTERSPIX League last 16 tie against Paris Saint-Germain to come next month and a large chunk of the league calendar still remaining. – AFP 5223/2021 10/01/2021 (SUN)

SPORTS TOTO MALAYSIA SDN BHD (8420 - D)

TOTO 4D PRIZE PAYMENTS GUARANTEED IN FULL 1st Prize 3904 2nd Prize 5851 3rd Prize 2809 Draw Date: 10/01/21 (Sun) Draw No: 5170/21 Venue: PERAK TURF CLUB Special Consolation 2676 7710 2012 4004 2444 1940 9980 6750 1294 4407 2994 7915 5822 2265 2331 4636 5480 0253 3227 6964 0798 9924 Joy for Dortmund, Schalke 5368 7197 + 6794 9460 + 2714 ERLING BRAUT HAALAND netted put Dortmund 2-0 up with 19 minutes 4,641,578.83 twice yesterday as Borussia Dortmund remaining. 1688 + 7202 9391 + 1660 won 3-1 at RB Leipzig, who missed the The Norwegian then darted onto 9544 + 0030 6230 + 9075 3904 5851 5851 3904 chance to take top spot in the Reus’s defence-splitting pass in the 84th 4926 + 3655 2849 + 2599 3904 2809 2809 3904 Bundesliga from Bayern Munich, while minute to tap in his second goal, before 7267 + 8476 9448 + 0844 5851 2809 2809 5851 Schalke thrashed Hoffenheim to avoid a Alexander Sorloth scored a late 360,712.00 record-equalling 31st consecutive consolation for Leipzig. league game without a win. “This win does us an awful lot of Winning combination of any 1 of Top 3 & any 1 of Special prizes. The result means Bayern stay two good,” said Dortmund midfielder Emre RM4,107,179.40 points clear of second-placed Leipzig Can, who admitted the weeks since the despite crashing to a 3-2 defeat at sacking of head coach Lucien Favre last 1294 + 0253 0253 + 1294 1294 + 5368 5368 + 1294 1st Prize 3904 + Borussia Moenchengladbach on Friday, month following a 5-1 thrashing by while Dortmund are five points behind Stuttgart were “not so easy”. 0253 + 5368 5368 + 0253 2nd Prize 5851 + the European champions in fourth. Earlier, Schalke avoided an RM222,987.50 3rd Prize 2809 + TIGER Haaland is the first player to score 25 unwanted record as American teenager goals in his first 25 Bundesliga games Matthew Hoppe netted a hattrick in a 4- 4th Prize Special Prize + and the 20-year-old has now netted 35 0 thumping of Hoffenheim to lift his 5th Prize Consolation Prize + goals in 34 games in all competitions side off the bottom of the table. for Dortmund. “I was able to take my chances,” 6th Prize Any 4D drawn number England winger Jadon Sancho Hoppe said after becoming the first scored his second goal in as many American to score a Bundesliga treble. 381 294 + OX RM350,000.00 TOTO 5D & 6D PRIZE PAYMENTS GUARANTEED IN FULL games by firing home on 55 minutes “The win will give us confidence and 76790 after Haaland’s cross was deftly flicked some momentum. There are 19 games 970 253 + OX RM2,376,457.50 into his path by captain Marco Reus. left, hopefully we can stay up in the first 6790 Haaland headed in a Sancho cross to division.” – AFP 16599 790 735 368 + OX RM1,604,339.60 97661 90 Milan extend Serie A lead 047 197 496 794 249 460 722 714 356411 ZLATAN IBRAHIMOVIC returned from because he was out a long time,” 561 688 997 202 429 391 801 660 injury, coming off the bench for a late continued Pioli. 259 544 740 030 976 230 389 075 35641 56411 cameo appearance, as AC Milan defeated “He’s such a strong player, a great 034 926 863 655 842 849 402 599 Torino 2-0 yesterday to extend their lead stimulus for the whole team.” 3564 6411 297 267 698 476 929 448 090 844 356 411 at the top of Serie A. Torino slip to 19th place, with Genoa Last weekend, champions Juventus moving out of the relegation zone with a 35 11 ended Milan’s 27-match unbeaten run in 2-0 win over Bologna. TOTO GAMES GIVES YOU MORE WINNING CHANCES! the league dating back to March. “I was expecting this response after the But Rafael Leao’s goal and a Franck Juve defeat, because we are (a) young but 294 253 368 1 2 4 5 44 46 Kessie penalty in the first half ensured AC strong team,” said Pioli. Milan moved four points ahead of Inter “Now we will watch Roma-Inter… but 9,961,787.69 Milan who travel to third-placed Roma on it’s not the time to look at the table.” Sunday. Atalanta moved up to fourth ahead of RM652,798.10 Ibrahimovic started on the bench, Juventus after Josip Ilicic scored and set 3 8 17 20 32 47 having been out of action since scoring a up two other goals in a 4-1 win over 294 + 253 + 368 253 + 368 + 294 11,085,152.22 double against Napoli on Nov 22, with a midtable Benevento. 294 + 368 + 253 368 + 294 + 253 thigh injury and then a calf problem. The Slovenia striker was impressive 253 + 294 + 368 368 + 253 + 294 “We had a clear programme, if throughout, with Atalanta captain Papu 1 4 18 31 46 49 36 Ibrahimovic passed the last test yesterday Gomez still frozen out after clashing with he could have a small role as he did,” said coach Gian Piero Gasperini. DMC practices the new norm SOP. 2,584,353.28 Jackpot 1 Milan coach Stefano Pioli. “We’re into the championship now,” Stay safe. Jackpot 2 183,097.82 The 39-year-old Swede, who scored 10 said Gasperini after a third consecutive goals in six league games before injury, win. replaced Leao with five minutes to go in a Gasperini said the decision to keep www.sportstoto.com.my game the hosts dominated against lowly Argentinian Gomez sidelined was “a Visit Torino. technical choice”. for e-Results and more info. “The important thing is that the “I needed to try another type of system muscular problem is behind him, now because I saw that we were suffering in we’ll have to help him find his way back midfield and Gomez did not adapt.” – AFP

Media: Sun Size: 26cm (H) x 6.3cm(W) theSUN ON MONDAY | JANUARY 11, 2021 23 * SPORTS

A CUP holders Arsenal beat Newcastle 2-0 as non-league Chorley knocked out coronavirus-ravaged Derby and West FA Cup holders Arsenal beat Newcastle Brom suffered an embarrassing third- as Chorley shock virus-hit Derby Fround exit against Blackpool. Show goes on The rampaging Covid-19 virus is casting a lengthening shadow over football in England, Magpies captain Jamaal Lascelles made his “We want to keep going and win more games,” Chorley manager Jamie Vermiglio, whose job as a with dozens of games called off and growing fears first appearance in six weeks after being hit hard he said. “It’s always important to stay in the primary school headteacher has been thrown over whether the season can be completed. by the coronavirus as both sides made multiple competitions. We want to fight for this into chaos by the coronavirus lockdown in Just one match has so far been called off in the changes. competition again, so today was a big game for us.” Britain. FA Cup third round – the stage at which the big Emile Smith Rowe – who earlier had a red card Earlier, Derby fielded a clutch of youngsters “It’s a very proud moment for us,” he said. guns enter the competition. overturned after a VAR check – broke the after their first-team squad and interim manager “Credit to our boys, they’ve been on a journey and But a number of clubs have been forced to deadlock in a disappointing game, drilling the Wayne Rooney were ruled out following a virus we said it before the game, the journey can make radical alterations to their line-ups after ball home in the second half of extra time, and outbreak at the Championship club. continue today and it has done.” suffering outbreaks. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang made the game Chorley, from the sixth-tier National League Southampton’s tie against Shrewsbury Arsenal, 14-time FA Cup winners, continued safe. North, took advantage of Derby’s weakened line- yesterday has been postponed after several their recent revival with a fourth straight win in all Mikel Arteta turned his attention to the up to reach the fourth round for the first time with positive tests at the League One club. competitions in their all Premier-League tie at the Premier League match against Crystal Palace on a 2-0 win. Premier League strugglers West Brom were Emirates. Thursday. The cup upset was a welcome boost for victims of an upset at Bloomfield Road, losing on penalties to third-tier Blackpool after a 2-2 draw. After 21 winless games, Sheffield United finally RESULTS & STANDINGS earned a victory as Jayden Bogle’s strike clinched a 3-2 success against third-tier Bristol Rovers. FA CUP (3rd rd): Everton 2 Rotherham Leicester rested Jamie Vardy and James 1 (aet), Nottingham Forest 1 Cardiff 0, Maddison at second-tier Stoke but still won 4-0 as Boreham Wood 0 Millwall 2, Luton 1 James Justin, Marc Albright0on, Ayoze Perez and Reading 0, Norwich 2 Coventry 0, Harvey Barnes all netted. Chorley 2 Derby 0, Oldham 1 There were also wins for Premier League sides Bournemouth 4, Stevenage 0 Everton, Fulham and Burnley. – AFP Swansea 2, Bristol Rovers 2 Sheffield United 3, Blackburn 0 Doncaster 1, Stoke 0 Leicester 4, Wycombe 4 Preston 1, Burnley 1 MK Dons 1 (aet, Burnley won 4-3 on pen), QPR 0 Fulham 2 (aet), Exeter 0 Sheffield Wednesday 2, Blackpool 2 West Brom 2 (aet, Blackpool won 3-2 on pen), Arsenal 2 Newcastle 0, Huddersfield 2 Plymouth 3, Brentford 2 Middlesbrough 1, Manchester United 1 Watford 0, Southampton vs Shrewsbury (postponed). Newcastle’s Andy Carroll clears the ball from his own penalty area during their English FA Cup LA LIGA: Sevilla 3 (En-Nesyri 4, 7, 46) third round match against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium yesterday. – AFPPIX Real Sociedad 2 (Carlos 5-og, Isak 14), Granada 0 Barcelona 4 (Griezmann 12, 63, Messi 35, 42), Osasuna 0 Real Madrid 0, Atletico Madrid vs Five managers on shortlist Athletic Bilbao (postponed). TOP 10 P W D L F A Pts Atletico 15 12 2 1 29 6 38 to replace Lampard Real Madrid 18 11 4 3 30 15 37 CHELSEA owner Roman Abramovich Ralph Hasenhuttl is one candidate being Barcelona 18 10 4 4 37 17 34 reportedly has a list of five managers who he eyed by the Blues. Villarreal 18 8 8 2 26 17 32 is eyeing as potential replacements for Frank RB Leipzig boss Julian Nagelsmann is the Real Sociedad 19 8 6 5 29 16 30 Lampard. only other manager on the list who is Sevilla 16 9 3 4 21 13 30 Chelsea have lost four of their last six currently in a job. Granada 17 7 3 7 19 29 24 Premier League matches to put a huge dent His predecessor at Leipzig Ralf Rangnick is Celta Vigo 18 6 5 7 22 28 23 in their title hopes after a strong start to the also named as a target for Chelsea. Athletic Bilbao 18 6 3 9 21 22 21 season. The Blues are just three points off the As is Thomas Tuchel, who was sacked by Cadiz 17 5 5 7 12 21 20 top four but most clubs above them have Paris Saint-Germain in December. one, if not two, games in hand. And former Juventus boss Massimiliano SERIE A: Benevento 1 (Sau 50) Chelsea’s latest defeat was the 3-1 loss to Allegri, who has been out of work since Atalanta 4 (Ilicic 30, Toloi 69, Zapata 71, Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City the previous leaving the Old Lady in 2019, makes up the Muriel 86), Genoa 2 (Zajc 44, Destro 55) Sunday. quintet. Bologna 0, AC Milan 2 (Leao 25, Kessie Reports after the match claimed Lampard The Mail says Chelsea are willing to give 36-pen) Torino 0. was under serious pressure for his position. Lampard more time to turn fortunes around. TOP 10 P W D L F A Pts Abramovich has a history of dismissing However, defeat to local rivals Fulham this AC Milan 17 12 4 1 37 19 40 managers and it appears Lampard’s week could spell trouble for the former Inter Milan 16 11 3 2 41 21 36 legendary status as a player at Stamford midfielder. Roma 16 10 3 3 35 24 33 Bridge may not be enough to keep him his And ahead of the match, Lampard hit Atalanta 16 9 4 3 40 22 31 job. back at his critics and is confident he has Juventus 15 8 6 1 32 15 30 And the Russian has already made a what it takes to improve the club’s results. Sassuolo 16 8 5 3 29 23 29 shortlist of managers he would be keen on “If I didn’t want that challenge I could Napoli 15 9 1 5 32 15 28 appointing if Lampard were to be sacked. have sat on the telly and done an easier job,” Lazio 16 7 4 5 25 25 25 The Daily Mail say Southampton boss he said.” – Express Newspapers Hellas Verona 16 6 6 4 20 15 24 Benevento 17 6 3 8 20 30 21 Ferdinand sends warning to United BUNDESLIGA: Bayer Leverkusen 1 Werder Bremen 1, Freiburg 5 Cologne RIO FERDINAND has warned Manchester dip in form which has piled the pressure on 0, Union Berlin 2 Wolfsburg 2, United they could go the way of Tottenham manager Frank Lampard. Schalke04 4 Hoffenheim 0, Mainz 0 and Chelsea as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side face Ferdinand has warned Solskjaer the same Eintracht Frankfurt 2, RB Leipzig 1 a potentially pivotal week. could happen to United – although he is Borussia Dortmund 3. United visit Liverpool on Sunday (Monday confident his former teammate will be well TOP 10 P W D L F A Pts 12.30am Malaysian time) in a game which aware of potential pitfalls. Bayern Munich15 10 3 2 46 24 33 could prove crucial to the Premier League title Ahead of what he described as a “huge RB Leipzig 15 9 4 2 26 12 31 race. week”, Ferdinand told BT Sport: “United can Leverkusen 15 8 5 2 30 15 29 Jurgen Klopp’s side are currently top of the really put a marker down ahead of a big game Dortmund 15 9 1 5 31 19 28 table as they look to defend the crown they against Burnley. Union Berlin 15 6 7 2 31 20 25 won so convincingly last season. “They put pressure on Liverpool then and Wolfsburg 15 6 7 2 22 17 25 But United play their game in hand on say, ‘We’re here, we’re at the top of the League.’ B.M’gladbach 15 6 6 3 28 24 24 Wednesday when they travel to face Burnley – But we’ve seen as quickly as you can get there, Freiburg 15 6 5 4 28 24 23 and if they win that they’ll be three points clear the quicker you can fall away. E.Frankfurt 15 5 8 2 25 23 23 of the reigning champions. “Spurs not long ago, Chelsea were up there Augsburg 14 5 4 5 16 19 19 However, Ferdinand has issued his former – they’ve fallen down the table and people are club with a stern warning after Tottenham and saying it’s the end of certain managers who are LIGUE 1: Bordeaux 2 Lorient 1, Dijon 0 Chelsea were tipped as title challengers. in charge there. Marseille 0, Lens 0 Strasbourg 1, Metz Both teams topped the Premier League “It can change quickly. Ole’s experienced 1 Nice 1, Monaco 3 Angers 0, earlier in the season but then fell off the pace. enough not to get too carried away. Montpellier 1 Nantes 1, Nimes 0 Lille And while Jose Mourinho’s Spurs are only “That’s living life on a daily basis at a club 1, Paris Saint-Germain 3 Brest 0, Reims four points off the top, Chelsea are now like Manchester United. At a big club, the highs 3 Saint-Etienne 1, Rennes 2 Lyon 2. bunched up with Aston Villa and West Ham are supremely high and the lows are lower than three points further back following an alarming a snake’s belly.” – Express Newspapers QUOTE OF THE DAY (Manchester) United can really put a marker down ahead of a big game against Burnley. They put pressure on Liverpool then and say, ‘We’re here, we’re at the top of the League.’ But we’ve seen as quickly as you can get there, the quicker you can fall away.”

Rio Ferdinand MONDAY • JANUARY 11, 2021 McTominay marks United captaincy with winner against Hornets MANCHESTER UNITED manager Ole Gunnar said when asked for an update: “I honestly Solskjaer’s happiness at making it through to the FA can’t tell you. I think he got a good whack. Cup fourth round was tinged by disappointment at I don’t think it’s concussion. I think it’s his his much-changed side’s display against Watford. neck, which is sore. Having fallen to a galling loss to rivals “Hopefully a muscle injury but we’ll Manchester City in last week’s League Cup have to check him tomorrow and fingers semifinal, Scott McTominay’s early header secured a crossed he won’t be out for too long.” 1-0 win against Championship opposition in Solskjaer will have to check on Bailly Saturday evening’s third-round encounter. ahead of Wednesday’s (4.15am Malaysian United flew out of the blocks at an empty Old time) trip to Burnley along with Paul Pogba, Trafford but dropped off markedly, with the nine Victor Lindelof and Luke Shaw after the United players brought into the side leading to a lack of boss confirmed the trio missed out on the fluency and unconvincing display. squad through injury. “Very happy to get through,” Solskjaer said. “We Watford return to action at home to started very brightly. I expected it to be other way Huddersfield in the Championship next weekend round – that we needed 15-20 minutes to get going after putting in a performance that pleased and find our rhythm. But after a very good start we recently-appointed boss Xisco Munoz. lost our shape, we lost too many balls. “I’m very proud of our players,” he said after his “We lost it easily. It was like we started making third match in charge of the Hornets. “This is our difficult decisions to try and complicate things and style. I know we have little details to improve. We maybe show the manager that ‘I want to play in the know we have a very good team against us. next game’. “The guys give us very good intensity, with very “I know they’re good players so they didn’t have good tactics. Our team is growing up and it’s to do that, but we’re through. That’s the main thing.” important we believe in our team.” – The Donny Van De Beek, Brandon Williams and Jesse Independent Lingard were among the alterations, with Dean Henderson and McTominay the only players retaining a starting spot from the City loss. The latter proved the difference yesterday, when leading United out as captain for the first time. “He’s got great character, good attitude,” Solskjaer said of academy graduate McTominay. “He comes in every day, does the right things, lives his life properly, wants to be the best he can be and he’s not afraid to be vocal. “He always, always goes out there to give his best. Never shirks a tackle. Nothing. Manchester United’s “He’s got everything a leader has to have, so I Scott McTominay just wanted to test him today how he reacted (top) celebrates because he always done that anyway. scoring his team’s “But I gave him the armband to see if there was opening goal with any change in him but luckily there wasn’t.” teammate Juan Mata On a night of few highlights, the main concern during their English was the blow that forced Eric Bailly off towards the FA Cup 3rd round end of the first half. match at Old Trafford Having been hit in the back of the head when yesterday. goalkeeper Henderson was clearing a ball, Solskjaer – REUTERSPIX Courting trouble Liverpool not signing a centreback in January is a risk in more ways than one █ MELISSAURING REDDY Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool at elite level. during the transfer market due to the ruinous the rearguard in the summer. tenure, no position has been externally Fast forward and while Klopp’s side have financial effects of coronavirus and the difficulty Van Dijk and Gomez’s return from long-term discussed nor internally assessed more posted recorded defensive numbers, lifted the of a mid-season signing in the current climate injuries will need to be carefully managed. than the club’s heart of defence. Champions League and ended a three-decade with isolation rules and such. There is also no guarantee as to how either DWhen circling Virgil van Dijk as the priority longing for the title, there has been an It is completely understandable that the club player will perform post-rehab after debilitating target for centreback in 2017, a process that unshakable view that they’ve left that do not want to rush decisions or panic buy this setbacks. painstakingly analysed every usual variable as department open to vulnerabilities. month in a deviation from the principles that Having been conservative with regards to this well as how candidates handled pressure The sight of two midfielders in Jordan have driven their success. department in the past, Liverpool will most situations while having lots of space to cover, Henderson and Fabinho stationed at centreback Liverpool’s situation dictates that a probably have to sign two established there was credence that making him the world’s in the defeat at Southampton speaks to that, with centreback being brought in during this window centrebacks this summer. most expensive defender would pay dividends. only the inexperienced Nathaniel Phillips and should be able to slot straight into the starting While Liverpool’s issues at the back have not Even the six-month wait to land the Rhys Williams in reserve. line-up given the absence of training time to harmed them in a solidity sense without the ball, Netherlands captain following up a tapping-up While Liverpool could not legislate for Jordan adjust to Klopp’s demands and build chemistry. it has degraded their offensive powers. complaint from Southampton was not enough to Pickford’s brainless challenge that damaged Van That is a hard box to tick before adding it The loss of Van Dijk’s passing range to exploit deter Liverpool from pursuing him and only Dijk’s ACL in October, nor the knee injury criteria like availability, affordability and space and bypass the opposition’s press or Matip him, despite the noise to get any centre-half in. sustained by Joe Gomez without contact during plausibility. and Gomez’s ability to step out with the ball has Kalidou Koulibaly, Aymeric Laporte, Manuel England training a month later, they have long As an example, Ben White, who has been harmed their build-up play. Akanji and Jose Gimenez were some of the been aware of the need to ensure greater admired for a while, would be incredibly hard to In the last three clashes against West alternatives under consideration at the time but availability there. secure now. Bromwich Albion, Newcastle United, and none could compete with the traits the Both Joel Matip and Gomez, while great and The club’s thinking has been no move is Southampton, only seven shots on target have Merseysiders specifically wanted from the core to what has been achieved, cannot be relied better than the wrong move, especially if you can been registered in total, with one of those Netherlands captain. upon for large swathes of a season through get the right one done in due course. resulting in a goal. Liverpool went all in on Van Dijk, but were persistent niggles. Liverpool may have to get creative if they are Liverpool’s risk in not signing a centreback is also designing a long-term plan for the position Klopp has said it is “unlikely” that Liverpool to secure a defender this month - a loan or such evidently more than just a defensive problem. – by monitoring the best emerging centre-halves will find a solution to their defensive crisis - but more imperative is that they properly fortify The Independent

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]