INSIDE

TELLING IT AS IT IS page Limit on page Appeal filed

3 attempts to 5 against
pass CLP could acquittal of
ensure quality woman in
of lawyers ‘basikal lajak’ case

ON WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 13, 2021

BIG BACKUP ... A resident in Shah Alam
No. 7882 PP 2644/12/2012 (031195) www.thesundaily.my filling up a commercial size storage unit yesterday
to ensure her family has enough water throughout
the three days of a scheduled supply disruption
starting today. – ASYRAF RASID/THESUN

█
Friends to foes
BY RAJVINDER SINGH
newsdesk@thesundaily.com
o Partners at federal level may fight each
that PH would not be able to gain more seats
than the 12 it has now.

P
ETALING JAYA: Allies Umno and
Bersatu will be adversaries when voters
in Malacca cast their ballots in the
coming weeks.
While it is still unclear when the polls will be
held, the battle lines have already been drawn.
Umno has stated that it will not work with
Bersatu, the party that helped it regain a hold on
federal power when it abandoned Pakatan
Harapan (PH) last year.
The Malacca polls is seen as a barometer for
the next general election, not due until 2023,
but an analyst believes Umno is confident that it
has regained voter support.
Universiti Teknologi Malaysia geostrategist
Dr Azmi Hassan said the polls will be an acid
test for Umno in particular and Barisan
Nasional in general.
other in Malacca polls
He pointed out that Umno fared better than
Bersatu in the 2018 general election, picking up
13 of the 28 seats in the state assembly, but lost
out to the PH coalition of Bersatu, PKR, DAP
and Amanah, which collectively took the
remaining 15 seats. Bersatu won only two of the
six state seats it contested then.
Triggered by the Sheraton Move, three
assemblymen crossed the floor in February last
year, leading to the collapse of the PH
government. Umno’s grip on power in the state
solidified with the appointment of its Lendu
assemblyman Datuk Seri Sulaiman Md Ali as
Malacca chief minister.
Sulaiman was recently ousted when four
Perikatan Nasional (PN) assemblymen
declared that they no longer supported him,
leading to the dissolution of the state
legislative assembly on Oct 4.
The assemblymen who withdrew their
support were Datuk Seri Idris Haron and
Datuk Nor Azman Hassan of Umno, Datuk
Noor Effandi Ahmad of Bersatu and
PN-friendly independent Datuk Norhizam
Hassan Baktee.
Idris, Nor Azman and Noor Effandi have
since been sacked by their respective parties.
Azmi believes Umno remains confident
“Bersatu is also aware that it will face a
difficult task challenging Umno in the polls,”
he told theSun.
“Bersatu knows it has to work with Umno
at both the federal and state levels because it
lacks grassroots support,” he said, adding
that the fight in Malacca could turn out to be
a battle between the two Malay-based
parties.
Azmi believes the sentiment on the
ground now is in Umno’s favour.
He said Umno’s current efforts to keep the
state government intact would also prevent it
from being made a scapegoat in
the ongoing political crisis.
He believes that Umno Turn to
would even go as far as to work —
with PH, including DAP, to page 3
prevent snap polls.

Discover other ways to read

Read iPaper at www.thesundaily.my
or download app from the App Store or Google Play .
TM
 2 theSUN ON WEDNESDAY | OCTOBER 13, 2021
NEWS WITHOUT BORDERS
GUAN ENG APPOINTED
BRIEFS
TO SELECT COMMITTEE
LIM Guan Eng (PH-Bagan) has been
appointed as member of the Select
Committee. The motion, read out by
Minister in the Prime Minister’s
Department (Parliament and Law)
Datuk Seri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku
Jaafar in accordance with Standing
Order 76, was approved with a majority
vote. Lim replaces Home Minister
Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin. The other
five members of the committee are
International Trade and Industry
Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin
Ali, Works Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah
Yusof, Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi
(BN-Bagan Datuk), Datuk Seri Abdul
Hadi Awang (PAS-Marang) and
Opposition Leader Datuk Seri Anwar
Ibrahim. – Bernama
RAMLI NOMINATED
AS DEPUTY SPEAKER
UMNO has nominated Ramli Mohd Nor
(BN-Cameron Highlands) for the post of
deputy speaker in the Dewan Rakyat.
Umno secretary-general Datuk Seri
Ahmad Maslan said the decision to
nominate Ramli was given the nod by
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri
Yaakob and Umno president Datuk Seri
Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. “This is historic,
the first Orang Asli to be nominated (to
the post),” he tweeted. Monday was the
last day to submit nominations for the
post. – Bernama
USE IT RIGHT ... A
doctor at a drive
through facility at Clinic
Ajwa in Shah Alam
yesterday explaining to
a motorist how to use a
self-test kit for Covid-19
screening.
– ASYRAF RASID
/THE SUN
Call to extend
year-end holidays
FORMER education minister Dr Maszlee
Malik (PH-Simpang Renggam) has appealed to
the government to extend the year-end
holidays by another week to give teachers a
chance to return to their hometowns.
Maszlee said teachers are normally
required to return to school a week before
classes start for the new academic year.
“Given that the year-end holidays are only
for three weeks, there is little time left for
teachers (to visit their loved ones).”
He said with the extra week, teachers would
be able to capitalise on the reopening of state
borders and have more time to spend in their
hometowns.
“This would also give them additional time
to self-quarantine should they need to do so
when they return,” he told the media at the
Parliament building.
He said this would be especially helpful for
teachers from the peninsula who are serving in
Sabah and Sarawak.
“They can return to their hometowns in
peace and it will be more worthwhile for them.”
ALISHA NUR MOHD NOOR AT THE DEWAN RAKYAT
Govt concerned over high
rate of Muslim divorce cases
oAverage of five separation applications received every
hour, deputy minister tells Dewan
KUALA LUMPUR: An average of 121 Muslim
couples seek to go their separate ways each
day.
That works out to five divorce
applications per hour, and this has raised a
lot of concern for the government, said
Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s
Department (Parliament and Law) Datuk
Mas Ermieyati Samsudin.
Among non-Muslims, there are 18
applications for divorce each day.
However, Mas Ermieyati said not all
applications were granted.
She said that from March last year to
August this year, a total of 10,346
non-Muslim couples filed for divorce.
Marriage break-ups are most prevalent in
Mat Sabu injects humour over Pandora
Papers, says he wants to ‘learn to get rich’
MOHAMAD Sabu (PH-Kota Raja) injected a bit
of humour in the House with jibes on the
Pandora Papers.
Commenting on Opposition Leader Datuk
Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s two failed attempts to
bring up for debate revelations in the Pandora
Papers, he made several wisecracks.
Mohamad said he wanted to learn how to
get rich and also teased Anwar, saying that the
Port Dickson member of Parliament was “just
being jealous” of those politicians who have
accounts in offshore tax havens.
Anwar tried, but failed last Wednesday and
again on Monday to get Speaker Datuk Azhar
Azizan Harun to allow a motion for a debate on
the revelations in the Pandora Papers.
Several Malaysian personalities, including
politicians, have been cited in the papers for
stashing away millions in personal accounts in
tax havens around the world.
Mohamad joked about a minister who had
RM900 million in his bank account and
another RM2 million for pocket money.
“I want to learn how to make this kind of
Selangor, where a total of 3,160 applications
were recorded in the same period. Kuala
Lumpur came in second with 2,893
applications and Perak 1,209.
Mas Ermieyati said a total of 66,440
applications for divorce were received in the
same period through the e-Syariah system,
which is for Muslims.
Selangor has the highest number with
12,407 applications, followed by Johor with
7,558 and Kedah 5,985.
Next on the list are Kelantan with 5,982
cases, Perak (5,921), Terengganu (5,098),
Pahang (5,058), Sabah (4,010), Kuala
Lumpur Federal Territory (3,854), Negri
Sembilan (3,473), Penang (2,978), Malacca
(2,402), Perlis (1,081) and Sarawak (561).
money. Why is Port Dickson (Anwar)
extremely jealous? Hey Port Dickson, don’t be
jealous,” he said to laughter in the house.
He also said that as a lawmaker, he does not
have millions. “We want to learn how to make
these millions that is so easy for a minister. I
don’t know how to.”
Azhar eventually had to put a stop to the
wisecracks, reminding Mohamad that he had
already given his reasons for rejecting Anwar’s
motion.
“He (Anwar) failed to cite Rule 43 in his
motion to debate the matter,” he told
Mohamad.
Anwar then agreed to have his motion
evaluated under Rule 43, adding that “those
who are using the process (to make money)
will have their best lawyers led by ‘great
crooks”.’
He said he wanted an assurance that there
would be an open investigation.
“We’re not here to punish, but let us not
allow the leaders to take hundreds of millions
while the rakyat is suffering,” Anwar added.
“As we speak in this hall, there are people
applying for divorce, but it does not
necessarily mean that their applications will
be approved.”
While she conceded that divorce and
marriage are not entirely under the
jurisdiction of Parliament and the Law
portfolio of her ministry, she said the
government is worried nevertheless.
“I believe there are support systems that
are not only under this ministry. There are
many other ministries that have support
programmes for these couples, so they are
able to move on with their lives and face
various problems, especially during the
Covid-19 pandemic.”
Mas Ermieyati was responding to a
question from Noor Amin Ahmad
(PH-Kangar), who wished to know how many
couples had divorced since March last year
when the pandemic began and the support
given to them after they went their separate
ways.
People free to
decide on
vaccination
THE public will continue to have the freedom to
decide whether they want to be vaccinated
against Covid-19, said Minister in the Prime
Minister’s Department Datuk Dr Abdul Latiff
Ahmad.
However, he said those who choose not to be
vaccinated would have to deal with
inconveniences such as not being able to dine in
with friends at restaurants.
Even civil servants are allowed to refuse
vaccinations if they so choose, said Abdul Latiff.
He added nevertheless, most have chosen to
take the jab. To date, only 1.92% of the 1.6
million civil servants have yet to be vaccinated.
“In fact, 98% of civil servants have already
been fully vaccinated,” he said in response to a
question from Datuk Shahruddin Md Salleh
(PH-Sri Gading), who wanted to know the status
and rights of those, including civil servants such
as teachers, who have refused to be vaccinated.
Abdul Latiff said the government would set
conditions and lay down rules if there is a need
to make vaccination mandatory.
He said the government would consider a
proposal by Shahruddin to screen civil servants
for Covid-19 twice a week.
To another question from Steven Choong
(Independent-Tebrau), who wanted to know if
steps would be taken to prevent unvaccinated
persons from infecting others, the minister said
Malaysia has yet to reach the point where it
becomes necessary to have everyone
vaccinated.
“If a person refuses vaccination, he will just
have to live with some inconveniences. Soon, he
will realise that he cannot live without getting
vaccinated.”
He also warned that those who refuse
vaccinations could end up as Category 3 or 4
patients, with serious symptoms that would
require them to be admitted for intensive care at
hospitals. “So it’s up to them.”
Abdul Latiff agreed with Mohamad Sabu
(PH-Kota Raja) that some of those who had
refused vaccination are influential and
knowledgeable personalities.
“There are doctors, lawyers and professors
among them. What will the government do to
prevent them from influencing others and get
them vaccinated?” said Mohamad.
Abdul Latiff said the government would
continue to engage with them to get them to
change their stand.
“In Malaysia, there is still a chance for us to
discuss the matter. For instance, those in the
Orang Asli community had earlier refused to be
vaccinated, but after we discussed the matter
with their tok batin (village heads), they finally
accepted it.”

Cap to keep high standards
in legal profession
█ BY ELWIN DAVA
newsdesk@thesundaily.com
PETALING JAYA: Putting a cap on
the number of tries for a Certificate
in Legal Practice (CLP) is a way to
maintain the high standards
expected of the legal profession.
Legal experts see it as a way to
separate the good lawyers from the
bad ones.
The Legal Profession Qualifying
Board (LPQB) announced recently
that a candidate is allowed only four
attempts at getting a CLP to qualify
as a legal practitioner.
Michelle Ling Shyan Mih of
Gerakan Guaman Rakyat (a
movement of lawyers, legal
executives and legal activists who
provide pro bono legal services to
vulnerable communities) does not
think there is a lot of difference even
if the four-attempt cap is
implemented.
“In any case, only 20% to 30% of
CLP candidates get through the
examination each year,” she told
theSun. This year, 25% passed the
examination.
Barometer
for GE15
Malacca Umno chief Datuk Seri
Ab Rauf Yusoh has even offered his
DAP counterpart Low Chee Leong,
who is Kota Laksamana
assemblyman, a seat in the state
exco, upsetting a longstanding “No
Anwar, No DAP” stance.
However, the top leaders in
Umno have distanced themselves
from Rauf’s move to protect
themselves against any fallout if the
strategy fails to work.
Universiti Malaya political
analyst Dr Awang Azman Awang
Pawi sees the Malacca polls as a test
for all contesting parties
in their preparations From
for the 15th general front
election. Contrary to page
Azmi’s assessment, he
does not see any party
leading in the race for votes yet. “It’s
not going to be easy, even for Umno.”
Awang Azman believes the
crunch will only come in the last four
or five days before polling.
Nonetheless, he said Umno has
the edge because of its access to
federal resources, given that it now
holds the reins of power in Putrajaya.
On the other hand, he said
Bersatu is in a “precarious position”.
“It will have to seek an ally, but
PH will not mend fences with them,
while Umno has stated it is standing
alone,” he added.
Ismail Sabri tables 12MP at Dewan Negara
KUALA LUMPUR: The government
will focus its expenditure mostly on
protecting lives and livelihood in the
next two years as the country
continues to recover from the Covid-
19 pandemic.
Apart from that, attention will also
be given to efforts to fulfil its
commitment on existing projects.
This has been made necessary by
the nation’s limited financial
situation, Prime Minister Datuk Seri
Ismail Sabri Yaakob said when
tabling the 12th Malaysia Plan
oLimiting CLP attempts to four a way to
separate wheat from chaff
Ling said the low passing rate
reflected the high standard needed
to make the cut. “This may be a way
to limit the number of new lawyers
going into private practice each
year,” she said.
Ling said those who have
exhausted all four attempts would
have to abandon any hope of
becoming a lawyer or go back to
school to pursue a new degree.
“They can choose to do a Bar
Professional Training Course in the
United Kingdom or enrol in a public
university that does not require
students to sit for the CLP,” she said.
Instead of sitting for the CLP, law
graduates from public universities
undergo nine months of
chambering at a law firm before they
are called to the Bar.
A list of local universities where
students are exempted from sitting
for the CLP examination can be
CAN’T WAIT TO FLY ... The KL International Airport is bustling again as flights are allowed to resume following the
lifting of the interstate travel ban for fully vaccinated people effective Oct 11. – BERNAMAPIX
(12MP) for debate at the Dewan
Negara.
The 12MP, which was tabled for
debate at the Dewan Rakyat on Sept
27, was given the nod by the lower
house of Parliament last Thursday. A
total of 106 lawmakers spoke during
the debate on the plan.
At the Dewan Negara yesterday,
Ismail Sabri said the government was
also finalising the Policy
Implementation Plan (PPD) under
the coordination of the Economic
Planning Unit to ensure targets under
found on the LPQB website.
Enlight Malaysia legal director
Yong Ke-Qin believes the limits are
to filter out those who do not have
the potential to continue in a career
in legal practice. “This will ensure
future legal practitioners meet the
same high standards as current
ones,” he told theSun.
Enlight Malaysia is an NGO that
operates as a think tank and
provides holistic training modules in
the fields of law, engineering
sciences, and economics.
Yong also raised what he
described as a “loophole” in the rule
that the LPQB should look into.
According to the rule, a candidate
who is unable to make it for all
papers must promptly notify the
director of LPQB in writing, with
sufficient justification.
“However, it is silent on a
situation where the candidate is not
the 12MP are achieved.
He said the PPD, which is
expected to be completed next
month, would align the strategies and
initiatives with key performance
indicators (KPI) and the responsible
ministries as well as the coordinating
and implementing agencies.
“A monitoring committee will be
set up and chaired by myself to
closely monitor the implementation
of the 12MP. I will chair the first
meeting of the monitoring
committee in mid-November.
theSUN ON WEDNESDAY | OCTOBER 13, 2021
NEWS WITHOUT BORDERS
available for only one paper. This
lack of clarity is detrimental to
candidates,” he added.
Some law students have
described it as an “unwise move”
while others say it would be unfair to
those who have to miss just one
paper due to unforeseen
circumstances.
As an example, CLP candidate
who gave her name as Sidhu cited
the case of a student who was not
allowed to take leave to attend to a
family crisis. “If the student had
missed the paper anyway, he would
have had to re-sit all five papers at his
next try,” Sidhu told theSun.
Another CLP candidate, M. Jay
Raj, pointed out that in a CLP
examination, a student’s knowledge
of the law is tested, but not his
capabilities as a future advocate.
He said instead of limiting the
number of attempts, it would be
more sensible to have the candidates
tested on a combination of their
theoretical knowledge and their
capabilities in practical situations.
“That would be a better way to
screen out incompetent lawyers.”
“I also welcome feedback from all
senators on the proposed
implementation of the 12MP policies
and strategies,” he said.
He also gave an assurance that all
strategies and initiatives under the
12MP will be implemented
responsibly and with integrity.
Ismail Sabri described the 12MP
as a comprehensive development
plan to ensure sustainable economic
growth with a more equitable
distribution of opportunities and
outcomes. – Bernama
3
Federal govt to
help rebuild
Kampung Baru
Karak
BENTONG: The federal government
will help rebuild the settlement in
Kampung Baru Karak here, which
was destroyed in a fire on Oct 1, said
National Unity Minister Datuk
Halimah Mohamed Sadique.
She said the redevelopment plan
would be discussed with the state
government and would also take into
account the views of the locals there
and the Kampung Baru Karak
redevelopment committee, which
was set up by former Bentong
member of Parliament Datuk Seri
Liow Tiong Lai to ease the burden of
the victims involved.
“We had been informed that the
committee had made preliminary
plans on the redevelopment by
seeking the views of various parties,
including engineers, architects and
surveyors, as well as residents’
representatives.
“We will discuss the development
proposal before bringing it up to the
Cabinet,” she told a press conference
after visiting the fire victims here
yesterday.
During the visit, Halimah handed
over contribution of RM189,000 from
her ministry to the fire victims.
The fire, which occurred about
9pm, destroyed 51 houses and nine
shop units. However, no fatalities or
injuries were reported in the incident.
In a related development, she said
the ministry would look into the
safety aspects of all new villages in the
country to prevent a similar incident.
It is learnt that there are 613 new
villages in the country, with more
than 400 villages set up during the
Emergency. – Bernama
PM explains
equity safety net
framework
KUALA LUMPUR: The proposal to
introduce an equity safety net
framework in the 12th Malaysia Plan
(12MP) will not take away the rights
and interests of other races, said
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail
Sabri Yaakob.
He said private companies were
not subject to this proposal but were
subject to the existing rules and
regulations of the relevant sectors.
“This is to ensure that the sale of
shares and companies by local
companies to foreign owners will be
controlled and in turn can ensure that
bumiputra equity ownership is not
eroded,” he said when tabling the
12MP at Dewan Negara yesterday.
Ismail Sabri said the framework
would be introduced to ensure that
the sale of shares or companies by
bumiputra-mandated agencies
would only be offered to qualified
bumiputra consortiums, companies
or individuals.
He said among the bumiputra-
mandated agencies involved were
Permodalan Nasional Bhd which
contributed the largest percentage to
bumiputra equity ownership, as well
as Majlis Amanah Rakyat and Ekuiti
Nasional Bhd.
Ismail Sabri gave an assurance the
government would continue
empowering the bumiputra, while
also paying attention to the low-
income Malaysian families,
underprivileged and vulnerable
groups regardless of race.
“The government’s intention is to
achieve fairer, equitable and inclusive
socio-economic development in line
with the spirit of Keluarga Malaysia
(Malaysian Family).” – Bernama
 4 theSUN ON WEDNESDAY | OCTOBER 13, 2021
NEWS WITHOUT BORDERS
Move to revive healthcare tourism
oMalaysia leveraging on strong reputation as safe and trusted
destination to ensure dedicated presence in target market countries
KUALA LUMPUR: It is undeniable
that the global severity of Covid-19
has posed several challenges for the
healthcare travel industry as many
countries, including Malaysia, closed
their borders to contain the
pandemic.
As the nation moves towards life
in an endemic environment, it is
crucial that the sector takes the
lessons learned during nearly two
years under Covid-19 and looks into
improving its practices to provide a
safer and enhanced experience to
those seeking healthcare services.
The Malaysia Healthcare Travel
Council (MHTC) is working on an
industry recovery plan to showcase
the full potential of Malaysia’s
healthcare and hospitality sector.
Turtle protection initiative in PD
PORT DICKSON: Raising public
awareness on the importance of
protecting hawksbill and green
turtles is crucial to ensure that the
two endangered species do not go
extinct.
As visitors are expected to throng
Port Dickson this weekened
following the government’s decision
to lift the interstate travel ban, it is
important for the public to keep the
beach clean and stop littering as
plastic waste can pose a threat to
marine life.
Hishamudin Abdul Manap, who is
a part-time supervisor at a turtle
conservation and hatchery centre,
said the centre was previously able to
collect about 800 turtle eggs a year.
“This year, I only managed to find
48 turtle eggs, and 46 baby hawksbill
turtles were rescued by members of
the public recently,” he said after
securing hawksbill turtle eggs in the
sand for incubation at Glory Beach
Resort.
Hishamudin urged the public to
C VID-19
UPDATE As of noon yesterday
Total
confirmed
cases
Total
ac�ve cases
112,379
Total
recoveries
2,206,502
Death
toll
27,422
PROGRESS STATISTICS FOR THE NATIONAL COVID-19 IMMUNISATION PROGRAMME
As of October 11
24,510,702
Its chief executive officer Mohd
Daud Mohd Arif said the agency is
“shifting gears to the digital sphere
via dynamic conversations with
stakeholders” to ensure a dedicated
presence of Malaysia’s healthcare
services across target markets,
Bernama reported.
Malaysia has built a strong
reputation as a safe and trusted
leading global destination for
healthcare over the past 10 years,
with individuals seeking treatment in
various fields, including in vitro
fertilisation, cardiology, oncology,
orthopaedics, neurology, dental and
aesthetics, as well as general health
screenings.
MHTC aims to revive the sector by
building confidence, especially
immediately report any turtle
findings to the Negri Sembilan
Fisheries Department for further
action.
He said it would be best if baby
turtles are released into the sea at
night between 8pm and midnight to
prevent the animals from being
eaten by predators such as crows,
eagles and monitor lizards.
During a briefing session at the
resort, visitors were shown the
correct technique of burying turtle
eggs in the sand, how to identify the
type of turtle eggs and told about
the incubation period.
“A 25 year old female turtle will
lay about 100 eggs, four times a year
(per season) and the eggs incubate
for 55 to 60 days before hatching,” he
said.
Visitors to Glory Beach Resort will
also have a chance to meet three
green turtles at the hatchery centre –
Remy Ishak, Aaron Aziz and Maya
Karin, aged five, four and three
respectively. – Bernama
2,353,579
7,276
New
cases
Current
recovery 93.75%
rate
Brought
5,530
-in-Dead
Received second doses
21,437,380
within target markets such as
Indonesia, China, Vietnam,
Cambodia, Singapore and Brunei.
Malaysia has garnered numerous
global accolades as a healthcare
travel destination over the years and
was recognised as “Destination of the
Year” from 2015 to 2017 and also last
year by the International Medical
Travel Journal (UK).
Malaysia was also acknowledged
as the “Best Country in the World for
Healthcare” by US-based
International Living from 2015 to
2020, and consistently ranked as
“Top Country for Muslim Travel” in
the MasterCard-Crescent Rating
Global Muslim Travel Index since
2011.
On the travel bubble initiative,
M’sia vows to uphold right to environment
PUTRAJAYA: Access to a safe, clean,
healthy and sustainable
environment is a human right that
needs to be protected and promoted,
said Foreign Minister Datuk
Saifuddin Abdullah.
He said Malaysia upheld that
position when it co-sponsored a
resolution at the United Nations
Human Rights Council (UNHRC) on
Oct 8 in Geneva, Switzerland.
Saifuddin added that the
resolution was a first for the UNHRC
in establishing a clear and direct link
between a clean, healthy and
sustainable environment with
human rights.
Malaysia also co-sponsored a
related resolution that establishes
the position of a special rapporteur to
promote and protect human rights
globally in the context of climate
change.
“Malaysia welcomed the
resolution, that highlights the human
rights implications of environmental
Mohd Daud said it would not only
benefit the healthcare travel industry
but also contribute to the nation’s
growth as part of its economic
recovery.
However, he said the nation’s
current priority is to ensure that it
achieves its Covid-19 inoculation
targets to keep the virus at bay.
On promoting domestic
healthcare travel, Mohd Daud said
this was already taking place in
Malaysia, with individuals seeking
treatment at hospitals of their choice
or with a particular specialist.
Mohd Daud also said that as
Malaysia reaches post-pandemic
normalcy, the agency foresees some
adjustments being made across the
sphere for healthcare providers.
Meanwhile, Universiti Teknologi
Mara Malacca faculty of hotel and
tourism management senior lecturer
Akmal Adanan said the travel bubble
initiative and green light for interstate
travel should be leveraged with the
Hishamudin briefing visitors on turtle
conservation procedures. – BERNAMAPIX
damage and climate change faced by
individuals and communities around
the world, especially on vulnerable
groups, including indigenous
peoples, older persons, persons with
disabilities and women,” he said in a
statement yesterday.
He said by supporting the
resolution, Malaysia acknowledged
that environmental degradation,
climate change and unsustainable
development constitute some of the
most pressing and serious threats to
the ability of present and future
generations to enjoy human rights,
including the rights to life, health,
development, housing, water and
food.
“As called by the resolution,
Malaysia aims to play its part in
implementing this newly recognised
right, including by building
capacities as part of the efforts to
protect the environment and adopt
appropriate policies to safeguard
biodiversity and ecosystems, in line
implementation of a health tourism
bubble for green-list countries and
those who have been fully
vaccinated.
He said the health tourism bubble
has an advantage for individuals and
service providers as the influx of
visitors for that purpose will take
place under a controlled setting.
“A comprehensive medical
tourism package may include
medical screening, accommodation,
transportation and safe recreational
activities. In fact, it’s about providing
a package that ensures a seamless
travel experience for individuals from
the moment they leave their country.”
Akmal said in order for Malaysia
to become a competitive post-
pandemic destination for health
tourism, it should also focus on risk
management and safety measures
that involve travel agencies, hotels,
health facilitators, tour guides and
transportation and logistics
providers.
with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable
Development.”
He added that towards this,
Malaysia pledge to work closely with
other countries, international and
regional organisations, civil society,
the Human Rights Commission of
Malaysia, the academia and the
corporate sector, in securing a better
future for the next generation.
Saifuddin said Malaysia’s priority
in addressing climate change is part
of the country’s pledges for its
candidacy to the UNHRC for the
term 2022-2024, at elections to be
held in New York tomorrow.
It is also in line with the 12th
Malaysia Plan (2021-2025), that leans
towards a prosperous, inclusive and
sustainable growth for all. The 12th
Malaysia Plan aspires to advance
green growth by implementing
clean, green and resilient
development agenda through a
whole-of-nation approach, he
added. – Bernama
 5
theSUN ON WEDNESDAY | OCTOBER 13, 2021

NEWS WITHOUT BORDERS

Appearance versus proficiency

oTime-tested norm of ‘looking the part’ giving
way to acceptance that being able to do the job
well is more important, says consultant
█ BY ELWIN DAVA
newsdesk@thesundaily.com
PETALING JAYA: As suggested by the
saying “Judging a book by its cover”,
people sometimes make assumptions
about someone’s character merely by
the clothes the person wears.
This is probably more apparent in
the corporate world. A sharp dresser
exudes confidence, whichever way
one looks at it.
Even with changing perceptions,
one still needs to “look the part”,
according to image consultant
Adelene Wong (pix).
However, times have changed, and
so has that all-important “look”. In fact,
Wong expects the debate on the
relevance of corporate image wear to
intensify in a post-pandemic
world.
For a start, she expects to
see a variation in the
time-tested corporate look of
short hair, clean-looking skin,
dark suit, sharp white shirt
and colour-coordinated tie.
Wong, who offers advice
on corporate image as head
of group branding and
communications at property group
SP Setia Bhd, told theSun that looks
aside, one’s ability to do an excellent
job still counts for more.
“You may wear your hair long and
have tattoos all over your body, but if
you get the job done, you’re ahead,”
she said.
While tradition continues to play a
major role in shaping image inside the
corporate world, some have chosen to
inject a dash of their own personality
in creative ways.
However, the traditional concept of
the “right” image continues to prevail
in selected professions.
For instance, Wong said
anything less than a tailored
suit and short crisp perfect
hair (tattoos are a mortal sin)
is unacceptable.
“In those professions, the
right look exudes the
perception of competency,
structure and organisation,”
she said.
On the other hand, the
creative industry has a totally
different concept of image.
For instance, start-ups inspired by
the likes of Facebook and Google
where the work setting is less formal,
T-shirts and jeans take the place of
shirts, pants and ties.
Wong agreed that the
“professional” look has been stretched
to include a more diversified range of
appearances. “This has led to the
acceptance of even those who have
chosen to be different and unique,”
she said.
She added that companies have
learned to embrace diversity by
empowering employees to celebrate
their individuality and that has
boosted confidence.
Wong said that becoming less
judgmental is a journey companies
should take to achieve inclusiveness.
“This will help people thrive, and
be more accountable and transparent
in their daily engagements and
interactions.”
Arena Group head of human
resource for Asia Srithren Krishnan
pointed out that dictating personal
appearance is a violation of individual
rights unless it is specifically required
by the nature of business.
“It is okay to be more casual if you
work for an IT company, but it should
not be allowed in a government
agency or professional organisation,”
he said.
However, Srithren stressed that the
term “professional” should be defined
by the nature of the industry.
“There is no one-size-fits-all
approach. It varies according to the
nature of the work you undertake,” he
said. For instance, he said attire that is
de rigueur in the fashion industry may
not be appropriate in the education
sector.
“If you are a street artist, your
appearance must reflect your
creativity, but if you’re a lawyer a
multi-coloured attire could raise
doubts in the mind of your clients,” he
pointed out.
Srithren said the bottom line is that
there is no right or wrong way to dress.
“It comes down to who you represent
in the industry.”
Beyond that, local culture also
plays a role, like most western
multinational businesses that
advocate a culture of T-shirts and
jeans rather than well-pressed long-
sleeved shirts, he said.
On the other hand, wearing jeans
to work may be considered rowdy for
Asians, he added.

Appeal filed over acquittal in ‘basikal lajak’ case Pathologist to assist

JOHOR BARU: The prosecution yesterday
filed an appeal against a magistrate’s court
decision in acquitting and discharging a
saleswoman on a charge of reckless driving
that resulted in the death of eight teenagers on
modified bicycles, commonly known as
“basikal lajak”, four years ago.
The notice of appeal was filed by deputy
public prosecutor Muhammad Syafiq Mohd
Ghazali and assistant legal officer at the Johor
legal adviser’s office, Nurrul Azrina Arza, at
the magistrate’s/sessions court counter in the
Johor Baru Court Complex at about 9.15am.
Also present were Johor Baru Selatan
traffic investigating officer ASP Mohd Yusop
Mohd Ali and deputy public prosecutor
Muhammad Qaiyyum Ramlan.
The prosecution is appealing against the
decision of the magistrate’s court at the High
Court. Muhammad Syafiq, when met by
reporters, said the appeal was filed yesterday
following instruction from Attorney-General
Tan Sri Idrus Harun.
“Now that we have filed the notice of
appeal, we wait for the court to fix the hearing
date,” he said.
Last Sunday, the Johor Baru magistrate’s
court acquitted and discharged Sam Ke Ting,
26, on a charge of reckless or dangerous
driving resulting in the death of eight cyclists
in Jalan Lingkaran Dalam in Johor Baru at
3.20am on Feb 18, 2017.
Magistrate Siti Hajar Ali, in her ruling said
the prosecution had failed to prove the case
beyond a reasonable doubt.
Siti Hajar said she also took into account
the reasonable testimony of the accused that
she had no knowledge of the riding activities
on modified bicycles in the area and that
there were no warnings of such activities.
On Oct 28, 2019, the Johor Baru
magistrate’s court acquitted and discharged
the woman at the end of the prosecution’s
case without calling for her defence.
However, on Feb 18 this year the Johor
Baru High Court ordered Sam to enter her
defence after allowing the prosecution’s
appeal. – Bernama
in firefighter’s case
KUALA LUMPUR: A special committee tasked
to look into the death of firefighter Muhammad
Adib Mohd Kassim has decided to appoint a
senior pathologist to assist the investigation, said
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department
(Parliament and Law) Datuk Seri Dr Wan Junaidi
Tuanku Jaafar.
Wan Junaidi, who is also the chairman of the
special committee, said the pathologist will
conduct a thorough investigation to examine the
decision made by the Coroner’s Court, police
investigation findings as well as other areas
concerning the cause of death of the firefighter.
“The pathologist has been given a specific
deadline to conclude the probe and come up
with a detailed report on their investigation
findings. The government is serious about
resolving this case, which has been pending
since 2018,” he said in a statement yesterday.
Wan Junaidi said he and other members of
the special committee, Home Minister Datuk
Seri Hamzah Zainudin, Housing and Local
Government Minister Datuk Seri Reezal
Merican Naina Merican, Attorney-General Tan
Sri Idrus Harun and Inspector-General of Police
Datuk Seri Acryl Sani Abdullah Sani, sat for their
first meeting on Monday.
Muhammad Adib was seriously injured
during a riot at the Sri Maha Mariamman
Temple in USJ 25, Subang Jaya on Nov 27, 2018,
and died on Dec 17, 2018, after fighting for his
life in hospital for 21 days. – Bernama

321 hauled up for

WATERY COMMUTE ... Vehicles traversing a flooded road in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah yesterday after several districts were hit by heavy rains on
Monday night. – BERNAMAPIX
Cop, suspected gang leader arrested
PETALING JAYA: A deputy superintendent of
police (DSP) and a suspected gang leader, who
assaulted and threatened a female court
interpreter with death, were arrested yesterday.
Selangor police chief Comm Datuk
Arjunaidi Mohamed did not disclose the
identities of the detained suspects but
confirmed that two people were arrested over
the case.
He said the 36-year-old victim was
assaulted and threatened when she attempted
to recover a loan she had given to the senior
police officer.
Arjunaidi said the case is being investigated
for criminal intimidation and causing hurt
under the Penal Code.
theSun reported the case yesterday after the
victim lodged a police report on Thursday,
alleging the DSP had threatened to kill her and
her family if she continued demanding the
RM100,000 she had lent him.
traffic violations
PETALING JAYA: A total of 321 summonses
have been issued against p-hailing riders since
the Road Transport Department (RTD)
launched a special operation nationwide last
Friday to address the high number of traffic
offences and accident rates involving the group.
Selangor RTD director Nazli Md Taib
yesterday said that between 2019 and August
this year there were 451 road crashes involving
p-hailing riders nationwide.
He said there were 72 fatalities while 379
riders suffered serious or light injuries.
“The accident cases are very high, especially
in Selangor. A high number of these riders are
also breaking traffic laws. In our month-long
operation we will take action against these
offenders and also advise them on traffic safety,”
he said during an operation at the Federal
Highway near Seri Setia, Sungai Way yesterday.
He said beating traffic lights and going
against traffic topped the list of offences.
Nazli said many riders were also caught riding
their machines without a driving licence and
insurance coverage. He said other offences
committed by the riders are using their cellphones
while riding and failure to ride without a helmet.

6 theSUN ON WEDNESDAY | OCTOBER 13, 2021
NEWS WITHOUT BORDERS
BRIEFS
NO PROGRESS IN
RUSSIA-U.S. TALKS
MOSCOW: Talks between Russian and
US officials yesterday to resolve a
diplomatic standoff ended without any
breakthrough. The discussions held
behind closed doors in Moscow saw
Russia’s Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei
Ryabkov and US Under Secretary of
State Victoria Nuland discuss a
long-running row over embassy
staffing limits, among other issues.
Ryabkov said the two officials had failed
to make progress on the functioning of
diplomatic missions, including visas
and rotation of personnel. “Americans
are not heeding our logic or our
demands,” said Ryabkov. – AFP
WORLD’S OLDEST
WHITE RHINO DIES
ROME: Toby, the world’s oldest white
rhino, has died at the age of 54 in a zoo
in northern Italy, a spokesman said
yesterday. “Nonno Toby” (Grandpa
Toby) passed away on Oct 6, said Elisa
Livia Pennacchioni of Parco Natura Viva,
a zoo near the northern city of Verona.
“He collapsed on the floor on the way
back to his nighttime shelter, and after
about half an hour, his heart stopped,”
she said. Toby will be embalmed and
put on display at the MuSe science
museum in Trento, said Pennacchioni.
White rhinos normally live up to 40
years when held in captivity, and up to
30 years in the wild, she said. – AFP
CHINA PLEDGES US$233M
TO BIODIVERSITY FUND
BEIJING: China yesterday pledged to
inject US$233 million (RM970 million)
into a new fund to protect biodiversity
in developing countries during a key
UN conservation summit. Beijing, the
world’s biggest polluter, has sought to
play a more prominent role
internationally on biodiversity
conservation in recent years. Its pledge
came as delegates from 195 countries
gathered in the southern Chinese city
of Kunming for the first of a two-part
summit on safeguarding plants,
animals and ecosystems. – AFP
15 dead after heavy
rain, floods in China
BEIJING: At least 15 people have died
during unseasonably heavy rain and
flooding in north China’s Shanxi province,
local officials said yesterday, after the
normally dry region received three months’
rain in one week.
The flooding hit the coal-rich landlocked
region during a nationwide energy crunch,
and after record floods killed more than 300
people in central Henan province in July.
At least 60 coal mines in the province
had temporarily closed due to the floods,
but now all but four have returned to
normal operation, local emergency
management official Wang Qirui said at a
press conference.
Wang said around 19,000 buildings were
destroyed by the extreme weather, with
18,000 others “seriously damaged”.
“Fifteen people died due to the
disaster, and three people remain missing,”
he said.
At least 1.75 million residents across the
province have been affected by the floods,
with 120,000 safely evacuated, according to
Wang.
Photos published yesterday by local state
newspaper Shanxi Evening News showed
traffic police carrying schoolchildren on
their backs while wading through
waist-deep water after multiple vehicles got
trapped.
Shanxi received more than three times
the average monthly rainfall for October in
just five days last week, with the provincial
government saying precipitation had
broken records in multiple localities.
Several regions across China have been
hit by unprecedented flooding this year.
Experts say freak weather events such as
heavy floods and punishing droughts are
becoming increasingly common because of
climate change. – AFP
Storm kills nine in Philippines
oHong Kong closes schools,
raises alert level
MANILA: At least nine people were killed and
11 others were missing after heavy rain across
the Philippines flooded villages and triggered
landslides, authorities said yesterday.
Severe Tropical Storm Kompasu drenched
swathes of the most populous island of Luzon
on Monday as it swept across the archipelago
nation towards the South China Sea.
Four people were killed in landslides in the
landlocked mountainous province of Benguet,
and one person drowned in the coastal province
of Cagayan, the national disaster agency said.
Seven people were missing on Luzon island.
“Eleven municipalities were flooded but it
subsided this morning,” said Cagayan provincial
information officer Rogelio Sending.
Major highways and bridges were flooded,
he said, but the water was retreating yesterday.
North Korea says US is
‘root cause’ of tensions
PYONGYANG: North Korean leader Kim Jong
Un said the United States is the “root cause” of
tensions on the peninsula, state media
reported yesterday, as he opened an
exhibition showcasing his country’s weapons.
The “wrong judgment and acts” of the US
meant instability could not be resolved, he
said in an address to the “Self-Defence
2021” display, according to the official
Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).
Pyongyang is under multiple
international sanctions over its banned
nuclear weapons and ballistic missile
programmes, which have made rapid
progress under Kim.
In 2017, it tested missiles that can reach
the whole of the continental United States
and carried out its most powerful nuclear
explosion to date.
Pyongyang said it needs its arsenal to
protect itself against a US invasion.
Analysts said North Korea is seeking to
normalise its status as a nuclear power.
The Biden administration has repeatedly
stated that it has no hostile intent towards
Pyongyang, but Kim said “its behaviours
provide us with no reason why we should
believe in them”.
FOLLOW ON FACEBOOK
/thesundaily
The storm intensified the southwest
monsoon, sparking a flash flood in a village in
the western island province of Palawan, leaving
four people dead and the same number
missing.
“Around seven to eight barangays (villages)
are still flooded due to clogged drainage or lack
of drainage,” said Earl Timbancaya, a disaster
officer in the city of Puerto Princesa on Palawan.
“But it’s subsiding now.”
Meanwhile, Hong Kong battened down
yesterday for the second time in less than a week
as Kompasu approached, prompting forecasters
to raise their alert level and trigger safety
measures.
As of 5pm, it was 480km to the south of Hong
Kong packing winds of up to 110kph.
Hong Kong’s Observatory issued a T8 – its
third highest storm warning – at 5.22pm,
although skies were clear at the time.
The order stopped ferries and many bus
routes from operating, although the city’s
subway system continued running.
Schools had already sent students home
“I wonder if there is any person or state
who believes in its claim and, if any, I am
curious to know who they are,” he said,
according to KCNA.
Kim also accused Seoul of “avaricious
ambition” and a “double-dealing, illogical
and brigandish” attitude.
But he insisted that North Korea’s
weapons were for self-defence and not
aimed at any particular country.
Pictures carried by state media showed
Kim at the exhibition in front of the gigantic
intercontinental ballistic missile revealed at
a night-time military parade last year.
He was also shown sitting smoking with
senior officials and officers, with huge
photo portraits of the leader in military
uniform hung in the exhibition hall.
Kim’s comments and the show itself were
intended to justify Pyongyang’s nuclear and
missile programmes as “part of its right to
self-defence”, said Ewha Womans University
professor of North Korean studies Park
Won-gon.
“North Korea held the exhibition on
purpose to claim that their weapons
development programmes are no different
from those of other countries.” – AFP
SCAN
ME
earlier in the day ahead of the order, with many
offices following suit.
On Saturday, forecasters also declared a T8
warning when the outskirts of another tropical
storm, dubbed Lionrock, pounded the city with
torrential downpours and high winds.
Although the epicentre of that storm
remained hundreds of kilometres to the south of
Hong Kong, the T8 warning lasted for 22 hours,
the longest typhoon signal since 1978.
Many residents were taken by surprise at the
ferocity of Lionrock, which first began battering
the city with heavy rain on Friday.
It brought 460mm of rain over two days.
One woman was killed on Friday morning
when some 30 stories of bamboo scaffolding
surrounding one of Hong Kong’s many towering
housing blocks collapsed in the high winds and
tumbled onto a winding hillside road below.
Social media filled with images of empty
supermarket shelves yesterday as Hong Kongers
stocked up ahead of Kompasu’s arrival after
supplies were already disrupted by the week’s
previous storm. – AFP
Rescuers
evacuating
residents
from their
homes near
a swollen
river in
Gonzaga
town, north
of Manila on
Monday.
– AFPPIX/
GONZAGA-
MDRRMO
Teens charged over
kangaroo deaths
CANBERRA: Two teenagers were charged
yesterday over an alleged attack that left 14
kangaroos dead on Australia’s east coast in an
act labelled “tragic and senseless” by animal
rescuers.
The pair of 17-year-old boys were arrested
after locals discovered the dead eastern grey
kangaroos, including two joeys, near Batemans
Bay, about four hours drive south of Sydney on
Saturday morning, police said.
“It is a tragic and senseless act that has left an
indelible mark on our dedicated Mid South
Coast branch volunteers who attended the
scene, as well as the local residents,” said wildlife
rescue organisation Wires on Facebook.
Police said they found the dead animals
across two separate areas near the beachside
town.
A member of the public discovered one
surviving joey, which was nicknamed “Hope” by
rescuers.
“Surprisingly, she’s doing incredibly well,”
said Mid South Coast Wires chair Janelle Renes.
“When she got here, she was pretty much
lifeless. It took about two hours to warm her up
and to see any real signs that she was going to
survive.”
The boys will face a children’s court on Nov
22, charged with recklessly beating and killing
an animal. – AFP
 FOLLOW
/theSunMedia
BRIEFS
BEIRUT BLAST PROBE
SUSPENDED AGAIN
BEIRUT: A judicial investigation
into last year’s Beirut port blast
has been suspended for the
second time in a few weeks after a
new legal complaint against its
lead investigator, a judicial source
said. Sessions that judge Tarek
Bitar had scheduled this week to
question ex-minister of public
works Ghazi Zeiter and former
interior minister Nohad
Machnouk, will not take place as a
result. The complaint was filed by
Ghazi and former finance minister
Ali Hassan Khalil, for whom Tarek
issued an arrest warrant
yesterday, after he failed to show
up for questioning. – Reuters
W.H.O. TO CHECK DATA
ON COVID PILL
GENEVA: The World Health
Organisation (WHO) said it is
awaiting full clinical data on the
antiviral pill made by Merck & Co
Inc to treat Covid-19 patients, a
day after the company said it had
applied for US emergency use
authorisation. “This is an
interesting development,” WHO
spokesman Christian Lindmeier
said yesterday. “We would have to
see the full data about it. If it holds
true, then it is another weapon in
the fight against the pandemic.”
The pill, Molnupiravir, cut
hospitalisation and death by 50%
in a trial of mild-to-moderately ill
patients who had at least one risk
factor for the disease. – Reuters
Two dead as
plane hits houses
WASHINGTON: A small plane
crashed into a residential area of a
California city yesterday, killing at
least two people as a blaze devoured
two houses and several vehicles.
Aerial footage showed firefighters
hosing down the charred remains of
the residences in Santee, a suburb of
San Diego.
A burned out delivery truck was
also seen on a nearby street corner.
Fox 5 San Diego reported the
plane was a twin-engine Cessna 340,
a six-seat aircraft that had departed
from Yuma, Arizona an hour earlier.
There was no sign of the plane’s
wreckage from the aerial footage.
Fire official Justin Matsushita said
at least two people had died in the
incident.
“It’s a pretty brutal scene for our
guys and we’re trying to comb
through it,” he told reporters.
Neighbours spoke of the whine of
a falling plane followed by a loud
“boom” as it crashed.
Several of them recounted how
they had rushed towards the burning
buildings, where they had helped
people with burns to get out.
One woman said she had seen the
body of the delivery driver.
The official account of Santee city
said two people had been hurt.
“It is unknown at this time how
many occupants were in the plane,”
tweeted @CityofSantee.
“We currently know of two burn
victims and possible fatalities.”– AFP
Taliban has first meeting with US, EU envoys over international support
DOHA: The Taliban held their first
face-to-face talks with a joint
European Union (EU)-United States
delegation yesterday in Qatar as the
hardliners pursue their diplomatic
push for international support.
Afghanistan’s new rulers are
seeking recognition, as well as
assistance to avoid a humanitarian
disaster, after they returned to power
ON YOUTUBE
Man uses two snakes to kill wife
NEW DELHI: A man from the
southern Indian state of Kerala was
found guilty of killing his wife last
year using a cobra.
A sessions court in the state’s
Kollam district pronounced the
accused, identified only as Sooraj,
guilty of murder on Monday.
The man had allegedly “hired”
two snakes through a snake catcher
and had unleashed them on his
25-year-old wife, identified only as
Uthra, twice in a span of months.
The first time, in March last year,
Uthra sustained injuries after she
was bitten by a viper at her
husband’s home in Adoor town,
‘Early UK coronavirus
response was a failure’
oOfficial planning on lockdown cost
lives as it was too focused on influenza
LONDON: A British parliamentary
report published yesterday said the
government’s delay in locking down
society when Covid-19 hit last year
had cost lives and was “one of the
most important public health
failures” in the country’s history.
In a damning assessment, a
cross-party group of lawmakers
found that official pandemic
planning was too focused on
influenza and had failed to learn the
lessons from prior outbreaks of
SARS, MERS and Ebola.
DANCING
QUEENS ... The
Pumawari Tusuy
group performing at
the first Annual
Indigenous Peoples’
Day Ceremonial
Celebration in the US
city of Newton on
Monday. Oct 11 is a
federal holiday to
mark Columbus Day,
but the day is also
officially recognised
as Indigenous
Peoples’ Day
following a
proclamation by
President Joe Biden.
– AFPPIX
in August following the withdrawal of
US troops after 20 years of war.
United Nations secretary-general
Antonio Guterres urged the world to
donate to Afghanistan to head off its
economic collapse, but also
slammed the Taliban’s “broken”
promises to Afghan women and girls.
The direct talks in Doha were
facilitated by Qatar, which has long
SCAN
ME
located in the Pathanamthitta
district.
On May 7, Uthra was found dead
at her own home in Anchal town in
Kollam district.
Initial reports found the cause of
her death to be a snakebite.
Following her death, Uthra’s
family, suspecting wrongdoing, filed
a police complaint.
The family claimed Uthra was
harassed by her husband’s family
over dowry payments.
Sooraj was later arrested on
charges of murdering his wife while
his parents and sister were charged
for domestic violence.
The 151-page study, published
by two parliamentary watchdog
committees after months of
hearings, comes ahead of an
independent public inquiry into the
government’s coronavirus handling
due to begin next year.
Britain has been hit hard by the
crisis, with nearly 138,000 deaths –
one of the highest tolls in Europe –
since March last year, raising
questions about why it has fared
worse than many other nations.
The lawmakers said the
hosted a Taliban political office.
EU spokesman Nabila Massrali
said the meeting would “allow the US
and European side to address issues”
including free passage for people
wanting to leave, access for
humanitarian aid, respect for the
rights of women and preventing
Afghanistan becoming a haven for
“terrorist” groups.
theSUN ON WEDNESDAY | OCTOBER 13, 2021
* NEWS WITHOUT BORDERS
After the arrest, the accused in
July confessed to the crime and said
he had sedated Uthra with sleeping
pills and let out a cobra to attack her.
The accused meticulously
planned the crime and had released
both the viper and the cobra to kill
his wife, according to the police.
In March, he had ensured the
viper attacked Uthra.
The snakebite kept her
bedridden for 52 days, and forced
her to undergo plastic surgery.
She returned home in May, but
days after her recovery, Sooraj
released the cobra at Uthra’s house,
which bit and killed her.
government had waited too long to
push through lockdown measures
last year.
Leading advisers had pushed a
“deliberate policy” to take a “gradual
and incremental approach” to
interventions such as social
distancing, isolation and lockdowns,
said the report.
That approach had been proved
“wrong” and led to a higher death
toll, the lawmakers said, adding that
the failure to test elderly people
discharged from hospitals into care
homes early on also led to deaths.
“Decisions on lockdowns and
social distancing during the early
weeks of the pandemic, and the
advice that led to them, rank as one
of the most important public health
“This is an informal exchange at
technical level. It does not constitute
recognition of the ‘interim
government”.’
The Taliban badly need assistance
as Afghanistan’s economy is in a
parlous state, with international aid
cut off, food prices rising and
unemployment spiking.
The regime, still yet to be
7
The motive behind the crime is
believed to be money, police said.
Although Sooraj had received
some money and gold at the time of
marriage, he was not content.
“We perceive Sooraj as a
seasoned criminal without any
guilt,” said Supt S. Harisankar.
“He never admitted more than
the evidence we presented. He gave
statements in a calculated manner.”
The court found him guilty under
four sections of the Penal Code,
including for murder and causing
hurt to extort property.
The sentence will be handed
down today. – The Independent
failures the United Kingdom has
ever experienced.”
There was a “policy approach of
fatalism about the prospects for
Covid in the community”, which
contributed to the failures, they said.
Britain had also been too slow to
introduce the isolation of infected
people, and mistakenly
implemented “light-touch border
controls” only on countries with high
Covid rates when most cases were
coming from France and Spain.
Government planning for a
pandemic was too “narrowly and
inflexibly based on a flu model”, while
ministers and scientific advisers were
accused of “groupthink” by some
experts, according to the report.
Former health secretary Jeremy
Hunt, who chairs one of the report
committees, said the government
failed to absorb the early experience
of South Korea and Taiwan, which
were quick to introduce mass test
and trace systems.
The panel took evidence from a
range of figures, including Prime
Minister Boris Johnson’s former
chief adviser Dominic Cummings,
who assailed his ex-boss’s handling
of the crisis. – AFP
recognised as a legitimate
government by any other country, is
also facing a security threat from
Islamic State-Khorasan, that have
launched a series of deadly attacks.
Ahead of yesterday’s talks, EU
foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said
the bloc was looking to bolster its
direct aid to the Afghan people in an
effort to stave off “collapse”. – AFP
 8 theSUN ON WEDNESDAY | OCTOBER 13, 2021
SPEAK UP
Extend social security to
those self-employed
COMMENT
by Amanda Yeo
A
LTHOUGH the flexibility offered by the
gig economy has encouraged more
Malaysians to be self-employed during
recent years, the Covid-19 pandemic has
revealed the vulnerability of the social protection
system in Malaysia. With various lockdown
measures introduced in the country, more self-
employed individuals have been struggling to
sustain their business operations.
As many businesses were forced to close
temporarily when the movement control order
commenced in early March last year, the Statistics
Department (DOSM) revealed in its survey
findings that 46.6% of those self-employed lost
their jobs. Only 5% of those self-employed had
enough savings to last for at least three months.
Unlike a typical employee who earns a
consistent monthly salary, self-employed
individuals have to find numerous sources of
income to cope with rising cost of living.
Traditional employees can also save more as
they are eligible to receive fixed bonuses at the end
of the year. In contrast, a self-employed person
has to put in more effort to maintain their income
and savings.
As the earnings among the self-employed can
be highly variable, they may not have the ability to
commit to annual premiums or may not have
enough credit ratings to gain access to loans.
When they cannot access any loans from any
formal financial institutions, their last resort is to
borrow money from family and friends. Only then
can they cover the monthly rental, utilities and
overhead expenses, at the least.
In addition, the self-employed may be forced to
continue working in case of sickness, as they are
not entitled to any sickness benefits. Therefore,
being self-employed is known as a vulnerable type
of employment.
The self-employed are either not covered by
work-related social protection (i.e. health
insurance and pension funds) or entitled to
certain employment benefits (i.e. paid vacations
and sick leave).
According to DOSM, there are four types of
employment status in the country:
1. Employees, or those who work for others for
pay;
2. Own account workers, or self-employed;
3. Unpaid family workers, or those working in a
family business without pay; and
4. Employers who operate businesses with at
least one worker.
As of the second quarter (Q2) of 2021, the
self-employed are now the second largest group in
the Malaysian workforce. Out of a total of 15.21
million working adults, 17.2%, or 2.61 million, are
self-employed.
Based on the DOSM’s definition, self-employed
refers to a person who operates his or her own
farm, business or trade without employing
any paid workers to assist in the conduct of
the enterprise.
E-hailing drivers and delivery riders,
freelancers and food stall owners are also known
as self-employed individuals. Unlike standard
employees, who have fixed working hours to
comply with, self-employed are the ones who tend
to have non-regular working hours. They have to
work at night or on weekends.
Micro and small brick and mortar businesses,
in particular, are relatively more vulnerable to
economic shocks as they do not have a strong cash
flow compared to large enterprises.
E-hailing drivers, delivery riders and food stall
owners feel the pinch of the pandemic even more
as they do not have the luxury to work from home.
As they require physical presence to perform their
job, the movement restrictions have constrained
their ability to go out and earn daily wages
to survive.
Prolonged lockdown measures have also led to
more Malaysians finding it difficult to put food on
the table. Some of them had to raise white flags to
seek help due to the loss of jobs and income.
Even though the government introduced
numerous stimulus packages for the self-
employed to make ends meet, the employment
retention measures were less effective due to a
significant proportion of those self-employed in
the country.
Although the total number of employed
persons has declined from 15.23 million to 15.21
million, employment share for own account
worker/self-employed between Q121 and Q221
has generally risen, with other forms of
employment declining.
The stimulus package measures that
specifically cater to self-employed workers are a
one-off payment for full-time e-hailing drivers and
taxi drivers, aside from the micro-credit for own-
operators of businesses.
The one-off assistance only covers a particular
group of self-employed. On the other hand, the
micro-credit initiative is not direct financial
assistance but more towards reducing associated
operational costs.
Moreover, the design of the current social
security and insurance scheme provides
protection only for traditional employees who are
within Social Security Organisation’s (Socso) and
Employees Provident Fund’s database.
Although Socso plans to address the issue
associated with the Self-Employment Social
Security Scheme, the programme remains under-
subscribed among self-employed individuals.
Aside from the Self-Employment Insurance
System (EIS), the i-Lestari is also not applicable to
the self-employed.
As the verification to determine eligibility for
Bantuan Sara Hidup (BSH) is purely based on the
Get ready for the new weekly
Inland Revenue Board of Malaysia’s data, again,
the self-employed are the vulnerable ones who are
not included in the welfare distribution system.
As a result, the only support for the self-
employed is the one-off cash payment from the
Bantuan Prihatin Nasional (BPN) and the annual
BSH. If the self-employed do not register their
businesses, they are also not qualified to receive
financial assistance, specifically for small and
medium enterprises.
In contrast, traditional employees not only
benefit from the i-Lestari provision and BPN, but
they also receive assistance from the Employment
Retention Programme (ERP), EIS and Wage
Subsidy Programme (WSP).
Therefore, to enhance the social protection
coverage among the self-employed, EMIR
Research has the following recommendations for
the government to consider:
1. Address the gaps between typical employees
and self-employed in both social security and
insurance programmes. For instance, the
government can extend the benefits of ERP, WSP,
utility bill discounts and special tax deductions for
rental reductions among the self-employed.
Monthly assistance that is similar to what
traditional employees are receiving is worth
considering as it would increase the resilience of
the labour force in addressing future economic
shocks;
2. Enhance the labour market statistics
landscape to be more comprehensive and
granular, and updating data on developments in
the labour market is the key to producing
quality data analysis for Malaysia, to design
people-centric public policies, especially among
the self-employed;
3. Deliver holistic assessments on the current
social security and insurance programmes with
different government agencies (i.e. Socso and
EPF) to improve social welfare among the
self-employed, while ensuring all self-employed
are protected during retirement;
4. Eliminate bureaucratic processes and delays
that prevent self-employed from accessing the
benefits they urgently require; and
5. Amend both Self-Employment Social
Security Act 2017 (Act 789) and Employment
Insurance System Act 2017 (Act 800) to protect the
self-employed in the event of work-related injuries
or diseases or during loss of employment.
Instead of introducing a general policy that
purely focuses on the dynamic relations between
employer and employee, now is the opportunity
for the government to establish a social protection
floor for the self-employed, to weather through
this public health crisis.
Amanda Yeo is Research Analyst
at EMIR Research, an independent think tank
focused on strategic policy recommendations
based on rigorous research.
Comments: letters@thesundaily.com
&
Every Friday
LETTERS
letters@thesundaily.com
Reduce price
of self-test kits
further
THE recent announcement by the
government to lower the ceiling
retail price for Covid-19 self-test
kits from the current price of
RM19.90 each is commendable.
The new price will be
announced in November.
However, I personally feel the
move to reduce the ceiling retail
price of these kits even further
should be expedited to benefit
the B40 and M40 groups.
The use of these kits is one of
the ways to protect not only
ourselves but others. I believe
these self-test kits will be a
normal part of life and even more
so in light of the announcement
by the prime minister to allow
interstate travel, since 90% of the
adult population have been fully
vaccinated. The demand for these
rapid test kits will boom. I myself
have used five of these self-test
kits in recent weeks for both
official and personal reasons.
It is safe to say that the
average Joe will definitely feel the
pinch if he needs to fork out a
substantial amount to purchase
these kits.
I sincerely hope the price of
the kits can be lowered even
more for the welfare of the rakyat.
Vice versa, the other players in the
supply chain cannot be ignored
or conveniently overlooked as
well. So, the goal is to strike a
balance that will benefit all.
Employees are slowly
accepting the fact that it is now
time to return to the office as we
edge closer to normalcy. The
work-from-home concept, while
proven to be possible and
plausible, may not be the order of
the day.
In the same breath, we must
not lower our guard in the fight
against the virus.
The vaccine, face masks, rapid
test kits and polymerase chain
reaction tests are just tools to
protect ourselves and the people
around us.
An individual’s mindset and
attitude are equally as important
if we are to win this battle
together.
Yeap Ming Liong
Subang Jaya
 TELLING IT AS IT IS

LIFESTYLE YOUTH
FASHION ENTERTAINMENT

WEDNESDAY | OCTOBER 13, 2021

Enjoy
Things you didn’t know
about Squid Game
>>> Page 3

some
Popzculture
PICTURE COURTESY OF POPZCULTURE

Two friends share with LYFE their passion

for creating artisanal ice cream Tired? Exhausted Man
>>> Page 4&5 the game is for you
>>> Page 7
 ENTERTAINMENT
2 theSun LYFE ON WEDNESDAY | OCTOBER 13, 2021

█ COMPILED BY JOHN TAN, MARINA MUHTAR, MARIETTA MU & S. TAMARAI CHELVI

Keaton battles
Poulter to play
Similarly to his roots in the comic, the
MCU’s Adam will be a genetically engineered

Big Pharma
hero that resembles a “perfect” human being.
But this time, Adam is set to lead the people

BEFORE the world knew him as Batman,
Michael Keaton had already made his big-
screen debut in Clean and Sober, a film on
drug addiction during the United States’
1980s cocaine-fuelled mania.
The 70-year-old now makes his
streaming service debut on Hulu by tackling
a film with a similar theme – Dopesick. The
television drama is an adaptation of Beth
Macey’s non-fiction book, Dopesick:
Adam Warlock
of the Sovereign, a creation of the High
Priestess Ayesha whose sole purpose is to
defeat the Guardians of the Galaxy.
The third instalment will follow the events
after the Blip caused by Thanos – Thanos’
successful Snap at the end of Avengers: Infinity
War and the return of all Snapped life during
Thanos’ lost struggle with the Avengers in
oThe British actor has been cast as one of Marvel Endgame spans five years.
comics’ most iconic superheroes The cast which includes
Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana,
Dave Bautista, Karen

T
Dealers, Doctors and the Drug Company Gillan, Pom
that Addicted America telling the story of HE Marvel Cinematic Universe has powerful heroes ever created. Klementieff, Bradley
America’s current opioid crisis. finally embraced one of its long- And what makes him more interesting is Cooper and Vin
“I tend to not want to revisit anything. awaited superheroes into its ever- his long-standing connection to the six infinity Diesel are also set to
But this is societal, and has a much larger expanding film franchise. As stones, especially the first and most return.
canvas or a bigger story to tell. It shines a confirmed by director James Gunn, Will mysterious of them – the Soul Gem. Production on
light on white-collar America and its guilt,” Poulter will portray Adam Warlock in the Hence, this made him a key figure in Guardians of the
Keaton told Television Critics Association upcoming Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3. Thanos’s quest in attaining the infinity stones. Galaxy Vol. 3 is
panel. “Welcome to the Guardians family, Will In fact, Gunn had initial plans to include him scheduled to happen
For series author Danny Strong, the Poulter,” posted Gunn on his Twitter account. in the second instalment. next month for a May 5,
inspiration stemmed from his intention to “He’s an amazing actor and wonderful guy. “He’s one of my favourite characters,” he 2023 release.
expose the immoral behaviour of a See you in a couple of weeks.” said back in 2017. “In all truth, I wrote an early
pharmaceutical company, and change the This superhero role marks a shift for the treatment where I had Adam Warlock as a
public’s perception on drug addiction. British actor who first rose to stardom as big part of the screenplay.
“I couldn’t believe what this company Cousin Eustace in The Chronicles Of Narnia: “But it was one character too
did, and how they were able to keep doing it Voyage Of The Dawn Treader. many and I didn’t want to
over and over and over for years, no matter Poulter later appeared in the Maze Runner lose Mantis and Mantis was
what was happening, no matter how they franchise and 2013’s We’re the Millers, which more organically part of the
were exposed,” Strong said. remains one of his most memorable roles. movie anyway. So, I
The series explores how Purdue Pharma In the Marvel comics, Adam Warlock decided to save him for
forcefully pushed OxyContin, an extremely possesses the qualities of a ‘perfect’ human later.”
addictive prescription painkiller that is being. This is because the superhero was Fortunately, Gunn
accused of the country’s opioid crisis. The created by a team of scientists. found an organic way of
crisis has led to half a million overdose His powers include flight, super-strength, including the hero as
deaths in the US since 1999. regeneration and energy manipulation, hinted in the post-credits
Purdue executives pleaded guilty last therefore, making him one of the most of Guardians Vol.2.
year to the criminal charges which included
defrauding federal health authorities by
minimizing the addictive nature of the
medication and paying bribes to doctors.
Keaton takes the role of Samuel Finnix,
an old-fashioned doctor who offers his
practice with kindness and mercy.
However, Finnix finds himself
entangled in Big Pharma’s
lethal secret.
He is joined by
Booksmart actress,
Kaitlyn Dever who
portrays the role of a
mine worker who
injures her back and is
prescribed OxyContin.
Dopesick features Peter
Sarsgaard, Will Poulter
and Michael Stuhlbarg.
The eight-episode
limited series
will stream
on Hulu
from Oct Poulter’s casting has ended years of speculation over who will play
13. the enigmatic Adam Warlock. – PINTEREST/MARVEL

Aespa’s AI has fans seeing double Farewell to a Disney legend

WITH the recent release of their
single, Savage, aespa gave us
another insight into their AI-focused
lore.
In the music video, the aespa
members dance with their
computer-generated æ-aespa
counterparts and come face-to-face
with the Black Mamba villain.
Besides that, a familiar face was also
seen – Nævis.
Also known as NAVIS, she is an
artificial intelligence system that
helps the avatars of aespa coexist in
the real world, allowing them to be
seen by the real aespa members.
Based on the music video and
lyrics of Savage, NAVIS helps aespa
defeat Black Mamba.
NAVIS has been getting a lot of
attention because of her highly
detailed character design, but
recently, many K-Netizens have
noticed how closely she resembles
another K-pop idol – SEVENTEEN’s
Joshua.
Both NAVIS and Joshua have
bright, wide eyes with aegyo sal,
small and defined noses, perfect
lips, and share similar skin tones.
Netizens claim Nævis resembles Joshua. – YOUTUBE/SM ENTERTAINMENT
It’s not a surprise that one of the
fans commented how the
handsome Joshua reminded them
of a game character.
Even so, that was not the first
time an AI character from aespa has
been compared to another star,
with many fans agreeing that their
earlier AI named æ-Ningning
looked more like BLACKPINK‘s Lisa,
thanks to her full, thick bangs and
blonde haira.
Besides that, æ-Ningning’s outfit
looked a lot like Lisa’s outfit at SBS
Gayo Daejun in 2018, which was a
black glittery crop-top and skirt set.
Of course, given how long it’s
been since Lisa wore that outfit, the
similarity could have been a
complete coincidence.
RUTHIE TOMPSON, who worked
on classic Disney animated features
died peacefully in her sleep at the
age of 111, at her home at the
Motion Picture and Television Fund
in Woodlands Hills, on Sunday.
Tompson was born in Portland,
Maine on July 22, 1910, and raised
in Boston, Mass. She grew up in
Hollywood, not far from Disney
Bros, Cartoon Studio.
At the age of 18, Walt Disney
offered her a job as a painter in the
Ink and Paint Department and later,
she helped put the finishing
touches on the studio’s first full-
length animated feature, Snow
White and the Seven Dwarfs,
released in 1937.
Then, she was promoted to
the final checker and scene
planning position for her skills
in reviewing animation cells
and guiding camera movement.
Tompson worked on a
number of Disney
features including
Pinocchio (1940),
Fantasia (1940),
Dumbo (1941),
Sleeping Beauty (1959), Mary
Poppins (1964), The Aristocats
(1970), and Robin Hood (1973).
She retired in 1975, after
completing work on The Rescuers,
which was released in 1977.
In 2000, Tompson, an employee
with the longest history with Walt
and Roy was named a Disney
Legend – a prestigious honour
award to individuals in recognition
of their extraordinary contributions
to The Walt Disney Company.
Last year, Tompson shared some
words on her 110th
birthday. “Have fun.
Try to do as much
as you can for
yourself.
Remember
all the good
things in life,”
she said.

6 interesting facts
about Squid Game
oHere are some things you probably didn’t know
about Netflix’s hit Korean series
█ BY JOHN TAN
N
ETFLIX’S latest original series, Squid
Game has taken the world by storm.
Since its airing, the Korean Netflix
show has become the platform’s most
successful non-English language show. In fact,
Squid Game may be the biggest show the
streaming platform ever had.
“It’s only been out for nine days, and it’s a
very good chance it’s going to be our biggest
show ever. We did not see that coming, in terms
of its global popularity,” said Netflix CEO Ted
Sarandos following the release of the series.
Squid Game tells the story of 456 individuals
who participates in a mysterious survival game
to win. The players are tasked to compete daily
in traditional children’s games with deadly
consequences.
Despite many having come to appreciate the
show, there are still mind-blowing facts about it
that viewers may not know about. Here are six
interesting facts about Squid Game:
1. The show was written in 2008
Director Hwang Dong-hyuk originally
developed the script in 2008. Back then, he had
plans for the project to be a feature film and
originally called it Round Six. “I wanted to write
a story that was an allegory or fable about
modern capitalist society, something that
depicts an extreme competition.
“Somewhat like the extreme
competition of life. But I wanted it to
use the kind of characters we’ve all
met in real life.”
However, the script initially was
not well-received among various
established Korean production
companies and actors. Many
found it disturbing, even deeming
it ‘grotesque’ and ‘unrealistic’.
Fortunately, Sarandos stumbled upon it in
2019 and produced it as a Netflix original series.
And the rest is history.
2. Director Hwang lost his teeth in the making
of the show
When Hwang was writing the script, he was
often stressed due to his financial situation. In
fact, he reportedly lost six of his teeth due to the
pressure. The director wrote the whole series by
himself – the first two episodes alone took him
six months.
Squid Game has become the most successful non English show on Netflix.
ENTERTAINMENT
theSun LYFE ON WEDNESDAY | OCTOBER 13, 2021 3
ALL PHOTOS COURTESY OF NETFLIX
When asked about the sequel, Hwang was
quick to note that he is not looking to work on it
just yet. And when he does, he is looking to hire The final three ... (from left) Park Hae-soo as Cho Sang-woo, Lee Jung-jae as Seong Gi-hun, Jung Ho-
a team of staff writers and directors to help him yeon as Kang Sae-byeok.
out.
3. Phone numbers are real
In the show, the players are invited to compete
by a man who hands them a business card. The
gold card which has the company’s logos comes
with a number on it. Unfortunately, the number
displayed on the card is actually real. Two
owners of the actual number have come forth to
express their distress over the matter.
Two of them, Kim Gil-young and an
unnamed man, reportedly received over a
thousand calls per day from people requesting
an invitation to join the game. Presidential
candidate Huh Kyung-young even offered 100
million won to buy the number.
Sadly, for the two individuals, they are not
able to switch their mobile numbers as it is
linked to their work. But Netflix has responded
on solving the issue. “Together with the
production company, we are working to resolve
this matter, including editing scenes with phone
numbers when necessary.”
4. Lost in translation Director Hwang Dong-hyuk (left) originally wrote the script back in 2008.
It is only natural for subtitles to be misconstrued
at times. But according to fluent Korean
speaker, Youngmi Mayer, she claimed that the
subtitles are so misconstrued that they
failed to convey the real
meaning. “The
dialogue was so well
written and zero of it
A close-up
image of
the
business
card. Lee Yoo-mi as Ji-yeong (left) and Jung Ho-yeon as Kang Sae-byeok.
was preserved [in the subtitles].”
The fluent speaker explained in her TikTok
video, showing an example of a character who
tries to persuade players to play with her: “I’m
not a genius, but I still got it worked out.”
However, Mayer explains that the character is
actually saying: “I am very smart. I just never got
a chance to study.”
“Almost everything she says is being botched
translation-wise. The writers, all they want you
to know about her is that. It seems so small, but
it’s the entire character’s purpose of being in the
show,” said Mayer in her video.
5. Player 240 was meant to be a boy
Ji-yeong, Lee Yoo-mi’s character has become a
fan favourite of the show. However, Ji-yeong was
almost not set to appear. Director, Hwang had
originally planned for her to be a male character
called Ji Yong. But while shaping the characters,
Hwang realised that female characters could
bring more life and persuasion to the show.
6. Squid Game is Jung Ho-yeon first movie
Many may not know this but Jung Ho-yeon who
plays Kang Sae-byeok has never acted before. In
fact, the model turned actress made her acting
debut with the series. Upon watching her
audition clip, Hwang knew ‘this is the girl we
want’.
 LIFESTYLE
4 theSun LYFE ON WEDNESDAY | OCTOBER 13, 2021
Artisanal ice cream from the heart ... PopzCulture offers popsicle ice creams of many flavours, including the iconic durian (above, right).
█ BY S. TAMARAI CHELVI
T
HEY immediately bonded over their
love of popsicle ice creams when they
first met six years ago. At the time,
Marilyn Foo Ching Hwa and Stephanie
Chuah Mei Mei were working for an oil and gas
company in Miri, Sarawak.
“We worked in the same office ... we were
colleagues, back then,” explained 37-year-old
Miri-born Marilyn, who worked in the
administrative department, while Stephanie
was an engineer.
Three months after they met, Marilyn got
the idea of starting a business making ice
cream with unique flavours, and joined hands
with Stephanie, who thought it was a fun
concept to explore. At the time, there were no
such ice cream shops in Miri.
The two decided to turn their passion for ice
creams into a ‘small and sweet’ online
business, which they named PopzCulture
(@popzculture on Instagram) in 2015.
“I love desserts, especially ice creams
because they give you the best feeling ever,
whether you are feeling down or happy. It’s a
quick fix. If you have an ice cream, you would
feel better,” said Marilyn.
The two started the small-scale business
from home and made artisanal ice cream in
small batches – about 100 sticks or less –
catering for small-scale corporate functions,
and to sell at pop-up stores and at the beach, as
well as during festive seasons.
Two years after helping to co-found the
business, Stephanie flew back to her
hometown in Kuala Lumpur, leaving Marilyn
to manage the business single-handedly.
Despite no longer being actively involved in
the business today, Stephanie helped fill in on
PopzCulture’s early days.
“We started to sell at the Miri Esplanade
beach to promote our ice creams. We sold to
any passer-by,” said 32-year-old Stephanie,
adding that they did not have a business
address as they worked from home.
“In fact, our business address was
Esplanade Miri initially,” joked Marilyn.
Creative artisans
The duo brought out their inner artistic talents
by creating the most beautiful popsicles, which
looked too good to eat.
They carefully arrange fruits in an artistic
pattern inside the mould, before pouring the
liquid mixture inside. Each popsicle is
beautifully crafted in order to capture the
attention of ice-cream lovers. The idea was to
ensure that the popsicles “pop out” visually,
while still tasting delicious.
“Our business idea was to make (popsicle)
ice creams which look attractive and colourful.
We [decided] to make popsicles, in a plethora
of designs instead of [a] ‘normal’ cup or cone,”
said Stephanie.
For instance, their signature popsicle, Fruit
Blast, bursts with vibrant colours such as red,
green and yellow, derived from watermelon,
kiwi and pineapple. According to Marilyn,
both adults and children are drawn to the look
of the ice cream.
“We make creative (popsicle) designs
through a layering process to give them a nice
look [which is also] nice to eat, although it’s
time consuming. We also incorporate cookies,
chocolate chunks, boba and fresh fruits to add
texture to tantalise the tastebuds.”
A unique taste
“We ventured into unique Asian flavours
Good to the
last bite
oTwo friends got together to create a range
of attractive artisanal ice creams with a
uniquely Malaysian taste
because we saw that there was a market gap,”
said Stephanie.
“Our popsicles were handcrafted with
quality ingredients. We didn’t have any added
colourings or preservatives. Our flavours are
special and we constantly updated our menu
with new and fresh flavours. There was
(always) something new for everyone.”
PopzCulture’s all-time favourite flavours
consist of eight types, such as Cookies and
Cream, Fruit Blast, Berry Cheesecake,
Chocolates, which are priced at RM6 per stick.
Other seasonal flavours like Mango and
Durian and festive-related limited-edition
flavours for Chinese New Year, Christmas
and Hari Raya cost about RM8 per stick.
Weird or innovative?
Inspired by desserts and food, Marilyn
creates her own version of cheesecake or
apple pie flavours.
And for those who are a bit more
adventurous, there is even a minty ice
cream, inspired by the famouse Chinese
cough syrup (Pi Pa Gao).
A ‘weird’ taste perhaps, but most
customers find the taste innovative, and
love taking photos of the ice cream.
Another unconventional creation is the
salted egg-flavoured ice cream.
“We have come up with tastes that
others would call ‘weird’, but we see
them as extraordinary,” admitted
Marilyn.
Through trial and error, the pair
created a range of one-of-a-kind, fruity
flavours.
“We always focused on stronger
flavours and we didn’t use artificial
flavours,” said Stephanie.
Marilyn added: “Our popsicles are
home-made and not to be compared with
commercial ice creams, which come in
standard sizes and flavours, and with fewer
ingredients.
“[Ours] don’t always look perfect but are
rich in ingredients. People can taste the
ingredients in our popsicles.”
Berries and fruits are used generously to
create taste and texture, and no expense in
spared in creating the best ice creams using
ingredients like imported Matcha powder and
juice from fresh fruits.
“We focus on quality rather than profit,” said
Stephanie.
Today, Marilyn caters for small-scale
events, pre-orders and private parties. She
plans to rebrand the business over the next two Marilyn with her creations.
years with new and refreshing tastes.

ALL PICTURES COURTESY OF POPZCULTURE
Thai diners whet their appetites
at flood cafe
A Thai restaurant has taken dining with a
water view to the next level – its customers
perch precariously on wooden stools as
murky brown floodwater laps at their tables.
Tropical storm Dianmu and heavy
monsoon rains have caused flooding in 33
Thai provinces, inundating more than
300,000 households and claiming nine lives.
Riverside areas of Bangkok are bracing for
flooding in the coming days and more storms
are expected to hit the kingdom next week.
But the crisis has been a boon for the
Chaopraya Antique Cafe in Nonthaburi, part
of the vast sprawl of Bangkok upriver from
the city centre.
In the afternoons and evenings the
restaurant is full of diners munching miang
kham, a fiery leaf-wrapped appetiser, giggling
and jumping on their seats as boats and rice
barges cruise past the Chao Phraya River,
sending waves of caramel-coloured water
towards them.
When flooding began owner Titiporn
Jutimanon intended to close the restaurant
but soon realised customers did not actually
mind being surrounded by water.
“The concept has spread by customers’
word of mouth,” he told AFP, adding footage
of the quirky eatery quickly started trending
on social media.
Restaurants in Bangkok and other
hotspots yoyoed in and out of restrictions on
(top) Among
PopzCultures’
unique fruity
ice cream
flavours is
Mango Tango.
(right)
PopzCulture co-
founders
Stephanie (on
left) and Marilyn.
(right) The
Berry People standing up whilst enjoying dinner at the Chaopraya Antique Cafe, as flood water from
Chocolate the Chao Phraya River surges. – ETX STUDIO
popsicle.
LIFESTYLE
theSun LYFE ON WEDNESDAY | OCTOBER 13, 2021 5
in-house dining this year as a deadly third
wave of coronavirus infections took hold.
Thai authorities allowed in-house dining
to resume in September, as part of an easing
of restrictions as new cases fell to around
10,000 a day, down from a peak of 23,000 in
August.
An estimated 50,000 restaurants have shut
down permanently according to the Thai
Restaurant Association, and Titiporn is
grateful he can keep his doors open.
“If I have to close down the restaurant
again, it wouldn’t survive for sure,” he said.
Operating a flooded restaurant is a lot of
hard work, Titiporn noted.
“You have to navigate your way through
floodwaters while holding the customers’
food,” he said, adding staff also have to mop
up mud at the end of the day.
The experience has proved popular with
young people and families.
“The economy is pretty bad these days ... I
think it’s a very good idea. The owner has
turned the crisis into an opportunity,”
customer Neung, 49, said.
Health authorities in many countries
advise people not to expose themselves to or
swim in flood water.
Faecal matter from overflowing sewage,
chemicals and industrial waste can cause
illness and skin infections can occur from
contact with open wounds. – ETX Studio
 HEALTH
6 theSun LYFE ON WEDNESDAY | OCTOBER 13, 2021
Last year saw an additional 52 million people suffer from major depressive
disorder, and an additional 76 million cases of anxiety. – ETX STUDIO
Study: Covid increases
depression, anxiety: study
CASES of depression and anxiety
surged by more than a quarter
globally during the first year of the
pandemic, especially among
women and young adults, a major
study showed on Saturday.
In the first worldwide estimate of
the mental health impact of Covid-
19, researchers estimated that 2020
saw an additional 52 million people
suffer from major depressive
disorder, and an additional 76
million cases of anxiety.
These represent a 28% and 26%
increase in the two disorders
respectively, according to the study,
published in The Lancet medical
journal.
Friday’s study showed that the
hardest-hit countries were saddled
with the greatest mental health
burden, with a strong link between
high Covid-19 case levels,
restrictions on movement, and
elevated rates of depression and
anxiety.
“Our findings highlight an
urgent need to strengthen mental
health systems in order to address
the growing burden of major
depressive disorder and anxiety
disorders worldwide,” said lead
study author Damian Santomauro,
from the University of Queensland’s
School of Public Health.
“Meeting the added demand for
mental health services due to
Covid-19 will be challenging, but
taking no action should not be an
option.”
Analysing data collected across
North America, Europe and East
Asia researchers modelled the
Speak to theSun’s Sales team now for special deals on
digital, video and print advertising.
expected prevalence of depression
and anxiety.
Had the pandemic not occurred,
193 million cases of depression
would have been expected. This
compared with an observed 246
million cases during 2020.
Similarly, for anxiety, models
predicted 298 million cases of
anxiety globally without Covid-19,
when in fact the actual number of
cases last year was 374 million.
The analysis showed women
suffered disproportionately, largely
because pandemic measures
exacerbated existing health and
social inequality in most nations.
Additional caring and domestic
duties still mainly fall to women,
and women are far more likely to be
victims of domestic violence, which
surged during the pandemic.
School and college closures
restricted young people’s ability to
learn, interact with peers, and gain
employment, leading to outsized
mental health impacts among 20-24
year olds, the study showed.
“The Covid-19 pandemic has
exacerbated many existing
inequalities, and social
determinants of mental health
disorders, and the underpinning
mechanisms to improve mental
health in the context of the Covid-19
pandemic globally,” said Alize
Ferrari, from the University of
Queensland.
“It is crucial that policymakers
take underlying factors such as
these into account as part of
measures to strengthen mental
health services.” – ETX Studio
URBAN
Experience quality urban lifestyles
for stronger communities.
Vaccines for kids
oHere’s a look at some of the key strategies implemented
around the world when it comes to vaccinating children
P
FIZER last Thursday
requested emergency
approval from US health
authorities to use its Covid
jab in children aged five to 11.
Here is a look at different
approaches to vaccinating children
against the virus and the debates it
has launched around the world.
What changes are made for
children? Pfizer tested its jab on
more than 2,000 US children aged
five to 11 and submitted results to
the US Food and Drug
Administration (FDA) for approval.
The dosage for children in that
age range is a third of what it is for
adults: 0.1 mL rather than 0.3 mL.
Pfizer and BioNTech say children
in trials reacted well to the vaccine
and that their immune response
was “robust” and “comparable” to
that observed in older adolescents
and young adults aged 16 to 25.
If the FDA grants authorisation
when it convenes on Oct 26,
children in that age range – of whom
there are some 28 million in the US –
could start getting vaccinated by the
end of the month.
Are other countries doing this?
While many countries have begun
vaccinating adolescents aged 12 and
older very few have extended jabs to
children younger than that.
On Sept 15 Cuba began
administering doses of its Abdala
and Soberana vaccines – which are
not approved internationally – to
children aged two to 11 years.
Also in mid-September
Cambodia began vaccinating kids
aged six and up with the Chinese
PUBLICATION DATE
BOOKING & STORY DEADLINE
MATERIAL DEADLINE
Sinovac jab.
Sinovac has been approved for
adults in more than 50 countries but
before Cambodia only China had
authorised its use in children over
three.
Sinovac has also launched
clinical trials of its jab in 14,000
children aged six months to 17 years
old in Chile, Kenya, Malaysia, the
Philippines and in South Africa.
In early August the United Arab
Emirates started offering
Sinopharm, another Chinese jab, to
children aged three to 17.
Venezuela announced in
September that it would start
vaccinating children and
adolescents aged three to 18 in
October.
In Israel children aged five to 11
with complicating health factors –
such as chronic lung illnesses,
autoimmune diseases or
neurological problems – have been
able to get vaccinated since the end
of July.
What is the argument against?
Arnaud Fontanet, an epidemiologist
advisor to the French government,
told AFP that the major question is
whether the risk posed by Covid to
children in this age range outweighs
the risk of potential jab side effects.
For children in America the
threat of severe Covid is elevated, he
said.
“The risk of hospitalisation for an
infected child there is 10 times
higher than for a child in western
Europe,” he said, citing the
prevalence of preexisting conditions
like obesity and diabetes.
2 NOVEMBER, 2021 (Tuesday)
20 OCTOBER, 2021 (Wednesday)
29 OCTOBER, 2021 (Friday)
Fontanet said that in southern
US states where vaccination rates
are low, paediatric services in
hospitals are stretched thinly.
The situation that could push US
authorities to quickly approve jabs
for younger children.
Will more kids get jabs?
The last few months have seen the
World Health Organisation (WHO)
hammer home the importance of
getting poorer adult populations
vaccinated before extending jabs to
children in rich countries.
In its global vaccine strategy
published on Thursday, the WHO
said whether young children need
to be get jabs depends on how the
virus evolves and on proven vaccine
safety in that age group.
Fontanet says western European
countries will be “much more
hesitant” than the United States to
lower the age range for vaccination.
He cites current data that shows
infections are relatively benign in
children aged five to 11, even with
the now-dominant Delta variant.
Fontanet also notes that parents
of children in that age group tend to
show more resistance to vaccines.
“We always expect parents to be
a little more hesitant,” he said.
Getting millions of American
children jabs means an opportunity
to observe any side effects that may
have escaped detection in clinical
trials.
“It’s really in our best interest to
not rush and look at the data that
will come from large-scale
vaccination of children in the US,”
Fontanet added. – ETX Studio
While many
countries
have begun
vaccinating
adolescents
aged 12 and
older very
few have
extended
jabs to
children
younger
than that. –
ETX STUDIO
 FOLLOW
/thesuntelegram
C Game imitating life
OULD this be the
world’s most
exhausting game?
Exhausted Man,
developed by publisher
Candleman Games, was
recently showcased at the
Steam Next Festival. oExhausted by never ending work? Now you can be both
As part of the event,
formerly known to gamers as exausted and overworked in a brand new video game
the Steam Game Festival, and
running since the beginning
of the month, many PC
gamers have been able to test
demos of video games in
development.
In Exhausted Man, the
Chinese publisher and
developer plays with the laws
of physics.
The blue-haired character
is extremely tired, refuses to
sleep and performs all his
daily tasks by crawling
around.
He wriggles and slides on
the ground, his body weak
and flaccid. And that’s the
whole point of the game.
“Exhausted Man will
participate in the Steam Next
Festival from Oct 1 to 7 (even
though he is exhausted)”
Candleman Games
announced via its social
media channels prior to the
event.
“Try out the free demo
and tell us your thoughts.”
While the premise of this
video game may sound
surprising, it is, in fact, a
sarcastic nod to our
increasingly tired society, so
busy outside the home that
Instagram unveiled Instagram Video last week, which promises to be easier and more practical to use.
Instagram drops IGTV to streamline video
IT’S the end of the line for IGTV, the
app dedicated to Instagram videos.
But far from bidding farewell to
video, the social network
announced that it’s combining
IGTV and feed videos into one
format called Instagram Video,
which promises to be easier and
more practical to use.
Instagram had already
announced plans to move towards
more video back in June. Now the
social network has confirmed the
move by unveiling Instagram Video,
simultaneously putting an end to its
IGTV tool.
More precisely, the platform,
headed by Adam Mosseri, intends
to group its video content in a single
more convenient Video tab
As the social network explains in
a post on the Facebook group’s blog:
“Starting today, we’re combining
IGTV and feed videos into one
format – Instagram Video. We’re
also introducing a new Video tab on
ON TELEGRAM
your profile, where this combined
video format will live, to make it
easier for people to discover new
video content.”
Improving video options
This rebranding is also an
opportunity for the American giant
to try to compete with TikTok by
offering new options to improve the
quality of videos on the site.
Users will now be able to crop
videos, add filters and tag people, as
well as add a location.
Instagram says that users will be
able to watch videos in full screen
simply by tapping anywhere on the
video.
Just like on TikTok, users will be
able to discover other videos, on
similar themes, by scrolling up and
down the video content feed.
Videos will be posted in the
same way, by clicking on the small
“+” on the app homepage and
selecting “Post.”
SCAN
ME
Video previews will now be 60
seconds, although video eligible for
ads will have previews limited to 15
seconds.
One combined metric
By bringing video content together
in one place, Instagram aims to
make data analysis easier for
influencers and brands: “To make it
easier to understand how videos are
performing, we’re merging feed
post insights and video insights into
one combined metric
businesses and creators.”
Finally, Instagram’s IGTV ads are
now renamed “Instagram In-
Stream” video ads. Indeed, eligible
creators, just like brands, will still be
able to monetise long-form videos.
However, the platform states that
for “businesses interested in
boosting their videos to reach more
people, videos must be no longer
than 60 seconds in length.” – ETX
Studio
theSun LYFE ON WEDNESDAY | OCTOBER 13, 2021
Fortnite celebrates Halloween
with spooky short films
Get ready to be spooked on
Fortnite. Epic Games has just
announced the return of the
Fortnitemares event for a 2021
edition.
As part of this annual
Halloween celebration, the
game will also be running the
third edition of its animated
short film festival.
Traditionally called the Short
Nite Film Festival, this particular
edition takes a more sinister
turn, as it’s renamed
Shortnitemares and will focus
on animated shorts worthy of
the most bloodcurdling horror
movies.
For this special edition,
players will be able to enjoy all
the content in a virtual movie
theater created by Quantum
Builds, where Epic Games
explains: “each short’ll have its
own theatre room.”
Users will be able to choose
the order in which to watch the
different short films.
As yet, Epic Games has not
revealed an exact launch date
for
Fortnite has announced the return of Fortnitemares this October.
TECH
7
people can no longer
effectively take care of their
daily tasks.
The release date of
“Exhausted Man” is not yet
known, but the demo is
available for free download
on Windows.
Why not give it a try ... that
is, if you’re not too tired. –
ETX Studio
Exhausted Man is a
sarcastic but
creative nod to
today’s work
culture. –
CANDLEMAN
GAMES
for Shortnitemares, but more
details are expected as the
event approaches.
Epic is also emphasizing the
Halloween event much more
than usual this year, with new
content in the game every day
of the month of October. This
includes Halloween-themed
maps and modes that
members of the community
created and a slew of classic
monster movie costumes like
Frankenstein and The Mummy
to purchase in the store.
In addition to the film
festival event, Fortnite plans to
celebrate Halloween with its
users with themed maps,
games and experiences,
specially developed by the
community.
Various characters, such as
Frankenstein’s monster and the
Mummy, may also appear in
the game throughout October.
A new weapon, new quests
and a limited game mode will
be revealed soon, Epic Games
said. – Agencies
 MEDIA & MARKETING
8 theSun LYFE ON WEDNESDAY | OCTOBER 13, 2021

Let the fun begin

oSunway Lagoon’s best day ever is back!

M
ALAYSIA’S iconic theme
park Sunway Lagoon
reopened its gates on Oct
7 after being temporarily
closed due to the Covid-19
pandemic.
This long-awaited announcement
is in light of the recent government’s
advisory that Klang Valley is entering
into Phase 3 of Malaysia’s National
Recovery Plan.
A look into Sunway Lagoon’s
official Facebook page which
currently has around 430,000
followers has seen an overwhelming
response in its comments section
where fans are excited for Sunway
Lagoon to reopen.
Guests are required to show proof
that they are fully vaccinated before
they enter the park in adherence to
the SOP for theme parks that are
reopening.
Children that are not vaccinated
have to be accompanied by a parent
or guardian who has received their
full dosage of vaccine. Face masks are
mandatory except when dining, and
while in the water parks and on the
water slides.
In a statement from Calvin Ho,
executive director of Sunway Theme
Parks who manages Sunway Lagoon,
Sunway Lost World Of Tambun,
Sunway Lost World Hotel and
Sunway Organic Garden: “We are
very pleased with the recent
announcement by the Malaysian
government. Sunway Lagoon has
extensive safety procedures in place

Ever dreamed of camping in Sunway Lagoon? Well, wait no more ... Extend your Best Day Ever with a one-of-a-kind camping
that only Sunway Lagoon can provide!

and during the recent temporary
closure, we have made
enhancements to our already strict
standards.
“Besides frequent sanitisation at
high touch points and limiting
capacity at certain rides and
attractions, public huts that used to
cater to large groups has now been
converted into private cabanas for
families seeking a little more privacy
in our outdoor 88 acres park. Sunway
Lagoon will also cap its capacity to
50% of its total park capacity.”
A reopened Sunway Lagoon also
means new attractions and
promotions in place.
Ho added: “We understand that
families longed to be out in the open
Calvin Ho (right) handing over a gift to Hee Loy Sian, Selangor Exco of the and spend quality time with their
Environment, Green Technology, Tourism and Indigenous Affairs. children in a safe and secure
environment.
“As part of the stringent measure
to create a safe environment for all
our guests, we are introducing Camp
Out! at Sunway Lagoon that will
provide you with an extension of our
Best Day Ever experience from
morning till the next day.”
“Sunway Lagoon is centred on
outdoor attractions which are
pertinent in this era of the Covid-19
endemic. 90% of our attractions and
rides are in the open-air.”
“We are very blessed with the
natural environment where Sunway
Lagoon is built.
“From a once abandoned tin
mining land, our Chairman of
Sunway Group, Tan Sri Dr Jeffrey
Cheah had the foresight decades ago
to build an outdoor theme park and
water park where families can gather
to create a lifetime of memories.”
Sunway Lagoon together with
Sunway Hotels (Sunway Pyramid
Hotel and Sunway Clio Hotel) will
also be launching staycations
packages from only RM588 as part of
its offerings in Amazing Sunway City
Kuala Lumpur.
Ho said: “The reopening of
Sunway Lagoon and other theme
parks are paramount to driving the
local and state economy.
“The theme park business will
benefit small and independent
retailers, tour operators and travel
agents, bus and public transport
operators and many others aiding the
much-needed employment and
circular economy in all walks of life in
our community and beyond.”

EDUCATION
The Class of 2021 is here.

PUBLICATION DATE 9 NOVEMBER, 2021 (Tuesday)

Speak to theSun’s Sales team now for special deals on BOOKING & STORY DEADLINE 26 OCTOBER, 2021 (Tuesday)
digital, video and print advertising.
MATERIAL DEADLINE 5 NOVEMBER, 2021 (Friday)
 9
theSUN ON WEDNESDAY | OCTOBER 13, 2021

SPEAK UP

Sacrifice ego to save the world

W
HAT is an act of God? The
term was used in Parliament
last month when Ministers
of Parliament (MP) debated
the cause of massive flooding in a Kedah
district in August that killed four people.
A federal minister said the devastation
was an act of God as he had personally
seen trees with their roots intact being
carried away by the water. An opposition
leader cast doubt on his claim.
Insurers know what “act of God”
means. When you buy general insurance
cover that excludes flood and your
property gets washed away, your insurer
may pin the action on God to avoid
paying compensation.
Belief in acts of God can lead to a
dependency mindset that evades
responsibility. Millions around the world
refuse to be vaccinated against Covid-19
because they want to see evidence that
God has acted.
Over the years, devotees of nearly all
religions have prayed for rains to stop
when there is heavy flooding. And in a
prolonged dry spell, they pray for rain. In
some months, they pray for rain to stop
and in other months they pray for rain to
pour. Such prayers are wrongly directed.
Extreme weather conditions are now
the acts of humanity, and the evidence is
in the latest climate data. This year has
seen extensive wild fires burning some
regions of the world, and monstrous
floods drowning other regions.
The reason these prayers do not work
is that God is not the force behind climate
change. God is not part of the climate
change cause-effect link. Humanity is
the causative force. You have to fix
human beings.
The belief in acts of God has its origin
in early civilisation when food supply for
urban settlements became highly
dependent on the weather. Without rain
or with floods, crops and livestock would
die; societies would perish.
Institutional religions came to the
rescue with a teaching that just as God
acts to bring down a storm, God can also
dispel a storm.
Should a hot dry spell induce fires and
famine, divine intervention can save the
trees and water the fields.
As an inducement for God to act, you
have to offer the best of your harvest if you
are a farmer or the best of your livestock if
you are a herder. This early practice of gift
offering is immortalised in the story of
Cain and Abel that we find in the Torah, a
West Asian scripture.
Elder brother Cain stands for the
farming community, and the younger
Abel stands for the herders, whose
emergence was to overshadow the
planters. They both made their sacrifice.
But intense rivalry developed that led to
murderous violence.
In Africa today, we still find enmity
between farmers and herders as they
compete for scarce land and water
resources. To heal the economic rivalry
and dampen the competition for primacy
that threatened to destroy early
civilisations, a unifying type of sacrifice
was invented.
From the Atlantic to the Pacific shores,
young men and women were ritually
slaughtered as the best of all gifts. The
British and French people, facing a
Roman invasion, built sacrificial altars
that the Roman legions would destroy
after seeing neat rows of human skulls
placed on them.
On the other side of the Atlantic, the
Amerindian civilisations developed a
liking for child sacrifice as a means to
dampen killer storms brought on by the
El Nino weather phenomenon.
Move across the Pacific to China, and
archaeologists have discovered evidence
of human sacrifice during the Shang
Dynasty more than 3,000 years ago. In
Sabah, the Kaamatan Festival
commemorates the offering of a
legendary young woman called
Hominodun, who became a willing
sacrifice so that there would be food for
the people during a time of famine.
Climate change All regions of the world practised
human sacrifice as a unifying ritual for
has ushered societies. But the morality of such
humanity into a blood-letting was increasingly being
questioned. We get an early hint of child
new era of sacrifice in West Asia in the Torah story of
Abraham, who built an altar in a rather
monstrous fires matter-of-fact way to willingly sacrifice
and calamitous his son, but ended up killing a nearby ram
instead. The subtle message is well
floods. The sooner expressed in the literary dramatic style
we sacrifice ego, of that era.
But as religions became more
rather than sophisticated, human sacrifice took on a
sacrifice the higher meaning. Hinduism was the
earliest religion to transmute the ritual
animals or trees, into the loftiest form of sacrifice – the
sacrifice of ego. Known as purusayajna in
the faster we can Sanskrit, or the sacrifice of man, Hindu
beat back the tide texts extol the need for ego to die so that
the higher self can live.
of climate change. As the word purusa denotes collective
humanity, the call is to sacrifice partiality
for the sake of a whole identity. The World
The Kaamatan
Festival in Sabah
commemorates
the offering of a
woman called
Hominodun, who
became a willing
sacrifice so that
there would be
food for the
people during a
time of famine.
Family tag mooted by Prime Minister
Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob can serve
as a great booster, if Malaysians take up
the idea of complete inclusivity.
Turn it into a planetary vision with
humans, wildlife and forests co-existing
as one family.
Climate change has ushered
humanity into a new era of monstrous
fires and calamitous floods. There will be
more of everything bad – from killer
viruses to killer heat waves and killer
storms. The sooner we sacrifice the ego,
rather than sacrifice the animals or trees,
the faster we can beat back the tide of
climate change.
In the Rig Veda scripture of Hinduism
is this beautiful prayer: “He who sees all
beings at a glance, both separate and
united, may he be our protector.”
May we be able to see all beings as
separate and yet united as one. When you
see television images of wildfires sparked
by heatwaves consuming the forests in
country after country, may these words in
the Sri Guru Granth Sahib, the scripture
of Sikhism, come to mind: “The ego has
burnt down the whole world.” Through
ego we have placed humanity’s desires
above the World Family.
The writer champions interfaith harmony.
Comments: letters@thesundaily.com

Healthy diet for kids food for thought post-Covid

█ BY XANTY ELIAS
WITH schools a month into the new term, the
focus is now firmly on making up for children’s
lost learning during the Covid pandemic. It is
rumoured that the UK government will
announce plans in the comprehensive
spending review later this month for schools to
be given funding to stay open later and at
weekends, to help children catch up.
According to a new research published by
the Institute of Fiscal Studies, one quarter of
parents in England feel their children need a
year or more to catch up.
As ever, poorer children suffered
disproportionately. Children in the poorest
fifth of families did nearly eight fewer hours of
learning per week than their peers in the
richest fifth. But it is not just learning where
making up lost ground is needed.
In addition to falling behind in education,
disadvantaged children are still less likely to be
provided with nutritious food, despite the
campaign to highlight the lack of free school
meals during lockdown by footballer
Marcus Rashford.
Even when the government backtracked
and provided meals, UK Prime Minister Boris
Johnson last January concurred with critics
that the quality of food parcels provided
was “disgraceful”.
Neither have things improved dramatically
since. A report published last month by the
Child Poverty Action Group and Covid Realities
showed that almost one million of all
school-aged children (36%) in poverty are still
not entitled to a free meal, due to the restrictive
eligibility criteria preventing many in poverty
from accessing any form of free school
meal provision.
Covid has also exacerbated the obesity
crisis. The most recent UK National Child
Measurement Programme report (using
pre-pandemic data) showed 21% of children
aged 10-11 years old in England are obese,
increasing to 27.5% in more deprived areas.
This will worsen because of lockdowns,
because weight gain is correlated with time
spent out of school during holiday closures,
and is greater among those of lower
socioeconomic status.
The massive disruption to normal day-to-
day activities due to school closures also
significantly increased anxiety and depression
in the UK, with young people the most affected,
according to a major study led by the University
of Nottingham and King’s College London.
There is evidence that rising stress, anxiety,
tiredness and boredom were the main causes
of poor eating habits, where food becomes a
coping mechanism.
Childhood obesity is associated with
various health conditions, including asthma,
type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
Children who are obese are also likely to
suffer from mental health and behavioural
problems. In addition, an obese child is highly
likely to become an obese adult.
On current trends, by 2035 obesity alone will
cost the National Health Service £15 billion
(RM85 billion) a year – one and a half times
what it spends treating cancer today.
The arrival of fast food and ready meals in
the second half of the last century has led to a
dearth of culinary skills, with generations
growing up without seeing cooking at home or
attempting to cook themselves. This, then,
becomes an issue of behaviour change too.
So, as well as looking at short-term
measures to improve children’s diets, such as
extending the eligibility criteria to offer poorer
children access to school meals and improving
the quality of the food provided, longer-term
policy interventions to improve nutrition are
needed. This should include policies such as
getting more fresh food and food skills to low-
income households with children, including an
expanded Healthy Start voucher scheme,
which provides fruit and vegetable vouchers to
parents with young children, and applying
pressure on companies to reduce sugar content
in food and drink products (as the UK
government has committed to do). But it
should also mean introducing taxes if the food
industry fails to comply.
Schools can play a key role too. The problem
is that although schools have been legally
required since 2014 to teach cookery and
nutrition to all children up to the age of 14, this
is not happening, according to the recent
National Food Strategy, the independent
review carried out by Henry Dimbleby, the
government’s food tsar. Food technology is
treated as a second-class subject, says the
review.
As the report highlights, a reboot of food
education is needed, such as exploring
different foods in early years settings and
continuing to sixth form. The food A-level –
axed in 2016 – should be reintroduced.
The UK government could also look at what
Spain has done. Despite many people thinking
Spain has a healthy Mediterranean diet, its rate
of childhood obesity is actually the second
highest in Europe, with 40% of children either
overweight or obese.
Spain also has the highest percentage of
overweight boys, with 48% of nine-year-olds an
unhealthy weight, according to the World
Health Organisation.
To address this, in 2018 the region of
Andalusia set out to provide cultural education
in schools to embed the importance of a
healthy diet. The programme, Los Ninos se
Comen El Futuro (Children Eat the Future),
teaches students traditional Andalusian
recipes and shows them how to apply
academic subjects like mathematics and
chemistry to cooking, as well as educating
them about healthy eating.
As part of the programme, well known local
chefs visit schools to deliver masterclasses to
inspire children.
In the 2019-20 academic year, the
programme reached more than 6,000
schoolchildren across more than 100 schools in
Andalusia. As children return to school, we are
rightly taking the lost months of learning
seriously. But it is time to take food education
seriously too. – The Independent
Xanty Elias is the winner of the 2021 Basque
Culinary World Prize, one of the world’s
most prestigious gastronomic prize.
 SunBIZ
WEDNESDAY
S E C U R I T I E S S D N.
197201001092 (12738-U)
B H D.

A Participating Organisation of Bursa Malaysia Securities Berhad

OCTOBER 13, 2021
A Trading Participant of Bursa Malaysia Derivatives Berhad
Editorial Tel: 03-7784 6688
12/10/2021 Fax: 03-7785 2624/5
Participation Bought Sold Net Email: sunbiz@thesundaily.com
% RM m RM m RM m Advertising: Tel: 03-7784 8888
Fax: 03-7784 4424
43.7 Institutions 1462.5 1639.8 -177.3 Email: advertise@thesundaily.com
33.8 Retail 1215.7 1186.6 29.1
22.5 Foreign 872.7 724.5 148.2
1.44 362.50 44.77 267.59 177.59 39.92 19.10
13.09
100.0 3550.9 3550.9 0.0
Preliminary stats (excluding trade amendments). For final data, please refer to www.bursamalaysia.com
KLCI STI HANG SENG SCI NIKKEI TSEC KOSPI S&P/ASX200
Source: Bursa Malaysia 1,583.91 3,112.05 24,962.59 3,546.94 28,230.61 16,462.84 2,916.38 7,280.70

INDICES
KL MARKET SUMMARY
OCTOBER 12, 2021

CHANGE
Malaysia to gain from
surging oil prices
FBMEMAS 11,652.65 +80.37
FBMKLCI 1,583.91 +13.09
CONSUMER PRODUCTS 614.69 +1.75
INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTS 211.01 +0.24
CONSTRUCTION 168.38 +1.56
FINANCIAL SERVICES 15,542.80 +189.34
ENERGY 839.24 -3.02
TELECOMMUNICATIONS 688.54 +10.17
HEALTH CARE 2,505.72 +11.89 oCGS-CIMB estimates additional revenue of retail fuel price at RM2.05 per litre for
RON95 petrol and RM2.15 per litre for
TRANSPORTATION
PROPERTY
928.23
738.83
-0.10
+2.30 RM430m to the government for every US$1 a barrel diesel and subsidises the difference.
“We estimate Malaysia government to
PLANTATION
FBMSHA
7,004.11
12,748.31
-39.30
+62.02 increase, higher than the official guidance of RM300m generate additional revenue of RM430
million for every US$1 per barrel (pb)
FBMACE 7,190.18 -16.53 increase in crude oil price after adjusting
TECHNOLOGY 97.17 +0.52 for weaker ringgit and US dollar, higher
PETALING JAYA: Brent and West Texas The largest chunk of the energy trade than the official guidance of RM300
TURNOVER VALUE Intermediate (WTI) crude oil prices have surplus was contributed by LNG at RM21.5 million.
5.191 BIL RM3.550 BIL surpassed US$80 (RM333) per barrel, rising billion followed by crude petroleum at “The government starts incurring fuel
by more than 60% year-to-date due to RM3.7 billion, and a rare surplus in subsidies when oil price hits US$60 pb,
supply constraints and surging demand petroleum products RM1.6 billion. with additional fuel subsidies estimated at
5 MOST OCTOBER
ACTIVES 12, 2021
amid economic reopening.
A sizeable oil and gas trade surplus at
“Governments in Malaysia, Indonesia
and Thailand exert some control over fixing
RM650 million per US$1 pb crude oil price
hike. Hence, the blanket subsidy for RON95
RM26.6 billion in August places Malaysia in retail prices for fuel, cooking gas and petrol and diesel exposes Malaysia’s fiscal
STOCK VOL CLSG (sen) +/– (sen) an advantageous position compared to its electricity tariffs, thereby limiting the pass- balance to a deterioration of RM2.2 billion
KANGER-WB 231,378,100 1.0 UNCH Asean peers in a rising oil price through of higher energy prices to or 0.1% of GDP per US$10 pb increase in oil
KANGER 151,826,800 6.0 -0.5 environment, according to CGS-CIMB. consumers. Malaysia imposes a ceiling on price above US$60 pb,” it said.
SERBADK 145,792,200 41.5 +1.0 In regard to rising prices, which rose
SAPNRG 93,238,000 10.5 UNCH towards US$84 per barrel – which is close to
JOE-WB 91,037,300 1.5 UNCH a three year high – yesterday, Bloomberg
attributed the rise to a rebound in global
demand that is contributing to energy
5 TOP OCTOBER
GAINERS 12, 2021
shortages in major economies such as
China.
STOCK VOL CLSG (RM) +/– RM With demand growing as economies
F&N 196,500 27.80 0.84 recover from pandemic lows, it reported the
BURSA 3,188,300 7.79 0.36 Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting
HLFG 151,400 18.20 0.30 Countries and allied producers (Opec+), is
CARZO 3,000 3.33 0.28 sticking to plans to gradually bring back
TM 3,599,900 5.96 0.28 output, rather than quickly boost supply.
PVM’s oil broker, Stephen Brennock
was quoted saying Opec+ will push ahead
5 TOPOCTOBER
LOSERS 12, 2021
with its cautious approach to supply in the
year-end period. Set against this backdrop,
oil bears will remain in hibernation mode.
STOCK VOL CLSG (RM) +/– RM Meanwhile, Oanda’s analyst Jeffrey
SAM 859,400 21.82 1.40 Halley commented that the lack of much
NESTLE 78,600 133.80 0.70 change rise in prices on Tuesday may be
HEIM 62,400 23.30 0.38 due to the market looking overbought
BKAWAN 5,100 21.76 0.22 based on short-term technical indicators
PMBTECH-WA 45,200 11.30 0.22 such as the relative strength index.
“It would not surprise me in the least, if
Note: Malayan Banking foreign exchange rates are Bloomberg attributes the rise in oil prices to a rebound in global demand that is contributing we saw a sharp sell-off of US$5 to US$8 a
unavailable to energy shortages in major economies such as China. – REUTERSPIX barrel at some stage this week,” he said.

Banks, telcos push FBM KLCI above 1,580 level

KUALA LUMPUR: Bursa Malaysia’s Additionally, the Brent crude oil taking, we expect the local bourse to On the passing of the Windfall Meanwhile, Hartalega’s first
barometer index ended the day price inched closer to US$85 per preserve its bullish phase over the Profit Levy (Amendment) Bill 2020, quarter FY2022 net profit soared
above the 1,580 level, thanks to gains barrel with a short-term target of short to medium term,” he told he said the move to tax unexpected 928.4% year-on-year to RM2.26
in bank and telecommunication around US$90 per barrel. Bernama. gains is not expected to affect glove billion from RM219.7 million
counters, positioning it to test the “This shall attract buying interest Thong said sentiments are counters, which have been recording previously.
psychological 1,600 resistance soon. on oil and gas stocks. Though we turning more positive while market ultra profits since the spread of Thong said the move could
The FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI may see some intermittent profit- valuation remains at attractive levels. Covid-19. possibly affect plantation counters,
(FBM KLCI) ended at its intra-day “Profits for glove companies will which currently saw crude palm oil
high of 1,583.91, by adding 13.09 be much lower next year. So, I don’ t prices trading near record levels.
points compared with 1,570.82 at think they will impose any levy on CPO futures hit RM5,000 per
Monday’s close. them,” he told Bernama. tonne for the first time last week
The bellwether index opened 1.52 Top Glove’s net profit jumped amid concerns over tight edible oil
points better at 1,572.34. 349% to RM7.87 billion in the supplies and bullish demand ahead
Market breadth was positive as financial year 2021 (FY2021) from of the Deepavali festival celebration.
gainers outnumbered decliners 548 RM1.75 billion in the same period a At the close, Top Glove and
to 517, while 456 counters were year earlier. Hartalega were in positive territory
unchanged, 750 untraded and six Revenue for the year also surged after recent downtrends.
others suspended. by 127% to RM16.4 billion from Heavyweights CIMB gained 11
Turnover, however decreased to RM7.24 billion in FY2020. sen to RM5.11, Telekom Malaysia
5.19 billion units worth RM3.55 However, its net profit has was 28 sen stronger at RM5.96,
billion from 6.9 billion units worth declined about 48% to RM607.95 Public Bank expanded five sen to
RM3.87 billion on Monday. million in the fourth quarter FY2021 RM4.16, Axiata was 10 sen higher at
Rakuten Trade Sdn Bhd vice- as the rollout of vaccinations RM4.10 and Hartalega jumped 25
president of equity research Thong worldwide dampened demand for sen to RM5.97.
Pak Leng said the local market gloves. Maybank and Digi rose seven sen
performed better than expected due Glove’s average selling prices to RM8.23 and RM4.35 respectively,
to the strong support from foreign (ASPs) are also trending downwards while RHB Bank added 14 sen to
funds. KLCI is positioned to test the psychological 1,600 resistence soon. – BERNAMAPIX due to increasing global production. RM5.55.

MARC: Taxation
landscape likely
to be unchanged
PETALING JAYA: Malaysian Rating
Corp Bhd (MARC) sees the
government’s expectation of slower
growth in revenue-to-gross domestic
product to 13.5% in 2025 from 15.9%
in 2020 as outlined in the 12th
Malaysia Plan (12MP) as a sign that
taxation will remain as it is.
It surmised that falling oil
revenue, limited revenue sources to
draw on and revenue leakages are
the reasons behind the projection.
“Furthermore, there is no specific
mention of shifting the revenue
share from direct to indirect taxes,
contrasting past Malaysia Plans, in
light of changing demographics,” the
rating agency said in a report. “This
suggests that corporate and personal
tax rates would remain while the
return of the Good and Services Tax
is uncertain.”
Nonetheless, it commended the
three themes of resetting the
economy; strengthening security,
well-being and inclusivity; and
advancing sustainability set forth in
the 12MP as appropriate.
However, MARC said: “Failure to
follow through with long-term plans
could lead to dire developmental
consequences, especially in the post-
pandemic environment considering
a rapidly ageing population.”
It lauded the 12MP in
reorganising Malaysia’s erratic
development priorities caused by the
pandemic and political instability.
MARC said the plan’s “leave no
one behind” principle is its strongest
and weakest point. “Greater clarity to
development planning is not only
necessary to reshape the economy in
the post-pandemic era, but, more
importantly, to tee up the private
sector of things to come,” it added.
BRIEFS
AMSTEEL TO DISPOSE
OF STAKE IN ANTARA
PETALING JAYA: Lion Industries
Corporation Bhd’s 99% owned
subsidiary Amsteel Mills Sdn Bhd
has entered into a conditional
sale and purchase agreement
with Esteel Enterprise Pte Ltd for
the proposed disposal of its
entire holding of 218,010,000
ordinary shares and 30,000,000
redeemable preference shares,
representing 100% of the issued
share capital, in Antara Steel Mills
Sdn Bhd, for US$122 million
(RM509.96 million).
NI HSIN IN E-MOTORBIKE
BATTERY TECH VENTURE
PETALING JAYA: Ni Hsin Group
Bhd’s wholly owned subsidiary Ni
Hsin EV Tech Sdn Bhd has entered
into a heads of agreement with
MNA Energy Sdn Bhd (MNAE) to
develop battery technology for
electric motorcycles (EV Two
Wheelers) and to participate in
the business and growth of
MNAE. Ni Hsin EV Tech is working
towards getting the Vehicle Type
Approval permit from the Road
Transport Department for the EV
Two Wheelers.
TAN CHONG MOTOR:
MOU TERMINATED
PETALING JAYA: Tan Chong Motor
Holdings Bhd’s indirect wholly
owned subsidiary TC Motor
Vietnam Co Ltd has terminated its
memorandum of understanding
(MoU) with Xiamen King Long
United Automotive Industry Co
Ltd for the sole distributorship of
the latter’s microbus model in
Vietnam. The MoU was set expire
on Oct 18, 2021.
BCorp unit to distribute
Holista Colltech products
oCountry Farm’s deal with Australian
company covers low-glycaemic index premix
for flour products, sugar reduction technology,
plant-based meat and dietary supplements
PETALING JAYA: Berjaya Corp Bhd
(BCorp) has acquired the exclusive
distribution rights for Australian
Stock Exchange-listed Holista
Colltech Ltd’s products via its
subsidiary, Country Farms Sdn Bhd,
which produces and supplies
organic and healthy food.
Under the agreement, the group
will hold exclusive rights for Holista
Colltech’s low-glycaemic index
(low-GI) premix for flour products,
Malaysia’s August IPI dips on-year but manufacturing expands
PETALING JAYA: The Industrial
Production Index (IPI) for the
mining, manufacturing, and
electricity sectors shrank 0.7% in
August compared to the same
month last year, according to the
Department of Statistics Malaysia.
Chief Statistician Malaysia Datuk
Seri Dr Mohd Uzir Mahidin said the
reduction in the IPI was influenced
by the declines in the mining index
at 4.2% and the electricity index at
4.8%. However, the manufacturing
index grew 0.6%.
“On a month-on-month basis,
the IPI increased by 3.2%, driven by
the manufacturing and electricity
sectors after the reopening of more
economic sectors during the
transition phase of the National
Recovery Plan” he said in a
statement.
The year-on-year output of the
manufacturing sector rebounded by
0.6% in August after recording a
downturn of 6.5% in July. The main
subsectors that contributed to the
growth were petroleum, chemical,
rubber and plastic products (15.2%)
and electrical and electronics
products (8.6%).
Export-oriented industries
increased 7.6% while domestic-
‘Connectivity, sustainability themes in 12MP infra drive’
PETALING JAYA: The 12th Malaysia
Plan (12MP) will drive infrastructure
investments along two key themes,
connectivity and sustainability,
according to Fitch Solutions Country
Risk & Industry Research.
It said the 12MP contains a
number of plans and targets for the
country’s power and infrastructure
sectors and highlights three key
features: transport infrastructure
development with a focus to
improve connectivity; a stronger
drive towards sustainability and
accelerating green infrastructure;
and the water subsector as a key
focus area for sustainability push.
“The 12MP has highlighted efforts
to boost its network of roads and
railways, primarily to connect its
airports, ports, industrial areas and
the main city centre. The government
will look to provide fiscal support,
and strengthen the institutional
framework and regulations around
sugar reduction technology, plant-
based meat products and dietary
supplements in the markets that
Berjaya or its associate operates in.
Holista Colltech’s products will
join Country Farms’ portfolio which
includes the plant-based range of
Beyond Meat. Subsequently the
subsidiary will distribute the
product to the Berjaya Group which
also operates a range of vegan
shops.
oriented industries decreased by
13.8%. The increase in export-
oriented industries was mainly
supported by the manufacturing of
coke and refined petroleum products
and manufacturing of computer,
electronic and optical products.
The manufacturing sector’s
performance was in line with the
encouraging growth in exports.
Meanwhile, the decline in
domestic-based industries was
influenced by the manufacturing of
the sector to encourage investments,”
it said in a statement.
The logistics sector has been
identified as a key economic growth
area for the government over the
coming years, and will require
improved port capacity as well as
roads to support the trade flow of
goods. Concurrently, the government
aims to improve connectivity with
less-developed areas, primarily via
highways and railways construction.
“Several states, including Sabah,
Sarawak, Kedah, Kelantan, and
Terengganu will be given priority,
with at least 50% of the development
expenditure allocated to these
regions.
The research arm of Fitch
Ratings said Malaysia’s transport
infrastructure sector will outperform
the wider construction market over
the course of the decade,
underpinned by its robust pipeline
of transport projects.
theSUN ON WEDNESDAY | OCTOBER 13, 2021
The Australian company has
started to develop a range of low-GI
white sandwich rolls, croissants, and
ciabatta for Starbucks outlets in
Malaysia.
Country Farms’ managing
director, Louis Kho, stated that
the group is thrilled to
collaborate and develop a range
of science-based everyday food
and diet solutions for
consumers with Holista
Colltech.
He said it
aims to
make healthy keto-dietary
alternatives accessible to the masses
in a more affordable way.
“I’m especially excited about
this meaningful endeavour to
empower more consumers as they
seek out the nutritional benefits
motor vehicles, trailers and semi-
trailers and manufacturing of other
non-metallic mineral products.
The manufacturing sector’s
output rose 5.3% month-on-month in
which the increase was reflected by
higher capacity utilisation, especially
in the electrical and electronic
products, food, beverages, tobacco,
and petroleum, chemical, rubber,
and plastic products subsectors.
The output of the mining sector
declined 4.2% in August compared
The carbon neutrality target by
2050 is one of the key targets and
strategies by the government to
support its domestic renewables
sector over recent years it noted.
A number of regulations have
been put in place to encourage
investments into the sector,
including Feed-in-Tariffs, tax
incentives and renewable energy
auctions. As part of Budget 2021, the
Green Investment Tax Allowance
and Green Income Tax Exemption
incentives will be extended to 2025,
based on the expanded qualifying
list of green assets 2020.
Concurrently, the Green
Technology Financing Scheme 3.0
will be guaranteed by Danajamin at
RM2 billion. The government is also
looking to enhance green energy
trading with the private sector while
planning to launch a Renewable
Energy Transition Roadmap 2035.
In the coming decade, Fitch
11
* SUNBIZ
and better-for-you options that will
inspire positive choices for both
people and planet,” he said in a
statement.
On the partnership, Holista
Colltech’s founder and CEO,
Datuk Rajen Manicka, said
he is excited to partner with
BCorp to offer Malaysians a
range of healthy foods.
“Malaysians are
increasingly conscious
about the
origins
a n d
contents of what they consume.
This partnership with Country
Farms addresses this need as we
will source and develop only
natural foods which have been
proven to improve human health,”
he added.
The output of
the electricity
sector
contracted by
4.8% in August
compared to
the same
month of the
previous year. –
BERNAMAPIX
to the same period last year. On a
month-on-month basis, the mining
index fell 4.5%. Meanwhile, the
natural gas index jumped by 1.6%.
The output of the electricity
sector contracted by 4.8% in August
compared to the same month of the
previous year. The electricity index
grew 2.8% on month-on-month
The IPI from January to August
expanded 8.2% compared to the
same period of 2020, driven by
increases in all components.
expects a robust growth in non-
hydro renewables capacity to replace
retiring thermal power plants. Coal-
fired projects are already facing
headwinds from environmental
oppositions and reduced availability
of financing.
“In addition, the government is
looking to introduce carbon taxes.
Earlier, the Ministry of Environment
and Water said that they were
looking to launch a domestic
emissions trading scheme,” it said.
For the near to medium term, the
research arm believes the impact of
carbon pricing will remain limited,
due to structural issues to be
resolved before its launch including
the scope, pricing and trading
mechanisms, liquidity, and others.
Malaysia’s policymakers will
have to weigh this with its economic
recovery considerations, including
how the cost might end up being
passed on to consumers, it added.
 FOLLOW ON INSTAGRAM SCAN
12 theSUN ON WEDNESDAY | OCTOBER 13, 2021
SUNBIZ @thesundaily ME

Evergrande misses 3rd round of payments

oSome bond holders did not receive
settlements totalling US$148m on the firm’s
April 2022, April 2023 and April 2024 notes
HONG KONG: China Evergrande
Group yesterday missed its third
round of bond payments in three
weeks, intensifying market fears over
contagion involving other property
developers as a wall of debt payment
obligations come due in the near-
term.
Some bondholders said they did
not receive coupon payments
totalling US$148 million (RM617
million) on Evergrande’s April 2022,
April 2023 and April 2024 notes due by
0400 GMT yesterday, following two
other payments it missed in
September.
That puts investors at risk of large
losses at the end of 30-day grace
periods as the developer wrestles with
more than US$300 billion in liabilities.
Evergrande did not immediately
respond to a request for comment.
A total of US$92.3 billion bonds
issued by Chinese developers will be
due in the next year, Refinitiv data
show.
“We see more defaults ahead if the
liquidity problem does not improve
markedly,“ said brokerage CGS-CIMB
in a note, adding developers with
weaker credit rating are having
difficulty in refinancing at the
moment.
Trading of high-yield bonds
remained soft yesterday following a
rout in the previous session on fears
about fast-spreading contagion in the
US$5 trillion sector, which accounts
for a quarter of the Chinese economy
and often is a major factor in
policymaking.
Shanghai Stock Exchange data
showed the top five losers among
exchange-traded bonds in morning
deals were all issued by property
firms.
Small developers Modern Land
and Sinic Holdings were the latest
scrambling to delay deadlines, after
Evergrande and Fantasia missed their
payments since September.
While global attention has been
focused on missed dollar debt
payments by Chinese property
issuers, market indicators suggested
that worries about contagion and a
slowing economy are spreading
further.
Market players say the sell-off,
however, appears limited to more
riskier bond names.
“The market is trading more
rationally now, according to different
quality and rating of the companies,
rather than selling off on the whole
sector,“ said Michael Wong, director at
CP Securities based in Hong Kong.
The cost of insuring against a
China sovereign default continued to
rise on Tuesday, with 5-year credit
default swaps – which investors
typically use as a hedge against rising
risk - hitting its highest point since
April 2020.
The option-adjusted spread on the
ICE BofA Asian Dollar High Yield
Corporate China Issuers Index pulled
back to 2,061 basis points on Monday
evening US time, just off its previous
all-time high of 2,069 basis points on
Friday.
Shares of several other property
firms, however, fared better as
markets bet on more loosening of
policies following northeastern city of
Harbin’s measures to support
property developers and their
projects.
Top developers Country Garden
and Sunac China both rose 2%.
Evergrande’s electric vehicles unit
jumped over 10% after it vowed to
start producing cars next year. –
Reuters

Japan confronts rising inequality after Abenomics NEW AUSTRALIAN BUDGET

TOKYO: Japan’s stock market has surged and
luxury cars are selling fast in Tokyo after eight
years of economic stimulus under Abenomics,
but that new wealth is concentrated in a small
slice of society rather than broadly distributed,
data show.
Addressing that divide has become a high
priority for new prime minister Fumio
Kishida, who promised to tackle income
disparity made worse by the pandemic. But he
has offered few clues as to how he will do so.
“It’s like everyone has become poor,“ said
Masanori Aoki, 62, who owns a small coffee
shop in a working class district of northeast
Tokyo.
“With Abenomics, the finance minister
talked about wealth trickling down. But there
was no such thing, was there? Almost
nothing,“ said Aoki, who took a job as a part-
time kindergarten bus driver when the Covid-
19 pandemic forced him to temporarily shut
down his shop.
Kimie Kobayashi, 55, who works at a
childcare facility in Tokyo, says her wages
haven’t risen for four years. She said many
who work in the industry are resigned to the
fact that salaries rarely increase.
“I can’t say that my livelihood is getting any
better,“ said Kobayashi. “The government
collects tax but that money isn’t used to help
people who are really in need.”
Abenomics – a dose of huge monetary,
fiscal support and a growth strategy that
boosted stocks and corporate profits – failed to
create wealth to households via higher wages,
data show.
Japan’s poverty rate is the second-highest
among G7 nations and the ninth-highest
among OECD countries, according to the
organisation’s survey, based on data available
up to 2020.
Nominal wages rose just 1.2% from 2012
through 2020, government data showed.
Japanese households’ average wealth fell by
Japan’s poverty rate is the second-highest among G7 nations and the ninth-highest among OECD
countries based on data available up to 2020. - REUTERSPIX
3.5% from 2014 to 2019 – although the top 10%
wealthiest saw an increase, according to
another government survey.
To be sure, inequality is far more
pronounced in countries such as the United
States and Britain. Japan stood around the
middle of 39 countries surveyed by OECD in
2020 based on the Gini coefficient, which
gauges inequality.
The situation did improve for some in
Japan. Manabu Fujisaki recently splurged on a
¥7 million (RM258,000) Mercedes-Benz after
reaping a huge sum from investing in
cryptocurrencies.
“Abenomics brought us investors huge
profits as (central bank) money-pumping
pushed up prices of financial securities,“ said
Fujisaki, 34, a father of two who plans to build
a 200 million yen house in Tokyo next year.
Department store Takashimaya says there
is brisk demand for Patek Philippe watches
BRIEFS
that cost more than ¥10 million, and Baccarat
chandeliers worth a few million yen.
Kishida hopes to narrow the wealth
disparity by forming a “new type of capitalism”
that includes higher wages for public health
and medical workers, and tax incentives to
firms that raise pay.
But achieving what a wall of money under
Abenomics failed to do would be challenging.
Already, Kishida shelved a plan to charge
higher taxes on capital gains and dividends.
Shigeto Nagai, an economist at Oxford
Economics, said offering shot-term tax breaks
likely will not convince firms to raise wages,
calling instead for reforms in areas such as
Japan’s rigid labour system.
“First and foremost, politicians must
abandon the unrealistic and optimistic
premise of Abenomics that Japan can cure all
ills just by reflating nominal growth,“ Nagai
said. – Reuters
AIRLINE BONZA HOPES
TO START FLYING NEXT YEAR
SYDNEY: New Australian budget airline
Bonza plans to start domestic flights with
two to three Boeing 737 MAX planes from
the second quarter of next year, pending
regulatory approvals, its chief executive
told Reuters. The airline will be based in
northern New South Wales or southern
Queensland and focus on leisure-driven
routes not served by rivals or are
underserved, said Tim Jordan, Bonza’s
founder and CEO. Bonza would compete
against Qantas Airways Ltd, Virgin Australia
and Regional Express Holdings Ltd (Rex) in
a market that lacks an independent low-
cost carrier. The initial routes will be chosen
in part based on which airports offer better
financial incentives, he said. Bonza expects
to apply for an operating licence with
Australia’s aviation regulator and hopes to
sell tickets in the first quarter of 2022,
Jordan said. – Reuters
CHIP SHORTAGE, POWER
CRUNCH HIT CHINA AUTO
SALES IN ‘GOLDEN SEPTEMBER’
BEIJING: China’s auto sales slumped 19.6%
in September from a year earlier, industry
data showed yesterday, falling for a fifth
consecutive month as a prolonged global
shortage of semiconductors and a
domestic power crunch disrupt production.
This time of year, known as “Golden
September, Silver October”, is usually a high
point in sales for the industry, with
consumers making purchases after staying
away from showrooms during the stifling
summer months. Sales in the world’s
biggest car market totalled 2.07 million
vehicles in September, data from the China
Association of Automobile Manufacturers
(CAAM) showed. The sales drop was due to
the domestic power crunch caused partly
by the shortage of coal and prolonged
global chip shortage that has forced many
major automakers to idle or curtail
production, said Chen Shihua, a senior
official at CAAM. – Reuters

UK jobs hit record high as Bank of England mulls rate hike
LONDON: British employers took their
payrolls to a record high in September, shortly
before the end of the government’s wage
subsidies programme, potentially
encouraging the Bank of England’s (BoE)
progress towards a first post-pandemic
interest rate hike.
Data showed the biggest month-on-month
increase in the number of employees on
companies’ books, up by 207,000 from August,
as employers turned to recruitment agencies
to find staff and recovering accommodation
and food firms created jobs.
Separate official data showed yesterday
that the unemployment rate edged down to
4.5% in the three months to August from 4.6%
in the May-July period, as expected by
economists in a Reuters poll.
The BoE, which is gearing up to become
the first major central bank to raise rates since
the coronavirus crisis struck, is watching to see
how many people became unemployed after
the end of the furlough programme.
Around one million people are likely to
have been on the scheme when it ended on
Sept 30, according to an estimate by the
Resolution Foundation think tank.
Hussain Mehdi, macro and investment
strategist at HSBC Asset Management, said the
data left open the possibility of a BoE rate hike
before the end of the year.
“The data show an ongoing improvement
in the health of the UK labour market, although
it’s too early to assess the impact of the end of
the furlough scheme in September,“ he said.
“However, the recent hawkish tone from
Monetary Policy Committee members
suggests inflation concerns are now firmly
front of mind, lowering the bar for rate
increases. A decent October jobs report could
open the door to a hike as soon as the
December meeting.”
The BoE is also monitoring pay growth as it
tries to gauge how persistent a recent jump in
inflation is likely to be.
Average weekly earnings were 7.2% higher
than in the same three months of 2020,
slowing from the previous reading of 8.3%.
Excluding bonuses, earnings rose by 6.0%
in the June-August period, also losing some
momentum.
The ONS estimated the underlying pace of
wage growth, taking into account how job
losses during the coronavirus lockdowns
affected predominantly lower-paid workers,
stood between 4.1% and 5.6% for regular pay
in nominal terms.
That compared with regular pay growth of
about 3% just before the pandemic hit.
Finance minister Rishi Sunak said the
government was committed to helping people
find work after the expiry of the furlough
scheme. – Reuters
THAI HOSPITALITY,
TRAVEL SHARES SOAR
BANGKOK: Shares in Thailand’s hotels and
airlines jumped in yesterday morning’s
trading, lifted by an announcement by its
prime minister that more vaccinated
tourists would be allowed to visit the
country from November. Prayuth Chan-
ocha late on Monday said more than 18
months of mandatory quarantine would
end next month for vaccinated arrivals from
countries considered “low risk”, including
the United States, Britain and China. The
stock exchange’s tourism and leisure index
jumped as much as 4.42% when markets
opened yesterday, compared to a
benchmark increase of 0.82%. Gains were
driven by a 4% rise in Airports of Thailand
Pcl , Asia Aviation Pcl and Bangkok Airlines
Pcl , which rose 5.59% and 3.42%,
respectively. Hotelier, Erawan Group Pcl
increased nearly 7% and rival Asset World
Corp climbed over 4%. – Reuters

322 Notices
322 Notices
DALAM MAHKAMAH
MAJISTRET DI JAWI
DALAM NEGERI PULAU PINANG,
MALAYSIA
GUAMAN NO :
PE-A72NCvC-11-04/2021
ANTARA
INDAH WATER KONSORTIUM SDN
BHD (NO. SYARIKAT: 211763-P)
… PLAINTIF
DAN
PADAMAKAVANDER
S/O SUBRAMANIAM
(NO.K/P:390926-07-5265]
...DEFENDAN
NOTIS BENTUK PENGIKLANAN
Kepada :
PADAMAKAVANDER S/O
SUBRAMANIAM
45, JALAN BESAR,
TAMAN REBANA,
14200 SUNGAI JAWI,
PULAU PINANG.
PADAMAKAVANDER S/O
SUBRAMANIAM
NO.A 2639,
TAMAN LUMBA KUDA,
ALOR SETAR,
05250 KEDAH DARUL AMAN.
AMBIL PERHATIAN bahawa satu
Writ Saman bertarikh 09/04/2021
dan Pernyataan Tuntutan bertarikh
05/04/2021 (“ Writ Saman dan
Pernyataan Tuntutan”) telah
dikeluarkan terhadap kamu di
Mahkamah Majistret di Jawi,
Pulau Pinang oleh INDAH WATER
KONSORTIUM SDN BHD (NO.
SYARIKAT: 211763-P) yang
beralamat terakhir yang diketahui
oleh Plaintif di No.44, Jalan Dungun,
Damansara Heights, 50490 Kuala
Lumpur dan Mahkamah ini telah
memerintahkan bahawa sesalinan
Writ Saman dan Pernyataan
Tuntutan tersebut bersama
dengan sesalinan Perintah tersebut
ditampalkan pada Papan Kenyataan
Mahkamah Majistret Jawi, Pulau
Pinang, mengiklankan sekali Notis
ini dalam surat akhabar tempatan
dan menampalkan di alamat
Defendan iaitu di 45, JALAN
BESAR, TAMAN REBANA, 14200
SUNGAI JAWI, PULAU PINANG dan
NO.A2639, TAMAN LUMBA KUDA,
ALOR SETAR, KEDAH DARUL AMAN
dan penyampaian sedemikian
hendaklah menjadi penyampaian
sempurna dan cukup tujuh (7) hari
selepas tarikh akhir penampalan
atau pengiklanan tersebut, yang
mana datang kemudian.
Bertarikh pada
14 September 2021
.............t.t.....................
PENOLONG PENDAFTAR
MAHKAMAH MAJISTRERT JAWI,
PULAU PINANG
NOTIS BENTUK PENGIKLANAN
ini dikeluarkan oleh Peguamcara
bagi pihak Plaintif yang dinamakan
di atas iaitu TETUAN TAWFEEK
BADJENID & PARTNERS yang
beralamat di Level 16, Suite 1,
NB Tower, 5050 Jalan Bagan Luar
12000 Butterworth. (Ruj. TBP/BW/L/
IWK/210177/21/SYD)
CALL TO PLACE CLASSIFIED ADS
MS. SHOBA
T 03 7784 8888
F 03 7784 4424
322 Notices
IN THE MATTER OF THE
COMPANIES ACT, 2016
AND
IN THE MATTER OF CHARIS
MATRIX SDN. BHD. (49753-X)
(IN MEMBERS’ VOLUNTARY
WINDING-UP)
NOTICE OF FINAL MEETING
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that
pursuant to Section 459(2) of the
Companies Act, 2016, the Final
Meeting of the Contributories
of the Company will be held at
No. 3-1, Jalan Indrahana 2, Off
Jalan Kuchai Lama, 58200 Kuala
Lumpur on 16th November, 2021
at 10.00 a.m. for the following
purposes of:-
i) To receive an account from the
liquidator showing the manner
in which the winding up has
been conducted and of hearing
any explanations that may be
given by the liquidator;
ii) To resolve that under Section
518(3)(b) of the Companies’ Act,
2016, the books, accounts and
documents of the Company be
destroyed after the expiration
of three (3) months from the
date of the final meeting.
Date: 13th October, 2021
YAPP HOCK HOE
- Liquidator
A member entitled to attend and
vote at this Meeting is entitled to
appoint another person (whether
a member or not) as his proxy
to attend and vote in his stead.
Proxy forms must be deposited
with the Liquidator at the above
address not less than 48 hours
before the meeting.
DALAM MAHKAMAH TINGGI
MALAYA DI SHAH ALAM
DALAM NEGERI
SELANGOR DARUL EHSAN
DALAM KEBANKRAPAN
NO. BA-29NCC-1514-08/2021
PER:ONG TIEN SIONG
(No K/P: 681012-05-5073)
…PENGHUTANG PENGHAKIMAN
DAN
EX PARTE:
MURNI MAKMUR NIAGA SDN BHD
(No Syarikat.:226875-A)
… PEMIUTANG PENGHAKIMAN
Notis Pengiklanan
Notis Kebankrapan
Kepada:-
Ong Tien Siong
No.22, Jalan Putra Bistari,
2/1G Seksyen 2,
Putra Heights, 47650 Subang,
Selangor Darul Ehsan.
AMBIL PERHATIAN bahawa satu
Notis Kebankrapan telah dikeluarkan
terhadap kamu di Mahkamah Tinggi
Shah Alam oleh MURNI MAKMUR
SDN BHD yang beralamat di A59 Jalan
IM3/11, Bandar Indera Mahkota, 23130
Kuantan, Pahang dan Mahkamah
telah memerintahkan bahawa
sesalinan Notis Kebankrapan bertarikh
19.8.2021 (“Notis Kebankrapan”)
adalah disampaikan terhadap kamu
melalui: i) penampalan sesalinan
Notis Kebankrapan dan sesalinan
Perintah untuk Penyampaian Ganti
bertarikh 1.10.2021 pada alamat
terakhir Penghutang Penghakiman
yang diketahui iaitu No. 22, Jalan Putra
Bistari, 2/1G Seksyen 2, Putra Heights,
47650 Subang Jaya, Selangor Darul
Ehsan; ii) menampal sesalinan Notis
Kebankrapan dan sesalinan Perintah
untuk Penyampaian Ganti bertarikh
1.10.2021 di papan notis Mahkamah
Tinggi di Shah Alam; dan iii) dengan
mengiklankan notis ini untuk sehari
pada surat khabar ‘The Sun Daily’.
DAN ADALAH JUGA DIPERINTAHKAN
bahawa penyampaian, penampalan
dan pengiklanan tersebut disifatkan
cukup dan sempurna ke atas
Penghutang Penghakiman dari tujuh
(7) hari selepas tarikh penampalan
atau pengiklanan tersebut DAN
AKHIRNYA DIPERINTAHKAN bahawa
kos permohonan ini menjadi kos dalam
kausa.
AMBIL NOTIS bahawa pengurusan kes
bagi Notis Kebankrapan tersebut telah
ditetapkan pada 19 Januari 2022 di
hadapan Penolong Kanan Pendaftar
secara e-Review pada pukul 9.00
pagi.
Bertarikh pada 1 Oktober 2021
…………………………
t.t
Penolong Kanan Pendaftar
Mahkamah Tinggi Malaya
Shah Alam
Notis ini difailkan oleh Tetuan Lee
& Partners, peguamcara Pemiutang
Penghakiman yang beralamat di
Wisma Lee & Partners, No. 1, Jalan
PJU 8/5A, Bandar Damansara
Perdana, 47820 Petaling Jaya,
Selangor Darul Ehsan. [Tel: 03-
77287001] [Faks: 03-77283001]
[Emel: nf@leepartners.my]
13
theSUN ON WEDNESDAY | OCTOBER 13, 2021
* SPORTS
The buck stops Narine
ends Virat’s
with Hamilton IPL dream
ENGLAND are “desperate” to go
Brundle blames champ for Turkish GP fiasco to Australia for their five-test
Ashes series later this year, all-
M
rounder Chris Woakes said,
ARTIN BRUNDLE thinks Lewis Man’s Land’ stop in the end. It was too late in despite some players having
Hamilton should have listened to
the day for him to use the tyres, but they had to expressed concerns about
his team and come in for a pit stop
stop. Covid-19 protocols for the tour.
earlier during the Turkish Grand
“I’m pretty sure if we looked at Esteban Woakes was named in
Prix. Ocon’s tyres in the Alpine, for example, it was England’s 17-member squad for
The Sky Sports pundit made the point that down to the canvas and I think, if they had let the series that begins in Brisbane
the team’s call to bring him in for fresh rubber in Lewis run to the end, Pirelli say it wouldn’t have on Dec 8 after the England and
the previous race had worked out perfectly, and worked out. Wales Cricket Board (ECB)
that the Briton should have trusted his team to “Common sense tells you it probably confirmed the tour subject to
make the right decision in Istanbul as well. wouldn’t have worked out, but Lewis felt he critical conditions being met
“I think it was a mistake on wanted to do that.” before they travel.
Lewis’ part,” Brundle told Brundle went on to make the point that Cricket Australia, the ECB and
Sky Sports. Hamilton’s team had timed his pitstop to Australian authorities have been
“All Mercedes perfection at the Russian Grand Prix two weeks negotiating for months over
had to do was prior, and that was evidence why the Briton touring conditions in a country
mimic, to an should have been more trusting of his race where international arrivals must
extent, what engineer. isolate in quarantine hotels for
Red Bull were “Of course, in Sochi, the previous Grand 14 days, regardless of their
doing, try to Prix, he was complaining when he came in the Covid-19 vaccination status.
minimise the pits, but the team were absolutely right to put “There’s no player that does
pain of him the wet tyres on at the end, and he won that not want to be part of the
taking an Grand Prix. Ashes,” Woakes told the BBC.
engine “So, it’s swings and roundabouts, you have to “Behind the scenes there are
p e n a l t y respect Lewis’ seven World titles and his gut still things being ironed out
and a grid feeling out on the track. between all sorts of levels. I think
penalty to “At the same time, he has to respect the team the players are relatively relaxed
go with that. have got copious amounts of information. and guys are desperate to go.
“So, I “They’re watching the entire race, all of the “But we want to be under the
think Lewis other cars and when they called him in, he kind best sort of conditions possible
put his of put them out of their stride.” so we can still live our lives
team off On Monday Hamilton took to social media outside of cricket.”
b a l a n c e . to play down any suggestion that he was angry England captain Joe Root
They did a with his team for bringing him in when they did. previously expressed doubts
bit of a “It isn’t true to say I’m furious with my team,” about the tour due to “bubble
‘ N o he said on Instagram. fatigue” while Jos Buttler had
“We took the risk to stay out hoping it would said he might skip the series.
dry, it didn’t. I wanted to risk it and go “Until you have been in that
to the end but it was my call to situation and done it over and
stay out and it didn’t work. over again, the novelty wears
“In the end we did off,” Woakes said.
pit and it was the “Some people get it, some
safest thing to do. people don’t, and that is fine –
We live and we everyone is entitled to their
learn. We win view.
and we lose as a “But until you have been in it
322 Notices team.” – Express and experienced it over again, it
Martin Brundle Newspapers is hard to have a say on it.” –
IN THE MATTER OF THE Reuters
COMPANIES ACT, 2016
and
‘England players ‘desperate’ for Ashes’
IN THE MATTER OF
VALTECH DIGITAL MALAYSIA SDN. BHD.
Registration No:
201901019446 (1328775-X)
(In Member’s Voluntary Winding-Up)
At a General Meeting of the Company duly
convened and held at Suite 1005, 10th
SUNIL NARINE scored with bat and culture where youngsters could Narine returned figures of 4-21 as
Floor Wisma Hamzah Kwong Hing, No.1, ball to help Kolkata Knight Riders to come and play expressive cricket,” Kolkata kept down Bangalore to
Leboh Ampang, 50100 Kuala Lumpur on
Tuesday, 5th day of October, 2021, the victory over Royal Challengers said Kohli. 138-7 and then hit 26 off 15 balls in
following special resolutions were duly
passed: - Bangalore yesterday and end Virat “All I can say is that I have given the team’s chase that was
1. THAT, the Company will be liquidated by Kohli’s hopes of an Indian Premier my best. I have given my 120% to completed with two balls to spare.
way of Member’s Voluntary Winding Up.
2. THAT, Mr. Tan Kee Huat and Ms. Lam Lee League title as captain. this franchise and will continue Openers Shubman Gill (29) and
San both of Norvic Corporate Services
Sdn. Bhd., Wisma Goshen, 2nd Floor, Bangalore crashed out of the giving it as a player on the field.” Venkatesh Iyer (26) gave Kolkata a
60, 62 & 64, Jalan SS 22/21, Damansara
Jaya, 47400 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Twenty20 tournament after losing Kohli has hit 6283 runs in 207 IPL strong start adding 41 before the
Darul Ehsan be appointed as Joint
and Several Liquidators to act for the
the eliminator by four wickets in matches since he joined Bangalore first wicket fell in the sixth over.
purpose of winding-up the Company’s Sharjah with Virat bowing out as in the inaugural edition in 2008 and The innings wobbled slightly
affairs and distributing its assets.
3. THAT, the said Liquidators be authorised leader of the franchise that has led them to a runners-up finish in before Narine, coming in at No. 5, hit
to divide amongst the members in
specie or kind, the whole or any part never won the IPL. 2016. three sixes off Dan Christian to ease
of the assets of the Company and may,
for such purpose, set such value as The 32-year-old Virat, who had “It’s a great time to regroup and the pressure.
they deem fair upon any property to be
divided as aforesaid and may determine
announced at the start of the restructure the franchise for the next He was bowled by Mohammed
how such division shall be carried out as
between the members. resumed IPL in the United Arab three years,” said Kohli. Siraj who also sent back Dinesh
Henri Jean Luc Petitet
Emirates that he will step down as “I will definitely (play for RCB). For Karthik in the same over but Morgan
Director captain of the side this season, said me loyalty matters and my and Shakib kept their cool to take
Dated this 13th day of October, 2021. he gave his “best”. commitment is with this franchise the two-time IPL champions home.
IN THE MATTER OF THE “I’ve tried my best to create a till the last day I play IPL.” – AFP
COMPANIES ACT, 2016
and
IN THE MATTER OF
VALTECH DIGITAL MALAYSIA SDN. BHD.
Registration No:
201901019446 (1328775-X)
BRIEFS
(In Member’s Voluntary Winding-Up)
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the creditors
of the above Company are required to send
Wilder has no plans to plans at all and not something we’ve celebrations after beating Deontay
in their names and addresses and the
particulars of their debts or claims and the
retire, says trainer discussed.” Scott said Wilder (42-2-1) Wilder with a pool party in the heart
names and addresses of their solicitors (if deserved to have more high-level of Las Vegas. The Gypsy King had
any), to the undersigned (the Liquidators of
the said Company) at the belowmentioned DEONTAY WILDER has no plans to fights and be involved in main events. already been spotted partying to the
address by 5.00 p.m. on 15th day of
November, 2021:- retire, the American boxer’s trainer “Deontay was great (on Sunday), but early hours of the morning in Sin
c/o Norvic Corporate Services Sdn. Bhd. Malik Scott said, after he was knocked Fury was greater – it was a great night City after his title defence. And after
Reg. No. 200201033104 (600769-D)
Wisma Goshen, 2nd Floor
out by Briton Tyson Fury in their WBC of boxing for the heavyweight some rest, and some lunch with his
60, 62 & 64 Jalan SS 22/21
Damansara Jaya
heavyweight world championship division,” he added. “You have to give wife Paris, Fury was back at it again
47400 Petaling Jaya
Selangor Darul Ehsan
fight on Sunday. Fury (31-0-1) Fury credit for having a good chin and with a pool party at the Wet Republic
weathered the early storm to outbox getting up. Fury is a legend, one of the the day after his bout. Fury and his
The creditors (either through their
solicitors or personally) who do not Wilder and landed the decisive blow in best in the heavyweight division in entourage immediately took over
file their debts and claims on or before
the specified date and time above will the 11th round to close out their any era, and it’s the same about the venue, as fans clamouring for a
be excluded from the benefit of any
distribution made. trilogy and remain the undefeated Deontay.” glimpse of the champ. The 6ft 9”
Tan Kee Huat lineal champion. “Deontay has set his champ was spotted wearing a
Lam Lee San(f)
Liquidators
family financially secure so he doesn’t … as Fury parties on baseball cap as fans carried a banner
Dated this 13th day of October, 2021.
have to fight to make a living,” Scott sporting his nickname – the Gypsy
told iFL TV. “But retiring is not in his TYSON FURY has continued his King.
 FOLLOW ON TWITTER SCAN
14 theSUN ON WEDNESDAY | OCTOBER 13, 2021
SPORTS @thesundaily ME

Weatherproof Medvedev
SHORTS
Vaccination needed to play
Down Under
TENNIS players planning to compete in the
US Open champ powers through at rain-hit Indian Wells Australian Open at Melbourne Park should
get vaccinated for Covid-19 to give

U
S OPEN champion Daniil Medvedev
“put the pressure on” to earn his 50th
win of the season at the weather-hit
ATP/WTA Indian Wells, defeating
Filip Krajinovic 6-2, 7-6 (7-1) in the third round
yesterday.
The 25-year-old Russian delivered a
dynamic performance in a second-set
tiebreaker to pull away from the Serb and
increase his match record to 50-10 this season.
“It was a really tough match,” Medvedev told
AFP. “The first set I got lucky in a few moments.
The second set I started well, but he raised his
level.
“I am happy I managed to fight on every
point and get it to a tiebreak. I was super solid in
the tiebreak and really put the pressure on.”
World No. 2 Medvedev moves on to the
round of 16 where he will face Bulgaria’s Grigor
Dimitrov, who cruised past American Reilly
Opelka 6-3, 6-4 during a windy day session.
Medvedev has been ranked second in the
world since early in the year and says his goal is
to one day be No. 1, which is held by Novak
Djokovic. Medvedev defeated him in the US
Open final.
“Since I was six I dreamed about being
number one,” Medvedev said. “But he is the
real No. 1 this year. He won three Grand Slams.
That is the reality.
“It is one of my goals. I just need to win a hell
of a lot of matches and Grand Slams.”
Play was delayed for about an hour in the
night session before the start of Medvedev’s
match after heavy rain and gusting winds swept
through the Palm Springs, California area.
Medvedev beat Djokovic in the US Open
final last month to prevent the Serb from
becoming the first man since the legendary
Rod Laver to win all four Grand Slams in the
same year.
In his US Open victory speech, Medvedev
said he forgot to get his wife an anniversary gift.
He said Monday that winning a first Grand
Slam title was all she had asked for.
“I love my wife,” he said. “She played tennis
until she was 18. We have a saying in Russian –
one boat in the journey. It was a better gift for
her, than even for me, that I won the US Open.”
Elsewhere in the men’s draw, Argentina’s
Diego Schwartzman defeated Daniel Evans of
Britain 5-7, 6-4, 6-0 and Casper Ruud of Norway
rallied to beat South Africa’s Lloyd Harris 6-7 (4-
7), 6-4, 6-4. – AFP
themselves the best chance of playing the
Grand Slam, an Australian government
official has said.
Victoria state, of which Melbourne is the
capital, has introduced a vaccine mandate for
all professional athletes but authorities have
yet to clarify whether athletes from overseas
or other Australian states must also vaccinate.
Victoria sports minister Martin Pakula
urged players to leave no room for doubt.
“If I was an ATP or WTA player, I’d be
getting vaccinated,” Pakula told local radio
station SEN.
“That will give them the best opportunity
to play in the Australian Open with the more
minimal restrictions that might be in place
for those people.”
Both the women’s WTA and men's ATP
tours have urged players to get vaccinated
but some have expressed reservations,

Top seed Pliskova, defending champ including Australian Open men's champion
Novak Djokovic, who is opposed to vaccine
mandates.

Andreescu dumped out Australia's borders remain effectively shut

to non-residents, and Pakula said he did not
know whether unvaccinated people would
be allowed to enter the country by the time
BIG SERVERS Karolina Pliskova and Bianca Open crown the same year. see-saw contest where she dropped the of the Australian Open which starts Jan 17.
Andreescu saw their most potent weapon “The conditions were a bit tough with the second set after winning just 11 of 28 “We’re in discussions with Tennis Australia
neutralised by strong desert winds yesterday wind and with the sun as well,” Andreescu said. first serve points. The German and the department of health about that,” he
as they all crashed out of Indian Wells. “I honestly don’t think (Kontaveit) played fended off double break point said.
The biggest upset of the day came when her best tennis either, but she was the better to close out the match.
tournament lucky loser Beatriz player today.” Paula Badosa beat 15th Murray not ready to coach yet
Haddad Maia, ranked 115 “I think today I didn’t play my best and I seed Coco Gauff 6-2, 6-2
in the world, defeated didn’t feel my best, but I have to deal with to set up a clash with ANDY MURRAY has made it clear that his
top seed what I had,” Andreescu added. “Obviously, it French Open champion preference would be to take up a coaching
Pliskova 6-3, 7- wasn’t enough.” Barbora Krejcikova, who position when he calls time on his illustrious
5 in a match In other third-round action, 10th seed sealed an equally career with speculation rife that he could link
where service Angelique Kerber held on to defeat Daria clinical 6-2 6-3 win up with Emma Raducanu in the future. The
holds were Kasatkina 6-2, 1-6, 6-4. over Amanda former British No. 1 has faced a high volume
rare as wind Kerber came out on top in a Anisimova. – Reuters of questions on retirement ever since making
gusts reached his comeback from injury.
65kph. Each time, Murray has batted away those
Pliskova, who questions with the insistence that he
reached the currently has no plans to retire soon.
Wimbledon final in It seems as though Murray will only
July, served 12 double consider retirement once he no longer feels
faults and her service he can compete with the best.
was broken eight times by And speaking about doing punditry work
the Brazilian in their third- at tennis events, Murray said: “I did a little bit
round meeting. of commentary at Wimbledon when I was
“I’m very happy with out injured and didn’t really enjoy it that
my win and my work much.
today. It was very tough “I’d prefer to be on the court with players
conditions for both of and coaching, that side of things, rather than
us. It was very windy,” doing the punditry stuff.
Haddad Maia told “Who knows, that might change in the
wtatennis.com. future but right now I find that more
“I didn’t serve Karolina Pliskova hits motivating for me.”
that well but I was a backhand return to
returning well. I was Beatriz Haddad Maia Tough love for Raducanu
doing my best. (not in picture)
“I think the key EMMA RADUCANU’S defeat to Aliaksandra
during their third
was my resilience in Sasnovich is a “good lesson” for the new
my mental game.” round match at ATP- British sensation, Chris Evert believes.
Haddad Maia will next WTA Indian Wells The 18-year-old went into the Indian Wells
face Anett Kontaveit after the tennis tournament clash as the favourite to win. But that didn’t
Estonian beat defending yesterday in happen, with the teenager instead losing 2-6,
champion Bianca Andreescu 7- California. – AFPPIX 4-6 to exit the competition.
6(5), 6-3 to extend her winning The teen was nowhere near her best and
streak to eight matches. Evert, taking to Twitter, believes it’s a ‘good
Kontaveit, who already has lesson’ for her to learn.
two hard court titles to her name “Good lesson for @EmmaRaducanu to
this season, won the last five learn to pace herself a little better,” Evert, who
games of the match to see off won 18 Grand Slam singles titles, tweeted.
the tournament’s 2019 “She has a great attitude and we must
champion, who won the US remember this is all new to her.”
Raducanu admitted that Sasnovich
deserved to win their showdown in the

Tiger back on his feet and out of the Woods
TIGER WOODS has been spotted walking
without crutches or a limp for the first time since
his horror car crash earlier this year.
The golf legend suffered multiple broken
bones and compound fractures in both legs
after the crash in Rancho Palos Verdes, California,
back in February, when his car hit a curb and a
tree before rolling over the hillside.
After being rushed to hospital, he underwent
surgery on the gruesome injuries and was
fortunately able to return home on crutches
three weeks later.
Now eight months on from the crash, Woods
has been seen walking without the use of
crutches in a video obtained by TMZ Sports.
The 45-year-old was watching his son
Charlies at a junior golf tournament in Port St.
Lucie, Florida, on Sunday and could be seen
moving around the course freely.
There were no sign of any crutches to assist
him or even a limp, although he was still
wearing a sleeve on his surgically-repaired right
leg.
The 15-time major champion admitted back
in May that rehab was proving a difficult task,
saying in an interview with Golf Digest: “This has
been an entirely different animal.
“I understand more of the rehab processes
because of my past injuries, but this was more
painful than anything I have ever experienced.”
When asked about the possibility of a return
to the green, Woods said: “My physical therapy
has been keeping me busy.
“I do my routines every day and am focused
on my No. 1 goal right now: walking on my own.
Taking it one step at a time.” – Daily Star
aftermath, though also insisted she’d cut
herself some slack.
“I mean, there’s going to be
disappointment after any loss,” the 18-year-
old admitted.
“I didn’t go in there putting any pressure
on myself because in my mind I’m so
inexperienced that all these, I’m just taking it
all in.
“I mean, you’re going to have highs and
you’re always going to have some lows
where you’re disappointed with how you
performed.
“Aliaksandra played an extremely great
match… She deserved to win.”
 READ OUR HERE SCAN
15
/thesundaily ME theSUN ON WEDNESDAY | OCTOBER 13, 2021

* SPORTS

Jones highlights ‘toxic’ social media problem SHORTS

█ CARL MARKHAM
MANCHESTER UNITED defender Phil Jones
believes young players coming into the
game now have to be mentally capable of
handling the “toxic” environment of social
media after he turned his back on his online
presence.
The 29-year-old, who became the
subject of a number of internet memes, has
endured his fair share of abuse after
enduring a tough time at Old Trafford in
recent years.
As a result, while his social media
accounts remain live he has not posted on
Twitter since May 2017 and the following
month for Instagram just because of the
abuse he was receiving.
“I stepped away from social media a long
time ago but it’s difficult because all your
friends read it, your family read it and they
support you, they want the best for you,”
Jones told the UTD podcast yesterday.
“They don’t want to see their mate, their
husband, their dad getting slaughtered all
over the papers or all over the media, so it’s
tough because mentally I was going
through a tough time and (then) to read
stuff as well.
“It’s difficult but it’s something I’ve
learned to deal with, especially over the
time I’ve been at United and the more
experience you get, the older you get, the
better you learn to deal with those things.
“I suppose for young players coming into
the game now, not just at Man United, but
all over the world, it’s a very hostile, toxic
place to come into and they’ve got to be
able to deal with that mentally as well as
physically.
“I look how the game’s been developed
over the last 10 years, and the way social
media has developed and it’s difficult to stay
away from it.
“It’s difficult not to get distracted by it
(and) young players coming into the game, I
think it’s difficult for them not to read it.
“I know as a young player, that’s the first
thing you do: you come off the game and
you want to see what people are saying
about you and when you strip it all back in
reality, it doesn’t really matter what they say
because they’re not picking the team.” – The
Independent
Wijnaldum ‘not completely happy’ at PSG
GINI WIJNALDUM admits he is “not completely
happy” at Paris Saint-Germain just four months after
joining from Liverpool.
The Dutch midfielder left the Reds on a free
transfer this summer after failing to find an
agreement over a new contract at Anfield.
But the 30-year-old has made just 11
appearances, playing only 502 minutes this season.
And Wijnaldum has claimed life is “difficult” right
now under Mauricio Pochettino, who appears to
have changed his plans over how to use the player
since the arrival of Lionel Messi.
“I can’t say I’m completely happy,” Wijnaldum said,
according to NOS. “Because the situation is not what
I wanted. But that’s football and I’ll have to learn to
deal with that.
“I’m a fighter. I have to stay positive and work
hard to turn it around.

Bridge over trouble waters

“I have played a lot in recent years, was always fit
and also did very well. This is something different
and that takes getting used to.
“I was really looking forward to the new step and
then this happens. It is very difficult.”
Wijnaldum has not completed 90 minutes in any
Hazard set to leave Madrid and make sensational return to Chelsea of PSG’s last six Ligue 1 matches, while Pochettino

E
gave him just 12 minutes against Manchester City in
DEN HAZARD could be set for a however it appears Champions League. the Champions League, with Ander Herrera and
sensational return to Chelsea in the as though Hazard Hazard was back in action last week for Idrissa Gueye seen as preferred options for the time
near future with Roman is growing Belgium in the Nations League semi-final being.
Abramovich reportedly keen on frustrated at his against France, but was forced off with
bringing the winger back to Stamford c u r r e n t another hamstring injury. Rashford reveals 11 months of pain
Bridge – and Thomas Tuchel may also predicament. He’s now doubtful to be fit in time for the
approve. The 30- first El Clasico of the season later this month. MARCUS RASHFORD has revealed he played
Hazard established himself as one of year-old has And El Nacional now report that Hazard through pain for the entirety of last season as the
the world’s best talents during his seven been left out has his heart set on a move away from the Manchester United and England forward prepares to
years at Chelsea but the latter stages of of Carlo Bernabeu with Chelsea a possible make his comeback following shoulder surgery.
his career in London were dominated A n c e l o t t i ’s destination. The 23-year-old said he had managed his
by headlines over his desire to move to starting XI for It is claimed that “informal talks” have shoulder injury from September last year and didn’t
Real Madrid. Real’s last already taken place with Roman undergo surgery until after the European
He finally got his dream move in 2019 three league Abramovich particularly keen on making it Championship this summer.
in a deal worth up to a staggering £150 games and he happen, but Chelsea sporting director Rashford has returned to full contract training
million (RM870m). was also an Marina Granovskaia is reportedly only with United and scored twice in a behind-closed-
But injuries and poor form has plagued u n u s e d willing to pay around £34m (RM197m) to doors friendly against Blackburn Rovers last week.
his time in Spain so far with Hazard playing substitute bring Hazard back the Stamford Bridge “My recovery is – I wouldn’t say coming to an end
just 37 La Liga matches so far, scoring a against Inter Tuchel isn’t short of options in the wide because obviously I have to keep looking after it –
measly four goals. Milan in the positions, but nobody this season has so far but I’m in a much better place physically and
He still has little over two stepped up to be the main provider for mentally,” he told the BBC.
years left on his Romelu Lukaku. “Last year was a very long season for me, I got
contract at Real, Lukaku and Hazard only played a this injury at the end of September and gradually it
handful of games together at Chelsea got that little bit worse, but now I’m fully free of that,
with the central striker struggling to I feel much better physically and mentally.”
break into the first team on a regular He confirmed he could return for Manchester
RESULTS basis before being loaned out to United’s tricky run of fixtures in October and
West Brom and eventually sold to November, with matches against Leicester,
2022 WORLD CUP QUALIFIERS Everton. Liverpool, Atalanta, Tottenham and Manchester City
EUROPE But the Belgium duo could to come, saying: “I feel ready to be back on the pitch.
Group E: Belarus 0 Czech Republic 2 form a deadly partnership if they So yes, I‘m just looking forward to the next slot of
(Schick 22, Hlozek 65), Estonia 0 Wales 1 link back up at Chelsea for a games, it’s a busy schedule.”
(Moore 12).
Group G: Latvia 1 (Demiral 70-og) Turkey 2 second time.
(Dursun 76, B. Yilmaz 90+9-pen), Nether- Tuchel already has first-hand Depay at the double for Oranje
lands 6 (Van Dijk 9, Depay 21, 45+3-pen, experience of facing off against
Dumfries 48, Danjuma 75, Malen 86) Hazard after Chelsea faced off MEMPHIS DEPAY continued his goal scoring spree
Gibraltar 0, Norway 2 (Elyounoussi 29, against Real in the semifinals of for the Netherlands as they thrashed Gibraltar 6-0 to
90+6) Montenegro 0. last season’s Champions stay on course for automatic World Cup
Group H: Croatia 2 (Kramaric 25, Modric 71) League. qualification.
Slovakia 2 (Schranz 20, Haraslin 45), And the German head Depay scored twice, including one from the
Cyprus 2 (Papoulis 7, Sotiriou 80) Malta 2 coach waxed lyrical about penalty spot while squandering another spotkick, to
(Muscat 53, Degabriele 90+8), Slovenia 1 Chelsea’s former superstar. take his goal tally in the World Cup qualifiers to nine
(Ilicic 40) Russia 2 (Diveyev 28, Dzhikiya 32). “He is a top quality player and – more than any other player from a European team.
Group J: Iceland 4 (Thordarson 19, a key player for many years at Virgil van Dijk opened the scoring with a header
Gudmundsson 35-pen, 79-pen, Gudjohnsen this club and this league, the from a Depay corner after nine minutes and there
89) Liechtenstein 0, North Macedonia 0 hardest in the world,” Tuchel were also second half goals for Denzil Dumfries,
Germany 4 (Havertz 50, Werner 70, 73, said last season. Arnaut Danjuma and Donyell Malen.
Musiala 83), Romania 1 (Mitrita 26) “So consistent. I have the The result left the Dutch two points ahead of
Armenia 0. biggest respect for him. He is a Norway in the Group G standings with two matches
big player, we have many left to play. The Netherlands compete their qualifiers
AFRICA people here who know him next month away against Montenegro and home to
Group A: Burkina Faso 2 Djibouti 0. well. Norway.
Group D: Ivory Coast 2 Malawi 1, “He was a key player for It was a fourth win in a row for veteran coach
Mozambique 0 Cameroon 1. this club now he plays for Louis van Gaal, who was brought back to help
Group F: Libya 0 Egypt 3, Gabon 2 Angola Real Madrid.” – Express ensure World Cup qualification after Frank de Boer
0. Eden Hazard Newspapers resigned following the team's Euro 2020 failure.

Salah helps Egypt to crucial World Cup triumph in Libya

LIVERPOOL star Mohamed Salah
helped Egypt to a 3-0 World Cup
qualifying triumph over closest rivals
Libya yesterday that puts them on the
brink of winning Group F and
reaching the final elimination round.
The two-time African Footballer of
the Year was a constant threat in
Benghazi as the Pharaohs completed
a double over the Mediterranean
Knights having won 1-0 in Alexandria
three days ago.
Ahmed el Fotouh broke the
deadlock on 40 minutes, Mostafa
Mohamed added a second goal in
first-half added time and substitute
Ramadan Sobhi netted after 72
minutes.
Egypt have 10 points, four more
than second-place Libya, after four
rounds and need one win from
fixtures against Angola and Gabon in
November to be sure of making the
playoffs.
The 10 group winners will be split
into five pairings, and the winners of
the two-legged ties in March will
represent Africa at the 2022 World
Cup in Qatar.
In Group D, Ivory Coast retained a
one-point advantage over Cameroon
in what is widely regarded as the
toughest of the 10 mini-leagues with
the two nations boasting 10 World
Cup appearances between them.
Ivory Coast edged Malawi 2-1 in
Cotonou and Cameroon pipped
Mozambique 1-0 in Tangier to turn the
section into a two-team race to finish
first.
Arsenal forward Nicolas Pepe gave
three-time World Cup participants
Ivory Coast a great start by scoring
within two minutes as he punished a
defensive mix-up.
Malawi levelled on 20 minutes
through Khuda Muyaba, who rifled a
low shot from outside the box past
Sylvain Gbohouo into the corner of
the net.
The match-winner came on 67
minutes as AC Milan midfielder Franck
Kessie gave goalkeeper Brighton
Munthali no chance with a rising strike
from the penalty spot. – AFP
 QUOTE OF THE DAY
I think it was a mistake on Lewis’ part.
All Mercedes had to do was mimic, to an
extent, what Red Bull were doing, try to minimise
the pain of him taking an engine penalty and a
grid penalty to go with that. So, I think Lewis put
his team off balance.” Sky Sports presenter Martin Brundle
WEDNESDAY • OCTOBER 13, 2021

Germany book first ticket to Qatar as Wales keep hopes alive

A TIMO WERNER double yesterday After a goalless first half, Havertz
helped Germany stamp their ticket for broke the deadlock five minutes after
the 2022 World Cup with a 4-0 win over Germany’s Timo the interval before Chelsea’s Werner
North Macedonia, but Belgium will Werner (left) in action struck twice in three minutes to clinch
have to wait until next month after with North the tie for the Germans.
Wales carved out a narrow win in Macedonia’s Stefan His first came on 70 minutes when
Estonia. Thomas Muller, who had teed up
Spirovski during the
Hansi Flick’s men avenged a shock Havertz, flicked the ball into the path of
2-1 home loss to the Macedonians 2022 World Cup Werner who crashed the ball past Stole
earlier this year to claim their seventh Group J qualifying Dimitrievski in the Macedonian goal.
win in eight qualifiers and take an match at the Toshe Three minutes later, substitute
unassailable eight-point lead at the top Proeski Arena in North Florian Wirtz got the touch through for
of Group J, with two matches Macedonia yesterday. Werner to curl his shot past Dimitrievski
remaining. – REUTERSPIX and chalk up his fifth goal in his last five
“We now have five wins from five qualifiers.
this season,” Germany coach Hansi Flick Jamal Musiala, 18 years and 227
told RTL. days old, rounded things off with his
“You have to compliment the team first goal in international football,
on their attitude. Of course, the first becoming the youngest person to
half was a bit wild, but we can be score for Germany since Marius Hiller,
happy that we won and qualified. then 17, scored against Switzerland in
“From the result it was perfect. We 1910.
got what we wanted, qualified as Kieffer Moore’s early goal in Tallinn
quickly as possible and we now have gave Wales a slender 1-0 win over
five wins in a row,” Flick, who succeeded Estonia which keeps their hopes alive
Joachim Low, said. of catching Group E leaders Belgium,
Looking to the World Cup 13 who were not in action after their
months away, Flick was quietly involvement in the Nations League
confident his side will be among the finals.
title contenders in Qatar. Wales are five points behind
“It’s always difficult to compare,” said Belgium with two games to play and
Flick, referring to the teams from Italy, can still claim top spot and automatic
France, Belgium and Spain, which qualification.
recently impressed in the Nations Wales are all but certain to drop into
League finals. the playoffs even if they finish below
“But our players have the quality to the Czechs, courtesy of winning their
hold their own against these teams. We 2020-21 Nations League group.
now have time to do things better and “It was one of those performances
develop. we needed to dig in and grind out a
“It’s a long way to go before the result,” said Wales captain Aaron
World Cup. But with this mentality, a lot Ramsey.
can be achieved. I’m very confident.” “It was just important to come here
Werner, who has now netted in four and get the three points. We’ve
of the five matches under Flick said: “It managed to do that and now we can
was difficult at the start but it was good prepare for the games in November. It’s
we did not concede a goal. all in our hands.”
“We know that if we push and “The first 30 minutes we did pretty
attack over 90 minutes then it is only a well and got into some dangerous
matter of time until we score. After the areas.
lead it was easier for us.” “The second half wasn’t good
Germany went into their match in enough but it showed the resilience of
knowing that they could secure their this team again and we came away
passage if they won and Armenia failed with the three points.” – AFP/The
to beat Romania. Independent/Agencies

Transformers
█ MIGUEL DELANEY

A
S Gareth Southgate sat captivated by the
entertainment of the Nations League, a
thought occurred. “What got us to the
final of the Euros won’t be enough,” the
England manager said.
“There were four teams that were in the
semifinals last week. You saw the quality of the
games, you saw the level of the players.
“We’ve got to make sure we are in that bracket
of teams to be challenging. To do that we have to
Southgate admits England must adapt playing style to win World Cup
constantly be improving.”
As regards what is required to improve, that is a exactly the types of games we want to be involved Southgate says more expansive football is now “The other thing I would say, I think across
more interesting question. in, and they help your team to improve, they help inherent to England’s coaching infrastructure. Europe we have gained a lot of respect.
England were within two kicks of winning Euro your players to improve.” “I think, the start of when I joined the FA, one “When I travel in Europe, when I speak to
2020, but there were already indications that There is still that sense that England could of the things I wanted to do with the U-21s was I coaches there’s a greater appreciation of what
international football was also evolving. move on to another level of attacking play, to knew there different sorts of players coming we’ve done and the way we’ve played than there
It was the highest scoring modern European match what Italy, Spain and France have done in through our academies and we wanted to change has been.
Championships, with that coming from open and terms of performance. They certainly have the the perception of English players and coaches. “That’s always reassuring because you want
progressive football. squad to match them. “We know that we’ve got some players – we’ve the respect of your peers and I think they’ve
The Nations League may be a much less “You know the level we have in this group, the always had outstanding players. We’ve had recognised where we’ve been over the last 30
pressurised competition but it felt like it players that are in this group, if you drop your Champions League winners, Gerrards, Beckhams, years or so and there’s signs we’re starting to show
continued this trend. standard even a little bit it’s not going to be Scholeses, Rooneys, so we can’t say we’ve never and the ability of the players to play in a certain
In short, this is the football the elite accepted. had good players, but some of the ability of style.
international teams are now playing. “So, us as players, with the leaders we have in modern players to play in a different way across “Every year that passes, the game gets so much
“It’s always difficult to assess on a small sample this group, we need to set that standard as high as Europe, not just our country, is fascinating to see. quicker and the players get more athletic and
of games,” Southgate said. we have done before and not let it drop. “The tight possession game that is so common technically better.”
“But from outside we know we want to keep “That’s the kind of mentality we’ve got as a in training from when they are a young age, you England should qualify for the World Cup but
evolving. We knew we wanted to evolve after the group and the competition is so high, it’s been so now have such a level of technical quality across whether they are still within a few kicks of a trophy
World Cup. high for many years now and this is what you want Europe. is one of the more fascinating elements of a newly
“I think the Nations League semifinals and as a player, to keep pushing yourself to that next “Our young players are no exception to that. engaging period in international football. – The
finals again showed the quality of the games there, level. They can really handle the ball in tight areas. Independent
theSun is published and printed by Sun Media Corporation Sdn Bhd (221220-K) of Lot 6, Jalan 51/217, 46050 Petaling Jaya, Selangor. Tel: 03-7784 6688 Fax: 03-7783 7435 • Tel (Editorial): 03-7784 6688 Fax: 03-7785 2624/5 Email: newsdesk@thesundaily.com • Tel (Advertising): 03-7784 8888 Fax: 03-7784 4424 Email: advertise@thesundaily.com