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TELLING IT AS IT IS Umno at page Weatherman: Brace page crossroads 2 for more rain 3

CAPITOL CHAOS ... Pro-Trump protesters storm US Capitol during clashes with police at a rally to contest the certification of 2020 presidential ON FRIDAY JANUARY 8, 2021 election results by the Congress in No. 7697 PP 2644/12/2012 (031195) www.thesundaily.my Washington yesterday. – REUTERSPIX

Question marks oGovt urged to come clean on reasons the mega over HSR project was derailed █ BY ALISHA NUR MOHD NOOR RM800 million in compensation government “is a reflection of an [email protected] instead of seeing the project through to opaque administration with many realise potential profits of more than things to hide”. ETALING JAYA: The RM6 billion yearly. “The government must come government has been urged to In a Facebook post, he also accused clean with the details. Otherwise, it come clean on the reasons the government of planning to give the will risk a more serious trust deficit behind the decision to cancel project to its cronies. with the people just as we are staring Pthe Kuala Lumpur-Singapore High Akhbar said the government should down at the possibility of early Speed Rail (HSR) project. stop being ambiguous about the whole elections,” she added. Former Transparency International deal. Given that taxpayers’ money is Malaysia (TI-M) president Datuk Seri “This is a mega project, which is not being used, she said, the people have Akhbar Satar expressed curiosity over a priority at this moment. Why can’t the the right to know the terms (of the the government’s apparent decision to government just request for a agreement with Singapore). hush up the matter, while Center to postponement?” he asked when “If it’s true that Malaysia rejected the Combat Corruption and Cronyism speaking with theSun. “More open tender system to appoint (C4) president Cynthia Gabriel importantly, why is the government contractors, then we should hang our accused the government of failing to be being ‘hush’ about it?” heads in shame,” Gabriel said. transparent. He alleged that the government had “There is no point in talking about Both were commenting on the “made mistakes” on mega projects but eradicating corruption when secrecy decision by Singapore to walk out of taxpayers ended up taking the financial remains a cornerstone of the MOTORING STUFF the HSR deal and the lack of details on hit. administration,” she added. the part of Malaysia over the “In Malaysia, nationalising losses Gabriel pointed out that rumours disagreements that have led to the and privatising profits have become a about local contractors and cronies break. policy,” he added. being favoured to get rewards and to Just this week, former prime Current TI-M president Mohammad enjoy the spoils of the project minister Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak, Mohan said the least the government are still abuzz. Turn to under whose term the project was first could do is to make the financial This, she said, is in stark — conceived in 2010, alleged that the statements public. contrast to the reasons a page 2 Perikatan Nasional (PN) government In expressing her disappointment, Singapore minister had was prepared to pay RM300 million to Gabriel said this approach taken by the hinted for the cancellation. 2 theSUN ON FRIDAY | JANUARY 8, 2021 NEWS WITHOUT BORDERS Kedah PH backs plan to charge Umno at crossroads Penang for water █ BY RAJVINDER SINGH The party will have no choice but [email protected] oParty can no longer play dominant role and to find a way forward without ALOR STAR: Kedah Pakatan Bersatu, he added. Harapan has expressed its full PETALING JAYA: Umno has to realise should consider working with former enemies, Dr Lim Teck Ghee, a director of the support for the state government’s that it now faces a new reality. Centre for Policy Initiatives in proposal to impose charges on The political landscape has say analysts Malaysia, said Umno should help Penang for drawing water from changed so drastically that it may no form a government without setting Sungai Muda. longer be able to play the dominant preconditions. However, its deputy chairman role it once did. shaky by the day. significantly, leading to calls for its He said the problems and Datuk Phahrolrazi Mohd Zawawi And for the benefit of the country, It would also mean working withdrawal from the coalition to force limitations of the current government said the “best and most cordial it may even have to consider working with parties that Umno traditionally early elections. “are clear to party members and means must also be considered to with long-time nemeses, according to viewed as its enemies, such as Awang Azman said internal strife leaders”. resolve the issue”. two political analysts theSun spoke to the DAP and PKR, Awang Azman is another problem Umno has to “It is a matter of time before the PN He said Kedah’s claim is yesterday. said. contend with. “It is a fractured party, government collapses. A unity appropriate given that it has Prof Dr Awang Azman Awang “Umno can no longer pick and divided between those who government is the best way forward sacrificed a large portion of its Pawi said, for a start, Umno must lose choose who they want to work with. contested in past party elections and for the nation, particularly when it is forest as a water catchment area. its old mindset that it can still be the The way people are voting has those who did not.” facing a crisis. “But there should be better major party in a ruling coalition. changed, and Umno has to realise He said former Umno leaders had “The question is whether or not negotiations, without sounding Awang Azman, a socio-political that,” he added. chosen to sit out the last party Umno can put national interests like a threat and it would be best to analyst at Universiti Malaya, said that He pointed out that Umno’s elections because they thought it was above its own party interests.” involve the federal government. for Umno to return to power, it could partners in PN, namely PAS and Parti no longer strong and relevant. Lim said snap elections are not a “Indeed any party that derives start by forming a new coalition with Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) “The rifts among its leaders are good option when the Covid-19 water supply from this state other parties to prepare for an had previously worked with the DAP, causing the party a lot of problems as pandemic continues to worsen. “Any should pay the raw water charges election. and so had veteran party leader it tries to move forward,” Awang party that precipitates it will be to the Kedah State Water “A flimsy coalition will no longer Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah. Azman said. punished by voters.” Resources Board, so Penang work, not if we want a strong Umno and PAS have formed a He said while some leaders insist He does not see a reason why should do the same,” he said at a government to take the nation partnership called Muafakat on staying with PN, the party Umno and the other parties in the media conference yesterday. foward,” he said, in obvious reference Nasional within the PN coalition. supreme council realises that it current administration cannot form a Phahrolrazi said the federal to the Perikatan Nasional (PN) However, its ties with another PN cannot ignore the voice of the unity government with the government should also provide government that is becoming more partner, Bersatu, has deteriorated grassroots (who want out). Opposition. compensation to the Kedah government which is conserving the state’s water resources not just for Penang, but also Perlis. “In fact, this (raw water charges) could also be claimed from Perlis.” The Kedah government had TEMPORARY previously demanded that Penang BRIDGE ... pay RM50 million per year for the Members of the raw water that the Penang Water 91st Royal Army Supply Corporation draws from Engineers the Ulu Muda River, whose source Regiment is in Kedah. Phahrolrazi said as opposition building a leader in the Kedah state temporary legislative assembly, he urged the bridge to state government to quickly replace the one resolve the water supply issue and washed away the problem of non revenue water, during floods in which stands at 40%. Jalan Lenchar, “People are still facing water Ulu Dong in supply problems.” – Bernama Raub on Sunday. – BERNAMAPIX Pejuang application rejected

KUALA LUMPUR: The Registrar of Societies (RoS) has rejected the application by Parti Pejuang Tanah Air (Pejuang) for Conflicting reasons given for HSR project cancellation registration as a political party. Lawyer Mior Nor Haidir Singapore Transport Umno deputy president economic impact of the Covid-19 RM820 million. Suhaimi, representing Pejuang Minister Ong Ye Kung had From Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan pandemic as the reason for not The government has agreed to which is led by former Prime told the republic’s front later pointed out that the proceeding with the project. pay Singapore a compensation for Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Parliament that Malaysia’s page reason given by the In a statement issued on cancelling the project. While it has Mohamad, said the RoS had proposal to remove the Malaysian government for Tuesday, Johor PKR deputy chief stayed mum about the quantum, notified its protem secretary- system supplier and network cancelling the project Jimmy Puah Wee Tse said “personal Minister in the Prime Minister’s general Datuk Amiruddin operator of the HSR was the main appeared to contradict what Ong greed” that drove those in power to Department (Economy) Datuk Seri Hamzah of the rejection, saying point that lead to the collapse of the said. hasten the project has now left Mustapa Mohamed has said that it that the application for the agreement between them. The government had cited the the country poorer by a massive will be below S$270 million. registration was improperly done. Following the rejection, the party withdrew its application for a judicial review against the delay RM200 rebate for buying energy efficient air conditioner or refrigerator by the RoS in approving its application to be registered as a PUTRAJAYA: Households efficient refrigerators and air Sarawak Energy Bhd and NUR Power, starting today.” society. The court had set purchasing an energy-efficient conditioners, or those manufactured are eligible to apply. Shamsul Anuar advised buyers to yesterday for the hearing. refrigerator or air conditioner this and certified by Sirim or its Applicants can obtain e-rebates by refer to the electrical equipment list Pejuang’s counsel Mior Nor year will be given an e-rebate of equivalent in Malaysia, he said. bringing the latest electricity bill to and reference price guide through Haidir said he is waiting for further RM200. “This rebate is limited to one make a physical purchase at an the official website at instructions from the party. Energy and Natural Resources account only for every air electrical shop or supermarket www.saveenergy.gov.my before In his application for the Minister Datuk Dr Shamsul Anuar conditioning unit or refrigerator registered under the SAVE 2.0 making a purchase, as well as making judicial review filed on Dec 10 last Nasarah said the e-rebate is being bought in 2021 or until the quota runs programme, or apply for e-rebate by price comparisons to get the best and year, Amiruddin named the offered under the Sustainability out, whichever comes first,” Shamsul making an online purchase through most cost effective prices. director-general of RoS and RoS as Achieved via Energy Efficiency Anuar told reporters after launching an accredited e-commerce platform, He said the SAVE 2.0 programme the first and second respondents. (SAVE) 2.0 programme with an the SAVE 2.0 programme yesterday. he said. encouraged consumers to adopt He had asked for a declaration allocation of RM30 million approved He said consumers or owners of “For online purchases, e-rebate energy efficient practices which help that the actions of both under the 2021 Budget, expected to electricity supply accounts registered application through Shopee Malaysia cut energy consumption and respondents in not giving any benefit 150,000 households. with electricity supply utility has been opened from Jan 1, 2021. electricity bills. It also supports the decision or registering Pejuang The e-rebate is for the purchase of companies such as Tenaga Nasional Meanwhile, e-rebate through government’s efforts to promote were in conflict with the statutory locally made four or five-star energy Bhd, Sabah Electricity Sdn Bhd, direct purchase can be enjoyed energy saving. – Bernama obligations. – Bernama theSUN ON FRIDAY | JANUARY 8, 2021 3 NEWS WITHOUT BORDERS King gets bird’s-eye view of floods in Pahang KUANTAN: The Yang di-Pertuan boarded the EC725 helicopter of the relief centres at SK Clifford and SJK Al-Sultan Abdullah drove himself badly affected by the floods, was the Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Royal Malaysian Air Force, departed (C) Chung Hwa in Lipis. from Istana Negara to relief centres first location the King visited before Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah from the Kuantan Air Base at 9am, “After visiting Lipis, the Yang di- on Tuesday in a convoy that waded leaving for Kuantan. took to the skies yesterday to observe accompanied by Mentri Besar Datuk Pertuan Agong left for Mentakab and through the flood water which still He was accompanied by Raja the flood situation in the state. Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail. Temerloh to visit flood victims at SMK covered a stretch of the East Coast Permaisuri Agong Tunku Hajah In a statement issued yesterday, Al-Sultan Abdullah visited flood Mentakab and Dewan Majlis Per- Expressway 1. Azizah Aminah Maimunah Istana Negara said the King, who victims housed at two temporary bandaran Temerloh,” the palace said. The Maran district, which was Iskandariah. - Bernama 37,000 moved to relief centres Wet spell to last till March Enforcement Department has advised all road as situation oEye of storm over peninsula leads to formation of active users to abide by the rules to ensure their own safety and the safety of others. rain clouds: Weatherman “It is more advisable for all vehicles - heavy worsens and light - to avoid roads that are prone to landslides and floods, especially at night or KUALA LUMPUR: The number of people █ BY SHIVANI SUPRAMANI Batu Pahat and Kuantan. Incidentally, this is during heavy rainfall to minimise the risk of staying at flood relief centres rose above the [email protected] also known as the “winter monsoon”. accidents,” its deputy director I, SAC Datuk 37,000 mark yesterday as the deluge In Cameron highlands, temperatures as low Mohd Nadzri Hussain told theSun. worsened in most states. PETALING JAYA: Brace for more rain and floods as 17°C have been recorded. However, he said, there has yet to be any Pahang, the worst-hit among the as Mother Nature continues to unleash her fury, On a normal day, the temperature in tropical report of road accidents caused by floods or affected states, saw the number of evacuees at least until the end of March. Malaysia ranges from 23 to 32°C. landslides. “Obey all warning signs and avoid rise to 24,257 yesterday morning. In the inland areas, expect more floods, while Simon said the low temperatures and humid travelling through landslide and flood-prone According to the Social Welfare strong winds and high waves are likely on weather are the result of almost continuous areas,” he added. Department InfoBencana portal, the most coastal areas, according to the Malaysian rainfall in parts of the country. Meanwhile, MetMalaysia has sent out a new badly affected districts are Temerloh with Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia). Apart from landslides and floods, he said, orange alert for several parts of the country. 5,764 people now forced to leave their Its director-general Jailan Simon told theSun strong winds and rough seas are common The alert, which was issued yesterday homes, followed by the Maran district with four to six more episodes of heavy rainfall are occurrences during the monsoon season. morning, named Kuantan, Bera, Pekan and 5,275 evacuees. expected. This will pose a high risk for those who are Rompin in Pahang as well as Segamat, Mersing The Kuantan district is next with 3,461 He explained that the bad weather is caused engaged in beach activities and for fishermen and Kota Tinggi in Johor as the areas most at evacuees, Lipis has 2,551, Jerantut has by autumn winds sweeping down from China who use small boats. risk. 2,455, Raub has 2,182, Rompin has 986, and east winds blowing in from the cold and Simon advised residents in low lying and The department also warned of periodic Pekan has 859 and Bera has 724. humid Western Pacific Ocean clashing over flooded areas to be more vigilant during the strong winds and bad weather in Dungun and They are being housed in 281 flood relief Malaysia. heavy rains. “Stay up to date with the latest Kemaman in Terengganu, and Cameron centres across the state. The proverbial eye of the storm is over information on the weather and warnings Highlands, Lipis, Raub, Jerantut, Bentong, The water levels at Sungai Pahang in Peninsular Malaysia. “This contributes to the through the MetMalaysia official website, its Temerloh and Maran in Pahang which will Bera, Maran, Kuantan, Lipis, Jerantut and formation of active rain clouds,” he said. hotline 1-300-22-1MET (1638) or the myCuaca likely last until tomorrow. Temerloh districts have surpassed the The monsoon has also sent temperatures to smartphone application,” he stressed. Winds of up to 60kph are expected and danger level. unusually low levels in several parts of the The people have also been advised to keep waves are likely to reach as high as 4.5m in the Traffic on the East Coast Expressway has country. important documents in a safe place and to coastal areas in Kelantan, Terengganu, Pahang been brought to a standstill as some Over the past week, daytime temperatures of ensure that they are easy to pick up in case they and East Johor. stretches are inundated. as low as 22 to 23°C have been recorded in have to be evacuated quickly. In Sabah, Sarawak and Labuan, winds of up In Terengganu, the number of evacuees Kluang, Kuala Lumpur, Temerloh, Kuala Pilah, The Bukit Aman Traffic Investigation and to 50kph and waves of up to 3.5m are expected. surged from 910 on Wednesday afternoon to 5,243 yesterday morning. Head of the disaster management committee secretariat Lt-Kol (PA) Che Residents told to move out as two houses collapse Adam A. Rahman said all the victims are taking shelter at 39 relief centres. KUANTAN: Residents of 66 units of houses in “Currently, we are also placing officers from in a nearby residential area. Kemaman is the worst-hit district with Taman Gambang Damai here have been the Pahang Minerals and Geosciences Apart from that, Abd Rahim also said the 4,074 victims, followed by Dungun (849), ordered to move out as a precautionary Department to monitor and make hourly committee was aware that there were ground Hulu Terengganu (219), Besut (94) and measure after two houses there collapsed due reports on the condition of the soil to see if cracks at a water tank at the location of the Setiu (seven). to soil movements on Tuesday. there still are movements,” he said. collapsed houses and immediate action to The waters in several rivers in the state Pahang Local Government and Housing Abd Rahim said this to reporters after empty the tank was taken. has also risen above the danger level. Committee chairman Datuk Abd Rahim Muda visiting the location of the incident yesterday On Tuesday, two houses in the housing area In Kelantan, the number of evacuees in said they consisted of homeowners who live with Deputy Finance Minister II Mohd Shahar collapsed around 3.30am, believed to be the five districts that have been hit by floods within 100m of the scene of the incident. Abdullah, who is also the Paya Besar MP. because of soil movements due to continuous has more than doubled to 4,829 from 2,142 “We will call a slope expert from Cameron Residents who were ordered to move are rain since last Saturday. on Wednesday morning. A total of 64 Highlands to make an assessment immediately currently housed in a nearby resort with the However, no casualties were reported as the temporary relief centres have been opened to ensure the situation is safe before they can be help of a developer, in addition to some opting occupants had left the house a few hours before to house them. - Bernama allowed to return home. to board with relatives or find accommodation the incident. - Bernama Telcos launch recovery plans in deluge-hit areas CYBERJAYA: Telecommunications service providers (telcos) are implementing disaster recovery plans to prevent prolonged service disruption in areas that have been affected by floods, the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) said. It said these measures are to ensure stable communications services for all users. In a statement issued yesterday, the MCMC said the recovery plans were necessary because there were areas that have experienced service disruptions due to power outages at communication towers. Among the measures that have been taken are placing the generator on an elevated platform, using a temporary or permanent generator, upgrading the backup battery and providing a temporary base transceiver station at evacuation centres. “People are advised to be always aware and alert to the latest developments. Save on the use of communication equipment in the event of a IN DEEP WATER ... Villagers Kamaruddin Abdul power outage in your area and only use it for Rashid, 55, (right) and Salmi Salim, 42, paddle their important matters such as making emergency boat past a car that is almost submerged in flood calls,” the statement read. water in Kampung Chemuak, Dungun, Terengganu MCMC also urged the public to contact yesterday. – BERNAMAPIX telecommunication companies should there be service disruptions in their area. - Bernama 4 theSUN ON FRIDAY | JANUARY 8, 2021 NEWS WITHOUT BORDERS Cases hit new daily high at 3,027

(three), and Pagar Siput Cluster (one),” he oJohor leads with highest added. There are 142 cases being treated in Total intensive care units, with 63 requiring con rmed cases number of Covid-19 ventilator support. Eight deaths, including that of a foreigner infections with 1,103 were reported yesterday, involving four women and four men, aged between 38 and 83. This brought the cumulative number of deaths in UPDATE 128,465 PETALING JAYA: Malaysia reported a record- the country toTotal 521. con rmed cases As of noon yesterday high number of daily Covid-19 cases with 3,027 Three deathsTatal active were cases reported in Selangor, new infections yesterday, bringing the with one eachincluding in Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya, cumulative number of positive cases in the Penang, SabahNew and cases Negri today Sembilan. country to 128,465. Noor HishamTotal in ICU said 2,145 patients had Total active cases Total recoveries Death toll Johor reported the highest number of new recovered in the last 24 hours, bringing the cases with 1,103. Of this, 1,043 were detected cumulative numberTotal recovered of recoveries to 102,723. from clusters and screenings done on close Meanwhile,including police arrested 393 individuals contacts of Covid-19 patients. for flouting New the recoveries movement today control order on Selangor recorded the second-most Wednesday. Tatal Deaths 25,221 102,723 521 number of cases, with 706, while Sabah had A total ofincluding 372 individuals were issued with 493. compounds Newwhile deaths 21 were reported remanded, today with the “Of the total number of new cases, 3,021 most number of offences recorded at 195 Including were local transmissions, while six were involving entertainment centre activities. imported. The total number of active cases is “The offences included not wearing face New recoveries New fatalities 25,221” Health Director-General Tan Sri masks (89 individuals), failing to provide New cases UPDATETotal in ICU Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah said in a statement. equipment to record customer details (70), A total of 63 cases reported yesterday were failing to comply with physical distancing (36) related to clusters in lockups, immigration and other offences (three),” Senior Minister detention depots and prisons. (Security) Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said 3,027 142 2,145 8 “This involves the Jalan Harapan Prison in a statement. Cluster (35 cases), Damai Pelangi Cluster (16), “As for Op Benteng, a total of 49 illegal Tembok Gajah Cluster (four), Tembok Choh immigrants and two skippers were detained, Breakdown by state Cluster (four), Tembok Mempaga Cluster and seven land vehicles seized.” 0 PERLIS

KELANTAN 66 As of noon Longer wait for state award medals 30 KEDAH yesterday TERENGGANU 10 GEORGE TOWN: Recipients of state awards their award from the Yang Di Pertua Negri. 111 PENANG will have to wait a while more before they get He said this is a measure to curb the spread their medals. of Covid-19. The upsurge in Covid-19 infections has The ceremony will begin at 8am and end at 59 PERAK PAHANG 25 3 LABUAN forced the state government to postpone the 12.30pm on each of the two days, he said in a 2020 investiture ceremony yet again, this time statement yesterday. 706 SELANGOR to Feb 6 and 7. Law said that recipients of the Darjah N.SEMBILAN 63 The ceremony was originally scheduled for Johan Negeri, Bintang Cemerlang Negeri, 316 K. LUMPUR Nov 21 last year but was postponed to Jan 16 Pingat Gagah Perwira, Pingat Kelakuan SABAH 493 and 17 for the same reason. Terpuji, Pingat Jasa Kebaktian, Pingat Jasa 17 PUTRAJAYA State assembly speaker Datuk Law Choo Masyarakat and the Pingat Bakti Setia will 11 MALACCA Kiang said Yang Di Pertua Negri Tun Abdul have to collect their medals separately. Rahman Abbas has agreed to have the “They will be notified when they can 1103 JOHOR ceremony postponed to February. collect their medals but it will be from Feb 8 to Law said only recipients of the state’s Feb 11, from 8.30am to 5pm daily,” he said. SARAWAK 14 highest award have been invited to receive – Bernama

Kedah boosts efforts to curb KUALA LUMPUR PUTRAJYA MALACCA JOHOR spread of virus KELANTAN TERENGGANU PAHANG ALOR STAR: Kedah will step up enforcement N.SEMBILANG and closely monitor compliance with the LABUAN standard operating procedures (SOP) among SARAWAK passengers of Langkawi ferry services to curb the SABAH spread of Covid-19. Mentri Besar Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor said the matter needs to be given serious attention because there have been reports of non-compliance with the SOP among ferry passengers. “Some are removing their face masks while using the service,” he said. “Yesterday, we discussed the matter at the state executive council meeting and we are aware that Langkawi has now become the choice of tourists, therefore, I have instructed the state executive councillors in charge of transportation and tourism to play a more serious role. “The Transport Ministry has issued an SOP for public transport services, so we need to enforce it. The problem arises when there is no enforcement or monitoring of SOP compliance on ferries,” he told reporters after a gathering with civil servants here yesterday. Muhammad Sanusi said data from the State Health Department has found that there has been an increase in the number of Covid-19 cases in Kedah after interstate travel was allowed. “There are no issues with the interstate travel, the problem is when some people do not comply with the SOP, that poses a risk to others, KILLING TIME ... A trishawman feeding pigeons while he waits for customers on Penang Road in George Town yesterday. – MASRY CHE especially among high-risk groups,” he added. ANI/THESUN – Bernama theSUN ON FRIDAY | JANUARY 8, 2021 5

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Crimes that shook the nation Sinister motive behind bank heist █ BY CHARLES RAMENDRAN Malaysia (KMM). [email protected] oBotched robbery exposes fund-raising activities of now defunct Having operated in secrecy for over a decade, the robbers, who IT was a typical bank heist where the militant group Kumpulan Mujahideen Malaysia included a local university graduate, robbers barged in, held up everyone had pulled off the bank heist to fund and made a grab for the cash. KMM’s activities. However, their attempt was foiled, barged in. the robbers. sent to a hospital for treatment. One In the subsequent months, the thanks to a plucky security guard who While a robber held up his As the stunned robbers froze, the of them succumbed to his injuries Special Branch rounded up other took on the robbers with his shotgun. colleague, bank staff and a customer, guard cocked his pump-action rifle hours later. KKM suspected members before Little did the security guard, Abdullah, who had left his shotgun in and fired two more rounds of For his bravery in foiling the sending them away under the now- Abdullah Mahmood, knew that he a locker, gave the robbers the slip. ammunition. robbery, Abdullah was praised and repealed Internal Security Act. Within had not merely foiled a bank robbery He managed to sneak into the After three robbers fell to the awarded a commendation letter by two years, the group was mowed but unwittingly exposed a far more locker room and grabbed his shotgun ground with gunshot wounds, Selangor police several weeks later. down and made defunct by police. sinister motive of the robbers. before taking position to confront the Abdullah turned his rifle on the It was not the end of the case as a Police had revealed that the group On May 18, 2001, Abdullah, then robbers at the right time. gunman. shocking discovery was yet to come. had planned to overthrow the aged 43, and his 64-year-old As a gun-toting robber herded The gunman scrambled towards Weeks later, with two of the Malaysian government to create a colleague, were on duty at the eight bank staff, a customer and the other guard, grabbed him and robbers in custody, police purist Muslim society. Southern Bank branch in Jalan Abdullah’s colleague to a corner and shielded himself before firing a investigators undertaking the case The KMM is also said to be behind Gasing, Petaling Jaya. stood guard over them, his three gunshot, which narrowly missed opened up a can of worms and learnt the murder of Lunas assemblyman As the guards pulled down the accomplices emptied the drawers at Abdullah. that the robbers were cell members of Joe Fernandez six months earlier. shutters when it was time to close the the teller counters of cash. The robber edged towards the a covert Malaysian militant group. Fernandez was gunned down by two bank at about 3.15pm, four robbers Seconds later, Abdullah came out door and escaped on a motorcycle. The case had exposed the now assassins in Bukit Mertajam on armed with pistols and a hammer of the locker room and opened fire at The three injured robbers were defunct Kumpulan Mujahideen Nov 4, 2000.

SIX NABBED OVER Court warns IN GOOD HANDS ... An army personnel lifts a victim INVESTMENT FRAUD from a boat during floods following heavy monsoon rain KUALA LUMPUR: Six Chinese Najib against in Kampung Desa Bakti in Pahang yesterday. nationals were arrested for – AFPPIX/MOHD RASFAN alleged involvement in an BRIEFSinvestment fraud syndicate attacking Zeti operating from an apartment in Mont’Kiara last Tuesday. KUALA LUMPUR: The High Court Brickfields district police chief has issued a stern warning to former ACP Anuar Omar said the suspects, aged 26 to 32, were prime minister Datuk Seri Najib arrested in a raid at about Abdul Razak against attacking former 2.05pm. “Further examination Bank Negara Malaysia governor Tan found that those arrested had Sri Dr Zeti Akhtar Aziz on Facebook. been living in the premises Justice Collin Lawrence Sequerah, since early December last year. in making the ruling, said even “All of them failed to produce though there was no necessity for a any valid travel document gag order to be imposed on the Pekan when asked to do so,” he told MP, he must not make statements Bernama yesterday. Anyone relating to the 1Malaysia with information on criminal Development Bhd (1MDB) trial as if activities should contact the the trial is in the public domain. Brickfields police hotline at 03- “The court, therefore, issues a 2297 9222 or any police stern warning to the accused not to station. repeat the action, and the court will take any action necessary to protect TEENAGER KILLED IN the integrity of the court,” Sequerah MOTORCYCLE CRASH said. KUANTAN: A teenager died The ruling came after the and his friend was seriously prosecution urged the court to injured when the motorcycle impose a strict warning on Najib for they were riding crashed into attacking Zeti, who is a witness in the an army truck at Km136 of 1MDB case, on his Facebook page. Jalan Kuala Lumpur-Kuantan in Senior deputy public prosecutor Temerloh on Wednesday night. Datuk Seri Gopal Sri Ram brought up Pahang traffic investigation the matter on Tuesday in response to and enforcement department an online comment made by Najib on chief Supt Kamarulzaman Dec 29 regarding Zeti, who allegedly Jusoh said in the 9.30pm received money from 1MDB. incident, Nazrul Amanna Earlier, Najib’s lead counsel Tan Sri Shafrie Abdullah, 17, died on Muhammad Shafee Abdullah the spot due to severe head submitted that Najib’s Facebook post injuries. The pillion rider, Muhammad Nazrul Haiqal was a response to Zeti’s statements Abdullah, 17, who also suffered made in two articles that were severe head injuries, was sent published online. to the Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah “Tan Sri Zeti’s statements (during Hospital in Temerloh. “The the investigation of both SRC incident was believed to have International and 1MDB case) were occurred when the motorcycle recorded because she was a part of hit the right side of an army the 1MDB special task force which truck coming out from a investigated the scandal involving the junction,” Kamarulzaman said. sovereign wealth fund.” – Bernama – Bernama Man held over murder of car workshop owner PETALING JAYA: A missing 70-year- He was earlier arrested by Negri between the victim and the suspect investigators obtained the help of the The family of the victim, Loh Sin old man, whose body was found in a Sembilan police on Saturday to assist over the sale of tyres worth RM1,100 Fire and Rescue Department to assist Kan, had lodged a police report on car boot at Taman Wawasan, in a probe following the had led to the killing. in the recovery of the victim’s body Jan 1 when he failed to return to his Puchong on Wednesday night, was disappearance of the victim, who was He said a seven-day remand order from a car. Setia Alam home after leaving for a allegedly killed over a business a car workshop owner. was obtained yesterday to detain the The victim had died several days car service centre in Kampung Kayu dispute. The suspect was handed to suspect for further investigations. earlier. Ara, Damansara a day earlier. The 40-year-old suspect, who is Petaling Jaya police on Wednesday. Nik Ezanee added that the suspect The case is classified as murder The family became suspicious from Negri Sembilan, had on Petaling Jaya police chief ACP Nik has a past criminal record for and the victim’s body was sent to when they learnt his credit card was Wednesday evening, led police to the Ezanee Mohd Faisal said cheating. University Malaya Medical Centre for also used twice at a store in Negri victim’s body. investigators believed a dispute On Wednesday night, police a post-mortem. Sembilan. – by Charles Ramendran theSUN ON FRIDAY | JANUARY 8, 2021 7 NEWS WITHOUT BORDERS

KIM TO STRENGTHEN NORTH KOREA’S DEFENCE PYONGYANG: North Korean leader Kim Congress certifies Biden win Jong-un vowed to strengthen his nuclear-armed nation’s military BRIEFScapabilities at a key ruling party sufficient declaration of the persons elected urging his supporters to help him overturn his meeting, state media reported oWhite House says there president and vice-president of the United loss. yesterday. In his work report to the States”. Following the certification by Congress, he Workers’ Party congress, Kim pledged will be ‘orderly transition’ Vice-President-elect Kamala Harris will take issued a statement via White House aide Dan to place “the state defence capabilities office alongside Biden. Scavino, saying: “Even though I totally disagree on a much higher level, and put forth The outcome of the certification with the outcome of the election, and the facts goals for realising it”, Korean Central WASHINGTON: Hours after hundreds of proceedings had never been in doubt, but was bear me out, nevertheless there will be an News Agency said. The agency did not President Donald Trump’s supporters stormed interrupted by rioters who forced their way past orderly transition on Jan 20.” refer to nuclear weapons in its report the US Capitol in a harrowing assault on metal security barricades, broke windows and Wednesday’s chaos unfolded after Trump or give specific details of Kim’s goals. American democracy, a shaken Congress scaled walls to fight their way into the Capitol. addressed thousands of supporters near the But Ahn Chan-il, researcher at the yesterday formally certified Democrat Joe Police said four people died during the White House and told them to march on the World Institute for North Korea Studies Biden’s election victory. chaos – one from gunshot wounds and three Capitol to express their anger at lawmakers. in Seoul, said: “It basically means the North will strengthen its nuclear Immediately afterward, the White House from medical emergencies – and 52 people He urged them to pressure their elected capabilities.” – AFP released a statement from Trump in which he were arrested. officials to reject the results and “to fight”. pledged an “orderly transition” when Biden is Some besieged the House chamber while Some prominent Republicans in Congress sworn into office on Jan 20, although he lawmakers were inside, banging on its doors put the blame for the day’s violence squarely on THAI ACTIVISTS repeated his false claim that he won the and forcing suspension of the certification his shoulders. ANSWER SUMMONS November election. debate. “There is no question that the President BANGKOK: A group of activists After a debate stretching into the early hours Security officers piled furniture against the formed the mob, the President incited the mob, answered a police summons yesterday of yesterday, the Senate and the House of chamber’s door and drew their pistols before the President addressed the mob. He lit the over complaints that could see them Representatives rejected two objections to the helping lawmakers and others escape. flame,” House Republican Conference jailed for insulting Thailand’s king, as tally and certified the final Electoral College The assault on the Capitol was the chairman Liz Cheney said on Twitter. authorities increasingly use lese vote with Biden receiving 306 votes and Trump culmination of months of divisive and Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell majeste laws against protest leaders. 232 votes. escalating rhetoric around the Nov 3 election, called the invasion a “failed insurrection” and Patsaravalee “Mind” Tanakitvibulpon Vice-President Mike Pence, in declaring the with Trump repeatedly making false claims referred to those who had stormed the Capitol was among 13 activists who reported to police yesterday, after being final vote totals, said this “shall be deemed a that the vote was rigged and as “unhinged”. – Reuters summoned under Article 112 of the A Congress criminal code, which makes insulting staffer holds his or defaming the monarchy punishable by up to 15 years in prison. Their cases hands up while a relate to an Oct 26 march to the police SWAT German embassy in Bangkok when a team check letter was read asking Germany – everyone in the where King Maha Vajiralongkorn has room as they spent much of the past year – to secure the floor investigate allegations of wrongdoing of Trump by the monarch. – Reuters supporters in the Capitol on KIWI WOMAN DIES Wednesday. – IN SHARK ATTACK AFPPIX WELLINGTON: A woman has died after an apparent shark attack at a popular New Zealand beach, police said yesterday. Police were called to Waihi Beach on the east coast of the North Island in the early evening following reports a woman had been injured in the water. “Initial indications suggest she may have been injured by a shark. Sadly she died at the scene a short time later,“ police said. If confirmed, it would be the 25th shark attack fatality recorded in New Zealand and the first in seven years. Waihi Beach promotes itself as “one of New Zealand’s safest surf beaches”. However, there have been occasional shark sightings in the area in recent years. – AFP

BEIJING TEMPERATURE HITS FIVE DECADE LOW BEIJING: Temperatures in the Chinese capital plunged to their lowest for Cabinet members discuss Trump’s removal: Media more than five decades yesterday, as Beijing was hit by gale-force winds and WASHINGTON: Members of President Donald CBS reporter Margaret Brennan said act to remove Trump, saying he had stoked an bitter conditions. Early yesterday, the Trump’s cabinet on Wednesday discussed the “nothing formal” had been presented to Pence, act of insurrection and “sought to undermine mercury dropped to minus 19.6°C, possibility of removing him from office after his and ABC reporter Katherine Faulders said our democracy”. breaking a previous cold weather supporters stormed the Capitol, three US news “multiple” sources had told her that Pointing to a rambling speech Trump gave record set in 1969. The cold reading channels reported. discussions took place on the unprecedented on Wednesday, it said he “revealed that he is was the lowest since 1966, when The discussions focused on the 25th move. not mentally sound and is still unable to temperatures in the city fell to minus 27.4°C. Yet there was no snow and little amendment to the Constitution, which allows Trump’s encouragement of the protesters, process the results of the 2020 election.” ice yesterday, as the atmosphere over for a president’s removal by the vice-president his unfounded claims that he lost the Nov 3 Others blamed Trump for fueling terrorism. the city was extremely dry. The last and cabinet if he is judged “unable to discharge presidential election due to massive fraud, and “The President incited a domestic terror time temperatures fell to this level, the the powers and duties of his office”. other bizarre behavior have raised questions attack on the Capitol. He is an imminent threat founder of communist China Invoking it would require Vice-President about his ability to lead. to our democracy and he needs to be removed Chairman Mao was at the helm, and Michael Pence to lead the cabinet in a vote on While only two weeks remain before from office immediately,” representative about to embark on the 10-year removing him. President-elect Joe Biden takes office, Kathleen Rice said in a tweet. Cultural Revolution – a decade-long CNN quoted unnamed Republican leaders Democratic lawmakers called for invoking the “The president is unfit to remain in office for period of social and political chaos saying the 25th amendment had been 25th amendment as well. the next 14 days. Every second he retains the that also quashed political rivals – AFP discussed, saying they had described Trump as Democrats of the House judiciary vast powers of the presidency is a threat to “out of control”. committee sent a letter to Pence urging him to public order,” the Washington Post said. – AFP China goes online to mock ‘beautiful sight’ of US Capitol chaos BEIJING: China’s internet erupted in Legislative Council Complex in July comment about Hong Kong’s mass media outlets, is completely condemnation for the pro-Trump mirth at America’s troubled 2019 with Wednesday’s Washington demonstrations. different”. mob. democracy after supporters of riots. “It remains yet to be seen whether At a press briefing yesterday, “At present, all European President Donald Trump broke into The latter saw hardcore Trump she will say the same about the recent ministry spokesman Hua Chunying countries’ leaders have shown the US Capitol, with Beijing fans invade the US Capitol to protest developments in Capitol Hill.” said the “sharp contrast (in reactions) double standards and condemned it criticising the “sharp contrast” the election defeat, taking selfies, China’s Communist Youth League makes one ponder, and deserves (Washington rioting),” read one between Washington’s response to scuffling with security and also described the unrest as a serious and profound reflection”. Weibo comment which gained over the chaos and the 2019 Hong Kong ransacking parts of the building. “beautiful sight” on the Twitter-like The hashtag “Trump supporters 5,000 likes. anti-government protests. “@SpeakerPelosi once referred to Weibo platform. storm US Capitol” pinballed across “What happened in the Hong State media tabloid Global Times the Hong Kong riots as ‘a beautiful China’s foreign ministry echoed China’s Weibo yesterday, racking up Kong Legislative Council last year is yesterday tweeted side-by-side photo sight to behold’,” the Global Times those sentiments, saying “the 570 million views, as users compared being repeated in the US Capitol,” comparisons of Hong Kong said in the tweet, referring to Speaker reaction of some people in the United the global support for Hong Kong’s wrote another user in a comment protesters occupying the city’s of the House Nancy Pelosi’s June 2019 States, including that of some protesters with the outpouring of with over 4,500 likes. – AFP 8 theSUN ON FRIDAY | JANUARY 8, 2021 NEWS WITHOUT BORDERS Villagers carry corpse to bank Japan declares state of to withdraw funeral money NEW DELHI: The corpse of an emergency for Tokyo area Indian farm labourer was carried to the bank by his neighbours to Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga’s with a new daily tally of more than demand money for his cremation, oSome experts fear limited restrictions government is seeking to limit 7,000 for the first time yesterday. police said yesterday. damage to the economy while Tokyo in particular has been a Mahesh Yadav, 55, died early might not be enough as Covid-19 cases surge striving to defeat the virus once and constant worry with its tally of on Tuesday in a village in the for all as it looks ahead to staging the positive tests jumping to 2,447 eastern state of Bihar after a postponed summer Olympics. yesterday, from a record of 1,591 the lengthy illness, leaving no family. TOKYO: Japan declared a limited Restrictions would centre on Some medical experts have said previous day. His body was found by state of emergency in Tokyo and combating transmission in bars and they fear the government’s plan for In all, Japan has seen 267,000 neighbours several hours later. three neighbouring prefectures restaurants, which the government limited restrictions might not be cases and nearly 3,000 deaths. The villagers searched his yesterday, hoping less-stringent says are main risk areas. enough. Authorities aim to start a vaccination home for valuables to pay for his curbs than imposed earlier will this The curbs are narrower in scope “We may need to think about a campaign by the end of next month. funeral. Unable to find any, they time stamp out Covid-19 infections. than those imposed in April under state of emergency nationwide,” The emergency measures include instead took his bank passbook The government said the an emergency that ran to late May. Toshio Nakagawa, president of the asking restaurants and bars to close that showed he had 117,000 one-month emergency would run At that time, the curbs were Japan Medical Association, said. by 8pm, and residents to refrain from rupees (RM6,500) in his account. from today to Feb 7 in Tokyo and nationwide and schools and Japan, though less seriously hit by non-urgent outings, more work from That afternoon, they took the Saitama, Kanagawa and Chiba non-essential businesses were the pandemic than many places, has home and limiting crowds at sports passbook – and Yadav’s corpse – to prefectures, covering about 30% of mostly shuttered. This time, schools been unable to rein in the virus to the and other big events to 5,000 people. his bank, refusing to leave until the the country’s population. are not being closed. extent some Asian countries have, – Reuters branch manager released his funds, local police officer Amrendar Kumar said. “Villagers demanded the bank gave them money from his account for the cremation or else they would not cremate him. “It put pressure on the bank, which finally released some money following the intervention CELEBRATORY of the local police station,” he said. PARADE ... Artists “It was the first such case” and perform during the the extraordinary scenes created Blacks and Whites panic, Canara Bank’s branch Carnival in the manager Sanjeev Kumar said. “After over an hour, I gave them Colombian city of 9,900 rupees and they finally left Pasto on Wednesday. the bank with his body for the Carnivals are held cremation ground.” without spectators as Neighbour Shakuntala Devi a preventive measure said Yadav did not own any land against the spread of and did not receive any support coronavirus. – AFPPIX from the government. “There was no-one to look after him although he had been ailing for months. We used to provide him cooked food and other things,” she said. – AFP Myanmar police arrest 99 trafficked Rohingya in raid YANGON: Nearly 100 Rohingya Shwepyitha township and discovered Images published by local media by a number of children between the three days, so we sent them food and smuggled from Myanmar’s 99 Rohingya. showed the Rohingya huddled ages of five to 10. clothes.” conflict-scarred Rakhine state were “They came from Maungdaw, barefoot and wearing face masks, in They are currently quarantined in Police said authorities were first arrested in a raid in Yangon, police Buthidaung, Sittwe and Kyauktaw front of a leafy multi-storey house a university where they have been alerted to a “suspicious man” who announced yesterday. townships (in Rakhine state) to travel where they had reportedly been tested for Covid-19, said Kyaw Soe wasn’t able to speak Burmese The smuggling operation was to Malaysia to work,” Tin Maung hiding for months. Aung from Rohingya aid group fluently. They followed him to a uncovered on Wednesday by Yangon Lwin, Shwepyitha’s deputy police Seventy-three of the group were Arakan City Cooperation Network. house where they discovered the police, who raided two houses in superintendent, told AFP. women, and they were accompanied “We heard they haven’t eaten for others. – AFP

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Research Institute developed a simple and easy COMMENT by Jason Loh way to accelerate the composting period to within 40 days. And there’s not only a potentially huge domestic market, but also overseas market such as the European Union due to the latter’s policy on organic waste management and sustainable farming practices. Effective biofertilisers using Biofertilisers can also represent additional income for oil palm and palm oil companies as they sell the excess supply to (local and foreign) counterparts that need them. What more too are the business opportunities for our SMEs, which would be enormous if they palm oil empty fruit bunches seek to also capitalise and harness the commercialisation of biomass products, HERE’S increasing public exposure these Pahang and SOField Agrobio Resources in and substituting the role of leguminous cover specifically biofertilisers, to be converted into eco- days on the potential use of biofertilisers, Sarawak, which have been helping farmers to crops as mentioned. and bio-composite products across a range of i.e., the use of natural, organic matter. increase yields while reducing operational costs Hence, as mulch, EFB wastes do not behave as sectors and industries. This from agriculture Biofertilisers are “natural fertilisers that and carbon emissions. biofertilisers as such but merely supplement and through to food production and furniture Tcontain living microorganisms (live biomass or A specific use of biofertilisers is in relation to complement the existing use of chemical manufacturing. dormant cells of effective microbial strains) which, leguminous cover crops such as groundnut. fertilisers. Therefore, it is time for the government to work when applied to seed, plant surfaces, or soil, These were used not so much to enhance soil In fact, according to an analysis in a December closely together with players and other relevant colonises the rhizosphere (i.e., plant-root fertility and, by extension, crop yields but to 2002 issue of Journal of Oil Palm Research, there is stakeholders in the industry to ensure the country interface) and promotes growth by increasing the protect against any possible soil erosion and little scientific evidence in support for the makes full use of this potential to drive the supply or availability of primary nutrients to the minimise water losses, especially during the beneficial use of mulch. economy forward and carve out a niche in the host plant”. drought season. Furthermore, the costs of collection and global markets. The term, “rhizosphere” refers to “the soil zone However, even though this practice has a transportation is very high, and disposing excess Lately, beyond the palm oil industry, a surrounding the plant roots where the biological precedent, it’s not well established. There is, or surfeit supply requires extensive burning, concrete example could be seen in a and chemical features of the soil are influenced by therefore, much scope for innovative use and which impacts air quality, through the “clean breakthrough with the conversion of the roots”. improvisation of our country’s rich natural clearing technique”. Therefore, it’s debatable at lignocellulosic fibres from discarded pineapple The use of biofertilisers is particularly evident resources to produce high quality, durable and least, whether mulch is sustainable – leaves to make strong materials for use in building in the concept of organic farming and not least in effective biofertilisers. economically and environmentally. the frames of unmanned aircraft or drones by the growing awareness of the practice of Such resources can be drawn not least from On the other hand, composting EFB wastes researchers from Universiti Putra Malaysia. composting for soil fertility (by both households, our very own ever versatile oil palm the waste of into biofertilisers have obvious benefits and According to Professor Mohamed Thariq e.g., bin and Sakura composting and enterprises, which has potential multi-faceted uses, including advantages. Hameed Sultan, “drones made out of the bio- anaerobic digestion), which is much more as biofertilisers. The same studies researched at local composite material had a higher strength-to- environmentally-friendly and sustainable at the What’s ironic is that 90 million tonnes of empty universities as mentioned have shown weight ratio than those made from synthetic fibres same time. fruit bunch (EFB) waste are generated each year. pronounced and accentuated physiological and and were also cheaper, lighter and easier to But on an industrial scale, biofertilisers should These solid wastes actually represent a vast morphological growth of plants using dispose of. And should the drone be damaged, the be promoted as an alternative to the widespread untapped source of potential biofertilisers (from EFB wastes). frame could be buried in the ground and would use of chemical fertilisers in the country, not biomass/biodegradable (i.e., rich in These take the form of height characteristics, degrade within two weeks”. necessarily as a substitute but as a preferred lignocellulosic or plant dry matter) biofertilisers. disease resistance, photosynthetic rate and Not least, this project will boost the income of choice in the development of the agricultural The EFB of oil palm can be recycled or chlorophyll contents, nutrient availability, etc. pineapple farmers, especially in light of the sector and, by extension, the burgeoning green “renewed” as humic (i.e., acidic) substances (that The findings demonstrate the capability of ongoing economic impact of Covid-19. economy of the country. enhance nutrient absorption), pulsating with biofertilisers composted from EFB wastes to fulfil In conclusion, biofertilisers should be It could well be that in one fell swoop the use of “bioactive energy” that could induce growth of the needs and requirements of plant growth on a integrated into a future 4th National Agricultural biofertilisers would render the conventional dual- high yield crops with superior qualities. fully-orbed and holistic basis, in other words Policy for sustainable oil palm agriculture as well practice of deploying microbial killers together According to studies done at local universities multifunctional. as agriculture as a whole including the agenda of with chemical fertilisers “redundant”. Universiti Sarawak Malaysia, Universiti Putra In terms of costs and technological utilisation, making it more climate-change resilient and In a recent article published online, Robert Hii Malaysia, Universiti Teknologi Mara, Nottingham oil palm biomass composting is – perhaps contributing to reduction in carbon emissions. of the non-governmental organisation, Friends of University (Malaysia campus), deploying biomass unsurprisingly – cheap and doesn’t require Borneo, called for the use of biofertilisers to reduce wastes from EFB as biofertilisers is more cost- sophisticated mechanisms. In fact, there are also Jason Loh Seong Wei is head of social, law and the emissions of Malaysia’s agricultural products, effective and better than the current commercial various methods of composting to suit the needs human rights at EMIR Research, an independent especially since it’s readily available. habit of transforming these into mulch (material of the individual enterprise. think tank focussed on strategic policy Indeed, biofertilisers have been in use already that covers the soil’s surface), which in effect In 2013, the Microbiology Research Group at recommendations based on rigorous research. in Malaysia, with pioneers such as BIO AG in serves the purpose as both microbial inoculant University Malaysia Sabah Biotechnology Comments: [email protected]

COMMENT by Guofei Jiang Blockchain Trends 2021: A road to recovery anchored by trust THE Covid-19 pandemic has completely protection, healthcare, and food safety, among Both factors previously prevented banks from industry, it is not without its challenges. According transformed the way we live, work, and interact others. providing affordable financing to international to Gartner, global blockchain trial outcomes differ with one another. Across the globe, more and We also expect blockchain to become more traders. Not only does the technology significantly greatly by sector. more day-to-day activities are taking place online, integrated into the financial services industry, help increase the level of trust among all parties Some sectors have demonstrated tangible further accelerating the digitalisation of all sectors. including in financing and risk control and involved in trade, it also makes it easier for traders progress rather than theoretical optimism, such In this context, fostering and maintaining trust management, as well as creating a more to obtain much needed financing from lenders at as asset tracking, provenance, payments, while between multiple parties becomes increasingly convenient, efficient, stable and transparent a lower cost. other use cases continue to struggle to gain valuable. operating environment for lenders. ground. Blockchain, with its tamper-proof and Deeper partnerships to strengthen the As blockchain technology is still in the nascent distributed nature, is key to strengthening trust in Blockchain plays a more active role in blockchain ecosystem stages of development, we expect to encounter this increasingly digital environment. facilitating trade and commerce Recent advancements in blockchain technology, more barriers over how it is applied and deployed This trend is evidenced by the ever-growing Blockchain applications will also undoubtedly such as cross-chain, backend-as-a-service, and at scale. global investment in blockchain solutions, which flourish in international trade. Already, the privacy-preserving data computation, will further For example, the tens of billions of smart had been expected to grow to US$15.9 billion in technology is playing a crucial role in enhancing facilitate the secure flow of information between devices available in the market could mean the 2023, ten times more than the US$1.5 billion shipment tracing, contactless digital imports, and different systems and applications. need to ensure the feasibility of hundreds of invested in 2018. export transactions. These advances will also enable a wider range billions of smart contracts operating In Southeast Asia, businesses are feeling Its role will be further amplified with the of partnerships to take place across industries and simultaneously. optimistic too, with 45% of companies believing signing of the Regional Comprehensive Economic geographies, strengthening mutual trust while While the long-lasting implications of the that blockchain technology growth will accelerate Partnership among 15 Asia-Pacific countries. reducing costs for all parties involved. Covid-19 pandemic remain largely undefined, a with more applications and opportunities over the As the world’s largest trade deal, the agreement It’s heartening to see more governments and major task in 2021 and further into the future is next three to five years. reflects the region’s commitment to an inclusive, business in Southeast Asia become more open to finding the best ways to balance scalability and cross-border trading system where transparency blockchain adoptions. security on the chain, as blockchain technology Trust remains a key reason for blockchain of information is vital. Singapore in particular, has been diligently becomes more commonplace. adoption To facilitate such international trade, new building its ecosystem to draw innovators and At Ant, a big part of our efforts is dedicated to Edelman’s Trust Barometer Special Report technologies leveraging blockchain are being investment from those intending to leverage researching and developing solutions that address revealed that during the pandemic, 60% of created. For example, Trusple, a blockchain- Southeast Asia’s rapid rise up the ranks of the these challenges of blockchain. surveyed consumers are opting for brands they powered international trade and financial service global economy. With its ability to strengthen trust which is can trust. platform was recently launched. A quality blockchain ecosystem built on critical to surviving in the increasingly digital The percentage is even higher for countries The service facilitates international trade by partnerships not only allow for joint solution global economy, we can make it easier for such as China (89%) and India (77%). generating a smart contract once a buyer and a development between the tech partners and companies around the world, especially SMEs In 2021, blockchain will play a more prominent seller upload a trading order on the platform. This regulatory authorities, but also reinvention of that lack their own resources, to do business role to enhance trust in a number of important automated process not only mitigates the business models to advance the technology’s anywhere. sectors. intensive and time-consuming processes that potential for the region. We expect to see increased deployment of banks traditionally conduct to track and verify Guofei Jiang is president of Intelligent Technology blockchain to strengthen public goods and trading orders, but also ensures the information is Taking on challenges of the future Business Group, Ant Group. Comments: services in areas such as education, copyright tamper-proof. While we are optimistic about the outlook of the [email protected] 10 theSUN ON FRIDAY | JANUARY 8, 2021 SPEAK UP

COMMENT by YS Chan LETTERS [email protected] Schools should open as planned

THERE have been calls not to open Children miss school, and their Premature to step up schools when the new school friends and teachers and online terms begins on Jan 20 for fear of virtual learning cannot take the the escalating surge in cases, place of actual classroom which has been rising steadily interaction. since the beginning of the year. Headteachers and teachers tourism now Some parents and educators need to prepare their schools for have expressed fear and worry the new term. HE first case of Covid-19 in about their children’s safety in They have done it once before Malaysia was detected on school. and can do it again to overcome Jan 25 last year and the Many want the online learning challenges of the pandemic. number rose to 22,036 on platforms to be the mode of Any further lapse in schooling TOct 20, about nine months later. This teaching and learning for the will only result in children lagging works out to an average of 2,448 school children. behind in their studies. people tested positive per month. It has been almost a whole year There are major examinations But this figure had been since normal schooling has been and school-based evaluations that exceeded twice in just one day on interrupted due to the Covid-19 need to be done which cannot Dec 31 with 2,525 cases and again pandemic. done online. yesterday setting a new record of Last year schools were opened It is going to be an uphill task 2,593. in July for a few weeks with strict for teachers to be able to go to the So far, there were 10 days where social distancing and standard classroom and begin teaching in cases exceeded 2,000 and their operating procedures (SOP) before front of the classroom after a long combined total is 22,345 – more than they were closed again due to the break. the total recorded in the first nine second wave of Covid-19. Teachers too, need to get back months! Large classes of children were into action and as they say when At this rate, it would be no reduced to smaller classes to cater the going gets tough the tough surprise that a ban on interstate or to SOP requirements. get going. even inter-district travel be Students were not allowed to Children are also going to have reimposed to curb the spread of gather in large numbers in the difficult time giving their full infections. It would be hasty for tour operators to prepare for inbound tourists when cases school premises and their food had attention to the teacher after being That would mean no “balik are still high. – BERNAMAPIX to be delivered to the classrooms on their own, free and easy for a kampong” or domestic trips for from the school canteens. long time. millions of Malaysians planning to rely on the US government for Let us pray it will not reach such There were a lot of There will be concentration and travel during the Chinese New Year assistance. alarming figures, but one thing is inconveniences for teachers and attention span problems that holidays. The notice advised travellers to certain, the record will not remain at children but safety was of the teachers need to address among Recently, the Malaysia avoid all travel to Malaysia which 2,593 as many Malaysians and utmost concern. children. Association of Tour Agency (Mata) might increase their risk of foreign workers still do not wear Everything was going as We need to start schools to get president Datuk Mohd Khalid contracting Covid-19. their masks properly or practise planned until we faced the second the momentum going so that Harun said the country is more This came just over a month after physical distancing, and like to wave and schools had to be closed things can resume back to some prepared now to accept inbound the Centres for Disease Control and engage in idle chatter through force again. form of normalcy. tourists and conditions are ripe for Prevention issued a “Level 4 – Avoid of habit. Schools had a long layoff and There is a fear of complacency controls on entry into the country to All Travel” health notice for Until we can bring down the rate though there was learning and staying home and not wanting to be lifted to give the tourism industry Malaysia. of infections to less than a thousand teaching online, it posed some go to school. a much-needed kick-start. The Malaysia Travel Advisory was cases per day over a two-week teething problems in terms of Some headteachers complained He was reported to have said, issued by the US Department of period or more, it would be overly connectivity and lack of that some teachers who were asked “The Tourism, Arts and Culture State and is meant for American hasty for tour operators to prepare appropriate electronic devices. to report to school were not happy Ministry should launch promotional citizens, but is also used as a for inbound tourists. Six months ago, They should open as planned returning to work. efforts to inform potential tourists reference by many other nations and Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin for the new school term as they The work from home syndrome that Malaysia is now a safe place nationals regarding travel to Yassin stated that tourism would have been directed to follow the has led some to be in a comfort where they can enjoy their holidays Malaysia. take four years to recover, as SOP and social distancing for the zone and they do not want to that we have sufficient facilities to It will be pointless to call on the predicted by the Economic Action safety of teachers and students. venture out of the house. cope with the pandemic which, by government to open borders when Council. Preparations have been done They have grown to love their the way, is already under control. I few foreigners are planning to visit When visitors from traditional and a lot of work has been put in homes. think we are ready to welcome Malaysia and the rate of infections markets are allowed to travel freely to resume teaching and learning. It is not going to be easy to tourists from green zone countries. remain high. out of their countries again, the first Children are prepared to go to break out of this kind of mold and All we need is for the authorities and In fact, it could even backfire beneficiaries would be the airlines school when the new school term attachment. the hospitality industry to be well when we are seen as irresponsible followed by local public transport begins. The Education Ministry needs prepared to take up the challenge.” for inviting them in and exposing providers, accommodation We need to adapt and adopt to to open the schools as planned However, his proposals ran them to the Covid-19 infection. suppliers, food, beverage and the new norms of living with the with strict SOP and social contrary to the travel alert issued by Earlier, the US-based Institute for shopping outlets, theme parks and pandemic. The new norms should distancing enforced. the United States embassy in Kuala Health Metrics and Evaluation had entertainment centres, and lastly be embraced in the fight against Students need to be prepared Lumpur urging Americans to projected that Malaysia will be tour operators, as much fewer the pandemic. for examinations and other school- consider returning to their country recording over 5,000 Covid-19 tourists will be travelling in tour The infections and numbers will based activities which cannot be of residence immediately using infections daily from Feb 25 and groups. not be going down soon due to done online. whatever commercial means forecasted it to rise until March 21, many people flouting the SOP and available, and suggested they with 5,379 infections before Comments: not following social distancing Samuel Yesuiah develop a travel plan that does not declining on April 1. [email protected] measures. Seremban CAREERSCAREERS Ready for a career change in 2021?

PUBLICATION DATE 16 FEBRUARY, 2021 (Tuesday)

Speak to theSun’s Sales team now for special deals on BOOKING & STORY DEADLINE 2 FEBRUARY, 2021 (Tuesday) digital, video and print advertising. MATERIAL DEADLINE 10 FEBRUARY, 2021 (Wednesday) FRIDAY SECURITIES SDN. B HD. 197201001092 (12738-U) JANUARY 8, 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 44.8 Institutions 2109.4 2394.3 -284.9 Email: [email protected] 35.5 Retail 1859.1 1710.9 148.2 19.7 Foreign 1059.5 922.8 136.7 143.78 Sun10.98 43.96 BIZ25.33 434.19 230.87 63.47 104.90 100.0 5028.0 5028.0 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 1,602.95 2,906.97 27,548.52 3,576.21 27,490.13 15,214.00 3,031.68 6,711.95

KL MARKET SUMMARY January 7, 2021

INDICES CHANGE Malaysian bank loans FBMEMAS 11,511.40 +31.98 FBMKLCI 1,602.95 +10.98 CONSUMER PRODUCTS 599.14 -1.24 INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTS 171.81 -0.76 CONSTRUCTION 173.85 -0.64 to grow 4-5% this year FINANCIAL SERVICES 14,967.90 -2.38 ENERGY 876.02 -2.35 TELECOMMUNICATIONS 645.92 -2.97 environment to persist moving into 2021 HEALTH CARE 3,492.55 +7.08 oFaster pace of increase in household and with no further Overnight Policy Rate TRANSPORTATION 756.19 -7.33 reductions. This will be supportive of the PROPERTY 704.91 -10.91 non-household lending, supported by GDP economic recovery. We do not see the PLANTATION 7,420.04 +72.87 intensity of deposit competition picking up FBMSHA 12,927.80 +79.46 expansion of 6.5–7%, predicts AmResearch significantly in 2021,” it said. FBMACE 10,540.90 -24.31 It added that with no further rate cuts, TECHNOLOGY 67.53 -0.50 interest margins of banks will continue to PETALING JAYA: Loan growth for the provisioning for loan losses for the sector recover from the reprising of liabilities in TURNOVER VALUE domestic banking industry is projected at to be lower in 2021 compared with 2020, Q4’20 and into Q1’21. 6.510 BIL RM5.027 BIL 4-5% this year, with a faster pace of with banks continuing to further front load Overall, the sector’s net interest margin increase in household and non-household their provisions in 2020, conservatively (NIM) in 2021 is anticipated to be stable loans, supported by gross domestic booking more provisions as management and even improve slightly compared to 5 MOST ACTIVES product (GDP) expansion of 6.5–7% with overlays in the remaining months of 2020. January 7, 2021 improvements to private consumption fourth-quarter 2020 (Q4’20). The sector’s core earnings are expected and trade activities. “In 2021, we are assuming a lower credit to recover and grow by 16.1% in 2021 based STOCK VOL CLSG (sen) +/– (sen) In a note, AmInvestment Bank cost of 47 basis points (bps) vs 55bps in on higher total income from a pick-up in AT 267,964,000 18 +0.5 Research (AmResearch) said it expects 2020. We expect the low interest rate pace of loan growth, stable to slightly IRIS 153,879,200 38 +1 improved NIM, controlled operating DYNACIA 118,882,800 13 +0.5 expenses and lower provisions. TOPGLOV 96,784,900 580 +4 This is after an expected sharp 22.2% TIGER-WC 81,098,900 3 +2 contraction in 2020 earnings attributed to higher provisions which have been conservatively booked as management 5 TOP GAINERS overlay and from changes to January 7, 2021 macroeconomic variables. It also expects the sector’s return on STOCK VOL CLSG (RM) RM equity to improve to 8.9% in 2021 vs 8.6% in NESTLE 101,100 139.50 1.50 2020. PETDAG 388,800 21.30 0.62 However, it still expects some weakness MPI 141,500 24.74 0.54 in asset quality for banks in 2021, though PPB 860,000 19.10 0.50 the targeted payment assistance rolled out EURO 6,736,100 4.23 0.40 is expected to keep a lid on the sector’s asset quality or gross impaired loans ratio until June 30. 5 TOP LOSERS “Concerns on asset quality will be January 7, 2021 mitigated by the likelihood of the distribution of Covid-19 vaccines in 2021 STOCK VOL CLSG (RM) RM and the fact that banks have already made HEIM 108,300 21.58 0.62 much of the provisions upfront in 2020 DLADY 22,500 36.30 0.58 against any potential future credit losses.” BAT 1,407,800 13.28 0.56 Overall, the research house is retaining TOYOVEN 2,974,500 2.20 0.36 its overweight call on the banking sector, PADINI 3,582,000 2.64 0.30 Improvements to private consumption and trade is forecast, with a low interest rate with buy calls on Hong Leong Bank, environment persisting, and no further cuts in the Overnight Policy Rate. – BERNAMAPIX Maybank and RHB Bank.

EXCHANGE RATES JANUARY 7, 2021 Foreign currency Bank sell Bank buy Bank buy US investor BlackRock criticises TT/OD TT OD 1 US DOLLAR 4.0780 3.9510 3.9410 Top Glove’s board over worker safety 1 AUSTRALIAN DOLLAR 3.1970 3.0690 3.0530 1 BRUNEI DOLLAR 3.0930 3.0020 2.9940 KUALA LUMPUR: The board of directors Covid-19 mitigation and inadequate The fund, which owns 0.84% of Top 1 CANADIAN DOLLAR 3.2130 3.1260 3.1140 of Malaysian firm Top Glove Corp, the oversight of worker health and safety issues Glove shares, declined to comment on 1 EURO 5.0360 4.8710 4.8510 world’s largest maker of medical grade as especially egregious with potentially worker safety concerns. gloves, has failed egregiously in protecting serious implications for its reputation as a The board members were re-elected 1 NEW ZEALAND DOLLAR 2.9860 2.8750 2.8590 its workers from Covid-19, US investor supplier of such equipment to hospitals despite the objections. 1 SINGAPORE DOLLAR 3.0930 3.0020 2.9940 BlackRock said, calling for its removal. around the world,” BlackRock said in a BlackRock’s comments were the first 1 STERLING POUND 5.5450 5.3690 5.3490 The comments from the world’s biggest statement late on Wednesday. public criticism of Top Glove from an 1 SWISS FRANC 4.6290 4.5170 4.5020 asset manager come after Top Glove saw an Top Glove did not immediately respond investor since the virus outbreak among extensive coronavirus outbreak among its to a request for comment. The company workers. 100 UAE DIRHAM 112.2700 106.4000 106.2000 workers late last year. More than 5,000 has acknowledged that much more needs The company posted record profits last 100 BANGLADESH TAKA 4.8870 4.5860 4.3860 foreign workers were infected and one died to be done to raise the standard of year as demand for its gloves soared due to 100 CHINESE RENMINBI 63.3000 60.8000 N/A in what became Malaysia’s biggest cluster. employee welfare and has promised to the pandemic. Its share price more than 100 HONGKONG DOLLAR 53.1300 50.4700 50.2700 Reuters reported last month that Top rectify shortcomings quickly. tripled in 2020. Glove fired a whistleblower who raised A BlackRock unit, BlackRock Institutional In July, the United States banned two 100 INDIAN RUPEE 5.6700 5.3200 5.1200 concern about the firm’s lack of Covid-19 Trust Co, is the tenth biggest shareholder in units of Top Glove over forced labour 100 INDONESIAN RUPIAH 0.0304 0.0274 0.0224 mitigation efforts. Workers have also told Top Glove, holding 1.07% of its shares. allegations. Malaysian authorities plan to 100 JAPANESE YEN 3.9630 3.8380 3.8280 Reuters that they lived in crowded The US firm said it intended to hold charge the company over poor worker 100 NEW TAIWAN DOLLAR 15.7000 N/A N/A dormitories. other incumbent directors accountable by accommodation. BlackRock cited workers’ accounts of voting against their re-election at future BlackRock said the living conditions 100 PAKISTAN RUPEE 2.5900 2.4200 2.2200 working and living conditions, the firing of meetings. described by the workers, US and 100 PHILIPPINE PESO 8.6100 8.1100 7.9100 the whistleblower and the virus cluster at An influential Norwegian sovereign Malaysian authorities were in “stark 100 QATAR RIYAL 113.1700 107.4300 107.2300 Top Glove in its criticism of the board. It wealth fund, managed by Norges Bank contrast” to what the board conveyed to 100 SAUDI RIYAL 109.8600 104.2900 104.0900 also voted against re-electing six board Investment Management (NBIM), also shareholders. members at Top Glove’s annual general voted against their re-election, according to Top Glove’s factories, some of which 100 THAI BAHT 14.2300 12.6200 12.2200 meeting on Wednesday. voting records published by NBIM on its were closed due to the virus outbreak, Source: Malayan Banking Berhad/Bernama “We view the board’s ineffectiveness in website. reopened last month. – Reuters 12 theSUN ON FRIDAY | JANUARY 8, 2021 SUNBIZ Moody’s: US Customs’ WRO against Sime Darby Plantation credit negative KUALA LUMPUR: Moody’s Investors The WRO was issued by the US with the US Customs and its various governance issues associated with organisation specialising in migrant Service said the United States Customs last week based on the stakeholders to resolve the palm oil production,” it added. worker rights to improve recruitment Customs and Border Protection’s information that it said “reasonably allegations and take any corrective In order to strengthen its processes, along with audit firm withhold release order (WRO) against indicates” the presence of all 11 of the actions required to protect workers’ sustainability policies and mitigate PriceWaterhouseCoopers to improve palm oil giant Sime Darby Plantation International Labour Organisation’s rights,” Moody’s said in a statement these risks, SDP has said it subscribes communication channels to address Bhd’s (SDP) products, which is forced labour indicators in SDP’s yesterday. to a number of initiatives, including a concerns around its Malaysian premised on forced labour production process. It said strong labour policies and policy of no deforestation, no peat- operations. allegations, is credit negative. The order constitutes detaining processes, such as maintaining credit land development and no labour “While immediate risks to SDP’s The rating agency said this any palm oil and products profiles, are essential for palm oil exploitation through its Responsible credit profile as yet are not situation could damage SDP’s manufactured by SDP and its companies. Agriculture Charter and Human quantifiable, we will continue to relationship with customers and subsidiaries or affiliates. “(This is) particularly because of Rights Charter. monitor developments around these other stakeholders, while large losses “While SDP has stated that it has increasing scrutiny from stakeholders, The rating agency noted that SDP allegations and the impact upon in earnings, if any, could weaken its not yet received details of the including customers and investors, has appointed an independent SDP’s credit profile,” Moody’s said. – credit profile. allegations, we expect SDP to engage regarding environmental, social and international non-governmental Bernama Rosier outlook for palm oil in 2021, say experts KUALA LUMPUR: The palm oil industry outlook is expected to be rosier this year with business resumption, improved production by producers and higher consumption in traditional markets, a plantation expert said. “Palm oil price will rise despite already having increased by 40%, and it is finally coming back, tracking more market share. This could KESM provides also be due to the Covid-19 vaccine availability. burn-in, testing “In India, for example, which is the largest and electronic palm oil buyer, vaccine is the key to growth and manufacturing the Indian pharmaceutical industry is very good services to the and innovative,” said Dorab Mistry, director of semiconductor Godrej International Trading & Investments Pte industry, and Ltd, on the third day of the virtual Malaysian serves five of the Palm Oil Trade Fair and Seminar 2021 (POTS top 10 largest car Digital 2021) yesterday. semiconductor Following that, the Indian government manufacturers in expected strong demand growth in 2021, he said. the world. – KESM As for China, Dorab said the Chinese are WEBSITE PIX consuming more good quality vegetable oils and reducing consumption of animal fats. “Chinese consumers are more health-conscious and discarding used cooking oil faster.” “The CPO price is expected to reach RM4,000 a tonne, and remains at this level for some time ... but after that it will depend on the KESM to invest in new other factors,” Dorab said. On production, he said palm oil output in 2020 was below expectations, but it would likely recovery in the second half of 2021. He estimated Malaysia’s palm oil production to hit 20 million tonnes while Indonesia was factory space in Malacca projected to record 50 million tonnes – a total jump of about four million tonnes from 2020. the top 10 largest car semiconductor group’s balance sheet remains strong as its “The crop production would eventually oTakes long-term view manufacturers in the world and the move cash pile strengthened to RM230 million from recover post-Ramadan month (April/May) and towards electric and autonomous vehicles RM200 million. this would lead to lower prices,” he added. that global car market will will see increased semiconductor content per On the back of its performance, its board He also predicted the commodity to stage a vehicle. declared an interim dividend of 1.5 sen per short, sharp correction in early January- turn around and grow, Semiconductor reliability is a top safety ordinary share, totalling RM600,000 on Aug February before recovering and rally again. concern for all new car designs, the executive 25, 2020 as well as a final tax-exempt dividend “The year 2021 will be a year of two halves. company ready to ride on chairman pointed out. of 6 sen per share. But overall it will be a good-to-great year for the In tandem with governments’ support Collectively, Lim pointed out, the two world economy.” electric vehicle revolution across the world for reduced emissions from dividends of 7.5 sen have translated into a Oil World executive director Thomas Mielke cars, KESM is ready to ride the wave of the high dividend payout ratio in spite of a weak shared Dorab’s views, although he sees a PETALING JAYA: KESM Industries Bhd will electric vehicle revolution. performance. moderate setback for palm oil this year. He be investing in new factory space in Malacca Lim acknowledged the global car market “We operate in a highly capitalised market. voiced concern on production, due to labour with over 100,000 square feet to support weakened significantly last year, although the With our strong financial health, we are taking shortage, which he hoped would push higher future growth in burn-in and test of increase in semiconductor content used in advantage of this lull period to invest in investments in mechanisation. – Bernama automotive semiconductors, according to its cars has offset the decline in production training, upgrade our equipment and to executive chairman and CEO, Sam Lim. volumes. benefit from the growing global automotive “We are taking a long-term view that the However, the challenges brought about industry when the chips are up,” he said. TOMEI MULLS LISTING UNITS global car market will turn around and by the Covid-19 pandemic are still far from When the pandemic restriction gradually ON ACE MARKET VIA SPV continue to grow,” Lim said in a statement. over. relaxes, the CEO projected to see a faster rate PETALING JAYA: Tomei Consolidated Bhd is He pointed out that the group serves five of Despite the significant drop in volume, the of recovery in its business activities. considering the listing of YXG Group on the ACE Market via a special purpose vehicle. BRIEFSThe YXG Group comprises the group’s subsidiaries Yi Xing Goldsmith Sdn Bhd, Gemas Precious Metals Industries Sdn Bhd, PNE PCB to venture into glove business Emas Assayer Sdn Bhd and GPM Refinery PETALING JAYA: PNE PCB Bhd aims to demand” as a consequence of the Covid-19 automated dipping lines, purchase of Sdn Bhd. “The details of the proposed venture into rubber glove manufacturing and pandemic. equipment and components such as formers listing has yet to be determined at this distribution via its wholly owned subsidiary, The Malaysian Rubber Glove and moulds, and other necessary systems and juncture, and is subject to to approvals PNE Glove Sdn Bhd. Manufacturers Association has projected an certifications. being obtained from the relevant Initially, it aims to set up five production annual demand growth rate of 15-20%, with The capex and any additional funding authorities as well as the shareholders of lines with a total capacity of 1.5 billion pieces global demand set to hit 420 billion pieces of requirement for the group’s venture will be Tomei,” it said in a Bursa filing. a year. glove and Malaysia’s projected export revenue satisfied with a combination of fundraising Towards that end, the group has entered of RM34 billion. exercises, bank borrowings and/or internally NOVA WELLNESS GETS SC NOD into a lease agreement with GPA Holdings The current global shortage of rubber generated funds. FOR TRANSFER TO MAIN MARKET Bhd’s wholly owned subsidiary, GP Autobat gloves is anticipated to last beyond the first Currently, PNE PCB is identifying PETALING JAYA: Nova Wellness Group Bhd Sdn Bhd, for the lease of certain industrial quarter of next year. suppliers or distributors for the supply of raw has received approval from the Securties buildings in Klang, Selangor, for its glove PNE PCB revealed the total capex for the materials required for the production of Commission Malaysia to transfer its listing production operations. commission and installation of the rubber gloves. It expects the production of to the Main Market. Nova has been listed on It highlighted that the decision to venture production lines and related facilities is rubber gloves to begin in stages by the fourth the ACE Market since July 20, 2018. into the sector is due to the “swell in estimated to be at RM60 million, which covers quarter of 2021. theSUN ON FRIDAY | JANUARY 8, 2021 13 * SUNBIZ Malaysia Airlines Generex files trademark, debt restructuring nears completion KUALA LUMPUR: The parent company of Malaysia Airlines said patent for Covid-19 vaccine yesterday it was nearing the end of a debt restructuring process which it hopes will be completed by the end of PETALING JAYA: Bintai Kinden early 2021. the first quarter of this year. Corp Bhd’s partner Generex oThe technology offers the safest and best “With multiple epitopes that are Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG) Biotechnology Corp has filed for a targeted to generate specific, said it was in talks with around 40 trademark for its li-Key vaccine as route for rapid development of a product that neutralising regions of the creditors and lessors to take a haircut “The Complete Vaccine” and patent coronavirus without off-target effects, in its RM16 billion debt restructuring for its Ii-KeySARS-CoV-2 vaccine can be safely administered to everyone, partner and which have demonstrated plan, adding it was confident it could (Covid-19 vaccine). positive T cell regulation necessary achieve a “win-win” result for all. The Ii-Key vaccine is designed to be Bintai Kinden says for long-term immune memory, the MAG has been in discussions with a complete vaccine, Bintai Kinden Covid-19 vaccine has the potential to creditors for months as part of efforts said. The technology offers the safest generating off-target, non- of Generex’s Covid-19 vaccine, Bintai be a complete vaccine,” he said in a to turn around Malaysia’s national and best route for the rapid neutralising antibodies that can lead Kinden managing director Ong statement. carrier, long beset by high costs and a development of a Covid-19 vaccine to antibody dependent enhancement Choon Lui said based on the results of Meanwhile, Generex’s subsidiary bloated workforce. that can be safely administered to of disease; further a complete vaccine the ex-vivo human studies, Generex NuGenerex Immuno-Oncology Inc is The group warned leasing everyone, including adolescents, should activate the appropriate T cell has initiated good manufacturing exploring additional opportunities to companies in October that state fund children and pregnant women without responses to yield long-term immune practice production of several Covid- deploy the targeted Covid-19 vaccine Khazanah Nasional, its sole worry of immune related side effects. memory without activating 19 epitopes that will be formulated for as a universal booster for RNA, DNA, shareholder, would stop funding the A complete vaccine is designed to detrimental Th2 responses that have Phase I and Phase II clinical trials; an and inactivated virus vaccines that group and force it into a winding regulate the immune system to been associated with immune-related investigational new drug application contain the entire spike protein and down process if restructuring talks provide a targeted, neutralising complications of Covid-19 disease. is being prepared for Food and Drug have the potential to elicit off-target with lessors fell through, Reuters antibody response without On the progress and development Administration submission in and over-active immune responses. reported previously. “Good progress has been achieved with full support by a large majority of its creditors for a consensual agreement,“ MAG said in a statement CNAsia, Intcys ink MoU on digital banking for women about the restructuring process. Malaysia has been looking for a PETALING JAYA: CNAsia Corp Bhd strategic partner for its national has entered into a memorandum of carrier. Khazanah took it private as understanding (MoU) with Intcys part of broader restructuring in 2014, Sdn Bhd to embark on women but efforts to turn around the digital banking business with its business have been further upended social enterprise, Women more recently by Covid-19. Empowering Women (MyWeW). MAG said it was considering using a It explained the social enterprise British scheme to carry out the is aimed at women’s empowerment, restructuring, pending confirmation particularly in the economic sector, from some minority creditors. – Reuters as they have been among the most affected by the Covid-19 pandemic resulting in job losses or the inability to conduct their business as usual. Sand Nisko Capital As a result, many of them face financial constraints and have to in joint venture search for other sources of income. Against this backdrop, the for forest projects MyWeW digital bank intends to focus on assisting women to obtain PETALING JAYA: Sand Nisko Capital digital banking services including Bhd’s (SNC) wholly owned entrepreneurial financing, micro- subsidiary Len Cheong Industries loans, applying for debit and credit Sdn Bhd (LCI) yesterday entered into cards, and opening digital bank a joint venture agreement (JVA) with accounts. Integrated Biogranix Ventures Sdn Under the MoU, CNAsia Bhd to jointly carry out the endeavours to invest a total sum of harvesting of the existing secondary RM400 million for the establishment forest logs on the permanent forest of a consortium for women digital reserves of Sokor Taku in Kelantan banking. measuring 5,434ha; and the For the venture, both parties cultivation, terracing and planting as would make the effort to adhere and well as harvesting of the forest apply to the licensing requirements plantation of Eucalyptus species imposed by the central bank along and/or agroforestry in the land. with other authorities for the digital The net profit from the sale of the banking licence. harvested secondary logs will be In addition, the two will jointly distributed between Integrated develop a feasible business model (70%) and LCI (30%); while the net and formulate a proposal to carry on profit from the sale of the harvest of the business of granting microcredit the forest plantation logs will be facilities. distributed between Integrated MyWeW’s adviser and Pengerang MyWeW will assist women to obtain digital banking services including entrepreneurial financing, micro-loans, applying (30%) and LCI (70%). parliament member Datuk Seri for debit and credit cards, and opening digital bank accounts. – AFPPIX The nature of business of LCI is Azalina Othman Said commented trading of logs and sawn timbers and that any digital banking business products, low-income women in the said in a press statement. authorities to carry out a business of processing of wood products and that caters to women is an country will be able to access the Intcys’ director Wan Nurliyana granting microcredit facilities tailored construction. LCI will be entitled interesting niche market which convenience of online banking to Abdul Rahman stated that the primarily for women and to apply for absolutely to appoint contractor(s) to should be encouraged as it would conduct business via smart phones, objective behind the MoU is to apply the requisite licenses with BNM to carry out the project. LCI will pay help Malaysian women. increase their income and improve for the requisite license from Bank apply, study and carry on a digital RM1 million to Integrated upon the “Through such digital banking the family financial situation,” she Negara Malaysia and other related banking business to cater for women. execution of the JVA. Further, LCI will pay RM1 million via internally generated funds to Integrated upon execution of the JVA. Petronas Carigali takes over operation of E11 gas hub, offshore Bintulu The project on the land will be carried out for a period of 25 years and KUALA LUMPUR: Petronas Contract, had been operated by continuing to develop Sarawak as a 2019 to ensure a smooth handover of neither party may terminate the JVA subsidiary Petronas Carigali Sdn Sarawak Shell Bhd (SSB) for the past regional gas hub. the E11 hub,” he said in a statement unless the event of default occurred. Bhd (PCSB) has taken over the 38 years. “On behalf of Petronas, I would yesterday. “The JVA will provide operatorship of the E11 gas hub, Petronas vice-president of like to thank SSB for operating the An event to commemorate the opportunities for the parties to located 130km offshore Bintulu, Malaysia Assets Bacho Pilong said E11 gas hub efficiently and handover was held at SSB’s main establish a strategic partnership for Sarawak, effective Jan 1. this marked a significant milestone responsibly for more than three office in Lutong, Sarawak, on Dec 31, various activities based on the The E11 hub, which has been for PCSB as the operator of the E11 decades. 2020, where a memento was respective party’s expertise and producing since 1982 under the hub, which is pivotal in ensuring “I am pleased to note that SSB presented to SSB by PCSB Sarawak strengths as well as leveraging on Malaysia Liquefied Natural Gas reliable, stable and cleaner energy and Petronas had implemented all Gas Division senior general each other’s network and resources,“ (MLNG) Production Sharing supply to the market while the necessary activities since July manager Peter Majid. – Bernama Sand Nisko said. 14 theSUN ON FRIDAY | JANUARY 8, 2021 SUNBIZ

LafargeHolcim to buy Firestone Building US may add Alibaba, Tencent Products for US$3.4b ZURICH: LafargeHolcim, the world’s to China investment ban biggest cement maker yesterday announced a US$3.4 billion (RM14 billion) deal to buy Firestone Building Products Investment Management in Toronto and an from Japan’s Bridgestone Corporation. oTrump targets Asia’s two most valuable companies as he investor in the New York Stock Exchange. The purchase of the roofing products “Money and markets should be neutral.” business is the biggest under CEO Jan seeks to cement his hardline policy against Beijing during his Trump escalated measures against Chinese Jenisch, who since taking over in 2017 firms in November with an executive order that has focused on paying down debts, final days in office bans US investors from buying shares of quitting less profitable markets and Chinese firms. smaller bolt-on deals. On Tuesday, he ordered a ban on It will help LafargeHolcim tap WASHINGTON: The Trump administration is discussions were first reported by The Wall Street transactions with eight Chinese software increasing demand for roofs that considering adding tech giants Alibaba and Journal. applications, including Ant Group’s Alipay generate solar energy and cool buildings, Tencent to a blacklist of firms allegedly owned or Shares in Alibaba, China’s biggest e- mobile payment app and Tencent’s QQ Wallet with cities such as San Francisco controlled by the Chinese military, two people commerce firm, finished down 3.9% on the and WeChat Pay. requiring solar panels on new buildings. familiar with the matter said on Wednesday. Hong Kong Stock Exchange while Tencent, a The November executive order sought to Jenisch said his company’s focus was Targeting Asia’s two most valuable gaming and social media behemoth, lost 4.7%. give teeth to a 1999 law that tasked the Defense now on growth, with plans to roll out companies would be US President Donald Alibaba’s US-listed shares closed down just over Department with drafting a list of Chinese Firestone Building Products beyond the Trump’s most dramatic step yet in a recent raft of 5% on the news on Wednesday. companies deemed to be owned or controlled US where it currently generates nearly measures unleashed against Chinese Some investors expressed skepticism, by the Chinese military. 90% of its US$1.8 billion in annual sales. companies as he seeks to cement his hardline however, that Alibaba and Tencent would face The Pentagon has so far blacklisted 35 firms, “We said we wanted to have a fourth policy against Beijing during his final days in long-term restrictions – given that they are including China’s top chipmaker SMIC and oil leg for our company – building solutions office. worth a combined US$1.3 trillion (RM5.2 giant CNOOC. and products – for this we need a bigger Defense Department officials, who oversee trillion), widely held by US investors and the While release of the November directive acquisition,“ Jenisch told reporters. the blacklist designations, have not yet finalized likely reputational and financial hit to US stock prompted index providers like MSCI to begin “We needed a platform which had plans and are also discussing adding other markets. deleting blacklisted companies from their technologies and an innovative product Chinese firms to the list, the sources said, “It’s a very bad policy and there’s enough indexes, confusion about the scope of the rules range to kick start this fourth segment speaking on condition of anonymity because money in Asia, lots and getting bigger, that one has prompted some dramatic flip-flops by the and this is exactly what this Firestone the deliberations are private. shouldn’t force these companies out of America,“ New York Stock Exchange in recent days. – business is offering to us.” – Reuters Both companies declined to comment. The said Thomas Caldwell, chairman of Caldwell Reuters UBS lifts forecast for Brent to US$60 by mid-year on surprise Saudi cut Mercuria taps BENGALURU: UBS raised its forecast for Brent analysts at the Swiss bank wrote in a note. “But if demand falls to a lesser extent, the oil prices to US$60 per barrel by mid-year, The world’s largest oil exporter on Saudi move would also help to accelerate the following Saudi Arabia’s surprise unilateral Wednesday pledged additional, voluntary oil process of reducing oil inventories.” Envysion for production cut and expectations of a sharp output cuts of one million (bpd) in February Brent crude was trading around US$54.59 a recovery in demand in the second quarter on and March, sending benchmark Brent prices to barrel by 0802 GMT yesterday, while US West vaccine rollouts and increased travel. their highest since February. Texas Intermediate (WTI) rose to US$51.02. new source With Saudi Arabia’s move, Opec’s production “The Kingdom’s preemptive move suggests The bank expects Brent to trade at US$63 per increase of 0.5 million barrels per day (bpd) for to us a desire to defend prices and support the oil barrel in the second half of 2021 and WTI to January is reversed in full, which will result in a market amid demand concerns due to extended trade at a US$3 per barrel discount to Brent of finance tighter oil market in the first half of the year, mobility restrictions in Europe,“ UBS said. prices. – Reuters SINGAPORE: Trading house Mercuria and Singapore-based asset manager Envysion New virus Wealth Management have agreed to co-invest restrictions, in mining and energy projects, as default-hit including banks tighten their purse strings and leave closures of commodities firms seeking other funding. entertainment The deal, signed on Wednesday, will see venues and Mercuria present potential projects for schools in investment to Envysion, founded and led by Bangkok and former Julius Baer banker Veronica Shim. other Envysion will then decide whether to provinces, participate via a fund with a start-up could hamper amount of US$100 million (RM401 million) Thailand’s to US$200 million. economic Such tie-ups between companies and recovery. – fund managers may help fill a financing REUTERSPIX void left last year after major banks downscaled commodity operations amid a series of defaults by trading houses. “There used to be abundant funding for commodity traders but not anymore since major defaults like Hin Leong and ZenRock,“ said George Liu, Mercuria’s Singapore-based business development manager. “On the other hand, private funds are sitting there looking for higher returns but they lack financing channels.” Singapore-based oil traders Hin Leong and ZenRock Commodities both collapsed last year after being unable to repay bank loans amid a coronavirus-driven crash in oil prices. ZenRock has since been dissolved. The deal with Envysion represents a rare partnership with a fund for Mercuria, one of Thai economy may lose US$10b in Q1 from new virus outbreak the world’s biggest oil traders. Together with US private equity firms, Mercuria BANGKOK: Thailand’s economy could lose as “If the situation does not improve in January, analysts say. committed last year to investing up to much as 300 billion baht (RM40 billion) in the consumer confidence could drop to a record “It’s likely that the economy will contract in US$1.5 billion in renewable energy projects. first quarter after its largest coronavirus low over the next two months,“ university the first quarter, by 4% if there is a soft lockdown The fund for the tie-up is to be launched outbreak saw consumer mood sink to a five- president Thanavath Phonvichai told a briefing. but by 11.3% if it is a hard lockdown,“ Thanavath in around two months, Envysion’s Shim told month low in December, according to the The index hit a record low of 39.2 last April said. Reuters. Investments, expandable to commerce university. during the peak of the first coronavirus wave. The university now predicts the economy US$500 million, will initially be in the form The consumer confidence index dropped for The impact of the new outbreak is expected will grow 2.2% this year versus 2.8% earlier, he of debt financing but can go beyond debt in the first time in three months to 50.1 in at 200 billion to 300 billion baht in the first said, adding the government would need at future, she said. December – when the new spread was detected quarter, Thanavath said. least 200 billion baht to shore up the economy. “Envysion will have its own investment – from 52.4 in November, as consumers feared a New virus restrictions, including closures of Yesterday, Thailand confirmed 305 new committee - by hiring former commodity surge in inflections would hit the economy and entertainment venues and schools in the capital infections and one new death, bringing its total trading executives as consultants – to do its jobs, a survey by the University of the Thai Bangkok and other provinces, could hamper to 9,636 cases and 67 fatalities since it first found own due diligence before making the final Chamber of Commerce showed yesterday. Thailand’s fledgling economic recovery, the virus early last year. – Reuters call,“ Shim said. – Reuters THINK RED OF YOUR MEANS LOVED STOP! ONES ONONFRIDA FRIDAYY A Community Campaign by NOVEMBEJANUARYR 23, 201 8,8 2021 Honda: Non-National Segment leader for 6th consecutive year ONDA Malaysia this week customers throughout Malaysia. 60,469 units sold and for that, we are truly continue to support the Government’s efforts announced that it has achieved total Amongst the three variants of the new City, humbled by the support we have received. to curb the pandemic which is still active sales of 60,469 units in 2020 and the V variant emerged as the most popular, “The City continues to prove its position as nationwide.” maintained its undisputed capturing 52% of total sales. the most popular Non-National B-segment* Conceptualised to be ambitious and Hleadership position as No.1 in the Non-National The highest demand came from the Central model among Malaysians who love its confident, the fifth-generation all-new City Segment* for the sixth consecutive year. region of Peninsular Malaysia, which advanced features in an attractive price carries a bold and sporty presence. The V This sales achievement was largely contributed 48% of total sales received, package. variant’s outlook features new LED headlamps contributed by the City, which recorded the followed by the Southern region at 19% and the “Throughout the years, the City has never with LED daytime running lights, new LED highest sale at 34% of total sales. Northern region at 18%. failed to impress Malaysians and the record foglamps as well as new LED taillamps which The second best-selling model is the Civic, Based on the sales achieved, the Platinum sales achieved since the launch of the fifth- have given it its top spot in terms of popularity followed by HR-V, at 20% and 17% contribution White Pearl colour appears to be the favourite generation all-new City proved that it is still a amongst its three variants. to the total sales respectively. with customers, representing 26% of the new much-loved model. A set of 16-inch alloy wheels completes the The all-new City recorded the highest City’s overall sales. “On behalf of Honda Malaysia, I would like cutting-edge design of the car for the V variant. monthly sales in its history with over 5,500 units Honda Malaysia managing director and to thank all our customers for making this Powered by a new 1.5L DOHC i-VTEC sold in December 2020. CEO Toichi Ishiyama said: “The year 2020 may milestone a significant one, even during these powertrain and coupled with continuous Officially launched in October 2020, the have been challenging but we have managed to challenging times. variable transmission, the new City is able to latest City received positive response from the maintain our undisputed No. 1 position in the “Your continuous trust in the Honda brand produce up to 119.4hp, which is highest in its market with more than 15,200 bookings to date, Non-National Segment* for the sixth has allowed us to keep trying to outdo ourselves class and a maximum torque of 145Nm. making it one of the highest booking consecutive year in our service to you as we strive to bring forth Besides, its interior styling features high- figures for a newly-launched with the three Joys of Honda, which are Joy of quality textures and functional approach, with model in Honda Malaysia, Buying, Joy of Selling and Joy of Creating. trimmed leather seats** and ivory highlights** in the second half of “We sincerely thank the Malaysian at inner areas. 2020. government for the extension of sales tax The V and E variants also feature an eight- B e t w e e n exemption until June 30, which will inch display audio with Apple CarPlay and October and allow many Malaysians to Android Auto*** connectivity for added D e c e m b e r purchase cars with extra convenience. 2020, Honda savings. As we This is complemented by the remote engine M a l a y s i a move on in start feature (V and E variants), a first in its class delivered 2021, we technology, which provides drivers the close to w i l l convenience of starting their car with a simple 1 0 , 8 0 0 push of a button on the keyless remote. units of Safety-wise, the V variant comes with six the new airbags and Honda LaneWatch. City to Other standard safety features include Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist (BA), Emergency Stop Signal (ESS), Hill Start Assist (HSA), Rear Seat Isofix I-size type and new rear seatbelt reminder. Meanwhile, reverse sensors with multi- angle reverse camera are also offered in the V and E variants.

*Based on internal data. **Combination leather. ***Android Auto will be available upon its official launch of the service in Malaysia. Peugeot Malaysia is updating customer info BERJAYA Auto Alliance Sdn Bhd (BAASB) is Owners are required to provide proof of their running a customer information update vehicle registration card, service and warranty exercise, as part of its efforts to streamline its booklets, by logging onto the website and system, to improve the customer completing the information updates. ownership experience in the All information collected would future. be protected in accordance to The company is the sole the Personal Data Protection and exclusive importer & Act (PDPA) law of Malaysia. distributor of Peugeot “These are just one of the vehicles in Malaysia as initial efforts by BAASB to well as the provision of improve the ownership aftersales services for experience. Lastly, the group Peugeot vehicles in would like to thank all Malaysia. customers for their It is informing all Peugeot unwavering support and value owners to update their their patience, confidence and information on its official faith in the brand.” Peugeot website, For more information, www.peugeot.com.my, customers can go to which started commencing www.peugeot.com.my, on Jan 1. send emails to “Through this exercise, information such as service reminders, [email protected] . warranty periods, service campaigns, news and Also, customers can contact BAASB’s updated additional support would be streamlined and Peugeot Customer Support number at 03- made more accessible for Peugeot owners,” says 76278818, which operates from Monday to the company. Friday, 8.30am to 6pm. theSun on friday 16 JANUARY 8, 2021 Out & About

Perodua sold Volkswagen ang pao 220,154 vehicles last year PERODUA registered 220,154 vehicles in the whole of 2020, 10,154 more than its 210,000-unit sales target for the year, on the rebates this CNY back of strong demand for its vehicles as consumers took advantage of the VOLKSWAGEN Passenger Cars Malaysia government’s sales tax exemption. (VPCM) is charging ahead and driving “We thank all Malaysians for choosing prosperity this Chinese New Year with ang pao Perodua and the government for extending rebates, perfect for those interested in starting the sales tax exemption under PENJANA to the Year of the Ox with a new Volkswagen. sustain the sales momentum which the Very much like the ox, words like “tough” automotive industry is now enjoying,” said and “powerful” perfectly describe a Perodua President and CEO Datuk Zainal Volkswagen – no matter the model. Abidin Ahmad. Be it the Passat or Tiguan Allspace, drivers He added that Perodua manufactured can enjoy instant power response and a 220,968 vehicles in 2020, despite dynamic driving experience enhanced with temporarily halting production between high torque at a low rpm or engine speed, March and May 2020 due to the Movement thanks to the direct shift gearbox (DSG) Control Order (MCO). transmission. “Despite this, the tax exemption Customers who book via the eShowroom introduced in June 2020 succeeded in (www.volkswagen.com.my/online-sales) will spurring car buyers’ enjoy additional exclusive online savings on interest that was top of the ongoing ang pao rebates. able to sustain Those interested in the Passat range will the players as also enjoy free additional one-year insurance well as the or RM5,500 savings. local Models and ang pao rebates (plus automotive eShowroom savings and year of make 2020 ecosystem. savings) are listed below: “Perodua also 0 Tiguan Allspace Highline: RM1,000 rebate, hit the one million RM3,500, RM3,500 Energy-Efficient Vehicle (EEV) milestone in 0 Tiguan Allspace R-Line: RM1,000 rebate, November 2020 – exactly two years after RM3,500. RM3,500 achieving the half-million – further 0 Arteon R-Line: RM1,000 rebate, RM4,500, Campaign, with savings on parts replacements 0 One-litre genuine engine oil: 20% off solidifying our position as Malaysia’s largest RM2,500 and genuine engine oil. A list of additional offerings for the benefit EEV manufacturer.” 0 Passat Elegance: RM1,000 rebate, RM3,500, The Aftersales offerings are listed below of owners include complimentary “5 Star Zainal said the better-than-expected Free one-year insurance or RM5,500 (parts, offer & additional: Service Check”, up to 20% discount on batteries sales achievement had a direct positive 0 Passat R-Line: RM1,000 rebate, RM3,500, 0 Brake disc (per disc): RM30 off, RM20 and tyres, and complimentary Volkswagen ang impact on the Malaysian automotive free one-year insurance or RM5,500 GrabCar voucher pao packets. ecosystem, helping both independent parts All Volkswagen models come with three 0 Brake pads (per set): RM30 off, RM20 Service appointments can be made online suppliers and dealers weather the years free maintenance, five years unlimited GrabCar voucher at www.volkswagen.com.my/volkswagen- challenges in 2020. mileage warranty and five years roadside 0 Air-conditioner filter (per piece): RM20 service/offers-and-products/online-service- “We look forward to a better year ahead assistance. off, RM10 GrabCar voucher booking. as there are positive indications that the Volkswagen owners can also enjoy the 0 Fuel additive (per bottle): RM20 off, RM10 The Volkswagen CNY sales and aftersales Covid-19 pandemic would be overcome latest deals under the CNY Aftersales Service GrabCar voucher promotion is valid from now till Feb 28. with the recently-released vaccines. We will announce our 2021 targets and updates later,” adding that for now, Perodua will continue to fulfil outstanding orders and push for higher sales in 2021. 530i M Sport Dark Shadow Edition unveiled “We wish all Malaysians a safe, healthy BMW Malaysia recently introduced the new retrofitted with Shadow Line Part and M Shadow Edition will take place at selected and happy 2021. Perodua will never stop BMW 530i M Sport Dark Shadow Edition (pix). Performance wheelset with TPMS for an all- dealerships on the specified dates below improving all aspects of our business to Limited to only 36 units, the exclusive business black look and finishing. (dealership and date): continue to satisfy and surpass all your saloon sees “aesthetic athleticism and driving Completing the look are black window 0 Wheelcorp Premium, Setia Alam: Jan 8-14 mobility needs and wants, including pleasure converge in a striking, sophisticated finishers, 20-inch M Performance light alloy 0 Quill Automobiles, Petaling Jaya: Jan 15- continuing to push the fuel-efficiency all-black finish”. wheels in double-spoke style 669 M Orbitgrey 21 envelope via advanced technology that will Harald Hoelzl, managing director of BMW and a high-gloss black kidney grille. 0 Ingress Auto, Jalan Damansara: Jan 22-28 remain affordable.” Group Malaysia said: “The BMW brand has The 530i M Sport Dark Shadow Edition will 0 Auto Bavaria, Kuala Lumpur: Jan 29-Feb 4 always stood out from the rest – from the come furnished with either Black Dakota 0 Ingress Auto, Puchong: Feb 5-11 moment a purchase is made and throughout leather with blue stitching, or Cognac Dakota 0 Auto Bavaria, Sungai Besi: Feb 12-18 the entire Premium Ownership Experience, leather with contrast stitching. Honda’s new air filter we want every owner to feel that each time Starting from Jan 4, the 530i M Sport Dark Dynamic financial programme they take the road in their BMW vehicle, an Shadow Edition will be available exclusively on With the Balloon Financing Plan from BMW works like a face mask experience that distinguishes itself from any BMW Shop Online Group Financial Services Malaysia, the new SOME of the cars made by Honda will soon other awaits them. (https://shop.bmw.com.my/), where 530i M Sport Dark Shadow Edition can be get an air-filtering device capable of “Embodying the spirit of standing out, the customers can book the new saloon at owned with a monthly instalment plan starting blocking virus cells from entering the vehicle new BMW 530i M Sport Dark Shadow makes a RM1,000. from RM4,488 (based on estimates of an 80% and also of catching virus droplets inside the bold entrance into 2021, distinguishing itself in The 530i M Sport Dark Shadow Edition – loan on a five-year tenure). cabin; Honda even claims that the solution a limited-edition dramatic all-black design. inclusive of Shadow Line and the M The retail price (on the road, without could destroy Covid-19 virus cells in the This will set the stage for an extraordinary start Performance wheelset worth over RM37,000, insurance) for the 530i M Sport Dark Shadow process. to a new year.” is available for an additional RM10,000 on top Edition is: The device, called “Kurumaku” (pix), will Available exclusively in Carbon Black, the of the vehicle’s retail price. 0 530i M Sport: RM382,800 be able to eliminate 99.8% of virus droplets new 530i M Sport Dark Shadow has been Viewing of the new 530i M Sport Dark 0 Dark Shadow Edition: RM392,800. circulating inside the car in only 15 minutes. Unlike other “air purifying” systems deployed by competing carmakers that prevent 0.3 micron particles from entering the car, Kurumaku destroys nanoparticles that circulate inside the cabin. It is worth noting that Kurumaku won’t remove traces of virus on hard surfaces, which normally are eliminated after around 24 hours. Honda explains that the new system needs to be replaced every year or every 15,000 kilometers, in order to remain efficient. Honda will launch Kurumaku as an accessory in its compact N Box, exclusively in Japan, for around US$62 (RM248.50). Other models are also set to soon have it as an option. – AFP Relaxnews theSUN ON FRIDAY | JANUARY 8, 2021 17

Top predictions for the market in 2021 in good locations to continue to hold We also see the social/physical oSavills Malaysia sees four trends in the property sector for the new year well in current times. distancing theme taken into fitouts in We have seen discounts in the past new projects. Flexible work few years and the strata segment will arrangements will continue, with THE real estate sector took a blow in Agriculture focus in Greater Kuala Lumpur together be continue to be competitive due to slow but sure trends towards partial 2020 and this will be carried through Agriculture lands are expected to see with the Rapid Transit System Link in supply factors (with a 40% increase in office occupation again. The into 2021. further uptick despite current market Johor (both announced in Budget number of high-rise residences in flexibility offered by co-working We are still hopeful that with the conditions. Many cash-rich investors 2021). This will spur growth of Greater KL by 2023). Overhang in this spaces will become more popular. It new year unfolding, there are some and PLCs will relook into this sector, construction projects and unlock sector will continue into 2021 but will be a challenging year ahead as goodies for the property market with the possibility of increasing their values around the station vicinities. good niche products will still see new supply of 15 million sq feet is ahead. landbanks for future developments, We also look forward to the strong demand, particularly in expected to enter the Greater KL We are all waiting for the Covid-19 while venturing into agricultural completion of MRT 2 (Phase 1) in locations close to train stations. market in the next three to four years. vaccines to be effective and dispersed businesses now. 2021 and LRT 3 in 2022. well and this is a much needed Office sector will continue to see a This article was contributed by Savills injection to reboot the entire Infrastructure as economic driver Residential market to be flat, with flight to quality with well-specified Malaysia managing director Datuk marketplace. We are hopeful that MRT 3 proceeds mid- and mid-high landed properties new buildings attracting tenants. Paul Khong. 10 most searched PROPERTY LISTINGS areas by Malaysian in TELUK INTAN Project: Lagenda Teluk Intan home buyers in 2020 Type: Single- and double-storey terrace Price: RM171,000 onwards Developer: Taraf Nusantara Sdn Bhd 1 Johor Baru 16.24% Lagenda Teluk Intan (LTI) is the first and the 2 Petaling Jaya 15.60% largest affordable planned township in Perak. The township spans over 1,099 acres, 3 Shah Alam 10.66% where the development is complete with premier facilities and amenities that would 4 Cheras 10.60% be ideal for families. LTI is the only township in Malaysia that 5 Damansara offers exclusive badminton and football notifications, remote delivery and retrievals, Heights 9.67% clinics by world-renowned coaches with security panic alert and many more. Datuk Misbun Sidek and Dollah Salleh.This LTI also has direct access to West Coast 6 Ampang 8.22% affordable township is aptly equipped with Expressway, which is under construction. a smart living system for the convenience Once ready, it will reduce travelling time to 7 Ipoh 7.71% of facility reservation, community Kuala Lumpur to only 60 minutes. 8 Tropicana 7.57% 9 Rawang 6.93% Simplicity at Alaris @ Nusari Bayu

10 Kota SIMPLICITY is the word to describe Alaris @ for the corner units and comes with four International Airport and 45 minutes to the Damansara 6.79% Nusari Bayu as simple lines of practical and bedrooms and three bathrooms. city of Kuala Lumpur, Alaris @ Nusari Bayu is wide layouts are offered to those who wish to Alaris @ Nusari Bayu is a secured enclave convenient for those travelling to Putrajaya or Source: iProperty.com.my. The list looks at have a fuss-free home. with facilities like children’s playground, foot Cyberjaya too. data for the highest number of searches Alaris @ Nusari Bayu lies adjacent to reflexology path, outdoor gym and badminton With prices starting at RM511,999 among home buyers who visited the property Bandar Sri Sendayan in Seremban, Negri courts for everyone in the family. It has all the (bumiputra), RM540,443 (bumiputra-open) and site from January to December 2020. Sembilan. It is a 23-acre freehold development conveniences of living in a self-sustaining RM568,888 (non-bumiputra) onwards, Alaris @ comprising 192 double-storey terrace houses. township and one of its best features is that it Nusari Bayu is simplicity at its best. For sales These units have four different large built-ups sits next to the existing SJK (C) Bandar Sri enquiries, call 1 800 88 2688, register online at with 2,141 sq ft being the smallest. Each Sendayan. sendayan.com.my or check our Facebook page – WONG & PARTNERS terrace house has a lot size of 20’ x 70’ except Just 20 minutes to Kuala Lumpur Matrix Concepts Holdings Bhd. STRENGTHENS REAL ESTATE PRACTICE PETALING JAYA: Law firm Wong &

BRIEFSPartners has strengthened its real estate practice with the hire of Tang Ai Leen as partner. Tang, who joins from Zul Rafique & Partners, brings 20 years of post- admission experience to her new role. Her practice focuses on representing local and multinational property devel- opers, investors and REITs on transac- tions including large-scale development projects involving landed and strata titled properties. Her experience spans Secured all types of property asset classes includ- entrance to ing residential, industrial, commercial Alaris @ Nusari and office units, buildings, factories and Bayu (artist machineries/assets, data centres, vacant impression) land and Malay reserve land.

PROPERTIES IN KL STILL POPULAR AMONG ASIANS PETALING JAYA: Kuala Lumpur remains an attractive investment spot for Asian buyers post Covid-19 due to competitive pricing, long-term growth potential and foreign-friendly policies, said Core Precious Development Sdn Bhd chair- man and managing director Zhang Bao. “Properties in KL have relatively afford- able price per square feet, ample facili- ties, great accessibility with integrated transport services, and one of the high- est standards of living in Southeast Asia,” added Zhang. Units at Core Precious’ maiden property project, Core Residence @ TRX, have mainly been taken up by customers from China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Korea and Japan. Double-storey link house at Alaris @ Nusari Bayu (artist impression) Practical living at Alaris @ Nusari Bayu (artist impression) 18 theSUN ON FRIDAY | JANUARY 8, 2021 FEATURE

█ BY S. TAMARAI CHELVI What are the successful campaigns on your platform? OMEN who are also “We launched on March 18. small entrepreneurs in Honestly, we have no idea if the Malaysia have a platform will survive, eventually. champion in Angie S. “We encouraged the first few Chin.W She has made it her mission brave women, who got onboard to empower women with prior to the MCO, to promote their knowledge and provide them with campaigns amidst the challenges. access to a platform to raise funds in Some managed to raise some funds, their journey into the business and some barely [made it], due to world. the pandemic. About seven years ago, Chin “It was truly bad timing to launch organised coffee meet-ups and the platform, but [we refused to give sharing sessions for women who up] and decided to pivot a little and were just starting a business, to help focus on causes. them address their self-doubts, to “On our platform, Carmen Yeo network, and learn business tips. raised the most funds to kickstart “There were tears when the her venture to create Qi Mobile – a sharing got personal and deeper, as one-stop site to educate about being a new entrepreneur can be Traditional Chinese Medicines lonely,” said Chin, who quit the (TCM) and connect the public to corporate world after a career certified TCM nearby. spanning 25 years. “Apart from that, [we helped] “Eventually, I pursued female students, who needed funds entrepreneurship when I realised Chin (middle) with some rural students in Keningau, Sabah during a campaign for Plight of Rural Students in Sabah. to support their studies.” that I wanted to be a change agent and make a difference,” added Chin, What are your goals in the future? who co-founded and launched “I look forward to seeing more HanaFundMe on the first day of the women in Malaysia come out from movement control order (MCO). their comfort zones and explore She holds the title of Chief Lending a helping hand their potential. If I may advise those Engagement Officer for the who want to kickstart their projects platform. or mission, please don’t just The name Hanafundme was o Malaysia now has a flexible crowdfunding Chin aspires to wait for grants, and inspired by the former deputy certainly don’t be shy to lend a helping minister of Women, Family and platform to aid womenpreneurs put forward your ideas Community Development Hannah hand to or mission out there Yeoh, who visited the women hub, women, to validate them. set up by Chin at KL Sentral in 2019. that whenever men and women put access to angel investors. However, especially small “Fundraising is a “Our team suggested combining forward a business idea, most men most registered investors (even entrepreneurs process, and you the word Fund and Me to ‘Hana’ to just needed to demonstrate how angel investors) in the country in Malaysia. should not be reflect the platform’s purpose of their ideas work, while women prefer to seed fund small businesses – COURTESY fearful of getting raising funds for business, projects needed to justify why their ideas that are already off the ground. OF ANGIE S. rejected.” or causes. would work. “In some instances, if the women CHIN “Hana brings upon positive “Even if these men’s ideas might approach investors for funding, meanings in various languages too, be a flop, they can always get back they would usually need to give up including ‘grace’ (in Hebrew), up and try again – often with less certain equities while some [who ‘number one’ (Korean), ‘crafts’ judgment, while [with] women, not have] explored partnerships with (Hawaiian), and even ‘happiness’ only would they get harsh feedback, investors, eventually got tangled in (Arabic).” they would also be judged as weak bad and ugly deals due to and less focused. inexperience in negotiating Why did you choose to set up “Women-owned businesses partnership expectations. a crowdfunding platform, hardly get the attention they “If they go to banks for loans, specifically for women? deserve because they are perceived they may need to put up collateral “It’s a highly competitive market to as emotional beings and less while some others don’t qualify for crowdfund a project. Major resilient. personal loans because of crowdfunding platforms are “It was this inconsistent financial commitments. Some were overcrowded with many projects, imbalance of opportunities that I not in favour of peer-to-peer drowning smaller projects, which have experienced and witnessed lending too, due to the interest became ‘invisible’. that drove me to do something payment, on top of the monthly “Narrowing to serve niche about it. In most of the repayment. targets increased the chance of conversations I had with women, “Inspired by Kickstarter’s story, smaller projects getting discovered. many of these aspiring and driven by the success of several What makes it more interesting is womenpreneurs were struggling to similar women platforms in more aspiring women came out of kickstart their ideas or businesses the US, I felt that it was their comfort zones to kick start due to limited access to funds. time to start one for ventures. “Some of these women were not Women in Malaysia and “In my years of experience, I find seeking a large amount, and had no founded HanaFundMe.” South Koreans scramble to arrange for cosmetic surgery WHEN Ryu Han-na, a 20-year-old hidden under masks, such as the billion) government cash university student, got cosmetic nose and lips, as well as those that handouts, 10.6% was used in surgery on her nose in mid- face coverings don’t conceal, hospitals and pharmacies, the December, she had a simple which some consider the criteria of third-largest segment by reason: it might be the last chance beauty in the coronavirus era. classification behind supermarkets to do so covertly before people “Both surgical and non-surgical and restaurants, though the details start taking off masks this year as inquiries about eyes, eyebrows, of hospital types were not vaccines are distributed. nose bridge and foreheads – the disclosed. Ryu, who has been attending only visible parts – certainly Gangnam Unni data showed its her courses online throughout increased,” said Park Cheol-woo, a users surged 63% from a year 2020, said the ability to recuperate surgeon at WooAhIn Plastic earlier to about 2.6 million last at home and wear a mask in public Surgery Clinic, who was in charge year. They requested one million without drawing attention were of Ryu’s operation. counselling sessions, double the deciding factors. Surgeon Shin Sang-ho, who amount from a year earlier. “I always wanted to get a nose operates Krismas Plastic Surgery The pandemic made it harder job ... I thought it would be the best Clinic in the centre of Gangnam to promote services to foreign to get it now before people start district, said many people have clients, so in the last year it taking off masks when vaccines spent their emergency stimulus embraced a more local and become available in 2021,” she said payment from the government at regional focus. as she prepared for the 4.4 million hospitals and clinics, boosting But a third wave of coronavirus won (RM16,244) procedure. Ryu poses for photographs before undergoing nose plastic surgery in Seoul, revenue in the third and fourth at home remains a concern as the “There will be bruises and South Korea, Dec 17, 2020. – REUTERS quarter of 2020. country reports record-breaking swelling from the surgery but since “I felt like it’s sort of a revenge daily cases. we’ll all be wearing masks I think capital of cosmetic surgery even (RM47.4 billion) this year, spending. I’ve sensed that “We’ve seen growing numbers that should help,” she added. during non-pandemic times. according to Gangnam Unni, the customers were expressing their of cancellations in consultation That attitude is fuelling demand The industry is estimated to be country’s largest online cosmetic pent-up emotions (from the appointments as people refrain for such operations in South Korea, worth about US$10.7 billion surgery platform. coronavirus) by getting cosmetic more from going out, especially which had already experienced a (RM42.9 billion) in 2020, up 9.2% Cosmetic surgeons say patients procedures,” Shin said. customers from the suburbs pickup in cosmetic surgery in 2020. year-on-year, and is expected to are interested in all parts of the Government data showed that mostly postponed their surgeries The country has been a world hover around US$11.8 billion face: those that can be easily of 14.2 trillion won (RM52.4 to 2021,” Park said. – Reuters theSUN ON FRIDAY | JANUARY 8, 2021 19 FEATURE

A unique team of female forest rangers patrol the jungle in Sumatra, battling poachers and illegal loggers. Battling rampant

The squad say deforestation they want to reinforce the idea that the oIndonesia’s female forest guardians jungle is not just a male fight for the environment domain. They are now UMINI gets up at dawn to do from a nearby volcano. beginning to her household chores – then “When we got there, I saw the get more leads a team of women into mountain had been deforested,” she support from the jungles of Indonesia’s said. local men. SSumatra island, on a mission to battle “I said to my husband ‘Well, so rampant deforestation and wildlife this is the reason. The forest has been poaching. destroyed by men.’ I was so angry The 45-year-old mother of five that, from that moment on, I told heads a unique team of female myself I’d take on the role of rangers taking on illegal loggers and protecting the forest.” government authorities. hunters threatening Sumatran tigers, The fledgling squad got no help The group also tracks evidence of pangolins and other at-risk wildlife. from authorities when they deforestation and replants trees by The culprits are mostly men, complained about hillsides scarred the thousands, with the help of more including neighbours or even the by tree loss. volunteers. husbands of team members, who live “They thought we made it up. That But initially, they didn’t get a together in Damaran Baru village in is why we established the team,” warm welcome in Aceh. the north of Sumatra. Sumini said. It is the only region in Muslim- Along the way, the 30-member Twice a month, the hijab-clad majority Indonesia to impose sharia team grapples with sexist stereotypes women strap on floppy hats and law, violations of which can be in ultra-conservative Aceh province, rubber boots before setting off for punished by public flogging. and authorities who are indifferent to about five days at a time, navigating “People had this image that the environmental destruction the steep, mountainous terrain. women might engage in immoral wrought by illegal logging and land They search for signs of poaching acts in the forest because we usually clearance for the region’s many and logging, remove animal traps, have a man with us as a guide,” The women set out into the jungle twice a month, for five days at a time. coffee plantations. document endemic Sumini said. Deforestation and habitat loss wildlife and “And some asked: ‘Why do we “Our village would be facing more have long been a problem across the plant species have women protecting the forest? disasters if the rangers didn’t exist,” vast Southeast Asian archipelago, and post It’s none of their business’.” the 40-year-old told AFP. which is among the most biodiverse s i g n s But now some former poachers Annisa’s husband Muhammad nations on Earth. warning and loggers have become volunteers Saleh, also now part of the group, said “The forest has always been against themselves. he has given up illegal activities. associated with men,” said Sumini i l l e g a l Among them was Bustami, 54, “I was ashamed that my wife was (right). activity, who spent years hunting pangolins, working to protect the environment “But we want to change that and w h i c h scaly mammals poached for their and I was destroying it,” he said. say it’s also about women. Women t h e y meat and scales which are prized “My biggest regret is that some of who are angry about environmental report in traditional Chinese medicine. the wildlife I once hunted can’t even destruction and who are taking t o “I can’t even count the number be seen in the forest any more.” action to fix the problem.” of pangolins I killed,” he said. And villager Aliman’s once- The group, which now includes “I made a lot of money but it sceptical view has evolved too. one of Sumini’s sons and his wife, got didn’t last long. “At first I found it weird that its start in 2015 after a flash flood “Now, I’m protecting the women were protecting the forest,” he destroyed a dozen houses in the environment as payback for said. community of about 1,000 the mistakes of the past.” “But that’s changed after seeing all residents. Joining the team as a longer shy about being led by a team the positive contributions that Sumini’s husband guide – and of women because what they are they’ve made.” relented after repeated encouraging other doing for the environment is noble,” The team isn’t perfect, however, demands that he hunters and Bustami said. “I have to support them and arguments do break out. show her why so loggers to quit the to fight for the cause.” “Usually we do a mediation to much wood and trade – drew Squad member Annisa said she’s solve any problems,” Sumini said. debris was mixed ridicule from determined to end the sins of the “But often it’s the men arguing in with the some men in the past, including those of her husband with each other on patrol. So if they floodwaters village. who was once jailed for illegal can’t work it out, then the women barrelling down “But I’m no logging. step in to fix things.” – AFP-Relaxnews 20 theSUN ON FRIDAY | JANUARY 8, 2021 FEATURE Braille literacy empowers the blind oS. Umashangari aims to lift the standard of Braille literacy in Malaysia

█ BY MUHAMMAD FAIZ BAHARIN 0 Few can read Braille AND AIMY MOHAMED YUSOFF Sadly, Umashangari’s enthusiasm to lift the standard of Braille literacy . UMASHANGARI learned to among the blind is not shared by ‘read’ at age 7, and promptly many. fell in love with the written In Malaysia, only 51,540 from word. However, by age eight, among the 780,000 who are visually- Sshe found that she had quickly run impaired are registered with the out of things to read. Welfare Department. Even sadder, This is because she was born only 30% of them can actually read blind, and there is only so much Braille. reading material available in Braille. The CEO of MAB, George Thomas She first learned Braille when she said that many of those who struggled entered Standard 1 at Sekolah or could not at all read Braille were Rendah Pendidikan Khas St. Nicholas those who lost their vision later in life, Home in Penang. due to disease or by accident. “By the time I was in Standard 2, I “They depend entirely on apps could already read Braille, but found and technology, unlike those who it extremely difficult to get a hold of were blind from birth. The latter books in Braille. It was frustrating to would usually be sent to school to not be able to enjoy the variety of learn Braille,” he said. works of fiction that my friends did. It He further revealed that was then that I vowed to translate in 2020, a total of 2,562 books into Braille when I grew up, so visually-impaired that no one else would have to suffer students learned I VOWED TO from the same disadvantage as I,” Braille in school with TRANSLATE Umashangari, now 33, told Bernama. 38 of them in Umashangari is a translator and editor of Braille reading materials at the Malaysian Association for the She believes that providing better preschool, 1,147 in BOOKS INTO Blind, and has translated over 10 books. access to books for the blind to be primary school and instrumental to their empowerment 1,377 in secondary BRAILLE WHEN intensive too. form of communication for the blind surfaces. We also rely on our sense of and success. school. I GREW UP. “Translators have community. touch and smell to detect obstacles,” “Mastering Braille and availing However, the – S. Umashangari to manually copy the “Braille has been proven to he lamented. more reading materials in Braille are Covid-19 pandemic has entire book, word for contribute to the success (of the important measures in correcting the affected their learning due word along with figures and visually-impaired) in the aspects of 0 Make it compulsory misperception that the blind are to the limitations of online graphs. Imagine how long it would socioeconomy, vocation, education Commenting on the low number of capable of nothing more than selling classes. take to translate a book that is 30 to 40 and politics,” he said. registrants from among the blind tissue packets by the roadside,” she pages long. He pointed out that in community with the Welfare said. 0 Challenging task of producing “The cost of producing a book in disseminating information to the Department, Silatur Rahim said this Umashangari, who hails from books in Braille Braille is also higher because we’d public – particularly on Covid-19 – was mostly due to caregivers who Taiping, Perak, eventually went on to Malaysia may be ahead of other need a special machine and use a the relevant agencies seemed to have took the matter lightly. graduate from Universiti Malaya with Asean countries when it comes to thicker paper that is 120gsm (grams overlooked the needs of the blind. He called on the government to a degree in Anthropology and Braille education, but it is per square metre),” he explained. A year has passed since the review the Persons With Disabilities Sociology, but never forgot about her nevertheless plagued by a plethora of Regular books use papers that are pandemic ravaged the world, but Act 2008 to make it compulsory for desire to empower the blind. issues, such as securing copyrights for only 60-80gsm. Silatur Rahim claimed no children with disabilities to be Today, she is a translator and translation, and the high cost of “You’d end up with bigger and information have yet been made registered, to help improve the editor of Braille reading materials at production for Braille reading thicker than average books because locally available in Braille, forcing the accuracy of statistics and allow the the Malaysian Association for the materials. Braille characters take up more visually-impaired to rely on those government to channel aid more Blind (MAB). Since holding the post “We cannot simply translate any space,” he said. around them for information on it. effectively to the community. in 2018, she has translated over 10 material into Braille, and not all “It is as if they believe that we are “I have found that the issue stems books benefiting the blind parties agree to have their work 0 Recognise the importance of invincible against Covid-19. I find this from three main factors: personal community. translated into Braille. Furthermore, Braille very worrying because until today, issues; geographical issues which Among them are textbooks for use we have to put up with layers of The Malaysian Foundation For the there is no standard operating makes it hard for caregivers to register at Malaysian schools, such as Asas bureaucracy before we can publish a Blind CEO Silatul Rahim Dahman, procedures (SOP) for the blind those under their ward; and policy Sains Komputer (Form 2); Bahasa book,” said George. meanwhile, believes that the community. We are at high risk of issues, because the government itself Melayu (Form 3); and Sains for Form Translating a book into Braille can importance of Braille should be contracting infection because we has not made registration 5 students. be highly tedious and labour- recognised by all as it is an important have to go out in public and touch compulsory.” – Bernama Starting the year with more than words A NEW year means new perspectives. 0 Detourism: Every crisis provides gustatory pleasure with respect for Here are ten words which we would an opportunity to think about our the environment and local products. like to see officially appear in the ways of living. The first on the list is It might be tempting to eat dictionary, and which we would like the way we travel, which often strawberries in winter, but why not to use more in everyday life in the borders on the frenetic. We can no choose more seasonal fruits such as coming months. longer continue to explore the world clementines or apples? For the New just to post beautiful pictures on Year, let’s strive to become informed 0 Audio Story: At ETX Studio, the social media. eco-gastronomes. year 2021 means audio. And we hope Detourism is the willingness to to share this passion with you. Henri, travel differently, favouring local 0 Female gaze: Even if you have Denise, Mia, Ryan ... In every getaways and letting ourselves be never heard of ‘the male gaze’, you language, our platform can turn any carried away by the unknown. So put have undoubtedly encountered it text into an audio version illustrated on your best walking shoes and set off many times in your life. The male with images, just like ‘stories’ on on an adventure. point of view is everywhere, in the social media. The Sound Revolution films that you watch, in the books that is on its way! 0 Earthing: Walking barefoot in the you read, in the commercials that you cool grass or on the warm sand of the watch on TV. 0 Cyberminimalism: This term, beach. While the idea is as old as the How about trying to favour ‘the The pandemic introduced us to a get back to basics. popularised by French author Karine world, the need to reconnect to our female gaze’ rather than the more flexible way to work, and the Mauvilly, refers to a pared-down natural environment has never been masculine perspective? In 2021, let’s flex office fits both current 0 Vorfreude: This German word approach to technology. After all, stronger than in 2020, after long choose more works created by restrictions and our wants, making us from across the Rhine is one of the now that we’ve managed to turn our weeks of lockdown. That’s why women. truly nomadic workers. hard-to-translate terms included in homes into minimalist havens thanks ‘earthing’ (also known as grounding), the Positive Lexicography Project. to Marie Kondo, why not do the same the practice of putting your body in 0 Flex office: A kind of best of all 0 Skin Fasting: We trust our skin to The noun refers to “the joyful with our digital habits? physical contact with the earth, may worlds of work, which we dream of. regenerate itself without the dozens anticipation derived from imagining Let’s ditch our smartphones, put be the key wellness trend to integrate The ability to choose an office desk of products we’ve become future pleasures.” away our tablets, turn off our into our daily lives in 2021. on Monday and swap it for a accustomed to applying in recent Like the idea of having a drink computers and try to resist the coworking space on Tuesday. Or years. In 2021, we will favour intense with your friends or not having to tyranny of the digital. We’ve already 0 Eco-gastronomy: Have you heard even better, to work from home on but less frequent skin routines over a wear a mask all the time. These are heard this piece of advice a thousand of the famous ‘slow food’ movement? Thursday, at your parents’ house on slew of unnecessary and expensive simple sources of ‘vorfreude’ that we times, but in 2021, it’s time to Eco-gastronomy takes up the same Friday and from abroad the following products that are often bad for the all want to experience again in 2021. – implement it. principles and advocates reconciling week. planet. After this unsettling year, let’s AFP-Relaxnews theSUN ON FRIDAY | JANUARY 8, 2021 21

322 Notices 322 Notices BALAKONG PARKSON 322 Notices AUTO CENTRE SDN. BHD. (1060806-P) IN THE MATTER OF DALAM MAHKAMAH (In Members’ MAJISTRET DI SHAH ALAM THE COMPANIES ACT, 2016 Voluntary Winding-Up) GUAMAN NO: AND IN THE MATTER OF (Incorporated in BA-A72NCvC-1974-11/2020 SENJA PERMAI SDN. BHD. Company No: Malaysia) ANTARA 199201013399 (244902-W) KOI TROPIKA JOINT MANAGEMENT (IN MEMBERS’ NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN BODY (No. Daftar: MPSJ/COB PC 0035) IN THE MATTER OF THE VOLUNTARY WINDING UP) THAT the Final General 190 Shops to Let 322 Notices 322 Notices COMPANIES ACT, 2016 … PLAINTIF and Meeting of the Company DAN IN THE MATTER OF NOTICE OF FINAL MEETING will be held at the office of ONE FUSION MARKETING SDN. BHD. 1. LEE JONG CHUAN IN THE MATTER OF THE IN THE MATTER OF THE the Liquidator, Suite D24, Registration No. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT (No. K/P: 571202-03-5201 / GREAT COMPANIES ACT, 2016 COMPANIES ACT, 2016 201001015830 (1000508-P) 2nd Floor, Plaza Pekeliling, 5263396) (In Members’ pursuant to Section 459(2) of AND IN THE MATTER OF AND No. 2 Jalan Tun Razak, 2. LAI YOK KETT RETAIL SPACE HARDITECH ENGINEERING IN THE MATTER OF Voluntary Winding-Up) the Companies Act, 2016, a (No. K/P: 620910-08-6008 / LAIWAN SDN. BHD. Final Meeting of the members 50400 Kuala Lumpur on 7233313) FOR SALE! SDN. BHD. At a General Meeting of the Company duly … DEFENDAN-DEFENDAN (Company No.: 149154-H) [198401013273 (125833-U)] convened and held at Wisma Goshen, of the Company will be held 8th February 2021 at 2.00 (IN MEMBERS’ VOLUNTARY (IN MEMBERS’ VOLUNTARY 2nd Floor, 60, 62 & 64 Jalan SS 22/21, Address: WINDING-UP) Damansara Jaya, 47400 Petaling Jaya, at 55-A, Jalan Perang, Taman p.m. for the following NOTIS Kota Raya Complex WINDING-UP) Selangor Darul Ehsan on Friday, 1st day Pelangi, 80400 Johor Bahru, purposes:- NOTICE OF FINAL MEETING of January, 2021, the following special Kepada: - Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock At Extraordinary General Meeting of resolutions were duly passed: Johor on Tuesday, 9 February 1. LEE JONG CHUAN 50000 Kuala Lumpur the members of Laiwan Sdn. Bhd. 2021 at 10.00 a.m. for the (1) To receive accounts from (No. K/P: 571202-03-5201 / Notice is hereby given that held on 29 December 2020, the 1. THAT, the Company will be liquidated by following purposes :- 5263396) pursuant to Section 459(2) of the following Special Resolution was way of Members’ Voluntary Winding Up. the Liquidator showing 2. LAI YOK KETT Area: Companies Act, 2016 the Final duly passed:- 2. THAT, Mr. Tan Kee Huat and Ms. Lam Lee how the winding-up (No. K/P: 620910-08-6008 / 5th Floor – 26,102 sf General Meeting of the members San both of Norvic Corporate Services 1. To receive the Liquidator’s 7233313) Sdn. Bhd., Wisma Goshen, 2nd Floor, has been conducted 4th Floor – 22,390 sf of the company will be held at No. “THAT the Company be wound up 60, 62 & 64, Jalan SS 22/21, Damansara account of receipts and 7079, 1st Floor, Jalan Kampung voluntarily pursuant to Section Jaya, 47400 Petaling Jaya, Selangor payments and statements and to receive any SILA AMBIL PERHATIAN bahawa Other Floors – suatu tindakan telah dimulakan From 205 sf to 2,982 sf Gajah, 12200 Butterworth, Pulau 439(1)(b) of the Companies Act, Darul Ehsan be appointed as Joint of distribution among the explanations thereon. 2016 AND THAT Mr. Soo Tong Hui and Several Liquidators to act for the terhadap kamu di Mahkamah Majistret Pinang, on 08 February 2021 purpose of winding-up the Company’s contributories and to hear Shah Alam, dalam Guaman No. BA- For viewing appointment, at 10.00 a.m. for the following of No. 129A, Jalan Genting Klang, affairs and distributing its assets. A72NCvC-1974-11/2020 oleh Koi Setapak, 53300 Kuala Lumpur, any explanations that maybe (2) To resolve under Section please call purpose: 3. THAT, the said Liquidators be authorised Tropika Management Body (“Plaintif”) be and is hereby appointed as to divide amongst the members in given by the liquidator; 518 of the Companies yang beralamat di Management Office, Ms. Chloe : 03-2072 2562 Liquidator to act for the purpose of specie or kind, the whole or any part 1. To receive and consider the Koi Tropika Serviced Condominium, Batu winding-up the company’s affairs of the assets of the Company and may, 2. To resolve that under Section Act 2016 that after 13 ½, Jalan Puchong, 47100 Puchong, Liquidator’s Final Accounts and distributing its assets.” for such purpose, set such value as the expiration of three Selangor Darul Ehsan di mana Plaintif showing the winding up has they deem fair upon any property to be 518(3)(b) of the Companies divided as aforesaid and may determine menuntut terhadap kamu antara lain IN THE MATTER OF THE been conducted and to receive Act 2016, the books, months from the date untuk membayar caj penyelengaraan COMPANIES ACT, 2016 ONG WAH SENG how such division shall be carried out as any explanation thereon; and Director between the members. accounts and documents of of the Final Meeting, dan ‘sinking fund’ atas hartanah di AND IN THE MATTER OF 8 January 2021 the Company be destroyed the books and papers alamat, Unit D-17-11, Block D (Taisho), RAPID WALL (M) SDN. BHD. 2. To resolve under Section 518(3) Evelyn Lai Dah Noi after the expiration of three Koi Tropika Condominium, Batu 13 ½, (Company No.: 447217-M) Director of the company may be Jalan Puchong, 47100 Selangor Darul (b) of the Companies Act 2016, IN THE MATTER OF THE (3) months from the date of destroyed. Ehsan, faedah dan kos. (IN MEMBERS’ that the books, accounts and COMPANIES ACT, 2016 Dated this 8th day of January, 2021. the final meeting. VOLUNTARY WINDING-UP) documents of the Company AND DAN TELAH DIPERINTAHKAN bahawa NOTICE OF FINAL MEETING IN THE MATTER OF IN THE MATTER OF THE Writ Saman dan Pernyataan Tuntutan shall be destroyed after the COMPANIES ACT, 2016 KAM CHAI HONG 8th January 2021 expiration of 3 months from the LAIWAN SDN. BHD. and Kuala Lumpur bertarikh 04.11.2020 dilaksanakan Notice is hereby given that [198401013273 (125833-U)] IN THE MATTER OF Liquidator secara penyampaian ganti terhadap date of the dissolution of the kamu dengan menampalkan pada pursuant to Section 459(2) of the company. (IN MEMBERS’ VOLUNTARY ONE FUSION MARKETING SDN. BHD. 322 Notices WINDING-UP) Registration No. alamat terakhir kamu, menampalkan Companies Act, 2016 the Final 201001015830 (1000508-P) Dated this 8 January 2021 Lim E @ Lim Hoon Nam pada Papan Notis Mahkamah Majistret General Meeting of the members Lau Theng Chim NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that (In Members’ Liquidator Shah Alam dan mengiklankan sekali of the company will be held at No. Liquidator Voluntary Winding-Up) A member entitled to attend REDSUN CONSTRUCTION di suatu penerbitan akhbar ‘The Sun’ the creditors of the abovenamed dan penyampaian Writ Saman dan 7079, 1st Floor, Jalan Kampung Dated this 08 January 2021 company which is being wound NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the creditors and vote at the Meeting is SDN. BHD. (1050756-V) Gajah, 12200 Butterworth, Pulau (In Members’ Pernyataan Tuntutan sedemikian akan up voluntarily are required on or of the above Company are required to entitled to appoint a proxy to disifatkan sebagai penyerahan lengkap send in their names and addresses and Voluntary Winding Up) IN THE MATTER OF Pinang, on 08 February 2021 Proxies: before 7 February 2021 to send attend and vote in his stead. A THE COMPANIES ACT 2016 dan sempurna terhadap kamu dalam at 11.00 a.m. for the following the particulars of their debts or claims A member of the Company entitled their names and addresses with and the names and addresses of their proxy need not be a member of AND masa tujuh (7) hari selepas tarikh purpose: to attend and vote at the above particulars of their debts or claims solicitors (if any), to the undersigned (the At the General Meeting of the IN THE MATTER OF penampalan atau pengiklanan yang and the names and addresses Liquidators of the said Company) at the the Company. The instrument members of the abovenamed QPARTS2U SDN BHD terakhir tersebut. meeting may appoint a proxy to 201301037508 ( Company 1. To receive and consider the attend and vote in his behalf and of their solicitors (if any) to the belowmentioned address by 5.00 p.m. on appointing a proxy has to be Company duly convened and held 10th February, 2021 No : 1067337 H ) Jika kamu berhasrat untuk membela Liquidator’s Final Accounts such proxy need not be members undersigned, the Liquidator of the deposited at the office of the at 81 (1st Floor), Jalan Market, (Members’ Voluntarily Winding up) said Company; and if so required tindakan tersebut, kamu mestilah showing the winding up has of the Company. The instrument c/o Norvic Corporate Services Sdn. Bhd. Liquidator not less than forty- 30000 Ipoh, Perak on the 1st day memasukkan kehadiran sama in writing from the said, are by their Reg. No. 200201033104 (600769-D) eight hours before the time for of January, 2021, the Special At an Extraordinary General Meeting of been conducted and to receive appointing a proxy must be the Company duly convened and held at ada secara sendiri atau melalui deposited at the Registered Office solicitors or personally to come Wisma Goshen, 2nd Floor Resolution set out below was duly peguamcara kamu. Jika kamu ingkar any explanation thereon; and in and prove their debts or claims 60, 62 & 64 Jalan SS 22/21 holding the Meeting. A-3-9,8 Avenue Business Centre,Jln 8/1 , at least 48 hours before the time Damansara Jaya passed :- 46050 Petaling Jaya on the 8 JANUARY hadir sedemikian, penghakiman boleh at such time and place as shall be 2021 following special and ordinary diberikan terhadap kamu. 2. To resolve under Section 518(3) appointed for holding the meeting specified in such notice or in default 47400 Petaling Jaya Selangor Darul Ehsan DALAM MAHKAMAH That the Company be wound up resolutions were duly passed: (b) of the Companies Act 2016, or adjourned meeting. thereof they will be excluded from MAJISTRET DI KUALA LUMPUR Bertarikh pada that the books, accounts and the benefits of any distribution The creditors (either through their DALAM WILAYAH PERSEKUTUAN, MALAYSIA voluntarily pursuant to Section THAT the company be wound up 30 haribulan Disember, 2020 GUAMAN NO.: 439(1)(b) of the Companies Act documents of the Company made before such debts are proven. solicitors or personally) who do not WA-A72NCVC-11432-11/2020 voluntarily pursuant to Section 439 (1) (b) file their debts and claims on or before 2016 and that Mr. Lim Chun Bun of the Company Act 2016, and that Ms …………t.t………… shall be destroyed after the the specified date and time above will Then Vei Yee be and is hereby appointed expiration of 3 months from the Soo Tong Hui ANTARA be appointed as Liquidator of TETUAN A. BASKARAN & CO be excluded from the benefit of any the Company for the purpose as liquidator to act for the purpose of Peguamcara Plaintif date of the dissolution of the Liquidator distribution made. CHUANG’S PROPERTIES (CENTRAL PLAZA) SDN such winding up. 322 Notices of the winding-up and that the company. No. 129A, Jalan Genting Klang, BHD (No. Syarikat : 185319-U) …PLAINTIF NOTIS ini telah diisukan oleh Tetuan Setapak, 53300 Kuala Lumpur Tan Kee Huat said Liquidator be empowered to THAT after expiration of three months from Lam Lee San(f) DAN A. Baskaran & Co, peguamcara pihak distribute amongst the members, the date of Final Meeting, the books and Plaintif yang beralamat di Unit 2-1, The Lau Theng Chim DALAM MAHKAMAH Liquidators YIT CHEE KONG papers of the company shall be destroyed. Dated this 8 January 2021 (No. K/P: 800721-14-6049) in cash or specie, the whole or any Liquidator TINGGI MALAYA DI SEREMBAN Cube, Jalan 6/18A, Taman Mastiara, Dated this 8th day of January, 2021. [Pemilik Tunggal dan berniaga di bawah nama part of the surplus assets of the Jalan Ipoh, 51200 Kuala Lumpur. Dated this 08 January 2021 DALAM NEGERI SEMBILAN dan gaya MILLENIAL ONLINE DISTRIBUTION And NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the DARUL KHUSUS, MALAYSIA (No. Pendaftaran Perniagaan: 201703481031 / Company. creditors of QPARTS2U SDN BHD which SAMAN PEMULA NO. 002768935-X)] is being voluntarily wound up, are required Ruj: Proxies: NA-24NCVC-262-10/2020 …DEFENDAN on or before 10 FEBRUARY 2021 to ABC.1794/K.30.13/BAS/L/PMT/2020 DALAM MAHKAMAH TINGGI MALAYA LIM CHUN BUN A member of the Company entitled NOTIS send their names and addresses and the Tel: +603-6179 4711 Dalam perkara Seksyen 327 dan 329 DI SHAH ALAM KEPADA: Director Fax: +603-6179 5711 322 Notices DALAM NEGERI SELANGOR particular of their debts or claims, and the to attend and vote at the above Kanun Tanah Negara, 1965 (Akta 56) DEFENDAN YANG DINAMAKAN DI ATAS names and addresses of their solicitors DARUL EHSAN, MALAYSIA YIT CHEE KONG (No. K/P: 800721-14-6049) 8 January 2021 Emel: [email protected] meeting may appoint a proxy to (if any) to the undersigned, the liquidator Dan GUAMAN NO.: [Pemilik Tunggal dan berniaga di bawah nama attend and vote in his behalf and BA-22NCVC-385-09/2020 dan gaya MILLENIAL ONLINE DISTRIBUTION AND NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that of the company and, if so required by (No. Pendaftaran Perniagaan: 201703481031 notice in writing by the liquidator, either DALAM MAHKAMAH such proxy need not be members Dalam perkara Aturan 7 Kaedah-kaedah DALAM MAHKAMAH TINGGI the Creditors of the abovenamed MALAYA DI SHAH ALAM DALAM ANTARA / 002768935-X)] personally or by their solicitors to come MAJISTRET DI SHAH ALAM of the Company. The instrument Mahkamah 2012 Lot. 2.25, 2nd Floor, Pertama Complex Company are required on or before in and prove their debts or claims at such GUAMAN NO: appointing a proxy must be NEGERI SELANGOR DARUL Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman time and place as shall be specified in Dan CAUSEWAY IRON WORKS SDN BHD 50100 Kuala Lumpur the 9th day of February, 2021 to BA-A72NCvC-1972-11/2020 deposited at the Registered Office EHSAN, MALAYSIA (No. Syarikat: 200201034012 / 601677-D) such notice, and in default thereof they send their names, addresses and will be excluded from the benefit of any at least 48 hours before the time DALAM KEBANKRAPAN … PLAINTIF Dan/atau Dalam perkara Aturan 92 Kaedah 4 the particulars of their debts or distribution made before such debts and ANTARA Kaedah-kaedah Mahkamah 2012 appointed for holding the meeting NO.: BA-29NCC-4085-10/2020 claims to the undersigned, the claims are proven. DAN YIT CHEE KONG (No. K/P: 800721-14-6049) KOI TROPIKA JOINT MANAGEMENT or adjourned meeting. [Pemilik Tunggal dan berniaga di bawah nama Liquidator of the said Company Dan BODY (No. Daftar: MPSJ/COB PC PER : JEGATHISVARAN A/L MATHEVAN dan gaya MILLENIAL ONLINE DISTRIBUTION at No. 1, Jalan Tawas Idaman 2, NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to (NO. K/P: 870614-43-5279) (No. Pendaftaran Perniagaan: 201703481031 Section 459 (2) of the Company Act 2016 0035) Dalam perkara Seksyen 417 Kanun Tanah YAP YIH KIAN / 002768935-X)] Taman Tawas Idaman, 30010 Ipoh, IN THE MATTER OF Negara, 1965 (Akta 56) … DEFENDAN the Final Meeting of the members of the … PLAINTIF COMPANIES ACT 2016 AND (NO. K/P: 750411-14-5793) Suite No. 17-05A, 17th Floor, Wisma Chuang Perak and if so required, are to Company will be held at A-3-9,8 Avenue (dahulunya dikenali sebagai “Central Plaza”) DAN IN THE MATTER OF Dan NOTIS come in and prove their debts and Business Centre,Jln 8/1, 46050 Petaling GLOBAL ADVANTAGE No. 34, Jalan Sultan Ismail EX-PARTE : 50250 Kuala Lumpur claims at such time and place as Jaya on 10 FEBRUARY 2021 at 10am for SIVA KUMAR A/L MUNIANDY CONSULTING SDN. BHD. Dalam perkara Kaveat Persendirian KEPADA: the following purpose: (In Members’ Voluntary Winding Up) YONG FONG RUBBER shall be specified in such Notice (No. K/P: 770131-08-7013 / nombor perserahan 6185/2019 bertarikh DEFENDAN YANG Dan/atau A3628845) Registration No. 200001027309 24 Mei 2019. INDUSTRIES SDN BHD DINAMAKAN DI ATAS or in default will be excluded from AGENDA (529916-P) Antara (NO. SYARIKAT: 485740-A) JEGATHISVARAN A/L MATHEVAN YIT CHEE KONG (No. K/P: 800721-14-6049) the benefit of any distribution made … DEFENDAN (Incorporated in Malaysia) [Pemilik Tunggal dan berniaga di bawah nama NOTIS (NO. K/P: 870614-43-5279) before such debts are proved. To receive account from the Liquidator No. 7, Jalan Durian dan gaya MILLENIAL ONLINE DISTRIBUTION showing the manner in which the winding Bijir Singh a/l Juala Singh (No. Pendaftaran Perniagaan: 201703481031 NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to Section (No. K/P: 470105-05-5275) NOTIS Off Jalan Dato Dollah up has been conducted and to hear Kepada: - 439(2) of the Companies Act 2016, that / 002768935-X)] ...Plaintif 41100 Klang, Selangor Blk 56-10-04, Jalan Ikan Ayu LIM CHUN BUN explanations that may be given by the SIVA KUMAR A/L MUNIANDY the special resolution set out below was Dan liquidator. duly passed by the Members of GLOBAL AMBIL PERHATIAN bahawa Cheras Batu 3 ½, Sri Sabah LIQUIDATOR (No. K/P: 770131-08-7013 / A3628845) Jivananthan a/l Krishnan AMBIL PERHATIAN bahawa salinan 56100 Kuala Lumpur ADVANTAGE CONSULTING SDN. BHD. suatu tindakan kebankrapan 8 January 2021 (No. K/P: 690728-08-6611) bermeterai Writ dan Pernyataan Then Vei Yee bahawa (Registration No. 200001027309 (529916-P)) ….Defendan telah dimulakan terhadap kamu Tuntutan kedua-duanya bertarikh 30- AMBIL PERHATIAN bahawa salinan Liquidator SILA AMBIL PERHATIAN on the 1st day of January 2021:- suatu tindakan telah dimulakan di Mahkamah Tinggi Shah Alam 09-2020 telah dikemukakan terhadap bermeterai Writ Terpinda bertarikh 02 “That the Company be wound up voluntarily DI HADAPAN PENOLONG KANAN kamu di Mahkamah Tinggi Malaya di November 2020 dan Pernyataan Tuntutan IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES Dated this 8 JANUARY 2021 terhadap kamu di Mahkamah Majistret and that Mr. Subramoneyam A/L Govindasamy PENDAFTAR dalam Kebankrapan NO. BA- Shah Alam dalam perkara Guaman Terpinda bertarikh semula 15 Disember ACT, 2016 Shah Alam, dalam Guaman No. BA- (I/C No. 540703-02-5157) of 3, Changkat YUSNA KHADIJAH BINTI MD YUSOP 29NCC-4085-10/2020 oleh Yong No. BA-22NCVC-385-09/2020 oleh 2020 telah dikemukakan terhadap AND A72NCvC-1972-11/2020 oleh Koi Minden, Jalan 10, Minden Heights, 11700 kamu di Mahkamah Majistret Kuala IN THE MATTER OF PADA 9 DISEMBER 2020 Fong Rubber Industries Sdn Bhd CAUSEWAY IRON WORKS SDN BHD Lumpur dalam perkara Guaman No. WA- Tropika Management Body (“Plaintif”) Gelugor, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia (the DALAM KAMAR (No. Syarikat: 200201034012 / 601677- ANDAL IKHLAS SDN. BHD. Liquidator) who has given his consent to (No. Syarikat: 485740-A) yang A72NCVC-11432-11/2020 oleh CHUANG’S yang beralamat di Management Office, D) yang mempunyai alamat di Lot 1280, PROPERTIES (CENTRAL PLAZA) SDN BHD (No. Co. No. 199501040042 (369245-P) Koi Tropika Serviced Condominium, act, be nominated to act as Liquidator of the PERINTAH beralamat di Lot 9078, Jalan Kampung SG. Bakau, Jalan Batu Arang, (In Members’ Voluntary Winding Up) IN THE MATTER OF THE Company for the purpose of such winding up. Syarikat : 185319-U) yang beralamat di CP- (Lampiran 3) Udang Galah, Kg. Telok Gong, 48000 Rawang, Selangor dan Mahkamah 01, Suite 16.05, 16th Floor, Wisma Chuang COMPANIES ACT, 2016 AND Batu 13 ½, Jalan Puchong, 47100 telah memerintahkan bahawa Plaintif (dahulunya dikenali sebagai “Central Plaza”), Puchong, Selangor Darul Ehsan di That the Liquidator be empowered to act 42000 Port Klang, Selangor dan At an Extraordinary General Meeting of IN THE MATTER OF ATAS PERMOHONAN Plaintif yang diberikan kebebasan / kebenaran untuk No. 34, Jalan Sultan Ismail, 50250 Kuala the members of abovenamed Company mana Plaintif menuntut terhadap under Section 456 and 457 of the Companies dinamakan di atas DAN SETELAHMEMBACA Mahkamah telah memerintahkan menyampaikan salinan bermeterai Writ Lumpur dan Mahkamah telah memerintahkan RIVIERA BUILDERS kamu antara lain untuk membayar Act 2016. duly convened on 31 December 2020 Notis Permohonan yang bertarikh 30 dan salinan Pernyataan Tuntutan kedua- bahawa Plaintif diberi kebebasan dan/ bahawa Notis Kebankrapan atau kebenaran untuk menyampaikan satu the following Special Resolutions were ENGINEERING SDN. BHD. caj penyelengaraan dan ‘sinking November 2020 [Kandungan 3] dan duanya bertarikh 30-09-2020 serta fund’ atas hartanah di alamat, Unit That in consideration of Mr. Subramoneyam Afidavit Sokongan yang diikrarkan oleh dalam tindakan ini dilaksanakan salinan bermeterai Writ Terpinda bertarikh duly passed:- Registration No. A/L Govindasamy, agreeing to act as salinan bermeterai Perintah Penyampaian 02 November 2020 dan Pernyataan Tuntutan A-04-14, Block A (Asagi), Koi Tropika Anusha a/p Asokakumar (NRIC: 971216- secara penyampaian ganti Ganti bertarikh 24-12-2020 kepada 200201010091 (577754-A) Liquidator of the Company, the members Terpinda bertarikh semula 15 Disember 2020 a. That the Company be wound up Condominium, Batu 13 ½, Jalan 10-5728) pada 30 November 2020 DAN dengan menampalkan sesalinan kamu dengan cara penyampaian ganti, kepada kamu dengan cara penyampaian (In Members’ Voluntary of the Company hereby irrevocably and SETELAH MENDENGAR Seen Rui Yong, voluntarily and that Quah Jin Chew Puchong, 47100 Selangor Darul Ehsan unconditionally undertake to pay, satisfy and Notis Kebankrapan tersebut yakni dengan menampalkan salinan ganti, yakni dengan menampalkan satu peguam bagi pihak Plaintif, MAKA bermeterai Writ dan Pernyataan Tuntutan salinan bermeterai Writ Terpinda bertarikh of 34B, Jalan USJ 10/1B, 47620 Winding Up) dan/atau Unit A-03A-13A, Block A discharge at such times hereafter to keep ADALAH PADA HARI INI DIPERINTAHKAN berserta Perintah bertarikh 02 November 2020 dan Pernyataan Tuntutan Subang Jaya, Selangor be and is (Asagi), Koi Tropika Condominium, him and his estates and affects fully and kedua-duanya bertarikh 30-09-2020 serta bahawa Saman Pemula bertarikh 20 21.12.2020 di suatu tempat salinan bermeterai Perintah Penyampaian Terpinda bertarikh semula 15 Disember hereby appointed as the Liquidator of Batu 13 ½, Jalan Puchong, 47100 effectually indemnified and held harmless Oktober 2020 dan Afidavit Sokongan 2020 serta satu salinan bermeterai Perintah the Company for the purpose of such NOTICE is hereby given that from and against all actions, proceedings, yang ketara di alamat terakhir Ganti bertarikh 24-12-2020 pada Papan Selangor Darul Ehsan , faedah dan kos. yang diikrarkan oleh Bijir Singh a/l Juala Kenyataan Mahkamah Tinggi Shah Alam Penyampaian Ganti bertarikh 22 Disember winding-up. pursuant to Section 459 of claims, demands, costs, damages and Singh bertarikh 19 Oktober 2020 dalam Penghutang Penghakiman 2020 di Papan Kenyataan Mahkamah Majistret expenses properly incurred by the Liquidator dan pada suatu tempat yang mudah Kuala Lumpur dan pada suatu tempat yang the Companies Act, 2016, DAN TELAH DIPERINTAHKAN bahawa tindakan ini hendaklah disampaikan ke yang diketahui di No. 6, Jalan dilihat di alamat terakhir kamu di No. 7, mudah dilihat di alamat-alamat terakhir b. That the Liquidator be and is hereby in the performance of his duties as Liquidator atas Defendan secara Penyampaian Ganti the Final Meeting of the Writ Saman dan Pernyataan Tuntutan and so much of his remuneration for so acting Putra 10/2, Taman Putra, 68000 Jalan Durian, Off Jalan Dato Dollah, 41100 Defendan di Lot. 2.25, 2nd Floor, Pertama authorized to distribute either in dengan menampalkan satu salinan Saman Klang, Selangor dan menyebabkan suatu Complex, Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman, 50100 members’ of the abovenamed bertarikh 04.11.2020 dilaksanakan as Liquidator. Pemula dan Afidavit Sokongan tersebut Ampang, Selangor Darul Ehsan cash, specie or in kind all or any part secara penyampaian ganti terhadap Notis diiklankan dalam akhbar harian Kuala Lumpur, Suite No. 17-05A, 17th Floor, of the assets of the Company to the berserta dengan satu salinan Perintah dan di Papan Notis Mahkamah “The Sun” untuk sekali dalam Bahasa Wisma Chuang (dahulunya dikenali sebagai Company will be held at 11- kamu dengan menampalkan pada That the Liquidator be authorized to divide Penyampaian Ganti ini di pintu hadapan “Central Plaza”), No. 34, Jalan Sultan Ismail, members. all or such part of the surplus assets of the Tinggi Shah Alam dan dengan Malaysia dan penampalan-penampalan 3-6 New Bob Centre, Jalan alamat terakhir kamu, menampalkan premis alamat terakhir Defendan di No. dan pengiklanan tersebut hendaklah 50250 Kuala Lumpur dan Blk 56-10-04, pada Papan Notis Mahkamah Majistret Company as he shall think fit in cash and/ 14, Lorong Anika 1, Taman Anika, Jalan mengiklankan Notis Kebankrapan Jalan Ikan Ayu, Cheras Batu 3 ½, Sri Sabah, Arumugam Krishnamoorthy Gottlieb, 10350 Georgetown, or in specie amongst the members of the menjadi penyampaian yang sempurna 56100 Kuala Lumpur dan menyebabkan Shah Alam dan mengiklankan sekali Pantai Batu 9 ½, 71050 Port Dickson, melalui penyampaian ganti ini dan cukup akan salinan bermeterai Writ Director Penang on 8 February 2021 Company.” Negeri Sembilan Darul Khusus dan dengan suatu Notis diiklankan dalam akhbar harian di suatu penerbitan akhbar ‘The Sun’ dalam satu keluaran surat khabar dan Pernyataan Tuntutan kedua-duanya “The Sun Daily” untuk sekali dalam Bahasa at 10:00 am for the following menampalkan salinan serupa di Papan bertarikh 30-09-2020 terhadap kamu Dated this 8 January 2021 dan penyampaian Writ Saman dan Dated this 8th day of January, 2021 Kenyataan Mahkamah Tinggi Seremban The Sun dan penyampaian ini Malaysia dan penampalan-penampalan dan purposes:- Pernyataan Tuntutan sedemikian SUBRAMONEYAM A/L empat belas (14) hari selepas tarikh pengiklanan tersebut hendaklah menjadi serta dengan mengiklankan penyampaian hendaklah dianggap sebagai akhir penampalan-penampalan dan penyampaian yang sempurna dan cukup akan IN THE MATTER OF THE COMPANIES akan disifatkan sebagai penyerahan GOVINDASAMY ganti tersebut dalam bentuk notis dalam Director penyampaian yang sempurna dan pengiklanan tersebut dibuat. Writ Terpinda bertarikh 02 November 2020 ACT, 2016 i) To receive the Liquidator’s lengkap dan sempurna terhadap kamu bahagian ‘klasified’ surat khabar ‘The Sun’ dan Pernyataan Tuntutan Terpinda bertarikh AND dalam masa tujuh (7) hari selepas untuk satu terbitan. mencukupi selepas tamat tujuh semula 15 Disember 2020 ke atas kamu tujuh Account showing the IN THE MATTER OF Jika kamu berhasrat untuk membela IN THE MATTER OF tarikh penampalan atau pengiklanan (7) hari dari tarikh penampalan tindakan tersebut, kamu mestilah (7) hari selepas tarikh akhir penampalan- COMPANIES ACT 2016 AND DAN SELANJUTNYA ADALAH penampalan dan pengiklanan dibuat. Kos ANDAL IKHLAS SDN. BHD. manner in which the winding yang terakhir tersebut. IN THE MATTER OF dan/atau pengiklanan mana- dalam tempoh dua puluh lapan (28) hari permohonan ini adalah dijadikan kos dalam Co. No. 199501040042 (369245-P) DIPERINTAHKAN bahawa penampalan selepas penampalan-penampalan dan up has been conducted and GLOBAL ADVANTAGE dan pengiklanan sedemikian hendaklah mana yang terakhir. kausa. (In Members’ Voluntary Winding Up) Jika kamu berhasrat untuk membela CONSULTING SDN. BHD. pengiklanan tersebut, kamu hendaklah to receive any explanation dianggap penyampaian yang teratur dan menyebabkan suatu kehadiran tindakan tersebut, kamu mestilah (In Members’ Voluntary Winding Up) sempurna akan Saman Pemula dan Jika kamu berhasrat untuk membela tindakan Notice is hereby given that the creditors that may be given by the Registration No. 200001027309 Bertarikh pada dimasukkan untuk diri kamu dalam tersebut, kamu mestilah dalam tempoh dua memasukkan kehadiran sama Afidavit Sokongan tersebut ke atas kausa atas guaman dengan mencatatkan puluh satu (21) hari selepas penampalan- of the abovenamed Company which is Liquidator. ada secara sendiri atau melalui (529916-P) Defendan selepas tamat tempoh tujuh 29 Disember 2020. being voluntarily wound up are required (Incorporated in Malaysia) kehadiran samada sendiri atau melalui penampalan dan pengiklanan tersebut, kamu peguamcara kamu. Jika kamu ingkar (7) hari dari tarikh tindakan terakhir peguam di Pejabat Pendaftaran hendaklah menyebabkan suatu kehadiran on or before the 8 February 2021 to penampalan dan pengiklanan tersebut. dimasukkan untuk diri kamu dalam kausa send in their names and addresses ii) To resolve that pursuant hadir sedemikian, penghakiman boleh NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Creditors of t.t Mahkamah Tinggi Shah Alam dan ambil diberikan terhadap kamu. perhatian, bahawa dalam keingkaran atas guaman dengan mencatatkan kehadiran and particulars of their debts or claims to Section 518(3)(b) of GLOBAL ADVANTAGE CONSULTING SDN. BHD. DAN AKHIRNYA DIPERINTAHKAN bahawa ...... samada sendiri atau melalui peguam (Registration No. 200001027309 (529916- kamu berbuat demikian Plaintif boleh di Pejabat Pendaftaran Majistret Kuala and the names and addresses of their the Companies Act, 2016, kos permohonan ini adalah Penolong Kanan Pendaftar solicitors (if any) to the undersigned, Bertarikh pada P)) which is being wound-up voluntarily, are ditanggung oleh Defendan. meneruskan untuk mendapatkan Lumpur dan ambil perhatian, bahawa dalam required on or before the 8th day of February, Mahkamah Tinggi penghakiman ingkar terhadap kamu. keingkaran kamu berbuat demikian Plaintif the liquidator of the Company and if the books, accounts and 30 haribulan Disember, 2020 2021 to send their names and addresses and Bertarikh pada 9 Disember 2020 Shah Alam boleh meneruskan untuk mendapatkan so required by notice in writing from documents of the Liquidator particulars of their debts or claims and the Bertarikh pada 24 Disember, 2020. penghakiman ingkar terhadap kamu. the said liquidator, by their solicitors and of the Company thereon ……………t.t………… names and addresses of their solicitors (if any) or personally, to come in and prove TETUAN A. BASKARAN & CO ………………………………… NOTIS PENGIKLANAN ini difailkan Bertarikh pada 22 Disember 2020. to the undersigned, the Liquidator of the said YUSNA KHADIJAH BINTI MD YUSOP DITANDATANGANI OLEH their said debts or claims at such time shall be destroyed three (3) Peguamcara Plaintif Company, and if so required in writing from the Penolong Kanan Pendaftar oleh Tetuan Azam-Malek & Soh, TETUAN FYIONA, LAI & DENNIS THONG and place as shall be specified in such months after the Company …………………… DITANDATANGANI OLEH TETUAN Liquidator are by their solicitors or personally Mahkamah Tinggi peguamcara bagi Pemiutang FYIONA, LAI & DENNIS THONG notice or in default thereof, they will NOTIS ini telah diisukan oleh Tetuan to come in and prove their debts or claims at PEGUAMCARA BAGI PIHAK PLAINTIF has been dissolved. Seremban Penghakiman yang mempunyai …………………………… be excluded from the benefit of any A. Baskaran & Co, peguamcara pihak such time and place as shall be specified in PEGUAMCARA BAGI PLAINTIF such notice or in default thereof they will be alamat penyampaian di No. 17, Notis ini difailkan oleh Tetuan Fyiona, Lai distributions made before such debts or Plaintif yang beralamat di Unit 2-1, The PERINTAH ini difailkan oleh Tetuan claims are proved. iii) To discharge the Liquidator. excluded from the benefit or any distribution Krishna Dallumah & Indran, peguamcara- Jalan Miri, Off Jalan Raja Bot, & Dennis Thong, Peguamcara bagi Plaintif NOTIS ini difailkan oleh Tetuan Fyiona, Lai Cube, Jalan 6/18A, Taman Mastiara, made before such debts are proved. yang dinamakan di atas yang mempunyai & Dennis Thong, Peguamcara bagi Plaintif Jalan Ipoh, 51200 Kuala Lumpur. peguamcara bagi pihak Plaintif yang 41400 Klang, Selangor Darul Quah Jin Chew mempunyai alamat di No.62, Jalan S2 alamat penyampaiannya di No. 13A-5, yang dinamakan di atas yang mempunyai Dated this Dated this 8th day of January, 2021 Ehsan Menara 1 Mont Kiara, Jalan Kiara, Mont alamat penyampaiannya di No. 13A-5, Menara Liquidator D36, S2 City Center, Seremban 2, 70300 1 Mont Kiara, Jalan Kiara, Mont Kiara, 50480 8th day of January 2021. Ruj: Liquidator Seremban, Negeri Sembilan Darul Khusus. Kiara, 50480 Kuala Lumpur. 34B, Jalan USJ 10/1B, ABC.1792/K.30.11/BAS/L/PMT/2020 SUBRAMONEYAM A/L GOVINDASAMY Tel: 03-6211 1128 / 017-666 2721 Kuala Lumpur. 47620 Subang Jaya, Ref : Y/190/YKH/19 Tel: 03-6211 1126 / 017-666 2721 57-G Persiaran Bayan Indah Faks: 03-6211 9393 Selangor. Tel: +603-6179 4711 [Ruj Kami : KDI/KD/KL/018/20 ] Faks: 03-6211 1124 CHUA GUAN LEE Fax: +603-6179 5711 Bayan Bay, Sungai Nibong [No. Tel. : 06-6016750 / 751 / 752 ] Tel No.: 0333427372 Emel: [email protected] Emel: [email protected] 11900 Penang [No. Faks : 06-6016753 ] Faks: 0333433396 [Ruj: YF.FL.LIT(TORT). 583.20.CIW(J)] [Ruj: YF.FL.LIT(TA).605.20.CP(Millenial)] Dated this 8 January 2021 Liquidator Emel: [email protected] 2 The SunMegazine Friday, 8 January, 2021 22 theSUN ON FRIDAY | JANUARY 8, 2021 SPORTS Scott returns to Hawaii with eye on Augusta ADAM SCOTT typically skips the the Masters. He also missed the Zozo Sentry Tournament of Champions to Championship after testing positive ‘I like being the best’ enjoy an extended offseason at home for Covid-19 in October. in Australia. Scott hasn’t competed since World No. 1 Johnson motivated to improve heading into 2021 As few things are “typical” during Augusta six weeks ago. In a time of the coronavirus pandemic, Scott is in year when he would typically play in ICKING OFF a new year in “It’s OK to be a little bit rusty,” game, putting, wedges – I still feel Hawaii in January for the first time the Australian PGA Championship Maui has become an Johnson said. “The like I can get a lot better with since 2014. along with a worldwide tournament annual tradition for fairways are nice and the wedges,” said Johnson. On the surface, it would appear or two, Scott joked that an extended Dustin Johnson. wide and there’s still “I continue to practice ironic that Scott would choose this of time at home with his family “tested KHaving won at least one some shots, you got those, when I do practice, all years to return to the Plantation my patience.” tournament in 11 consecutive to hit some really I mean I’m always Course at Kapalua. After the Tour “I’ve had a good break,” he said. “I years, Johnson is already a two-time quality golf shots, working on my wedges. paused in March, he didn’t return to think that last season wasn’t really a winner of the Sentry Tournament of but I feel like I’ve “I can drive it better, I the United States until the PGA season for me… So kind of had to Champions. had the last week can definitely hit the Championship in August. reassess over, since the Masters, and However, this week feels or so to play a long irons a little bit He openly questioned the Tour’s figure out a way to kind of tackle this different, and not because players little bit. better, so I feel like there’s initial safety protocols and chose to season. who reached the Tour “So I’m rusty, plenty of areas I can remain quarantined while evaluating “Because it looks like it’s under Championship were added to a but not too rusty.” improve and so that’s how well the return to play worked. similar circumstances, and trying to field typically reserved only for The American what I’ll look forward to When he returned, Scott failed to put a good plan in place to get winners in the previous year. added that he thinks doing this year.” – finish better than a T22 at the PGA in myself in the mix of tournaments.” – Johnson is returning from a six- there is still room for AFP/Reuters six events, concluding with a T23 at Reuters week break, with his last improvement in competitive putt coming to win his his game. first Masters. “Short Johnson, 36, is the No. 1 player in the world, the reigning Masters and Pucovski lays platform FedEx Cup champion and is coming off a four-win year in a truncated season due to the for Australia in Sydney coronavirus pandemic. AUSTRALIA looked destined for their bit of time out there,” said Smith, who After taking an extended biggest score of the series against had scored only 10 runs in his four break to enjoy the holidays with India after a half century from previous innings in the series. longtime fiance Paulina debutant opener Will Pucovski “Nice partnership building with Gretzky and their two children, helped them to 166 for two at the Marnus and hopefully we can bat for Johnson was asked yesterday end of the rain-disrupted first day of a while tomorrow.” what drives him on the golf the third Test yesterday. David Warner returned after course entering 2021. Pucovski rode his luck for his 62 missing the first two Tests with a “Motivation for me, it’s but his partnership of 100 with groin injury but his stay at the crease not that hard,” he said. “I Marnus Labuschagne for the second was brief and he departed for five mean, I like being the wicket established a solid platform swatting at a Mohammed Siraj best. I want to continue for the hosts as they look to break a delivery that flew to Cheteshwar the good play and 1-1 tie in the four-match series. Pujara in the slips. hopefully can have a little Labuschagne notched his ninth The rain descended soon bit better year this year.” Test half century to finish the day on afterwards with only seven overs Johnson said he didn’t 67 not out with Steve Smith completed and it was four hours play much golf during his unbeaten on 31 at the other before the skies cleared and Pucovski break since winning his end in a potentially was able to return to the crease. first green jacket. He ominous stand The 22-year-old was twice admitted that his game is between dropped behind the stumps by India “obviously not quite as Australia’s two wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant and sharp” as it was at Augusta National best batsmen. survived a run-out scare but made in mid-November, but many of “Nice to the most of his reprieves to reach the those in the 42-player field have not Dustin spend a half century with his fourth competed since then, either. Johnson boundary. His innings ended when he was trapped lbw to give Indian 322 Notices 322 Notices BRIEFS seamer Navdeep Saini his first Test wicket as he IN THE MATTER OF THE IN THE MATTER OF THE Female umpire breakthrough also made his debut COMPANIES ACT, 2016 COMPANIES ACT, 2016 AND AND as a replacement for IN THE MATTER OF IN THE MATTER OF AUSTRALIAN Claire Polosak became the first woman to the injured Umesh PAREXCELL ENGINEERING SDN. KARIZMA CONNECT SDN. BHD. BHD. [198901009000 (186301-P)] [200901010210 (853225-H)] officiate at a men’s Test yesterday when she took up her Yadav. (IN MEMBERS’ VOLUNTARY (IN MEMBERS’ VOLUNTARY role as fourth umpire for the match between Australia “I was just absolutely WINDING-UP) WINDING-UP) and India. Polosak was the first woman to officiate loving it, it was probably my At Extraordinary General Meeting At Extraordinary General Meeting of of the members of Parexcell the members of KARIZMA CONNECT onfield in a men’s one-day international when Namibia favourite day of cricket yet,” Engineering Sdn. Bhd. held on SDN. BHD. held on 2 January 2021, hosted Oman at Windhoek in April 2019 but her duties Pucovski said. 29 December 2020, the following the following Special Resolution was Special Resolution was duly passed:- duly passed:- at Sydney Cricket Ground will be more limited unless “I’m really hopeful that with one of her fellow umpires is indisposed. Travel Will what we have, and the batting we “THAT the Company be wound up “THAT the Company be wound up voluntarily pursuant to Section voluntarily pursuant to Section restrictions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic have Pucovski have to come, we can build a pretty 439(1)(b) of the Companies Act, 2016 439(1)(b) of the Companies Act, 2016 resulted in an exclusively Australian umpiring team for big total.” – Reuters AND THAT Mr. Soo Tong Hui of No. AND THAT Mr. Soo Tong Hui of No. 129A, Jalan Genting Klang, Setapak, 129A, Jalan Genting Klang, Setapak, the four-match India series. Polosak, 32, was also the first 53300 Kuala Lumpur, be and is 53300 Kuala Lumpur, be and is woman umpire to stand in an Australian men’s domestic hereby appointed as Liquidator to hereby appointed as Liquidator to act for the purpose of winding-up the act for the purpose of winding-up the fixture after officiating a one-day match between New Modest, brutal Kyle puts Kiwis top company’s affairs and distributing its company’s affairs and distributing its South Wales and a Cricket Australia XI in 2017. assets.” assets.” LESS than a year into his Test career, International Cricket Council on Twitter, ONG WAH SENG ONG PAULYN Director Director Serena, Barty head Down Under Kyle Jamieson is already the toast of while cricketing authority Wisden called 8 January 2021 8 January 2021 New Zealand and being compared to Jamieson “a special find for New IN THE MATTER OF THE IN THE MATTER OF THE WORLD NO. 1 Ashleigh Barty and 23-time Grand Slam the country’s cricketing greats, but Zealand” with his “brutal” bowling. COMPANIES ACT, 2016 COMPANIES ACT, 2016 champion Serena Williams will spearhead the two WTA despite stunning figures he considers The most talked-about feature is AND AND IN THE MATTER OF IN THE MATTER OF tournaments in Melbourne ahead of the Australian himself still a work in progress. the 26-year-old’s height at 2.3m and PAREXCELL ENGINEERING SDN. KARIZMA CONNECT SDN. BHD. Open, with the top 32-ranked women split evenly The towering fast bowler made his the extraordinary bounce he BHD. [198901009000 (186301-P)] [200901010210 (853225-H)] (IN MEMBERS’ VOLUNTARY (IN MEMBERS’ VOLUNTARY across the simultaneous events, organisers said debut last February against India on a generates when he bangs the ball into WINDING-UP) WINDING-UP) yesterday. The onslaught of Covid-19 has forced a grey Wellington day when regular the wicket. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that radical change to how the early 2021 tennis season will firebrand Neil Wagner was on paternity But he is no one-trick pony, with a the creditors of the abovenamed the creditors of the abovenamed company which is being wound up company which is being wound up look, with the Australian Open pushed back three leave. repertoire that includes full and short voluntarily are required on or before voluntarily are required on or before weeks to Feb 8. Players will arrive in Australia from Jan Eleven overs into the Test he was deliveries as well as swing and seam 7 February 2021 to send their names 7 February 2021 to send their names and addresses with particulars of and addresses with particulars of 15 and undergo a mandatory two-week quarantine called up to bowl and 15 deliveries later movement which were all on display in their debts or claims and the names their debts or claims and the names before two WTA 500 and two ATP 250 events are held had the first of his four wickets in the his 11 for 117 against Pakistan in and addresses of their solicitors and addresses of their solicitors (if any) to the undersigned, the (if any) to the undersigned, the alongside the ATP Cup, all at Melbourne Park. innings with Cheteshwar Pujara caught Christchurch. Liquidator of the said Company; and Liquidator of the said Company; and Organisers have branded it the Melbourne Summer behind. Only Richard Hadlee and Daniel if so required in writing from the said, if so required in writing from the said, are by their solicitors or personally are by their solicitors or personally Series and named each tournament after areas of Six Tests on, all on New Zealand’s Vettori have produced better figures for to come in and prove their debts or to come in and prove their debts or Victoria state. That will see the women play the green, bowl-first wickets, Jamieson has New Zealand. claims at such time and place as claims at such time and place as shall be specified in such notice or in shall be specified in such notice or in Gippsland Trophy and Yarra Valley Classic from Jan 31- taken 36 wickets at a stunning 13.27 “It’s kind of weird when you say it. default thereof they will be excluded default thereof they will be excluded Feb 6, marking Barty's first appearance in 11 months average and has four five-wicket bags. Those two guys are legends of New from the benefits of any distribution from the benefits of any distribution made before such debts are proven. made before such debts are proven. after opting out of the US and European swing last year His 11-wicket, man-of-the-match Zealand cricket and I’ve just played my

Soo Tong Hui Soo Tong Hui over coronavirus fears. As well as Williams, the likes of performance in this week’s innings sixth Test,” Jamieson said. Liquidator Liquidator world No. 2 Simona Halep, defending Australian Open defeat of Pakistan helped put New “It’s nice to be in and around those No. 129A, Jalan Genting Klang, No. 129A, Jalan Genting Klang, Setapak, 53300 Kuala Lumpur Setapak, 53300 Kuala Lumpur champion Sofia Kenin and previous Australian Open Zealand on top of the world rankings names but I’m just happy to be part of winners Naomi Osaka, Victoria Azarenka and Angelique for the first time. this group and to help in some small Dated this 8 January 2021 Dated this 8 January 2021 Kerber will take part. “Brilliant figures,” purred the way in us winning games.” – AFP theSUN ON FRIDAY | JANUARY 8, 2021 23 * SPORTS

SIDENETTING Nuno fined for rant at referee La Liga race heats up WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS manager Nuno Espirito Santo has been fined £25,000 ONALD KOEMAN said Barcelona can Messi double gives Barca renewed hope (RM107,000) and warned to his future conduct still win La Liga after Lionel Messi following public criticism of referee Lee Mason. scored twice yesterday in a 3-2 win over hattrick, only for VAR and the woodwork to “They went 1-0 up and we didn’t have Nuno said Mason was not good enough to Athletic Bilbao. intervene. But this was a vintage display from defensive coordination, but then we controlled officiate in the Premier League following Wolves’ RMessi’s double helped Barca reduce the gap the 33-year-old, perhaps his best of the season (the game). I leave happy with the result and 2-1 loss to Burnley on Dec 21. England’s Football behind La Liga’s leaders Atletico Madrid to so far, at a time when his future at Barcelona how we achieved it. Association said yesterday that Nuno had seven points, even if Atletico will be hard to remains up in the air. “We deserved to win for our play and the accepted a charge of improper conduct following catch, given they also have two games in hand. Only a late mistake took some of the shine off opportunities (we created). The team did a a personal hearing. Nuno, following the match at Koeman admitted last week it would be Messi’s night, a poor pass allowing Iker Muniain fantastic job.” Turf Moor, said of Mason: “The referee does not “very difficult” to close the gap but was more to finish and make the result look closer than it Pedri was excellent again, his sumptuous have the quality to whistle a game in the Premier optimistic after the victory at San Mames. was. backheel for Messi’s first goal another indication League. I just don’t want to see him more – that’s “There is always a chance,” he said. “The Bilbao had scored in the third minute and of the 18-year-old’s talent and his what I told him. I hope he doesn’t whistle a game season is very long and you can have ups and the 90th, each time exposing Barcelona’s understanding with his captain. of ours again because all the games we have with downs. It may be that one team that is doing defensive frailties that remain unsolved. Ousmane Dembele, meanwhile, enjoyed Lee Mason are always the same. He cannot very well will later find it difficult.” Yet in between, Koeman’s team were able to one of those virtuouso nights where his speed, control the players.” Barca trailed to an early Inaki Williams strike dictate the match and demonstrate why going invention and confidence made him look every but responded with a slick attacking forward they are still a force to be reckoned with. bit like one of the world’s most exciting players. New boys need time: Abraham performance that had Messi at the heart of it. “The final result is a bit short because we “Everything starts with the player himself,” It was his cross that led to Pedri’s equaliser were better in many phases,” Koeman told said Koeman. “He gives us a lot.” – CHELSEA’S new recruits need time to develop an and then the Argentinian could have had a Spanish sports daily Marca. AFP/Agencies understanding with the rest of their teammates and a congested fixture list amid the Covid-19 pandemic has not helped the process, striker Tammy Abraham said. Chelsea spent heavily in Juve end AC Milan’s unbeaten run the close season to bring in the likes of midfielder FEDERICO CHIESA scored a brace midfielder Rade Krunic had tested Kai Havertz, forward Timo Werner, defender Ben as Juventus inflicted a first league positive for Covid-19. Chilwell and winger Hakim Ziyech but the defeat this season on Serie A The absence of the pair was a London club sit ninth in the Premier League with leaders AC Milan, ending their 27- blow for the side already without 26 points from 17 games. Germany international match unbeaten run with a 3-1 win key players including their injured Werner is among those who have come in for yesterday. top scorer Zlatan Ibrahimovic for an sharp criticism due to a dip in form after failing to Stefano Pioli’s side maintained eighth league game. score in his last 12 games in all competitions, but their one-point advantage over city Juventus pair Alex Sandro and Abraham said all of Chelsea’s new signings need rivals Inter Milan who missed a Juan Cuadrado were also out with time to settle. “We have hardly had any time to chance to go top with a 2-1 loss at coronavirus as the champions train together and to work out how each other Sampdoria. moved up to fourth, seven points play so we’re just taking every day as it comes at AC Milan had been unbeaten behind Milan, but having played a the moment,” Abraham told Chelsea’s website. since before the coronavirus game less. “Every game we play, we’re learning new things lockdown last March, with a run of “I saw the spirit of a team that about each other. I’m starting to understand 12 matches without defeat to wants to lead and win,” said them more and they’re starting to understand complete last season where they Juventus coach Andrea Pirlo. me more so hopefully we drive each other and finished sixth, and 15 games this “This match was crucial for us.” be the best we can be.” campaign. Inter’s eight-match winning But Chiesa, who joined from streak came to an halt earlier under Derby first XI in self-isolation Fiorentina last October, bagged his the rain in Genoa. first brace for the champions, Alexis Sanchez missed an early DERBY COUNTY’S first-team squad and interim scoring on 18 and 62 minutes in the penalty for Antonio Conte’s side manager Wayne Rooney are self-isolating after a San Siro with Weston McKennie who were tripped up by goals from Covid-19 outbreak and will not play a part in getting a third with quarter of an former Inter players Antonio Saturday’s FA Cup third-round match at sixth-tier hour to go. Candreva and Keita Balde. Chorley, the Championship club said yesterday. “This defeat hurts,” said Pioli. “I’m sorry because I think we Several Derby players and staff tested positive for “If there is an opponent against deserved something more. Lady the virus on Monday, leading to the closure of whom we have suffered it is luck was not on our side today,” said the second-tier club’s Moor Farm training ground. Juventus, who have won the Conte after their second league “As the first-team coaching staff, backroom team Scudetto for nine years in a row. defeat this season after Milan last and players are currently self-isolating, staff and Juventus’ Federico Chiesa “But understanding how bad October. players at Saturday’s match will be (right) in action with AC you feel after a defeat will also help Third-placed Roma closed the predominantly made up from the club’s U-23 and Milan’s Theo Hernandez us grow.” gap on Inter to three points, with a U-18 set-ups,” the club said in a statement. “The during their Serie A The hosts, chasing their first 3-1 win at bottom side Crotone with side will be led on the day by senior professional match at the San Siro Scudetto since 2011, had been hit Borja Mayoral scoring twice and development phase coach Pat Lyons and yesterday. – REUTERSPIX hours before kickoff with the news Henrikh Mkhitaryan adding a third professional development phase coach Gary that forward Ante Rebic and from the penalty spot. – AFP Bowyer.” PSG held in ‘disappointed’ Pochettino’s first match RESULTS MAURICIO POCHETTINO’S first match as Paris But the scale of the task facing the former Payet’s 80th-minute strike helped secure a 3-1 ENGLISH LEAGUE CUP SEMIFINALS: Manches- Saint-Germain coach ended in a 1-1 draw at PSG defender was laid out in front of him at the home success against Montpellier. ter United 0 Manchester City 2 (Stones 50, Saint-Etienne yesterday as his new team slipped Stade Geoffroy-Guichard as the capital-city Andre-Villas Boas’ men are fifth, but only Fernandinho 83). three points behind Ligue 1 leaders Lyon. giants’ title defence suffered another blow. eight points behind Lyon with two games in The defending league champions fell behind “This is just the beginning,” added the 48- hand. LA LIGA: Athletic Bilbao 2 (Williams 3, Muniain 90) Barcelona 3 (Pedri 14, Messi 38, 62). early on to Romain Hamouma’s strike before year-old Pochettino. “We have to get to know Earlier yesterday, former France coach Moise Kean levelled soon after, but laboured in each other. It was difficult because the Raymond Domenech’s reign at 17th-placed COPA DEL REY (2nd rd): CF La Nucia 0 Elche 1, the second half and failed to find a winner. preparation was too short. Nantes started with a drab goalless draw Portugalete 1 Levante 2, UD Mutilvera 1 Real Betis “Of course I’m disappointed because we’re “It’s positive but there are things to improve.” against fourth-placed Rennes. 3, Cultural Leonesa 1 Granada 2 (aet), UE Olot 0 PSG, we want to win,” Pochettino told Telefoot. Lyon survived a late Lens comeback to “We have laid the first stone,” said Osasuna 3, Deportivo La Coruna 0 Alaves 1, “I’m happy with the effort made by the players, extend their lead with a 3-2 win, with Memphis Domenech, who led France to the 2006 World Burgos CF 0 Espanyol 2, Cornella 1 Atletico by their attitude.” Depay’s double proving crucial. Cup final. Madrid 0. The former Tottenham boss was only PSG did move into second, above Lille on “Now we must continue to improve.” confirmed as Thomas Tuchel’s successor on goal difference, after Christophe Galtier’s team Monaco moved into fifth with a 5-2 victory SERIE A: Cagliari 1 (Joao Pedro 20) Benevento 2 Saturday, four days after the German’s sacking slipped to a surprise 2-1 home loss to Angers. at 10-man Lorient, with Aleksandr Golovin and (Sau 41, Tuia 44), Sassuolo 2 (Boga 52, Raspadori 83) was officially announced. Marseille boosted their title hopes as Dimitri Kevin Volland among the scorers. – AFP Genoa 1 (Shomurodov 64), Crotone 1 (Golemic 71) Roma 3 (Mayoral 8, 29, Mkhitaryan 35-pen), Lazio 2 (F. Caicedo 6, Immobile 75) Fiorentina 1 (Vlahovic Atletico dumped out of Copa del Rey 88-pen), Torino 1 (Bremer 84) Hellas Verona 1 (Dimarco 67), Sampdoria 2 (Candreva 23-pen, Balde LA LIGA leaders Atletico Madrid when 20-year-old Ricard Sanchez less prestigious opponent. opposition was better, like last 38) Inter Milan 1 (de Vrij 65), Bologna 2 (Tomiyasu crashed out of the Copa del Rey was sent off in the 63rd minute, “We apologise to the fans,” said year. We had chances but they 19, Svanberg 40) Udinese 2 (Pereyra 34, Arslan yesterday after suffering a shock while Saul Niguez had hit the Saul. “We are the ones to blame.” started very well. 90+2), Atalanta 3 (Muriel 16, Zapata 49, Gosens 61) Parma 0, Napoli 1 (Petagna 58) Spezia 2 (Nzola second-round 1-0 defeat by third- crossbar in the first half. Atletico’s defeat makes it “They competed well and 68-pen, Pobega 81), AC Milan 1 (Calabria 41) division Cornella. Diego Simeone also left out consecutive seasons they have played the match they wanted to, Juventus 3 (Chiesa 18, 62, McKennie 76). Cornella sit seventh in their some key players including Luis lost to a third-tier side in the cup they kept the intensity up and we Segunda B division, Spain’s third Suarez, Koke, Marcos Llorente and after being knocked out by have to congratulate them. LIGUE 1: Brest 2 Nice 0, Nantes 0 Rennes 0, Metz 0 tier, but deserved a historic win Yannick Carrasco, with Joao Felix Cultural Leonesa 12 months ago. “When the other team is better Bordeaux 0, Lorient 2 Monaco 5, Strasbourg 5 thanks to a volleyed finish by taken off in the second half when “We’ll look for solutions next than you, you have to Nimes 0, Lyon 3 Lens 2, Reims 0 Dijon 0, Lille 1 Adrian Jimenez in the seventh they needed an equaliser. year if we’re here,” Simeone told congratulate them. The cup is not Angers 2, Saint-Etienne 1 Paris Saint-Germain 1, minute. But Atletico also struggled for Marca. giving us much satisfaction.” – Marseille 3 Montpellier 1. Atleti’s task became tougher fluency and chances against a far “We always try to win but the AFP/Agencies QUOTE OF THE DAY It’s OK to be a little bit rusty. The fairways are nice and wide and there's still some shots, you got to hit some really quality golf shots, but I feel like I’ve had the last week or so to play a little bit. So I’m rusty, but not too rusty.” Golf world No. 1 Dustin Johnson FRIDAY • JANUARY 8, 2021 Pep dedicates derby win to Man City legend Bell

PEP GUARDIOLA dedicated Manchester City’s 2-0 today, it is for him.” season forging a strong partnership four years – is play four, five, six games in a row. win over Manchester United to reach a fourth City now have the chance to equal Liverpool’s with Portuguese defender This is so important.” consecutive League Cup final yesterday to the record between 1981 and 1984 of winning four Ruben Dias. Sky Sports football pundits Gary Neville and family of Colin Bell, a day after the City great died successive League Cups. Stones’s goal in the Gary Lineker also heaped praise on Stones. aged 74. “I know the League Cup is not the Champions second half against “He’s having a good run in the team. There was John Stones and Fernandinho were the unlikely League but four times a row is incredible,” added United was his first goal a time where I thought John Stones’ career at goalscorers for Guardiola’s men, who will face Jose Guardiola. “I’m so impressed with the quality of this in three years for the Manchester City may be over,” Neville said. Mourinho’s Tottenham in the final at Wembley on team.” club. “It helps when you’re playing with a really April 25. Guardiola said it took defender “All credit for him. In good centreback partner, and he is – in Dias. He’s Bell scored 152 goals in 492 appearances for Stones a lot longer than a long career, you been outstanding tonight.” City during a 13-year career in which he won five expected to rediscover always have ups and Former England striker Lineker also shared major trophies. his best form but he downs. Unfortunately, praise of the defender, as he took to City players warmed up in No. 8 shirts in praised the he struggled longer than social media and posted: “ The honour of Bell’s old number. Englishman’s we expected and he renaissance of John Stones A minute’s silence was held before kickoff with perseverance after expected – but his continues. Bell’s former teammate Mike Summerbee reduced yesterday’s win. comeback is absolutely down “Great to see such a to tears as he watched on from the stands. Centreback to him,” Guardiola told the talent look at himself, “That’s for him and his family. This person helps Stones has British media. not sulk when it goes to build something for this club,”3 said struggled with “He made another outstanding wrong, work hard Guardiola. injuries and poor performance. But the most important and improve. Well “It is an incredible victory for us to form in recent thing he has been able to do – something played.” – beat United away and reach campaigns but has he has struggled with the past three or AFP/Reuters/Express another final and, especially found his rhythm this Newspapers

Manchester City’s John Stones (right) celebrates scoring his team’s first goal with teammates during yesterday’s English League Cup semifinal against Manchester United at Old Trafford. – REUTERSPIX No mental problems Solskjaer shuts down mindset theory after another semifinal defeat

ANCHESTER UNITED boss Ole “When you concede two simple set-plays, it’s the disappointment away because Saturday FA United are surprisingly in with a chance of Gunnar Solskjaer has insisted his side very disappointing. Just not good enough in those Cup (Sunday 4am Malaysian time vs Watford) and winning the Premier League title as they are tied don’t have a mentality problem after moments. then we’ve got big League games – Burnley and on points with leaders Liverpool – and they have a their League Cup defeat to Manchester “We didn’t create enough big chances. They Liverpool. And then within a month suddenly the game in hand. MCity. didn’t either. We didn’t have the extra finesse Europa League is here again.” However, Keane reckons Solskjaer should use The Red Devils lost a fourth straight semifinal we’ve had in the games lately. We weren’t good Former Devils’ skipper turned football pundit the January transfer window to fix some areas of under the 47-year-old, with John Stones and enough today. Roy Keane was left frustrated by Bruno Fernandes’ his squad. Fernandinho on target for the visitors. And it “We played against a very good Manchester display yesterday and rubbished recent He added: “They probably need to have one or means their wait for silverware will go on. City team. They played well. When they play well comparisons between the Portuguese midfielder two more players come into the squad no doubt Stones put City in front shortly after the you have to play very well to beat them. We were and United legend Eric Cantona. and the mentality, maybe they need the interval, with the England international bumbling just lacking that little bit. Keane has called on Fernandes to step up his confidence of winning a semifinal to get them over the ball home from close range. “We’re getting closer. This is a much better game when it comes to the bigger occasions. the line. Then you get momentum.” And Fernandinho made the result safe for Pep version of United than a year ago in those semis. “It’s not easy. Not easy winning football “Getting to semifinals is all well and good but Guardiola’s side late on, finding the net from the “It’s not psychological (losing in four semis). trophies,” Keane said on Sky Sport. you got to get over the line in these big games and edge of the box with a powerful low shot. Sometimes you meet good teams in the semis. We “You know Fernandes has had great praise and that’s the next step to this team. For United, it was their fourth straight semifinal met, at the moment, City are probably the best over the past few months people have been “I think they’ve had a lot of praise over the past loss after defeats to City, Chelsea and Sevilla last team in England.” comparing him to Cantona etc. few months because they’ve done well, they’ve season. Solskjaer also expressed a belief United must “But Cantona… Fernandes didn’t really do been brilliant attacking football, they’ve got some And Solskjaer, speaking after the game, has “dust off” and go again. much tonight. The top players turn up in the big momentum. insisted his side don’t have a mentality problem “We wanted the final to look forward to occasions. “But the next step in terms of getting to finals when it comes to the big games. because of course give us an extra boost,” added “That’s what the Cantonas used to do, get their and getting their hands on a trophy is their “Manchester City can score many great goals. the Norwegian. “But it’s not happened. hands on trophies. And that’s where this team is a biggest step and the hardest step.” – Express You can accept that,” he said. “But you’ve got to dust it off, use the night to get little bit short.” Newspapers

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