PPH 8/12/2012 (031085) Vol. 84 Kota Kinabalu, Wednesday, March 29, 2023 RM1.
50 Established 1963
Ban
fishing
of sharks:
Group
PAGE 2
Ex-AG on his own in suit filed by Sabahans: Azalina
Sulu claim: Tommy acted ‘illegally’
KUALA LUMPUR: The Cabinet never
gave approval for then-Attorney
General Tan Sri Tommy Thomas to
write in 2019 to the lawyers of the
purported “heirs” of the defunct
Sulu sultanate about annual pay-
ments over Sabah, according to
Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said.
The Minister in the Prime Minister’s
Department (Law and Institutional Reform)
said Malaysia has distanced itself from the
2019 letter and obtained a court order to
stop him from commenting further on the
Sulu claimants’ arbitration claim against
Malaysia.
“For Yang Berhormat’s information, the
letter dated September 19, 2019 issued by Tan
Sri Tommy Thomas (the Attorney General at
that time) to the Sulu group never received
agreement from the Cabinet.
“The action of the former Attorney Gen-
eral in issuing the letter containing his own
decision without the Cabinet’s approval goes
against the principle of collective decision
which is practised as enshrined in the Federal
Constitution,” she said.
Azalina listed details in Thomas’s 2019 let-
ter such as the regret he expressed over the
Malaysia’s discontinuation of annual pay-
ments to the self-professed “heirs”, the men-
tion of a RM48,230 sum covering arrears with
a 10-per cent interest, and an offer to pay this
sum immediately to the Sulu claimants in
exchange for them stopping any arbitration
action.
Azalina said the Malaysian government
will not represent Thomas in the civil lawsuit
where nine Sabah politicians have sued the
former AG for alleged misfeasance in public
office and were seeking a court order for him
to retract his prejudicial remarks over an arbi-
tration in which Malaysia was ordered to pay
US$14.92 billion to the Sulu claimants.
“For now, the Malaysian government has
taken the stand to distance itself or ‘to disas-
sociate itself’ from the issuance of that letter
dated September 19, 2019 by choosing not to
represent the former Attorney General in an
action at the High Court in Kota Kinabalu,
Suit No. BKI-22NCVC-64/8-2022 (HC5) which
was filed by nine plaintiffs from Sabah
against him,” Azalina said.
Instead, Azalina said the Malaysian gov-
ernment will also be seeking to intervene or
be part of the nine individuals’ lawsuit, and
seek to prevent Thomas from giving any com-
ments about the arbitration.
“In this matter, the Attorney General’s
Chambers has filed an application to inter-
RM11.5bil Sabah
investments in 2022
KUALA LUMPUR: Sabah recorded invest-
ments worth RM11.5 billion in various
sectors in 2022. Minister of International
Trade and Industry, Tengku Datuk Seri
Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz (pic), said the
investments involved 89 projects which
could generate 4,566 jobs.
“Of the total amount, RM9.2 billion
was foreign direct investment (FDI) and
RM2.3 billion was domestic direct invest-
ment. The manufacturing sector was the
biggest contributor with RM8.4 billion,
or 72.9 per cent, while the primary sector
contributed RM1.6 billion and the serv-
ices sector RM1.5 billion,” he said.
Tengku Zafrul said high profile proj-
ects worth over RM100 million were
mainly in petroleum products, non-
metal mineral products and transport
machinery. The Minister said his Min-
Unite and work together: CM
TUARAN: Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji
Noor urged Sabahans, especially Muslims,
to remain united and strengthen cooper-
ation in celebrating the month of
Ramadan Al-Kareem. With strong and
intact unity among people of multiple
races, he said the Government can plan,
develop and advance the State.
“Being divided will harm us. We must
unite and work together in order to move
forward and be respected,. Use this month
of Ramadan to strengthen unity and
understanding”, he said at a breaking the
fast and presentation of Ramadan Aid
1444H/2023 at the Haji Abd Razak Saban-
Azalina Tommy
vene on the Malaysian government’s behalf,
besides also applying to obtain an order for
stay of proceedings, and an order to stop the
former attorney-general from giving any
statements or comments relating to the Sulu
sultanate’s heirs’ arbitration proceedings
against the Malaysian government,” she said.
She said the High Court in Kota Kinabalu had
on January 3 approved the Malaysian govern-
ment’s application to intervene and to obtain
those two court orders, including the order
to stop Thomas from making comments on
the arbitration.
She was responding to Senator Datuk Seri
S. Vell Paari’s question in the Dewan Negara,
where he had asked the Prime Minister to
state if the Cabinet had in 2019 agreed to
Thomas’s statement of regret over the gov-
ernment’s action in stopping the yearly pay-
ments to the Sulu group.
Malaysia has disputed the US$14.92 billion
arbitration award as well as the entire arbitra-
tion process to be illegal and invalid, and has
continued to pursue legal avenues to chal-
lenge the arbitration.
Last year, Thomas said his 2019 letter to
the Sulu claimants’ lawyer had offered to pay
the arrears for the yearly RM5,300 sum for the
years from 2013 to 2019 amounting to a total
of RM37,100 along with a 10 per cent simple
interest of RM11,130. The whole sum offered
was RM48,230. He also assured Malaysia
would pay the RM5,300 sum in future years.
Thomas last year said there would “no longer
be any dispute” with Malaysia if the Sulu
claimants had accepted the offered payment,
which their lawyer rejected.
Between 2017 and 2018, the eight Sulu
claimants initiated international arbitration
proceedings seeking up to US$32.2 billion
from Malaysia over Sabah, which resulted in
Spanish arbitrator Gonzalo Stampa deciding
to order Malaysia to pay US$14.9 billion as
compensation. But Thomas said the US$14.9
billion award by the “rogue” arbitrator is
invalid and cannot be enforced, and that the
Sulu claimants are only entitled to the fixed
annual sum of RM5,300 and that they cannot
demand more as Sabah no longer belonged
to the Sulu sultanate after 1878.
istry, through the Malaysian Investment
Development Authority (Mida), is com-
mitted to attracting FDI into Sabah, espe-
cially in targeted industries.
“Mida always cooperates strategically
with all investment agencies at the State
and economic corridor levels in attract-
ing investment. In this matter, Mida has
always cooperated with Sabah’s Ministry
of Industrial Development and Entrepre-
neurship (MIDE Sabah) and the Sabah
Economic Development and Investment
Authority (Sedia) in the investment and
trade missions to promote the invest-
ment opportunities available in Sabah,”
he added.
Among the targeted industries in the
State are green technology-based manu-
facturing, renewable energy, logistics,
and eco-tourism. – Bernama
dar Tuaran Masjid, here, Tuesday.
Hajiji, who is also Sulaman Assembly-
man, said since assuming the position of
Chief Minister, the demanding duties and
responsibilities of administering the State
have caused him to have limited time with
the people in his constituency.
“I am very happy to be able to meet the
people in Kampung Sabandar and break-
ing the fast together in the month of
Ramadan,” he said.
Hajiji also presented Ramadan dona-
tions to 77 underprivileged people, people
with disabilities (OKU), orphans and poor
single mothers from the Sabandar area.
Domestic
investors
matter,
too
PAGE 3
Durinah (left) being escorted out of the court after the sentencing.
Jailed for lending
Mykads to others
Lagatah Toyos
TAWAU: Three locals who allowed their
MyKads to be used by a syndicate involved
in trafficking in illegal immigrants were
jailed and fined, Tuesday.
Abdul Habil Mobin, 58, and Fatimah
Hasan, 50, were each jailed two months
and fined RM2,500 or two months’ jail
while Durinah Suaib, 36, was jailed 12
weeks, after they pleaded guilty before
Magistrate Leona Dominic Mojiliu and
Magistrate Dzul Elmy Yunus, separately.
Abdul Habil and Fatimah committed
the offence at the National Registration
Department (NRD) UTC Tawau Office on
March 24 at 4pm. The charge stated that
they did not comply with Rule 6, i.e. failing
to carry their identity cards all the times.
Durinah committed the offence at the
same place and time.
All were arrested during Ops Lancar in
Semporna by a team of Investigation and
Enforcement Division officers from NRD
between 10am and 10.30am, respectively,
in house raids in Kg Air and Kg Panji, Sem-
porna, on March 24. They admitted lend-
ing the documents to others.
The trio were charged under Regula-
Govt mulls independent probe body
KUALA LUMPUR: Prime
Minister Datuk Seri
Anwar Ibrahim (pic) has
requested the Attorney-
General (A-G) to relook
into the proposal to set
up an independent body
to investigate and take action on all com-
plaints, accusations and misconduct
involving enforcement agencies.
Anwar said this is to ensure that enforce-
ment agencies do not conduct their own
investigations into any cases or complaints
received involving its officers or personnel.
He said the enforcement agencies
include the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM),
Royal Malaysian Customs Department,
Immigration Department and the
Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission
(MACC).
“I have asked the AG to relook into the
initial proposal so that there is a mecha-
nism for all enforcement agencies. If there
are special charges against MACC, immigra-
Agro-
Budaya
Carnvial
draws 600
PAGE 7
tion 25 (1)(n) of the National Registration
Regulations 1990 (Amended 2007) which
carries a jail term of up to three years, or a
fine of up to RM20,000, or both, if con-
victed.
Durinah who was represented by coun-
sel Jhesseny P. Kang from the National
Legal Aid Foundation (YBGK) asked for
leniency while Abdul Habil and Fatimah
who were not represented also begged for
a light sentence.
Fatimah asked for no custodial sen-
tence because her husband was not work-
ing.
“I feel like I want to die while in lockup,
I can't sleep... I will not repeat this any-
more” she said, claiming she was suffering
from hypertension and anaemia.
NRD Prosecuting Officer Mohamad
Faizal Tahir urged the court to impose
appropriate sentence as a lesson not only
for the trio but also for the community
about the importance of identity docu-
ments.
The government, he said, incurs high
cost to constantly improve the security fea-
tures of the identity cards issued to every
citizen of this country.
tion, police or customs officers, then there
should be an independent body (to inves-
tigate), (maybe) in the form of a commis-
sion, I’m not sure yet.
“There has already been an instruction
to the A-G to submit a proposal so that
these enforcement agencies do not investi-
gate on their own, but there should be
another independent body to do so. I don’t
think this matter is complicated because
there is already a preliminary proposal,” he
said.
He said this in reply to a supplementary
question from Gobind Singh Deo (PH-
Damansara) on the Government’s meas-
ures to ensure that investigations against
officers of enforcement bodies such as the
MACC are carried out independently.
Anwar said the proposed establishment
of the independent body is appropriate
because it is more comprehensive and can
take action on all complaints involving
enforcement agencies.
“When there is an issue with the estab-
Abdul Habil
Fatimah
He further submitted the accused had
defamed the sovereignty and security of
the country and that the identity card is a
sensitive issue.
Mohamad Faizal said giving someone’s
identity or document to an illegal immi-
grant was an act of betrayal to him/herself
and the country.
The syndicate was busted by the NRD in
collaboration with the Malaysian Anti-
Corruption Commission (MACC) and the
police, recently.
Following that, five Malaysian Immigra-
tion Department (JIM) officers on duty at
Tawau Airport (LTT) were also arrested on
March 23 because they were suspected of
being involved in the syndicate.
Meanwhile, another Immigration offi-
cer on duty at LTT was also reported to be
detained by MACC on Monday, making it
six so far.
lishment of the Independent Police Com-
plaints and Misconduct Commission, the
question raised is why only the police...the
matter should involve all enforcement
agencies,” he said.
Meanwhile, in response to Datuk Mas
Ermieyati Samsudin’s (PN-Masjid Tanah)
original question, he said the existing law
ensures MACC’s freedom in conducting
investigations and is not subject to the
Prime Minister’s instructions.
“That’s why when I took over, I chose not
to replace the MACC chief commissioner
appointed by Pagoh to avoid the percep-
tion that the Prime Minister will appoint a
new MACC chief,” he explained.
Earlier, Mas Ermieyati asked the Prime
Minister to state the government’s readi-
ness to implement Transparency Interna-
tional Malaysia’s (TI-M) recommendations
for the MACC to be placed under the Parlia-
ment and no longer under the Prime Min-
ister’s Department to ensure a more
transparent check and balance process.
 2 Local WE D NE S D AY, MARCH 2 9 , 2 0 2 3

Negotiations
on MRO Ban fishing of sharks: Group
project still
ongoing:
Sherell Jeffrey of dedicated dive professionals, Sabah

Sabah Air
KOTA KINABALU: Divers and dive training
agencies here have banded together and
called on the State Government to make a
stand on banning shark fishing and
finning in Sabah waters.
KOTA KINABALU: The call came following recent disturb-
Aviation companies ing photos of shark fins being sold openly
from the Middle East at a shop in Sinsuran.
and Hong Kong have “This is the shop in Sinsuran that I
had talks with Sabah exposed many years back. Now they are
Air Aviation Sdn Bhd back doing it,” said Sabah Parks Protection
(SAASB) over the Association Chairman Aderick Chong,
proposed Mainte- who has called for protection of sharks
nance, Repair and over the years.
Overhaul (MRO) Aderick, who shared the photos with
facility for the maintenance of commercial Daily Express, said they were taken by
Dive Rangers, is exactly what the world
needs more of to help protect and save our
oceans,” he said.
Licensed Malaysian inbound tour oper-
ator Borneo Dream Travel and Tours Sdn
Bhd owner Billy Hammond commended
Sabah Dive Rangers for their great work of
saving the marine life.
“Having operated out of Jesselton Point
Jetty here since 2006, I can hand-on-heart
say that the local marine park, in several
aspects, has improved, but in other areas,
it has not, and I feel it has stood still and
slipped.
“The efforts of groups such as Sabah
Dive Rangers and enforcement teams is

Photo taken by a tourist showing shark fins sold in Sinsuran.

aircraft in Sabah.
SAASB Chairman Kenny Chua (pic) said
while both parties covered a lot of
grounds, there are still some matters to be
worked on before the proposed project
can take off.
“The MRO is something big for Sabah,
but there are still certain matters that we
need to work on and negotiate with the
relevant parties.
“One of the important matters is regard-
ing land to build the facility. We need about
five acres. We also need to put in place
state-of-the-art technology and build more
hangars,” he said in a statement, Tuesday.
tourists who were obviously disturbed.
Dive Rangers founder Bob Hartley said
they are proud of the local marine park’s
active role in trying to preserve it.
However, he is saddened to see it being
abused, polluted and illegally fished.
“Our determination to see it being pre-
served for future generations is why we
highlight issues within the park and work
together with Sabah Parks to do what we
can to protect it,” he said.
Dive training agency Raid Regional
Director James Costello also expressed dis-
appointment over the photos that were
admirable but without government sup-
port and the stopping of real issues such
as fishing bombing and shark fining, both
passion of local Sabahans at the grass- The State Government had proposed to
action and the sale. roots, especially ambassadors of such ban shark hunting and finning, as well as
“I see the end of the park, tourism on
beautiful live tourism attractions. to stop serving shark fin soup at official
the horizon and with that will go the “We want the Government not only to events through amendments to the Fish-
livelihood of so many that are really on
stand by the locals in their quest to safe- eries Act in 2012. The calls for a ban, how-
it. With these issues not only high- guard the ecosystem, but to stand firm on ever, fell on deaf ears.
lighted here but by my valued guests,
the protection and wellbeing of its under- Despite this, many hotel brands and
along with the massive increase in park water product which is a crowd-puller in restaurants in Sabah have taken shark fin
fees and permits, it could be looking bet-
the tourism industry. dishes from their offerings.
ter,” he said. “We want the Government to ensure In 2019, the Government gazetted the
Commercial Diver co-founder for
the longevity of its fisheries activity that protection of four species of shark and two
Sabah Dive Rangers Jude Junius hopes to revenue to the State, its potential growth species of ray, all of which were listed as
see the State Government make a stand in

21 notices issued to Ramadan food sellers

Chua said this in support of Deputy
Chief Minister cum Keningau Member of
Parliament Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey Kitingan’s
call that part of the RM10.4 billion alloca-
tions to boost the country’s defence be
spent on building the MRO in Sabah.
Jeffrey, who spoke in Parliament
recently, said the MRO would contribute to
Sabah’s socio-economic development.
The proposed facility, the first in East
Malaysia when realised, is in line with the
Sabah Government’s call to develop high-
value and high-tech industry in Sabah.
“It will be a catalyst for the develop-
ment of the aerospace industry in the
State. In fact, our ambition is to make
taken recently. and business opportunities for locals and endangered under the newly amended
“I urge action to be taken by the author- banning shark fins to save the State’s
most of all, provide current and future Fisheries (Control of Endangered Species
ities against all those involved. This group underwater eco-system and to mirror the jobs for many locals,” he said. of Fish) (Amendment) Regulations 2019.
KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah Health
Department (JKNS) has issued 21 notices to
food sellers and handlers in the “Ops
Ramadan 2023” which began on Monday.
Its Director Datuk Dr Rose Nani Mudin
said the notices were issued for offences
like not wearing an apron, keeping long
fingernails, not possessing a food han-
dling certificate and not being vaccinated

Mosar personnel carrying down one

Sabah as the MRO hub in South East Asia,” against typhoid.

of the injured female climbers.

said Chua, adding that this is a key ele- “We will conduct further investigations

Two injured
ment under the Sabah Government’s after a notice is issued under Section 32B
Sabah Maju Jaya development agenda. of the Food Act 1983 and will give them a

Mt Kinabalu
This, he said, is due to Sabah’s strategic warning or impose a RM100 compound
location in the region. for each offence if they are found guilty.
“In the Ops Ramadan 2023 conducted

climbers
“Once we’re ready, commercial aircraft
would no longer have to go to places like in five districts, Kota Kinabalu, Papar,
Kuala Lumpur, Singapore or Hong Kong Tawau, Kudat and Sandakan, 277 premises

for maintenance, repairs and overhaul
services. Our strategic location will make
Sabah a more favourable location for air-
line industry players,” he said, adding that
one of the immediate spin-offs would be
the creation of jobs for Sabahans.
The Malaysian Aerospace Industry
Report 2019 stated that the country’s aero-
space industry recorded RM16.2 billion in
were checked and four food samples col-
lected,” she told reporters after leading the
operation at Bazar Lintasan Deasoka, here,
Tuesday.
“Food sellers need to prioritise cleanli-
ness of their premises and food hygiene,
apart from preparing balanced food for
visitors. The public is advised to patronise
clean premises serving healthy food,” she
said.
rescued
Dr Rose (second from right) and her team pose next to a banner
with the QR code for consumers to channel complaints.
Clarence Dol
took the opportunity to introduce the use the Sabah Healthline WhatsApp at 019- RANAU: The Mount Kinabalu Search and
of the QR code at Ramadan bazaars for 8602929 and the Health Ministry’s Public Rescue (Mosar) team had their hands full,
people to lodge complaints on the han- Complaints Management System website Tuesday, with two cases of female climbers
dling of food. at https://moh.spab.gov.my/eApps/sys- suffering injuries.

Dr M: I will
revenue that year and produced 27,500
Dr Rose Nani said JKNS officers also Complaints can also be channelled via tem/index.do. Ranau Fire and Rescue Station Chief
highly-skilled workers.
Ridwan Mohd Taib said a 31-year-old suf-
“Certainly, we want to create this

continue to
fered an injury to her right foot at Km 3.7
opportunity for our people in Sabah so
about 12.30pm.
that they can secure their future and earn

Anwar to
“We received a call at 12.38pm and five

be involved
a higher income.”
Mosar personnel led by Suparin Kumin
rushed to the scene located some 300

kick-start in politics
metres away.
“The woman was given initial treat-

China visit
ment by the Mosar team, together with
mountain guides and Sabah Parks offi-
cials, before she was carried down to Tim-

in Hainan
PUTRAJAYA: Tun Dr pohon Gate using the Robertson Stretcher.
Mahathir Mohamad “She was then sent to the hospital in an
(pic) on Tuesday ambulance for further treatment and the

Two drivers killed in

said he would con- operation ended at 5.08pm,” he said.
Firemen retrieving the body of the Tenom crash victim.
tinue to be involved Earlier around 8.30am, a 34-year-old
HAINAN (China): Prime Minister Datuk in politics as he suffered an ankle injury at Panalaban Sub-

Tawau, Tenom crashes

Seri Anwar Ibrahim is scheduled to arrive
here today (Wednesday) to attend the
Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference
2023 (BFA 2023) and kick-start his four-day
official visit to China.
Anwar is expected to arrive at the Boao
International Airport this evening, accom-
panied by Minister of Transport Anthony
Loke and Minister of Local Government
Development Nga Kor Ming.
Upon arrival, the Prime Minister will be
greeted by, among others, Minister of For-
eign Affairs Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul
Kadir, Ambassador of Malaysia to China
Raja Datuk Nushirwan Zainal Abidin and
believed his services
are still needed by
the people in the
country.
The former two-time Prime Minister
said he could not say no if some parties
seek his help or advice for the good of the
Lagatah Toyos and Johan Aziz country.
TAWAU: A logging truck driver died after his vehicle skidded and overturned at Km “For the love of the country...if someone
136, Jalan Kalabakan-Maliau Basin, around 9am, on Monday. comes and asks me for help, I could not say
Tawau District Police Chief ACP Jasmin Hussin said the 33-year-old victim was said I am sorry I cannot help because I want to
to be from Kalabakan-Serudung towards Brantian Farm to deliver logs. rest. I still have ideas and (if asked) I’m
“When reaching the scene, the driver was believed to have lost control, entered the ready to share,” he told a press conference
opposite lane and skidded onto the right side of the road. here, Tuesday.
“The truck skidded for some 66 metres, resulting in the victim being thrown out Dr Mahathir said this in response to a
station and had to also be carried down.
Ridwan said a group of seven Mosar
personnel led by Mauries D Ubin rushed to
the scene located some 100 metres away.
He said after being given initial treat-
ment to her swollen ankle, the victim was
carried down to Timpohon Gate using the
Robertson Stretcher and sent to the hospi-
tal using a Sabah Parks vehicle for further
treatment,” he said.
Ridwan reminded all would-be Mount
Kinabalu climbers to be extra careful dur-
ing the current unpredictable conditions
because the ground surface and rocks are
more slippery than during normal

MACC monitored
Consulate General of Malaysia to through the broken windshield,” he said. media report on the statement by econo- weather.
Guangzhou Suraya Ahmad Pauzi. Jasmin said the victim died at the scene due to severe injuries, adding investiga- mist Jomo Kwame Sundaram asking him

He will then attend an iftar event with
about 70 Malaysian delegations participat-
ing in the BFA 2023 at the Boao Golden
Coast Hotel.
The Prime Minister is then scheduled to
attend a joint meeting with the top lead-
by five bodies
tions are still ongoing under Section 41(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987. to take on the role of an elder statesman
In TENOM, a man, believed to have fallen asleep while at the wheels, was killed for the developing world instead of being
after being hit by a Proton Gen 2 near SK Sapong, Tuesday. involved in politics.
The Tenom Fire and Rescue Station deployed nine firemen led by Mohd Zainal Sin- While rejecting the economist’s advice
sian to the location after receiving a distress call at 12.16am. for him to stay out of politics, Dr Mahathir
The 55-year-old victim was confirmed dead by a Medical Officer at the scene and From Page One

Mandatory Form Six will affect IPT intake: Fadhlina

ership of China Communications Con-
struction Company (CCCC), the contractor
of Malaysia’s mega rail project - East Coast
Rail Link (ECRL).
On Thursday, Anwar is scheduled to
deliver his speech at the BFA 2023, which is
also attended by Chinese Premier of the
State Council Li Qiang.
Other world leaders attending the
annual conference are Prime Minister of
Singapore Lee Hsien Loong, Prime Minis-
ter of Spain Pedro Sanchez, Prime Minister
of Ivory Coast Patrick Achi and Prime Min-
ister of Kazakhstan Alikhan Smailov.
Also attending is Managing Director of
the International Monetary Fund (IMF)
Kristalina Georgieva.
Anwar will depart Hainan for Bejing on
Thursday to continue his visit to the great
wall country.
The Prime Minister’s official visit to
China is his ninth international visit after
being sworn in as the 10th Prime Minister
last November. – Bernama
the victim’s body was handed over to the police for further action.
KUALA LUMPUR: The proposal to make
Form Six education mandatory will affect
the intake of students into matriculation
programmes and public and private insti-
tutions of higher learning (IPT), the Dewan
Rakyat was told Tuesday.
Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek said
Sixth Form is not mandatory as it is a post-
secondary path offered by the Ministry of
Education (MOE) in line with the Educa-
tion Act 1996.
“Form Six education is not mandatory.
Moves to make Form Six education com-
pulsory will affect the intake into matricu-
lation programmes, Teacher Education
Institutes (IPGs) as well as public and pri-
vate universities,” she said when winding
up the Supply Bill 2023 for the ministry at
the committee level.
On returning the start date of the
schooling session to January, she reiterated
that the Ministry had agreed on principle
with the proposal, but it would not be
implemented in the near future (after) tak-
ing into account various factors and justi-
fications based on compliance with the
Education Act 1996.
“The MOE’s plan to return the school
academic calendar to January and ending
in December must ensure the syllabus of
every subject can be completed, in addi-
tion to not interfering with the examina-
tion schedules like the Sijil Pelajaran
Malaysia (SPM).
“In addition, it also needs to take into
account the unpredictable weather and the
local economy. At the same time, the Min-
istry must also comply with the number of
said the statement was Jomo’s personal
opinion. – Bernama
schooling days that cannot be less than 190
days per year,” she said.
The Dewan Rakyat later approved an
allocation of RM49.5 billion for the Min-
istry under Budget 2023 at the committee
level by majority voice vote.
Meanwhile, Minister of Higher Educa-
tion Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin,
in his winding up, said his Ministry has
given an assurance that no political parties
will set up branches in universities follow-
ing the amendment to the Universities and
University Colleges Act (AUKU) of 1971.
The Dewan Rakyat later approved an
allocation of RM11.7 billion for the Ministry
under Budget 2023 at the committee level
through a majority voice vote.
The Dewan Rakyat sitting continues
today (Wednesday). – Bernama
Anwar said he has no problem consid-
ering the TI-M’s recommendations but
stressed that it requires a comprehensive
study involving all parties.
“Any development on this recommen-
dation should be presented to the Parlia-
mentary Select Committee to be examined
so that the MACC’s capabilities can be
enhanced without any interventions that
are feared will hamper anti-corruption
efforts,” he said.
He said the MACC is being monitored
by five independent bodies, namely the
Special Committee on Corruption, Anti-
Corruption Advisory Board, Operations
Evaluation Panel, Complaints Committee
and Consultation and Corruption Preven-
tion Panel.
To a supplementary question from Sim
Tze Tzin (PH-Bayan Baru) on whether the
Prime Minister wants to proceed with the
proposed law on political funding, Anwar
said the matter is still at the Minister’s
level. – Bernama

Separation of
powers of A-G,
prosecutor’s
office needs
in-depth study
KUALA LUMPUR: The proposed separation of
powers between the Attorney-General’s
Chambers (AGC) and the public prosecutor’s
office is already being studied, but its imple-
mentation is quite complicated and requires
more time as it involves financial implica-
tions.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim
said in principle, many have agreed with the
proposed separation of powers, but its
implementation is still being refined as it
may involve additional financial implica-
tions of almost RM300 million.
“But I agree that (the financial implication
issue) is not the main consideration because
what’s important is that to ensure a prosecu-
tion process is transparent and independ-
ent,” he said during the Minister’s Question
Time session in the Dewan Rakyat, Tuesday.
He said this in reply to a supplementary
question from Chiew Choon Man (Miri-PH)
on whether the Government is ready to sep-
arate the Public Prosecutor’s office from the
AGC in the near future, in order to prevent
selective political prosecution.
Meanwhile, Anwar admitted that some
political leaders from the Government and
opposition bloc are being probed by the
authorities, but whether they would be
charged in court would depend on the AGC.
The Prime Minister said this in response
to a supplementary question from Datuk Siti
Zailah Mohd Yusoff (Rantau Panjang-PN) on
whether there was any investigation into MPs
and political funding received by political
parties from the government side. Anwar
said the existing law allows donations to be
given to political parties, but previous pros-
ecutions involving political party funds were
related to the awarding of contracts.
“I have no problem (with any investiga-
tion into political funds received by the gov-
ernment political parties), but we must
understand that the (existing) laws allow
donations to political parties.
“...if there is concern that there are ele-
ments of corruption in the donations to PKR,
that can be raised, I have no problem,” he
said. Bersatu President Tan Sri Muhyiddin
Yassin has previously challenged the
Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission
(MACC) to also investigate the sources of
political funds received by PKR and Umno.-
Cambodia
Bernama
job scams: 12
more M’sians
are rescued
PHNOM PENH: Twelve more victims of job
scam syndicates in Cambodia have been res-
cued, says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar
Ibrahim.
He said the Malaysian Embassy here
would be arranging the release of all 12 indi-
viduals on Tuesday.
“This is the latest information received,
over and above the number announced ear-
lier,” he said during a press conference at the
end of his one-day official visit to Cambodia
Monday night.
At a press conference with Cambodian
Prime Minister Hun Sen earlier Monday,
Anwar said a total of 287 Malaysians who
were victims of the syndicate had been
brought back home.
Meanwhile, Malaysian Ambassador to
Cambodia, Datuk Eldeen Husaini Mohd
Hashim, said based on the information
received, all 12 individuals were on the list of
people reported missing.
He said embassy personnel would be
heading to the victims’ location on Tuesday
to begin the repatriation process.
“If their family members have completed
all the documentation, including return
flight tickets, maybe all the victims will be
able to return home on Saturday or Sunday,”
he said, adding that further information
regarding the matter would be shared later.
Meanwhile, Anwar was satisfied with his
one-day official visit to Cambodia since he
had the opportunity to discuss various bilat-
eral issues, regional issues as well as global
issues with his counterpart Hun Sen.
Speaking to the Malaysian media at the
end of his visit, Anwar said he highly appre-
ciated and valued the invitation from his
counterpart which will certainly enhance the
existing strong bilateral relationship and
diplomatic relations that has existed for 66
years.
“During the bilateral meeting, Hun Sen
invited Malaysia to use his country’s products
made of bamboo while I also had the oppor-
tunity to break fast with about 6,000 people.
The break of fast was hosted by Hun Sen. I
was also able to meet Malaysian colleagues at
the Malaysian Embassy here,” he said.
Anwar added that discussions at the
Asean level would be a more suitable plat-
form to discuss the pressing issues of tension
in Myanmar that was raised by Hun Sen.
This is because the Myanmar issue is an
internal political issue and ASEAN will be the
best platform to discuss the issue as a team.-
Bernama
Domestic investors matter, too
KOTA KINABALU: Finance Minister
Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun hopes the
organisers of the Sabah International
Expo 2023 (SIE2023) will put more focus
on domestic direct investments (DDI)
and not just foreign direct investments
(FDI).
He also encourages them to go all out
this year as Sabah is celebrating 60 years
of independence as well as the forma-
tion of the Federation of Malaysia
The SIE2023 is a great avenue for
internationals and Malaysians alike to
learn more about what Sabah has done
and what the State has to offer, he said.
“It is my hope that SIE2023 will put
more focus on DDI and not just FDI to
continue to build Sabah’s economy and
ultimately raise the State’s GDP and rev-
enue,” he said.
He said this when receiving a cour-
tesy call from the SIE2023 organising
committee, led by co-organising chair-
man Datuk Lee Swi Heng, here, Tuesday.
During the meeting, Masidi was
briefed on the agenda and programmes
in the pipeline for SIE2023, including
the Sabah International Business Lunch-
eon Talk 2023 (SIBLT2023), which he was
invited to be the moderator.
Lee, who is also the Malaysian Inter-
national Chamber of Commerce and
Industry Sabah Chairman, thanked
Masidi for his support towards SIE2023
44,000 litres of subsidised
The modified storage tanks containing subsidised diesel seized in Labuan
diesel seized in Labuan
LABUAN: The Ministry of Domestic
Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) Labuan
branch seized 44,000 litres of sub-
sidised diesel, kept in modified storage
tanks in two vehicles, on Monday.
Its Director Junaidah Arbain said as
a result of the raid at noon at an undis-
closed location, the KPDN enforcement
team also seized two containers where
the diesel was stored, along with tools
suspected of being used for the activi-
ties of diverting controlled goods, with
a total value of RM94,600.
She added that a 31-year-old local,
believed the owner of the storage room,
was arrested to assist in the investiga-
tion under the Supply Control Act 1961
after he failed to produce any valid
authorisation document or licence to
store controlled items at the location.
“The is was being investigated under
Villagers cut off
Section 21 of the Control of Supplies Act
from Sipitang
Ahmad Apong
SIPITANG: The only bridge that connected Kg Pakiak in
Melamam sub-district to Sipitang town collapsed
recently.
Sindumin Community Development Unit Leader
Wendy Agong Baruh said it was very important as the
residents relied on it to bring out their agricultural pro-
duce.
The villagers hoped action would be taken immedi-
ately for their safety.
Wendy hoped the Government would build a tempo-
rary and a new one from more durable materials such
as concrete later.
She hoped to get allocations from Sindumin Assem-
blyman Datuk Dr Yusoff Yaccob and Sipitang Member of
Parliament Datuk Matbali Musah to build the new
bridge.
Also present during the visit were Angelina Es
No plans to up rate on S’pore vehicles
Samuel as Sindumin Assemblyman Liaison Officer and
Stanley Ambilit @Andrew as District Developer.
JOHOR BARU: The Transport Ministry
(MOT) has not plans to raise the payment
rate for the vehicle entry permits (VEP)
imposed on Singapore registered vehicles
to this country.
Its Minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook
said the current VEP payment of RM20 will
be retained.
He said raising the VEP will cause the
Singapore government to impose a higher
payment on Malaysian vehicles entering
the republic.
WE D NE S D AY, MARCH 2 9 , 2 0 2 3
Masidi (centre) receiving a memento from Lee during the courtesy call.
and for providing his insight and ideas.
“We believe Masidi, as the Finance
Minister with vast experience and
impeccable knowledge, is the perfect
person to moderate SIBLT2023 and is
able to make the session very interest-
ing,” said Lee.
SIE2023 will be held from Sept 22-24
and the SIBLT2023 will on Sept 21 at the
Sabah International Convention Centre
(SICC) which will also feature speakers
Datuk Seri Anifah Aman and Tan Sri
Andrew Sheng.
1961, for possessing controlled goods
with the intention of committing an
offence, and read together with Regula-
tion 3(1) of the Supply Control Regula-
tions 1974, for carrying out controlled
goods transactions without a licence,”
she said in a statement.
She also said an investigation would
also be conducted under Section 20(1)
of the same law, for removing con-
trolled goods from licensed premises,
she said.
According to the Control of Supplies
Act, an individual can be fined not more
than RM1 million, while for subsequent
offences, not more than RM3 million or
imprisonment for not more than three
years, or both, upon conviction.
As for the company, if convicted, it
can be fined not exceeding RM2 million,
while for subsequent offences not
exceeding RM5 million.
“So we need to consider this conse-
quences. We also want to encourage more
Singapore tourists to Johor and contribute
to the economy, so there are no plans to
raise the rate,” he said at a media confer-
ence after the launch of the MyBAS50
unlimited pass and bus electric launch at
Larkin Sentral, here, Tuesday.
He was commenting on Kota Iskandar
Assemblyman Datuk Pandak Ahmad’s
suggestion to the Government to raise the
VEP specifically for Singapore-registered
Anti-Sexual Harassment
Act enforced in stages
PUTRAJAYA: The Women, Family and
Community Development Ministry
(KPWKM) will enforce the Anti-Sexual
Harassment Act 2022 (Act 840) in phases,
starting Tuesday.
It involves Section 1 - short title and
commencement; Section 2 - interpreta-
tion; Section 24 - administrator; Section 25
- functions and powers of administrator;
and Section 26 - power to make regula-
tions.
In a statement, the Ministry said the
enforcement of Act 840 involves the defi-
nition of sexual harassment, elements of
awareness and prevention of sexual
harassment in the community.
“It takes into account the importance of
educating the people and increasing their
understanding and awareness of the seri-
ousness of issues involving sexual harass-
ment before this act is fully enforced,” it
Govt to return RM2.1m forfeited
said.
KPWKM said Act 840 reflected the Gov-
PUTRAJAYA: The Malaysian Government
will return a sum of RM2.1 million which
was allegedly linked to 1Malaysia Develop-
ment Bhd (IMDB) and forfeited from two
political parties and the family of the late
former Paya Besar MP Datuk Seri Abdul
Manan Ismail.
The political parties are Pahang MCA
Liaison Committee and Parti Bersatu
Rakyat Sabah (PBRS).
This was after deputy public prosecutor
Kamal Baharin Omar informed the Court
of Appeal here Tuesday that the Attorney-
General’s Chambers had received represen-
tations from the three appellants - Pahang
MCA Liaison Committee, PBRS and Abdul
Manan’s family – and agreed not to con-
test their appeals.
He said the monies and interest
accrued, which were forfeited by the Gov-
ernment, would be released to the three
appellants within two months from Tues-
day. Lawyer Datuk Ben Chan, representing
Pahang MCA Liaison Committee, told the
court that his client’s representation was
for the AGC to consider to allow its appeal.
Following this, a three-member bench
of the Court of Appeal led by Justice Datuk
Seri Kamaludin Md Said allowed the
appeals and set aside the rulings of the
High Court.
The other members of the bench
were Justices Datuk Abu BakarJais and
Datuk Supang Lian.
The
collapsed
bridge
in
Sipitang.
vehicles entering the country through
Johor on March 21.
Pandak was reported to have said that
raising the VEP rate should be considered
as it was still low compared to the
exchange rate with Singapore.
On whether a Light Transit Rail (LRT)
service would be started in Johor Bahru,
Loke said that there was a suggestion from
a private company to construct it there but
added that it was still at a suggestion
stage.-Bernama
Local 3
ernment’s concern and serious commit-
ment to addressing and eliminating gen-
der-based discrimination, especially
sexual harassment.
“When the understanding and aware-
ness of sexual harassment and its effects
on the victims can be enhanced in the
community, it directly helps towards pro-
viding a safe environment.
“This is to empower people in the eco-
nomic, social and political spheres, in
addition to ensuring that they are not
marginalised in the country’s develop-
ment to achieve the Malaysia Madani aspi-
rations,” the statement read.
Act 840 was passed in the Dewan
Rakyat on July 20, 2022 and subsequently
in the Dewan Negara on Aug 11, 2022.
It was gazetted as a new law on Oct 18
last year after receiving royal assent from
Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdul-
lah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah.-
Bernama
In 2020, three separate High Courts had
allowed the prosecution’s applications to
forfeit monies totalling RM2.1 million from
the Pahang MCA Liaison Committee, PBRS
and Abdul Manan’s family.
Of the amount, RM1 million was from
PBRS, RM835,258.19 from the Pahang MCA
Liaison Committee and RM265,146.16 from
Rohizah Ahmad and six others.
On Jan 30 this year, the prosecution
withdrew its appeals in the Court of Appeal
to forfeit monies totalling RM21.7 million
belonging to 11 entities and individuals,
including Pekan Umno and Johor Umno
Liaison Committee, and allegedly linked to
IMDB.
The others were from Jakel Trading Sdn
Bhd, Jakel Trading, Johor Baru Barisan
Nasional division, Mediaedge CIA Malaysia
Sdn Bhd, Sarawak United People’s Party,
director for Strategic Engagement Media
Sdn Bhd (CENSE Media) Sim Sai Hoon,
AGA Touch Malaysia Sdn Bhd, Yayasan Per-
satuan Bekas Anggota Kemas Malaysia
(Yayasan PBAKM) and former land and
cooperative development minister Tan Sri
Kasitah Gaddam.
The three cases Tuesday are the last of
the 41 entities from which the Malaysian
Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC)
sought to recover assets said to have been
paid for using funds from 1MDB.
In Tuesday’s proceedings, lawyer
Avinash Kamalanathan represented PBRS,
Chan and Sangeetha Vasanth Kumar for
Pahang MCA Liaison Committee and Nur
Jehan Abu Bakar for the family of Abdul
Manan. Also appearing for the prosecution
were deputy public prosecutors Samihah
Rais confirmed
Rhazali and Nik Haslinie Hashim.
as head of
Umno division
JASIN: Umno President Datuk Seri Dr
Ahmad Zahid Hamidi confirmed Paya
Rumput Assemblyman Datuk Rais Yasin
remains as head of Tangga Batu Umno divi-
sion. He said the matter was confirmed by
Umno Elections Committee Chairman Tan
Sri Shahrir Abdul Samad.
“I would like to confirm that the Chair-
man of the UMNO Elections Committee has
informed me (that there is no cancellation
letter) and Datuk Rais has been confirmed
as Umno head of Tangga Batu division,” he
said.
Ahmad Zahid, who is also the Deputy
Prime Minister, said this when asked to
comment on a viral letter dated March 27
that claimed Rais’s victory as Tangga Batu
Umno head was annulled.
Tangga Batu Umno division secretary
Datuk Abdul Latip Mohamad was reported
to have said that he received notification
about Rais’ victory being cancelled through
a letter from central Umno received via
WhatsApp at 2.26 Monday afternoon.
Abdul Latip said the letter informed
about the irregularity of the meeting in the
Umno election process of that division
which took place in a hotel recently.-
Bernama
 4 Local
Arifin (left) during a brief briefing
session on Sabah’s RTM.
Strengthening
KKD role to deal
with fake news
KOTA KINABALU: The Ministry of Commu-
nications and Digital (KKD) is strengthen-
ing its role and strategy to deal with fake
news.
Minister of Science, Technology and
Innovation Datuk Dr Mohd Arifin Mohd
Arif said they took serious note of the
spread of fake news that could undermine
harmony and unity in society.
“We take this issue seriously and to deal
with fake news, we need to strengthen the
method of delivering authentic news.
“When we say authentic news, the back-
bone is definitely the Information Depart-
ment (JaPen), Broadcasting Department
(RTM) and agencies under KKD.
“In the same way with the programme
explaining issues related to Sabah,
explaining the government’s policies and
we also focus on the role JaPen plays in the
community,” he said.
Arifin, who is also the Communications
Exco, said he would meet with depart-
ments and agencies under KKD to coordi-
nate all programmes and activities of the
Ministry in Sabah.
“We will hold further discussions and
meetings with departments and agencies
under KKD in relation to programmes and
activities of JaPen, RTM and other agencies
in accordance with the trust given to me as
the Sabah Communications Exco.
“During my courtesy visit to the Minis-
ter of KKD recently, I have brought several
applications in relation to the needs in
Sabah including broadband coverage.
“We are aiming for full coverage by
2024 and we hope that Sabah will receive
the infrastructure and allocations pro-
vided by KKD,” he said after receiving a
courtesy call from Sabah’s Director of
Information, Jainisah Mohd Noor, who
was accompanied by her deputy, Supian
Musa and Sabah’s Deputy Director of
Broadcasting, Aminah Samsudin with
their respective groups.
Faerozh Yuzainy
Advice to
female
varsity
students
Noor Zafira Zayn
KOTA KINABALU: Female students of local
institutions of higher learning are called
to use the artificial intelligence (AI) plat-
form as a medium for inspiration to gain
knowledge.
Faculty of Business, Economics and
Accounting (FPEP), Universiti Malaysia
Sabah (UMS) lecturer Dr Faerozh Madli
said AI technology needed to be utilised
by campus students in order to move
along with current technological sophisti-
cation.
“Today’s rapid technology is synony-
mous and interesting to research, not to
mention now that the new semester of
study has started again.
“AI platforms are basically very large
and based on data sources collected
around the world,” he said.
In the meantime, a lecturer from the
same faculty, Yuzainy Janin also said the
benefits of the AI platform in studies
would enable students to be more focused.
“In other words, students can indirectly
access larger data and can generate ideas
from a more mature angle.
“The AI platform is able to give an extra
focus especially for the specialisation of
various and many subjects, such as what is
offered by the university.
“For example, basic concepts in under-
standing something, terms in the field of
study and so on,” he said.
He added books could be used as a
main reference and be further diversified
sources of information if students also
take advantage of AI technology.
In addition, he said the use of AI tech-
nology needed to be used ethically to
ensure that the intellectual generation
that was born was able to meet the quality.
“The wave of modernisation brought by
AI technology must be seen and used pos-
itively.
“This is to ensure that we are able to live
with technological change and not against
the current of modernisation,” he said.
Look after Sabah Border
Scout veterans: Jeffrey
KUALA LUMPUR: The
Ministry of Defence is
urged to look after the
welfare of the Sabah
Border Scout (SBS) vet-
erans as part of the mil-
itary veterans in Sabah
for their service in
defending the country during the Indone-
sian confrontation.
Keningau Member of Parliament Datuk
Seri Dr Jeffrey G Kitingan (pic) said many
SBS veterans in the interior of Sabah do
not have homes, instead occupying gov-
ernment land due to not receiving any
reward as military retirees.
“SBS veterans should be appreciated
and their welfare should be taken care of
including their family members,” he said.
Dr Jeffrey, who is also Sabah Deputy
Chief Minister, said this when he partici-
pated in the Defence Ministry allocation
debate in Parliament on Monday.
In the debate, Dr Jeffrey asked “how
MOE: 20,000 recruitment of new teachers in five years
THE Ministry of Education (MOE) proj-
ects the recruitment of 16,886 to 20,081
new teachers for the next five years.
Deputy Education Minister Lim Hui
Ying said the projection of new teacher
recruitment by MOE for the period 2023
to 2027 for the secondary and primary
schools was based on data on Dec 31 last
year.
“The MoE will always check the projec-
tion data from time to time, based on
needs,” she said in her reply to a question
from Datuk Seri Saifuddin Abdullah (PN-
Indera Mahkota) regarding the projec-
tion of teacher recruitment from 2023 to
2027 during a question and answer ses-
sion in the Dewan Rakyat.
In the meantime, Lim said that from
2021 to January this year, the MOE has
implemented the recruitment of 22,327
Less than 3pc of non-Bumis
join the military: Mohamed
HARD work and low salary have been
identified as factors contributing to the
low interest of the non-Bumiputera com-
munity to join the Malaysian Armed
Forces (MAF).
Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad
Hasan said so far, less than three per cent
of non-Bumiputeras have joined the mili-
tary  because of a lack of interest in the
security personnel’s scope of work.
“This is something that needs to be
addressed. But as mentioned earlier, the
factors of hard work, low pay, irregular
working hours and inability to spend time
with families during festivals are among
the reasons why they are less interested.
“This is a constraint faced by the MAF
and the Defence Ministry to encourage the
participation of non-Bumiputeras,” he
said.
He was responding to a supplementary
question from Hassan Abdul Karim (PH-
Pasir Gudang), who wanted to know Min-
def ’s efforts in attracting more
non-Malay  youths to join the armed
forces.
RM85m spent on immigration
detainees’ food, drinks last year
PUTRAJAYA is aiming to reduce the oper-
ational cost for immigration detention
centres nationwide as it cost RM84.8 mil-
lion last year for detainees’ daily meals and
drinks.
Deputy Home Minister Datuk Seri
Shamsul Anuar Nasarah said there are cur-
rently 13,440 detainees at 21 immigration
depots nationwide.
“The cost of food and drink per pris-
oner is RM13.50 per day. The annual cost of
managing the immigration depot is about
RM84.8 million. This is the cost of food and
beverage operations, maintenance for the
year 2022.
“And the ministry through the Immi-
gration Department is detailing proposals
to improve depot management to reduce
government spending. We are aware that
the expenses are quite high and we are
studying and refining this matter,” he said.
138 contracts via limited tender: Fahmi
AS of December last year, 215 contracts with an overall value of RM7.8 billion have been
signed by Digital Nasional Berhad (DNB) with 97 per cent (138 contracts) from the over-
all contract acquired through competitive bidding (limited tender).
Communications and Digital Minister Fahmi Fadzil said three per cent or 77 contracts
were awarded via direct negotiations in 2021 when DNB was just set up with the objective
of implementing 5G network in a short period of time.    will answer the questions that appear in
"DNB was just established in 2021 with the objective of implementing the 5G network
in a short period of time. At that time, DNB needed the set skills which were not available
and could only be acquired from suitable global companies which have the technol-
ogy,” he said during question and answer at Dewan Rakyat here Tuesday.  and 11th questions,” Swee Kuan said
He was replying to a question by Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad (PH-Kuala Selangor)
on the readiness to enforce acquisition by tender including launching the 5G project
led by DNB which have invited various controversies since it was launched.
WE D NE S D AY, MARCH 2 9 , 2 0 2 3
much of the RM772.5 million Military
Housing allocation is allocated for Military
and Veteran Housing in Sabah?”
Dr Jeffrey further asked for an explana-
tion of how much is allocated to Veterans
Affairs in Sabah out of the total
RM118,445,100 allocations for the Depart-
ment of Veterans Affairs Management of
the Ministry.
According to Dr Jeffrey, his office had
received complaints about housing and
dependent issues among veterans and
families in Sabah, including SBS retirees
teachers involving 148 areas of specialisa-
tion through the Subject Cluster (KMP)
method for the one-off recruitment of
teachers as a strategy to ensure that the
shortage of teachers can be addressed.
She said the areas of specialisation
that were given attention included Eng-
lish, Bahasa Melayu, Islamic Education,
Mathematics and History, with the
recruitment process continuing for this
year and beyond to fill vacancies at the
school.
In her reply to a supplementary ques-
tion from Saifuddin who wanted to know
if the government would continue the
KMP method, she said that the ministry
would continue the method because
there are vacancies that need to be filled
with required subject options.
“We will continue and will also add a
Meanwhile, Mohamad said  no quota
has been set for the recruitment of MAF
members as it was based on adjustment to
the number of personnel whose services
have ended, such as through early or com-
pulsory retirement. However, he said that
currently, 3,000 positions could not be
filled due to the Covid-19 pandemic and
the existing training space constraints.
“MAF advertises recruitment (of  new
members) every year, and before Covid-19,
approximately 6,500 to 7,000 more people
were recruited to fill the vacancies of
retired personnel.
“The armed forces have a short service
scheme of 15 years, which means they will
complete their service at the age of 40. This
is the problem, and in fact, many people,
especially non-Bumiputeras, don’t want to
be enlisted because it will require them to
work round the clock,” he said.
Mohamad said this in reply to  Kalam
Salan’s (PN-Sabak Bernam) original ques-
tion on the ministry’s plan to increase the
number of MAF personnel  to meet the
employment needs of the youth.
He was responding to Perikatan
Nasional (PN) Sik MP Ahmad Tarmizi
Sulaiman who asked about the recent sta-
tistics of the Immigration Department’s
detention centres.
The ministry said it will shift the chil-
dren detained at the Immigration depots
and place them under the care of non-gov-
ernmental organisations (NGO) that
specifically specialise in the welfare of chil-
dren.
Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin
Nasution Ismail said he has already iden-
tified the profile of the children, their
numbers and where they were detained.
The government however did not dis-
close whether it would relax its immigra-
tion policies, following intensified
crackdown by the Immigration Depart-
ment under former home minister Datuk
Seri Hamzah Zainuddin. – MM
who served during the Indonesian Con-
frontation.
According to history, the SBS was estab-
lished by the British as a security force on
the Sabah border during the Indonesia-
Malaysia Confrontation era throughout
the years 1962-66.
SBS is a local military force combined
with British and Gurkha forces to defend
Sabah, Malaysia from Indonesian military
attacks.
The establishment of SBS, which resem-
bles Borneo British Scout (BBS), is very sig-
nificant in the country’s critical situation
during the threat of confrontation, espe-
cially on the Sabah-Kaltim border (East
Kalimantan, Indonesia).
At the beginning of its establishment,
SBS as a Malaysian paramilitary force was
centred in Keningau and consisted largely
of villagers from the Murut tribe.
SBS, as a Malaysian paramilitary force,
was based in Keningau where most of the
villagers were from the Murut tribe.
few more steps. We are indeed reviewing
and making recommendations and we
will announce when we have a decision,”
she said.
Meanwhile, answering a separate
question from Datuk Seri Sh Mohmed
Puzi Sh Ali (BN-Pekan) regarding schools
in dilapidated condition, Lim said the
MOE’s priority is for buildings that
needed to be upgraded or to build new
replacement buildings as needed.
She said currently, almost 80 per cent
of the number of dilapidated schools are
in Sabah and Sarawak.
“This is also in response to the call of
the Prime Minister (Datuk Seri Anwar
Ibrahim) for the MOE to focus on repair-
ing and upgrading school buildings in
dilapidated condition, especially in
Sabah and Sarawak,” she said. – Bernama
Deputy education
minister gets
told off during
Question Time
DEPUTY Dewan Rakyat Speaker Datuk
Ramli Mohd Nor Tuesday chided Deputy
Education Minister Lim Hui Ying for her
unpreparedness in answering a question
posed in the lower House of Parliament.
He said her inability to furnish a reply
to a question asked by PAS’ Pengkalan
Chepa MP Datuk Ahmad Marzuk Shaary
gave a bad impression of the government.
“The schedule was released earlier. By
right this should not have happened.
“I hope the government and Leader of
the House takes note of this... it gives a bad
impression of the government,” Ramli said
during Question Time. The question posed
to Lim was numbered 16th on the list.
Several backbenchers including Kota
Melaka MP Khoo Poay Tiong from DAP and
Kuala Selangor MP Datuk Seri Dzulkefly
Ahmad from Amanah told the deputy
speaker that the time allocated for ques-
tions was over. The clock in Parliament
showed 11.35am — five minutes past the
allocated time for questions — but Ramli
allowed it and called Lim to answer.
“I didn’t prepare a reply for this ques-
tion. I apologise and will furnish a reply
through a written reply. I’m sorry this will
not happen again,” Lim said. After the
Question Time session had ended Ahmad
Marzuk called for the resignation of both
Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek and
Lim citing their failure to prepare a reply
for the Parliament sitting.
“Earlier she supported adjourning the
Dewan Rakyat for certain time, did she
come to support the Dewan Rakyat
adjournment motion only? That is not a
significant responsibility for a Deputy
Minister,” he told reporters.
He added that the minister should have
prepared to answer questions in Parlia-
ment citing the refusal of his supplemen-
tary question. He claimed that this was
unprecedented in the history of Parlia-
ment because usually the answer was pre-
pared two weeks earlier.
In a response to the matter, Lim’s spe-
cial duties officer Lim Swee Kuan clarified
that what had transpired in Parliament
today was something out of the ordinary.
“We apologise for what happened.
“Usually the process of preparing oral
answers is based on the maximum num-
ber of questions that can be answered by
all ministries which is between 11 to 13
questions to be answered within 90 min-
utes. The officer will give a detailed brief-
ing to the Minister or Deputy Minister who
the first 15 questions.
“We have prepared detailed answers
for three questions which are the 4th, 8th
adding that the Deputy Minister also
answered all three questions as usual in
the House this morning. – Bernama
JPKA looking for
next of kin of
5-year-old girl
Winnie Kasmir
SANDAKAN: The General
Welfare Services Depart-
ment (JPKA) of the Kin-
abatangan Division is
tracing the family or
next of kin of a girl who
is now five years and eight months old.
The girl, named Aina Hana Delisha
(pic), was given by her biological mother
known as Puan Sara to the complainant
who was the child’s guardian in 2017.
The complainant said the child was
handed over to her when she was one
month old at the home of the com-
plainant’s biological sister in Taman
Mawar Batu 5, Sandakan because the bio-
logical mother was unable to care for the
child due to financial problems.
The complainant then agreed to accept
and care for the child. However, to date the
child’s biological parents could not be
contacted and found after they handed
over the child to the complainant.
Kinabatangan Division Children’s Pro-
tector Musminah Mustain said they were
currently conducting an investigation to
trace Aina’s family or relatives.
“The guardian of the child made a
police report on 24 January 2023 regarding
this case. JPKA is conducting an investiga-
tion and this case is being acted upon
under Section 17(1)(d) of the Children Act
2001 (Amendment 2016),” he said.
The family or next of kin of the child or
anyone who had information about the
biological mother or next of kin was
requested to come forward and contact
the Kinabatangan Division Protector to
facilitate all matters related to the child.
For any information, contact Kin-
abatangan District Protector Musminah
via telephone number 089-561873 (office).
Labuan Unduk
Ngadau is back
after 3-year hiatus
Iffah Dilaney
LABUAN: With the Kaa-
matan festivities fast
approaching, the Labuan
Unduk Ngadau crown is
once again up for grabs
after a three-year hiatus
from the local scene.
Labuan Unduk Ngadau Committee
Chairman Aeddy Lubin (pic) called on
Labuan lasses to continue preserving the
KDM tradition and culture here by partic-
ipating in the festivities, particularly the
Unduk Ngadau contest.
The Labuan Unduk Ngadau seat had
been left vacant over the past three years
due to restrictions of hosting the contest
during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Aeddy said this year’s contest would
make its comeback on a much bigger
scale, manifesting its significance as the
culminated event in the island’s Harvest
Festival celebration.
“The contest is a platform for Kadazan-
dusun girls to learn more about our her-
itage, from the way we dress, to our cuisine
and language. We hope this platform
allows the youth to foster a deeper interest
in their culture and traditions.
“We hope the contest would shine a
light on a deserving candidate who truly
understands our traditions and the value
and prestige of the Unduk Ngadau crown,”
Aeddy spoke to Daily Express.
Aeddy is confident that Labuan will be
able to produce a top-notch candidate to
represent the island to the Sabah Unduk
Ngadau Kaamatan (UNK) hosted at the
Hongkod Koisaan Kadazandusun Cultural
Association’s (KDCA) hall on May 31.
“Based on past performances, I have no
doubt that the Labuan winner will be able
to make it to the Top 15 at the UNK contest,
with the proper grooming and training
which our Committee will provide,” he said.
The Labuan Unduk Ngadau crown was
last held by Valentina Day back in 2019.
This year’s competition will see 10 to 12
ladies vying for the crown. Registrations
will be open on April 1 and the Gala Night
will be held on April 29, while the finals
will be during the state-level Kaamatan
celebration on May 7.
MACC denies
allegations
KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Anti-Cor-
ruption Commission (MACC) have denied
allegations made by a blog that two of its
senior officers were masterminds in the
abuse of power and corruption linked to
corporations. MACC said both officers
have been called to provide explanations
before a police report was lodged about
the allegations.
“The MACC is confident that the matter
is merely irresponsible wild accusations
deliberately aimed at MACC officers to cre-
ate a negative perception for the commis-
sion. But if there is evidence, the party has
to come forward to make a complaint or a
report to enforcement and not through
allegations on social media hiding behind
a fake identity,” the statement read.
– Bernama

Charged with raping daughter, 12
Cynthia D Baga
KOTA KINABALU: A 39-year-old man was
charged with raping his 12-year-five-month-
old daughter.
The man pleaded not guilty before Ses-
sions Court Judge Amir Shah Amir Hassan to
the charge against him on Tuesday.
The man is accused of raping his daughter
at 7am on March 12 this year at a house in
Manggatal, near here.
The offence under Section 376(3) of the
Penal Code carries a jail term of between
Habitual offender jailed six years
eight and 30 years, and whipping at least 10
KOTA KINABALU: A 51-year-old habitual
offender, who has previous conviction
records since 1992, was sentenced to six
years’ jail for having a butcher’s knife in
public place without any permit.
Victor Joseph pleaded guilty before
Sessions Court Judge Amir Shah Amir Has-
san to the charge against him on Tuesday.
No whipping was being imposed on
Victor due to his age and the court
ordered him to serve the jail sentence
from the date of his arrest on March 23
this year.
Victor was found having the butcher at
11.10pm on March 23 this year in front of
the Kedai Runcit Maniha Garden Kinarut
in Papar.
The offence under Section 6(1) of the
Corrosive Explosive and Dangerous
Tackle issue of ‘unlawful’ conversion
Weapon 1958 carries a jail term of
of Orang Asli properly, says Zahid
KUALA LUMPUR: Deputy prime minister
Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has pleaded with
the public against polemicising the con-
version of Orang Asli to Islam, after a
group decided to nullify their status as
Muslims.
Commenting on reports that the con-
version of some 137 Orang Asli of the Bateq
Mayah tribe was “unlawful”, Zahid – who
is also the rural and regional development
minister – said there was no compulsion in
Islam.
“But we need to prevent this issue from
being polemicised and tackle it properly,”
he told reporters after chairing a Cabinet
committee meeting in Parliament this
afternoon.
The group of Orang Asli filed a writ of
summons last year at the Kuala Lumpur
High Court to nullify their conversion to
Islam in 1993 which they claimed was
unlawful.
The group said they were not practicing
Muslims and continued to live as animists.
On a related matter, Zahid said he
would see to it that the Islamic develop-
ment department (Jakim) tackled this
issue.
He said he would discuss with Jakim and
the Orang Asli development department
(Jakoa) to continuously support recent con-
Salesman jailed 24 months, fined
verts so they did not feel “isolated”.
RM50,000 for animal cruelty
KUALA LUMPUR:  A salesman was sen-
tenced to 24 months in jail and fined
RM50,000,  by the Sessions Court here
today, for neglecting his five pet cats and
starving them to death in a condominium
unit.
Judge Siti Aminah Ghazali handed
down the sentence on Lim Chia Lin, 31,
after he pleaded guilty to the charge and
also ordered the accused to serve 12
months in prison if he failed to pay the
fine.
The man was charged with keeping the
animals in captivity and causing them
unnecessary suffering which ended with
their carcasses found in a condominium
unit in Bandar Seri Permaisuri, between
June 14 and July 3 last year.
The charge framed under Section 29(1)
(D) of the Animal Welfare Act 2015 and
punishable under Section 29(1) of the law,
provides a fine of between RM25,000 and
RM100,000 or imprisonment of up to
Sending obscene posts on FB:
three years or both, upon conviction.
The accused, who was not
Draughtsman pleads not guilty
JOHOR BAHRU: A draughtsman pleaded
not guilty in the Sessions Court, here Tues-
day, on four charges of allegedly sending
offensive and obscene texts and pictures
using his Facebook account last year.
For the first to third charges and one
amended charge, Muhammad Firdaus
Embong, 39, as the accused, is charged with
using the Facebook account under the
name of ‘Firdaus Embong’ to create and
send  pictures and texts of an offensive
nature with the intention of hurting peo-
ple’s feelings.
The four postings were allegedly sent
between March 17 to Aug 18, 2022, and
were seen by  by the complainant at a bank
in Kulai at 2 pm on Sept 14, 2022.
strokes, on conviction.
The court set April 25 this year for pre-trial
case management and ordered the man to
be remanded further pending the date.
The man was advised to engage a counsel.
Deputy Public Prosecutor (DPP) Najiha
Farhana Che Awang appeared for the prose-
cution while the man was not represented.
In another court, a 36-year-old man was
between five and 10 years and whipping,
on conviction.
During mitigation, Victor who was not
represented, asked for leniency saying
that he has a wife and two small children
to look after.
“Give me a last chance to improve
myself to be a better man and I promised
to not repeat any offence. I really regretted
for my wrongdoing,” said Victor in beg-
ging for a light sentence.
However, Deputy Public Prosecutor
Najiha Farhana Che Awang urged the
court to impose a heavy sentence by sub-
mitting that Victor is a habitual offender
as he has multiple previous conviction
records since 1992.
Najiha said Victor had the weapon in pub-
lic place without any permit. - Cynthia D
Baga
“Guidance is important to prevent con-
fusion, especially when there are claims of
forced conversion.”
The group have brought the matter to
civil court, and through the law firm Fahri
Azzat & Co, filed a writ of summons at the
Kuala Lumpur High Court on September
28 last year, Malaysiakini reported yester-
day.
The civil action named six defendants,
namely Jakoa, its director and officer, the
Pahang Islamic Religious and Malay Cus-
toms Council (Muip), the state govern-
ment, and the federal government.
According to the statement of claim
sighted by Malaysiakini, the plaintiffs
alleged that the wrongful and illegal con-
version was carried out at their home in
Kampung Benchah Kelubi, Merapoh,
Kuala Lipis, Pahang, in April 1993.
The plaintiffs claimed that two village
leaders were asked by a Jakoa representa-
tive to convert to Islam and also to get the
other villagers to do the same, Malaysi-
akini reported.
They alleged that when the villagers
refused, an officer from the Orang Asli
Department had issued threats, including
barring them from the village, destroying
their houses and crops, and chasing down
and torturing them if they attempted to
flee to the mountains. – FMT/MM
represented  appealed for a lighter sen-
tence on the grounds that he is a bache-
lor earning less than RM1,500 a month.
According to the facts of the case, on
March 11, the complainant  who is the
house owner received a complaint from a
nearby resident of a stench coming from
the unit that he was renting to the accused.
On checking the house, he found sev-
eral cat carcasses in a cage placed outside
the door.
The complainant advised the accused
to remove the cage so that there would be
no more complaints from residents of the
condominium.
Two days later, when the complainant
returned to collect rent, he found the door
not locked and the accused sleeping in his
room.
With the help of a security guard, the
complainant inspected the house and
found a carcass believed to be that of a cat
and detected a foul smell in the kitchen
which came from a pail filled with minced
meat. – Bernama
The charges are according to Section 233
(1)(a) of the Communications and Multi-
media Act 1998, punishable under Section
233(3) of the same act, carries a fine of up
to RM50,000 or a maximum imprison-
ment of one year or both if convicted.
Judge Datuk Che Wan Zaidi Che Wan
Ibrahim allowed bail of RM20,000 for all
charges with one surety and fixed May 15
for case mention.
The prosecution was handled by
Malaysian Communications and Multime-
dia Commission (MCMC) deputy public
prosecutor Fazril Sani Mohamed Fadzil
and prosecuting officer Mai Zairani Zainal
Abidin. Muhammad Firdaus was unrepre-
sented. - Bernama
WE D NE S D AY, MARCH 2 9 , 2 0 2 3
charged with committing physical sexual
harassment against a girl.
Ismail Kassim earlier pleaded guilty
before Sessions Court Judge Ummu Khaltom
Abd Samad, but during mitigation he
claimed he is suffering from mental problem
and that the court fixed another date to con-
firm his claim.
During mitigation, Ismail who was not
represented, claimed that he is “sakit jiwa”
and has a ‘blue card’ as well getting medica-
Thomas did not charge
tion from Hospital Mesra Bukit Padang.
The court then set April 10 for mention to
Najib in bad faith, rules HC
KUALA LUMPUR: The
High Court here ruled
that former Attorney-
General (AG) Tan Sri
Tommy Thomas (pic)
did not arbitrarily
charge  Datuk Seri
Najib Tun Razak  in
bad faith but only
upon receiving com-
pleted investigation papers from the Investi-
gating Agencies.
Judge Datuk Ahmad Bache said  only
upon studying and satisfying himself of the
evidence gathered, Thomas issued the con-
sent to charge the former prime minister
on all 35 charges in four cases.
The cases involved 1Malaysia Develop-
ment Berhad (1MDB), International Petro-
leum Investment Company (IPIC), abuse of
power under the Malaysian Anti-Corruption
Commission (MACC) Act 2009 and money
laundering under the Anti-Money Launder-
ing, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds
of Unlawful Activities Act 2001 (AMLATF-
PUAA 2001).
He also said the issue of “targeting the for-
mer premier or targeted malice” did not arise
as it was Thomas’ duty as the Public Prosecu-
tor to charge Najib.
The judge said in the present case, at the
time when the suit was filed in 2021, the pros-
ecution of the 35 charges in the four cases are
still ongoing or pending and Thomas
has already resigned on Feb 28, 2020.
“Hence, he (Thomas) was not and will not
be involved in the conduct of the proceed-
ings of the 35 charges in the four cases in the
first place, and that there was no final deter-
mination on the four cases as yet,” he said in
his 37-page judgment dated Feb 28 in a suit
filed by Najib against Thomas.
On Nov 25, last year, Judge Ahmad
allowed Thomas’  application to strike
out Najib’s suit over alleged misfeasance in
public office for prosecuting him on charges
involving the 1MDB case.
The judge said to accede to the proposi-
tion that Thomas has committed
all  three  torts or causes of action (misfea-
sance in public office, malicious abuse of
process and negligence) inspite of his pow-
ers, will also open the flood gate whereby all
actions of the Public Prosecutor will be ques-
tioned.
He said it also opened to public scrutiny,
hence challenging the almost unfettered dis-
cretion conferred upon him (Thomas) under
Article 145 (3) of the Federal Constitution and
also his deputies (DPPs), to discharge their
duties without fear or favour.
“Consequently, his DPPs too will be afraid
of preferring charges against suspects even
though there were overwhelming evidence,
due to the risk of opening themselves up to
civil suits subsequently. Hence, this will
potentially lead to a significant escalation of
criminal activities in the country.
“Worst of all, it will invite an accused per-
son to file a claim against the Public Prosecu-
Govt to return RM2.1m to MCA, PBRS
tor even before the proceeding commences
PUTRAJAYA: The Malaysian government
will return a sum of  RM2.1 million which
was allegedly linked to 1Malaysia Develop-
ment Bhd (IMDB) and forfeited from two
political parties and the family of the late
former Paya Besar MP  Datuk Seri Abdul
Manan Ismail.
The political parties are Pahang MCA
Liaison Committee and Parti Bersatu Rakyat
Sabah (PBRS).
This was after Deputy Public Prosecutor
Kamal Baharin Omar informed the Court of
Appeal here Tuesday that the Attorney-Gen-
eral’s Chambers had  received representa-
tions from the three appellants - Pahang
MCA Liaison Committee, PBRS and Abdul
Manan’s family -  and agreed not to
contest their appeals.
He said the monies and interest accrued,
which were forfeited by the government,
would be released to the three appellants
within two months from Tuesday.
Lawyer Datuk Ben Chan, representing
Pahang MCA Liaison Committee, told the
court that his client’s representation was for
the AGC to consider to allow its appeal.
Following this, a three-member bench of
the Court of Appeal led by Justice Datuk Seri
Kamaludin Md Said allowed the appeals
and set aside the rulings of the High Court.
The other members of the bench
were  Justices Datuk Abu Bakar Jais and
Datuk Supang Lian.
In 2020, three separate High Courts had
allowed the prosecution’s applications to
monitor Ismail’s psychology status and
pending the date, he was ordered remanded
further.
Ismail is accused of committing the
offence against the eight-year-old girl by
hugging and kissing her lips at 9.30pm on
Feb 14 this year at Kg Gusung Likas, near here.
The offence under Section 14 (a) of Sexual
Offences Against Children Act 2017 carries a
jail term of up to 20 years, and whipping on
conviction.
DPP Siti Hajar Mazlan prosecuted the
case.
or before they have been acquitted like the
present case before this court. This will obvi-
ously cause havoc and our criminal
justice system will dangerously be in jeop-
ardy,” he said.
Judge Ahmad said the Public Prosecutor
and his DPPs will then have to come to court
in a full trial to testify and to explain for each
case, wasting his official time and public
funds and seriously undermining the
integrity of the institution of the Attorney
General or Public Prosecutor altogether.
He said this was against public policy and
in total contravention with established pro-
cedural laws and the Criminal Procedure
Code.
“Hence, this should not be allowed and
the claim should be struck out as it is frivo-
lous, scandalous and vexatious. It will also set
a bad and dangerous precedent whereby an
accused person can file a claim against the
Attorney General/Public Prosecutor for every
acquittal,” he said.
The judge said he was of the opinion that
the act of the plaintiff in filing these claims
can be seen as a collateral attack on the
prosecution of the 35 criminal charges as
the plaintiff is prematurely launching a civil
action based on criminal charges which
have yet to be determined in the criminal
courts.  Budiman told the court that he collected
Judge Ahmad said the court further
opined that the claim should not be filed at
all, before the trials of the four cases are com-
pleted.
“It is akin to putting the cart before the
horse. It has also created confusion and a
transgression of jurisdiction  between the
civil and criminal court’s jurisdiction and this
should not be allowed at all cost,” he said.
Furthermore, the court is of the consid-
ered opinion that the causes of action of mis-
feasance in public office and the so-called
malicious process are not sustainable and a
non-starter because Thomas did not even
conduct or take part in the prosecution of the
four cases.  between Oct 20, 2022 and Jan 12 this year
“It follows that even if Thomas have had
an agenda against the plaintiff (which this
court disagreed), he would not be conduct-
ing the prosecution of the plaintiff.
“How could he be said to have had com-
mitted misfeasance and the other
torts.  Hence it follows, that there was no
necessity for these suit to go for a full trial and
no reason for Thomas to come to court to
explain, as the claims should be struck out ab
initio,” he said.
In the suit filed on Oct 22, 2021, Najib
claimed that the charges against him were
part of a move that had been planned in
advance by Thomas and it was also in line
with the Pakatan Harapan government’s
plan at the time.
He is seeking a declaration that Thomas
has committed misfeasance in public office
as well as RM1.9 million in damages, includ-
ing negotiation fees for the audit team to
review documentation for the preparation of
facts to deal with the prosecution against
him. – Bernama
forfeit monies totalling RM2.1 million from
the Pahang MCA Liaison Committee, PBRS
and Abdul Manan’s family.
Of the amount,  RM1 million was from
PBRS, RM835,258.19 from the Pahang MCA
Liaison Committee, and RM265,146.16 from
Rohizah Ahmad and six others.
On Jan 30 this year, the prosecution with-
drew its appeals in the Court of Appeal to
forfeit monies totalling RM21.7 million
belonging to 11 entities and individuals,
including Pekan Umno  and Johor Umno
Liaison Committee, and allegedly linked to
IMDB.
The others were from Jakel Trading Sdn
Bhd, Jakel Trading, Johor Bahru Barisan
Nasional division, Mediaedge CIA Malaysia
Sdn Bhd, Sarawak United People’s Party,
director for Strategic Engagement Media Sdn
Bhd (CENSE Media) Sim Sai Hoon, AGA Touch
Malaysia Sdn Bhd, Yayasan Persatuan Bekas
Anggota Kemas Malaysia (Yayasan PBAKM)
and former land and cooperative develop-
ment minister Tan Sri Kasitah Gaddam.
The three cases Tuesday are the last of the
41 entities from which the Malaysian Anti-
Corruption Commission (MACC) sought to
recover assets said to have been paid for
using funds from 1MDB. 
In Tuesday’s proceedings, lawyer Avinash
Kamalanathan represented PBRS, Chan and
Sangeetha Vasanth Kumar for Pahang MCA
Liaison Committee and Nur Jehan Abu
Bakar for the family of Abdul Manan. -
Bernama
Local 5
General worker
jailed 14 months
for keeping
stolen vehicle
Jo Ann Mool
KOTA KINABALU: A 24-year-old general
worker was sentenced to 14 months, jail on
Tuesday for keeping a stolen vehicle.
Ardie Ariansyah Abd Salam pleaded
guilty before Magistrate Lovely Natasha
Charles to having the Toyota Hilux belonging
to one Mohd Azmir Nasir at 4.55 pm on
March 19, this year at an open space near the
telecommunication substation Suria Sabah,
Jalan Tuaran Bypass, Inanam.
The charge under Section 411 of the Penal
Code carries a jail term of between six
months and five years and liability of a fine,
on conviction.
The Magistrate was informed by the pros-
ecution that the vehicle was reported stolen
from Plaza YLY Kolombong on March 7 this
year.
Ardie was arrested by police on March 19
at a restaurant in Inanam while he was deal-
ing to sell the vehicle.
Ardie then led the police to the recovery
of the stolen Hilux.
Duty counsel Carmen Khoo, representing
Ardie, applied for a lenient sentence on the
grounds that he was remorseful and that he
was taking care of his parents.
The prosecution applied for an adequate
sentence and for the vehicle to be returned
to its rightful owner.
The court ordered Ardie to serve the sen-
tence from the date of his arrest and ordered
the vehicle to be returned to its owner.
In another case, a scrap metal collector
was jailed two months for having tools with-
out a lawful excuse.
Budiman Tanai, 41, admitted before Mag-
istrate Jessica Ombou Kakayun to having a
hacksaw and a steel cutter at 12.30pm on
March 23 at a roadside of Jalan Tunku Abdul
Rahman, near the UTC Sembulan.
He was charged under Section 18(e) of the
Minor Offences Ordinance which carries a
jail term of up to six months, on conviction.
the items because he wanted to sell them.
Counsel Khoo, representing Budiman,
applied for a lenient sentence and submitted
that he was a divorcee with two children and
was remorseful of his action.
Meanwhile, 12 people were penalised for
committing drug-related offences.
Eight of them pleaded guilty to taking
amphetamine and syabu while another four
admitted to having syabu.
The eight Damasus Malik, Rasman
Osman, Md Syazwan Dominic, Haziq Haikal,
Md Asdi Lazim, Sulaiman Hamid, Jonaidi
Junior and Affendi Rahman were arrested at
separate locations here and in Penampang
after they tested positive for the drugs,
respectively.
Damasus was ordered to pay a RM2,000
fine or five months in jail while the rest were
handed nine months’ jail each.
Taking drugs under Section 15(1) of the
Dangerous Drug Act provides for a fine of up
to RM5,000 or up to two years jail, on convic-
tion.
The other four were Lionel Ling, Suhaidi
Johny, Rezki Alfahusi and Jimat Susanto who
were charged under Section 12 (2) of the Dan-
gerous Drug Act 1952 provides for a fine of up
to RM100,000 or up to five years’ jail or both,
on conviction.
Ling was fined RM4,500 or 15 months on
the first count of having 1.94gm of syabu in a
car at the roadside of Imago Mall here at
2.20pm on Jan 12 this year.
He was ordered to pay another fine of
RM2,000 or 12 months’ jail on the second
count of having 0.09gm of syabu in his bag
in the said mall on the same day.
Suhaidi, Rezki and Jimat were each sen-
tenced to 10 months’ jail from the date of
their arrest. Inspectors Kelvan Elson Maik and
Lecturer’s
Albert Basiri prosecuted.
defamation appeal
against Khalid
Samad thrown out
KUALA LUMPUR: The High Court here has
dismissed a lecturer’s appeal against the dis-
missal of his defamation suit against former
Shah Alam MP Khalid Samad.
Lawyer Faiz Fadzil Noor, appearing for
Kamarul Zaman Yusoff, said Justice Latifah
Tahar made the decision during an online
proceeding today.
He said the court affirmed that Khalid’s
remarks against Kamarul were fair comment.
The court also awarded RM10,000 in costs to
Khalid.
Khalid’s remarks were made after
Kamarul, a lecturer with Universiti Utara
Malaysia (UUM), criticised Segambut MP
Hannah Yeoh’s book, “Becoming Hannah”, in
2017.
Hannah’s book described her journey as
an ordinary Malaysian woman whose life was
transformed through her personal faith as a
Christian, which later led her into politics.
Khalid alleged that Kamarul’s criticism of
Yeoh had “tarnished the image of Islam”.
Last year, the sessions court dismissed
Kamarul’s suit against Khalid on grounds
that Khalid’s remarks were fair comment.
 6 Local
Dr Joachim (seated centre) with the Kota Marudu
District Council Members for the term 2023 – 2025.
Advice to new
Kota Marudu
councillors
KOTA MARUDU: District Council members
have been urged to show strong commit-
ment to the district council’s plans and pro-
grammes, as well as to provide solid support
and collaboration in the development of
their respective districts.
Deputy Chief Minister II cum Minister of
Local Government and Housing, Datuk Seri
Dr Joachim Gunsalam, said they should instil
teamwork spirit, be firm, efficient, and cre-
ative in coming up with new ideas to improve
the quality of services more effectively.
“The appointment comes with very
important trust and responsibility,” he said
when officiating the Kota Marudu District
Council Members 2023-2025 term oath taking
ceremony at the Kota Marudu District Coun-
cil Operations Room, here.
The ceremony involved a total of 17 people
(some newly appointed and some reap-
pointed) who have been appointed to pro-
vide the best services to the people of Kota
Marudu.
Based on the authority given under Sec-
tion 10(1) of the Local Government Act 1976,
the Sabah Ministry of Local Government and
Housing appointed Kota Marudu District
Councillors to serve from Jan 20, 2023 to Jan
20, 2025.
“As council members, this trust and
responsibility is not only to advance oneself,
but to help and fulfil the interests of the peo-
ple of Kota Marudu, while contributing ideas
and expertise to the Kota Marudu District
Council and advancing and improving the
quality of council services,” said Dr Joachim.
He said council members must show high
level of commitment in whatever planning
and programmes implemented by the Kota
Marudu District Council and provide solid
support and cooperation to develop Kota
Marudu so that it can compete with other dis-
tricts.
“I hope that this appointment will also
make it easier for the District Council to make
decisions by taking into account the views of
ACCIM delegates to join
community representatives, namely the
appointed council members; however, what-
Anwar on China trip
Jimmy Goh
KOTA KINABALU: The
Associated Chinese
Chambers of Commerce
(ACCCIM) has been
invited to be part of
Prime Minister Datuk
Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s del-
Liew
egation’s official visit to
China on March 29.
ACCCIM President Senator Tan Sri Lu
Seng Chen said the delegations which com-
prise business elite’ aims to promote bilat-
eral cooperation in economy, trade, tourism
and culture.
Among the delegates are Lu, Sabah
United Chinese Chambers of Commerce
(SUCCC) President Tan Sri Andrew Liew Sui
Fatt, Tai Leong Yep, Tan Sri Zhong Tingsen,
Tan Sri Chen Chenglong, Tan Sri Lim Kuan
Seng, Tan Sri Lim Kok Cheong, Dato Tan
Ming Ming and Dato’ Cai Wenzhou.
Lu said ACCCIM would also act as a
strategic partner of the Ministry of Trade
and Industry to coordinate the affairs of
Chinese entrepreneurs accompanying the
delegation and jointly organise the
Malaysia–China Business Summit Forum in
Beijing on April 1.
Anwar is scheduled to attend the Boao
Ke-Nelayan boss backs Sabah Halal
International Forum to deliver his policy
speech before heading to Beijing for a four-
Industry Devt Council proposal
Clarence Dol
KOTA KINABALU: The
proposed establishment
of a Halal Industry
Development Council in
Sabah and Sarawak will
greatly benefit small
and medium-sized
industries from the fishing communities
and entrepreneurs.
Sabah Fisheries and Fishery Develop-
ment Corporation (Ko-Nelayan) Chair-
man, Kong Soon Choi (pic) said the
central government needs to look into the
matter to enable the state government to
issue halal licences that make it easier for
all levels of halal product operators in
Sabah and Sarawak to apply.
“I see the need for the Central Govern-
ever form of decision is taken must be in
accordance with the law, regulations, and
existing policies.”
“I also hope for the best cooperation
among council members and Kota Marudu
District Council officers in carrying out their
duties and responsibilities because this coop-
eration will allow us to increase the services
that will be delivered to the people of Kota
Marudu,” he said.
Additionally, Dr Joachim hoped the Kota
Marudu District Council would be a local
authority that could meet the community’s
wishes and expectations, provide the best
services, and ensure consistent administra-
tion so that the services provided to the com-
munity remain relevant and satisfactory to
the people and stakeholders.
“The Kota Marudu District Council is
expected to be able to achieve and increase
finances as well as find new sources so that
the financial capacity of the Council can be
increased.
“Council members should inculcate team
work, be firm, efficient and creative in gener-
ating ideas to improve the quality of services
more effectively.
“Ideas should be in line with the direction
of the Sabah Maju Jaya action plan, which
leads to a planned and strategic implemen-
tation in order to achieve targets and goals
that coincide with the development needs in
Kota Marudu,” he said.
He called on all Kota Marudu District
Council members to carry out the tasks
entrusted to them with high commitment
and responsibility.
Dr Joachim also handed over appoint-
ment letters to all the Kota Marudu District
Members for the 2023 – 2025 term.
Also present were Assistant Minister of
Agriculture and Food Industry who is also
Tandek Assemblyman, Hendrus Anding;
Deputy Permanent Secretary II of the Ministry
of Local Government and Housing, Faridah
Giau; Kota Marudu District Officer, Alexander
Yong and Executive Officer, Abdul Sani Arsat,
among others.
day and three-night offi-
cial visit in China, the
Malaysia-China Business
Summit which will be
held at the China World
Hotel in Beijing on April 1
and deliver his speech
and conduct dialogues
Lu
and exchanges with the
business elites.
The Prime Minister is scheduled to meet
with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Pre-
mier Li Qiang upon arrival in Beijing.
The official welcome ceremony, witness-
ing the signing of important bilateral coop-
eration memorandums, the state banquet
and the Ramadan dinner with the represen-
tatives in China.
Anwar is also scheduled to give a lecture
at the Tsinghua University. The Malaysian
Chinese Entrepreneur Association will also
be specially invited by the Chinese side to
participate in the China International Liai-
son Department of the Central Committee
of the Communist Party of China during the
Prime Minister’s visit to China.
During this trip, ACCCIM will coordinate
the work of Chinese entrepreneurs with the
delegation, and also hope that the visit will
promote the friendly relations between the
two countries and strengthen the two coun-
tries again.
ment to speed up the devolution of pow-
ers to the governments of Sabah and
Sarawak to issue halal licences them-
selves,” he said this in response to Datuk
Seri Dr Jeffrey Kitingan’s recommendation
that the government in Borneo be
empowered to issue halal licences on
Monday.
Dr Jeffrey said the establishment of the
council in Sabah and Sarawak is appropri-
ate to facilitate the process of issuing
licences because the two regions are very
far from the national capital.
He commented on the proposal while
attending the first meeting of the Halal
Industry Development Council 2023 on
behalf of Chief Minister, Datuk Seri Hajiji
Haji Noor at the Parliament building last
Thursday.
WE D NE S D AY, MARCH 2 9 , 2 0 2 3
Across globe, women battle
‘gendered disinformation’
W
ASHINGTON: Fake photos
showing Ukraine’s first lady
sunbathing topless, incorrect
video subtitles defaming Pakistani femi-
nists for “blasphemy”, slow-motion clips
falsely depicting “drunk” female politi-
cians – a barrage of disinformation tar-
gets women in the public eye.
Researchers say “gendered disinfor-
mation” – when sexism and misogyny
intersect with online falsehoods – has
relentlessly targeted women around the
world, tarnishing their reputations,
undermining their credibility and, in
many cases, upending their careers.
AFP’s global fact-checkers have
debunked falsehoods targeting politi-
cally active women, or those linked to
prominent politicians, exposing online
campaigns that feature fake information
or manipulated images that are often sex-
ually charged.
Last year, a fake image of Ukraine’s
First Lady Olena Zelenska lying topless on
a beach in Israel was shared widely on
Facebook, triggering criticism that she
was having fun while her war-torn coun-
try was suffering.
A reverse image search by AFP showed
the woman in the photo was, in fact, a
Russian television presenter.
Former American first lady Michelle
Obama and current French first lady
Brigitte Macron have also been targeted
in false online posts that claimed they
were born as men. The disinformation
sparked an avalanche of mockery and
transphobic remarks.
New Zealand’s Jacinda Ardern, who
announced her resignation as prime min-
ister in January, is another prominent fig-
ure that faced a torrent of disinformation
about her sex.
“Women – especially those in posi-
tions of power and visibility – are unduly
targeted by online disinformation,”
Maria Giovanna Sessa, a senior researcher
at the nonprofit EU DisinfoLab, wrote in
a report last year.
In another tactic that raised alarm in
2020, a slowed-down version of a video of
Nancy Pelosi, the then US House Speaker,
went viral. The effect made her speech
slurred and gave the false impression that
she was drunk.
“Building on sexist stereotypes and
disseminated with malign intent, gen-
dered disinformation campaigns have a
chilling effect on the women they target,”
Lucina Di Meco, a gender equality expert
wrote in a study published last month.
The disinformation often leads to
“political violence, hate and the deterring
Sky-high UK childcare costs hit women’s careers
of young women from considering a
political career,” said the study titled
LONDON: Increased childcare funding is
expected to feature in the UK govern-
ment’s budget this week, in a bid to ease
pressure on families and particularly
women.
Childcare costs in the UK are among
the highest in the 38-nation OECD,
accounting for nearly a third (29 per
cent) of a family’s income compared to
just nine percent in France.
That has led to a situation where some
parents have been forced to give up work
or drastically reduce their hours – with
women often bearing the brunt – and the
UK economy suffering too.
Natalie Ford said she had “no choice”
when she had her son. “I had no idea how
much nurseries cost,” she told AFP. “It was
a bit of a shock.”
She and her husband pay over £900
($1,100) for a few days a week of childcare
for their 19-month-old son – more than
what they pay for their mortgage.
Nationwide, the average nursery bill is
£285 a week for a child under two, and
much more in London, according to the
Family and Childcare Trust charity.
Ford, 39, from Brentwood in Essex, east
of London, tried to negotiate more flexi-
ble hours and working from home with
her company. But when that was refused
she had no option but to quit.
(Clockwise, from top left) Pelosi, Baerbock, Obama, Ardern, Macron and Zelenska.
“monetizing misogyny.”
In disinformation tactics typically
deployed by political opponents, female
politicians are sometimes framed as
inherently undependable, too emotional
or promiscuous to hold office.
When Germany’s current foreign min-
ister, Annalena Baerbock, was running
for chancellor in 2021, she was the subject
of frequent disinformation campaigns
which raised questions about whether
she was fit for the job.
One of them featured images of a
nude model purporting to be of her,
alongside suggestions that she had
engaged in sex work.
Gendered disinformation represents a
national security threat as it can be
exploited by autocratic states such as Rus-
sia to exercise foreign influence, accord-
ing to multiple researchers.
It can also be used to subdue the oppo-
sition.
“When autocratic leaders are in
power, gendered disinformation is often
used by state-aligned actors to under-
mine women opposition leaders, as well
as women’s rights,” Di Meco’s report
warned.
Women around the globe battle false-
hoods that reinforce stereotypes that they
are unintelligent or inefficient.
In 2021, Egyptian sports shooter Al-
Zahraa Shaaban faced false social media
posts that she had been excluded from
the Tokyo Olympics because she had shot
the referee.
That sparked a wave of comments that
She now works as an executive per-
sonal assistant from home, while her hus-
band, an insurance broker, also does
some remote work. Very little publicly
funded help exists until a child is three.
After that, the state pays for 15 hours of
childcare a week, and twice that for low-
income households.
But the money, paid to nurseries, often
does not cover their costs, which have
soared with inflation.
“My husband is a very hands-on dad,”
said Ford. “He does pick-ups and drop-
offs (at nursery) but I feel like, even in our
situation – I’m the higher earner of the
two of us – I have to make a bit more of a
sacrifice than he would, being the mum.”
Actress Lucy Milnes, 40, has hardly
worked since the birth of her second son
two years ago but she said the situation
was not sustainable.
So she and her husband decided to put
him in day care three mornings a week
the minimum accepted by the institu-
tion. Milnes hopes this will give her “time
to secure more work” and break “a vicious
circle”.
“We are in a position now, for the first
time in decades, where women are being
pushed back (from work) for a kids rou-
tine,” said Joeli Brearley, from Pregnant
Then Screwed, a campaign group.
ridiculed women and questioned their
ability to pursue such sporting activities.
Similar questions were raised about
their ability to take on military jobs fol-
lowing last year’s crash of an F-35 fighter
jet on the deck of a US aircraft carrier in
the South China Sea.
False social media posts held the
world’s first woman to fly an F-35 respon-
sible for the crash. The pilot, in fact, was
a man.
Such humiliating falsehoods,
researchers say, can have a silencing effect
on women, who are drawn to disengage,
censor themselves and even avoid male-
dominated professions, including poli-
tics.
That was a concern raised in a letter by
dozens of US and international lawmak-
ers in 2020 to Facebook, which along with
other platforms has been blamed for the
algorithmic amplification of false and
hateful content targeting women.
In a statement to US media at the time,
Facebook acknowledged that online
abuse of women was a “serious problem”
and pledged to work with policymakers
on their concerns.
“Make no mistake, these tactics, which
are used on your platform for malicious
intent, are meant to silence women, and
ultimately undermine our democracies,”
the letter said.
“It is no wonder women frequently
cite the threat of rapid, widespread, pub-
lic attacks on personal dignity as a factor
deterring them from entering politics.” –
AFP
“Of course there are some women who
want to stay at home and that’s great and
they should be able to do that, but it is the
lack of choice that is an issue.”
Government statistics last year showed
that for the first time in at least 30 years,
the number of women not working to
look after their families rose by five per-
cent. Among 25- to 34-year-old women,
the figure was 13 per cent.
Of those not working, 28.5 per cent
said they were doing so to look after their
families, compared to 6.9 per cent of
men. In a recent report, consultants PWC
identified the impact of childcare costs
on women’s employment as a major
cause of the pay gap with men.
“This has enormous impact not just
immediately, in term of their mental
health, in term of earnings, but also it has
a long-term impact,” said
Brearley, whose group wants reform
on childcare, parental leave and flexible
working “That’s why we see a lot of
women living in poverty when they are
older because they have lower pensions
than men do.”
British employers are calling for
reform of the system to help ease the
country’s labour shortage.
When her daughter was born last year,
Rachel Herr, a 39-year-old fashion
designer, had to stop working on Mon-
days to save on childcare costs. She com-
pensates by working from home on
Saturdays.
She and her husband finally made a
radical decision to move to her home
country, Ireland.
Childcare costs were not the only
issue: mortgage rates and the cost of liv-
ing also sky-rocketed.
“When we worked it out, we realised
that from October we’ll start to go into
debt: expenses will be more than our
income, so we’re forced now to sell our
house and move to Ireland,” said Herr.
“I feel like it’s taking a step back. And I
feel like it’s more limiting for my career
because there’s less career options in Ire-
land for me.” – AFP

Some of the products on display during the open day.
Agro-Budaya
Carnvial
draws 600
Lorena Binisol
KIULU: The Agro-Budaya 2023 Carnival,
held at the Kg. Pahu community hall last
weekend, attracted some 600 people
interested in agriculture.
MP, Datuk Seri Wilfred Madius Tangau,
encouraged villagers to continue with
agro-related activities not only to sell
products, but also because tourists could
view unique fruits or products available in
Sabah.
Seven villages were involved, namely,
Kg Pahu, Kg Lokos, Kg. Paka, Kg. Nulu, Kg.
Sinulihan, Kg Wassai and Kg. Kotunuan.
Some 600 visitors participated in the one-
day event with 200 of them were from out-
side the district.
Organising chair Dr Rosalyn Gelunu
confided that being its inaugural commu-
nity event, it had opened the mindset of
the people of importance in continuing
agriculture activities as it could further
strengthen their family economy, either
selling their products or as part of tourism
activities.
“Our main objective is to introduce this
humble yet meaningful community get-
together for the good of society as I
believed each one could contribute
immensely in agro-tourism.
Sabah is rich with all kinds of natural
products, from fruits to basketry to orna-
ments and anything that is related to our
daily life.
Tourists from other countries look for-
ward to visit our state, we as the provider
should take up the opportunity to
improve what we already have and that
with such activities, everyone’s livelihood
would be economically improved,” said Dr
Rozalyn.
Talk on tax snapshots on Budget 2023
Visitors from various villages.
KOTA KINABALU: Institut Sinaran and Inti
College Sabah co-organised and brought
Ernst & Young’s Tax snapshots on Budget
2023 for the benefit of local micro, small
and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs),
here.
The Budget 2023 Talk held at the Insti-
tute’s auditorium was attended by leaders
and representatives from trade associa-
tions, namely, the Federation of Sabah
Industries, Sabah Employer Association,
Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers, as
well as small and medium enterprise asso-
ciations and chambers of commerce
namely Kota Kinabalu Chinese Chamber
of Commerce & Industry and Sabah China
Chamber of Commerce.
The event was also sponsored by Kota
Kinabalu Hakka Association and attended
by esteemed representatives from the
association and Sabah Tshung Tsin Sec-
ondary Board of Governor and its alumni
association. The event was graced by mem-
bers of the board of directors and gover-
nors of both tertiary institutions and
supported by its industry partners, staff
and students.
The VVIP guests include Datuk Yusoff
Datuk Hj Mohamed Kasim, Chairman of
Tabin Wildlife Resorts and Desa Dairy Cat-
tle Farms and Poultry, Ernst & Young (E&Y)
Sabah Managing Partner, Datuk Goh Chee
Advising the community especially
those involved in agriculture, Madius said
there is huge opportunity for industry
players in agro-business.
He said people no longer apply the old
ways to sell products, but more on the
application of digitisation as it is fast and
effective.
“Globally every country is going
towards digitisation, E-Commerce and so
on and it is a way forward now.
“We also should take the opportunity
to learn and to make use of the internet
services to improve our daily activities.
“There are immense benefits we can get
from which I believe would enhance our
livelihood slowly but surely.
“It is also a way to better one’s creativ-
ity,” Madius said.
Dr Rozalyn shared that it was never easy
to organise community programme and it
took patience and passion to deal with
community. Most importantly, everyone
came together to achieve the common
goal of uniting under a community proj-
ect and learn the new ways in trading, she
said.
She said by organising such event in Kg.
Pahu, it was also a way to introduce to pub-
lic member that Kg. Pahu is potential as
tourism spot.
She conveyed her utmost appreciation
to certain government link agencies for
the assistance in ensuring the first ever
programme was conducted successfully.
They were namely Employees’ Provi-
dent Fund (KWSP), TM Unifi, Sabah Credit
Corporation (SCC), LIGS, Prominent Acad-
emy to name a few. They also opened
booths for public members to enquire on
related matters.
San and Small Medium Enterprise Associ-
ation of Sabah (SME Sabah) President Pro-
fessor Datuk Foo Ngee Kee.
Invited speaker Linda Kuang, East
Malaysia Tax Leader and Partner of Ernst &
Young Tax Consultants Sdn Bhd (based in
Kuching) had been actively assisting
clients in the transition from the Goods
and Services Tax (GST) to the Sales and
Services Tax (SST) following the re-intro-
duction of the SST in Malaysia.
During the talk, she said numerous
budget proposals and initiatives were
aimed at B40 and MSMEs and that the Gov-
ernment is encouraging more ESG initia-
tives and high-impact investments.
Another speaker Chua Meng Kui, a
partner for Ernst & Young International
Tax and Transaction Services, focused on
tax compliance, tax advisory, tax due dili-
gence, pre-initial public offering (IPO)
Local 7
Must realise
WE D NE S D AY, MARCH 2 9 , 2 0 2 3
efforts to
transform
community
colleges,
polytechs
S A N D A K A N :
The  Department of
Putatan water
Polytechnic and
Community College
Education’s (JPPKK)
efforts  to empower
TVET to transform
polytechnics and
supply woe:
community colleges
must be  realised,
Raja Muda of Perlis, Tuanku Syed Faizuddin
Putra Jamalullail (pic) said.
He said  TVET was actually a
combination of knowledge and skills Maintenance
capable of producing excellent human
capital of quality that will eventually create
work to blame
life-changing opportunities.
“Human capital development is
important in facing future challenges and
producing superior human character.
% MAINTENANCE work
“Therefore, the following are matters
carried out at a Water
that should be given attention - a
Department installa-
conducive infrastructure, progress in the
tion, servicing the
agriculture sector, research and innovation
Putatan area, was to
efforts in the field of agriculture and urging
blame for the supply
students to use opportunities to highlight
woes which some con-
their own potential,” the Raja Muda said
sumers in the district
when officiating the Titian Kasih
have been experiencing
Programme at the Sandakan Polytechnic
since last week.
near here.
A spokesman for
Tuanku Syed Faizuddin also officiated
the agency said opera-
the  Sandakan Centre for Polytechnic
tions at its Kasigui
Studies and Aquaculture in conjunction
Treatment Plant ceased
with the programme.
for most of March 23 so
A homeowner in another part of Putatan verifies that
The Titian Kasih programme, organised
that its R9 reservoir on
a supply is reaching her premises.
in conjunction with the Perlis-Sabah
Bukit Kuda – off Jalan
Government Exercise (Eks Perbah), is a
Ramayah – could be
human capital development programme
thoroughly sanitised from any of those on the first floor.
involving school and university students.
and disinfected. An eatery operator at the Putatan
He also officiated a similar programme
“The cleaning was deemed neces- Jaya commercial centre, on the other
at the nearby Universiti Malaysia Sabah
sary given the substantial amount of hand, found it difficult to run his
(UMS) Faculty of Sustainable
algae, fungi and moss which had business under similar circumstances
Agriculture and witnessed the signing of a
sprung up on the inside of reservoir,” The pair respectively provided Hot-
letter of intent between UMS and Universiti
he said. line with their address which was for-
Malaysia Perlis (Unimap) to develop
“Action was also taken to remove warded to the Department.
cooperation in agriculture and sustainable
the layers of sediment which had set- The spokesman said its technicians
agrotechnology.
tled at the base.” went to both locations shortly after
The agreement was signed by UMS vice-
According to him, about 53 million learning about these goings-on.
chancellor Datuk Dr Kasim Mansor and
litres of treated water was produced “They checked on the condition of
Unimap vice-chancellor Datuk Dr Zaliman
daily at the Kasigui Plant, under nor- the pipes leading to each of these
Sauli.
mal circumstances. premises and cleared any airlocks
In his speech, Tuanku Syed Faizuddin
“The output was severely impacted which had formed inside,” he said.
said the slogan  “UMS Leading Towards
while the reservoir was being dealt “They found that the supply was
Innovative Societies” has been made an
with.” reaching the meters and that the
important agenda for public institutions of
He said notices were issued several strength of the supply was accept-
higher learning.
times over the past few months, via able.”
In realising the slogan, Tuanku Syed
social media, to inform the public Where the coffeeshop was con-
Faizuddin said UMS has established a living
about this maintenance. cerned, he said, the agency’s staff con-
lab that functioned  as a  learning and
“Consumers were forewarned firmed that the water at the kitchen
research centre for the benefit of students,
about a possible drop in water pres- sink was flowing as it should.
researchers and also the community.
sure at their premises “Our staff are periodically keeping
“One example is the Rural Medicine
“They were advised to take steps to an eye on the situation to ensure that
Research Lab at the Rural Medical
prepare for this likelihood by storing a supply reaches the residential and
Education Centre in Kudat which
water in advance and using these commercial consumers in these
was  implemented in collaboration with
reserves prudently.” areas.”
Nagasaki University of  Japan in critical
The areas which experienced the Ngiau Chap seller DAWN
sciences such as disaster management and
supply irregularities included Kg bemoaned the inconvenience caused
rural health sciences.
Ramayah, Kg Duvanson, Kg Terawi, Kg by irregular supply.
“With disasters in the country such as
Buit Hill, Kg Bukitas Ulu Putatan, Kg “The water in the storage tanks for
earthquakes and landslides in Sabah, I
Kandazon, Kg Botong, Kg Dabak, Kg my shop has run dry,” she said, adding
support UMS’s efforts to develop a disaster
Baru Putatan, Taman Malakkun and that he had been without a supply at
simulation complex (known as the Disaster
Taman Lembah Impian. the premises the past few days.
Medicine Training Centre), which is capable
Those attending the Agriculture “It is difficult to prepare meals, let
of acting as a living laboratory and will help
Department Training Centre, as well alone make drinks or wash the plates
us to deal with natural disasters,” he said.
as those staying along Jalan Ramayah and cutlery, when the supply is so
Tuanku Syed Faizuddin said the lack of
Terawi, also felt the pinch. unreliable.
food supply had highlighted the importance
The spokesman said the cleaning Housewife RIA spoke out about the
of implementing national food security.
of R9 was completed on the night of water woes in Taman Bersatu.
Towards that end, UMS has collaborated
March 23 but the weak pressure in “I noticed that the pressure of the
with the industry to develop teaching,
some of the affected areas was still water coming from the taps in my
learning and research projects in the
evident as of Monday this week. home had become weak towards the
conservation of highland agriculture in
Hotline was inundated with calls end of last week,” she said.
Mesilou, Kundasang. – Bernama
from irate Putatan consumers about By Monday, when she contacted
the water woes at their premises. Hotline, her supply had been reduced
For more than a week recently, a to a trickle and was only available for
Taman Bersatu Phase 2 resident found a few hours after midnight.
that the pressure of her incoming sup- Ria said she had to forgo cleaning
ply was weak. the house and doing her laundry, as
She said water trickled from some she wanted to conserve the water she
of the taps on the ground floor of her had to take a bath and operate the toi-
home, while not a drop was available lets in her house. (SS)
structuring, group structuring and reor-
ganisation exercises, in-bound and out-
bound investments and tax incentives.
“Businesses will need to embrace a dig-
ital transformation with the implementa-
tion of e-Invoicing. Taxpayers are also
encouraged to embrace cooperative com-
pliance policies and good internal con-
trols on tax matters,” said Chua.
A
Institut Sinaran Board of Governor Dr
Department
Sim Yee Sheng, who is the organising
technician
chairman for the event, hoped that the
confirms
talk would give all participants the latest
that water
insights into the new proposed Budget
is reaching
2023 measures tabled on Feb 24.
this Putatan
He expressed special thanks to gener-
eatery, while
ous industry sponsors and to Ernst &
the owner
Young for the provision of tax consultant
looks on.
speakers such that a free-of-charge talk
event can be held at the Institut Sinaran
campus.
 8 Local
RM4k per kg from bird’s nest
Clarence Dol
RANAU: Breeding swiftlets for their nests
is an increasingly important industry,
especially for rural villagers in Sabah.
Assistant Minister to the Chief Minister,
Datuk Abidin Madingkir, said the bird’s
nest business is one of the profitable busi-
ness sectors for the community here.
“With prices reaching RM4,000 per kg,
this industry generates an income of RM1.5
billion a year in Malaysia.
“High quality swiftlet nests are in high
demand in China where the bird’s nest
soup is seen as a measure of an individual’s
status.
“For the record, Malaysia is the third
largest producer of bird’s nests in the
world after Indonesia and Thailand with
an average of over 12 tonnes of bird’s nests
produced per month,” he said.
The bird’s nest industry has been iden-
tified as one of the potential branches of
CILTM Sabah invited to form
the Economic Transformation Program
(ETP) to help generate RM4.5 billion in
Sabah Logistics Council panel
KOTA KINABALU: The Chartered Institute
of Logistic and Transport (CILTM) Sabah
Section has been invited to be on the com-
mittee for the establishment of a Sabah
Logistics Council.
This significant development will
enable the council to address various
transport logistics planning issues in the
state more effectively, said CILTM Sabah
Section Chairman Dr Oh Ei Sun in a state-
ment Tuesday.
He said the invitation was extended by
Datuk Hanafiah Mohd Kassim, the Perma-
nent Secretary of the Sabah Works Min-
istry, during a forum titled “Civil Society:
The Core of Urban Transport Planning”
organised by CILTM Sabah Section on Mar
25.
Hanafiah was one of the panellists in
the session moderated by Ts Daniel
Doughty. The other panellists were the
Kota Kinabalu City Hall (DBKK) Traffic
and Transportation Department Director
Saiman Angak and Dr Balvinder Kaur Kler,
Director of Tourism Research Centre, Uni-
versiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS).
During the forum, Saiman emphasised
that it is of critical importance to review
the Urban Transport Planning Masterplan
M’sia intends to be member
2014-2020, to ensure it remains current
and relevant to the changing times and
of UN-Habitat as region rep
PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia intends to be a
member of the Executive Board of the
United Nations Human Settlements Pro-
gramme (UN-Habitat) to represent the
Asia Pacific region in the elections to be
held in Nairobi, Kenya in June.
Local Government Development Minis-
ter Nga Kor Ming said this is to strengthen
Malaysia’s role towards achieving the Sus-
tainable Development Goals (SDGs)
agenda, especially Goal  11 (Sustainable
Cities and Communities).
“It will place the country at the fore-
Climber eyes 2nd Everest stint
front in the sustainable and universal
urbanisation agenda on the global stage,”
PETALING JAYA: A
Malaysian moun-
taineer who climbed
Mount Everest in
2016 is set to make a
second attempt on
April 5.
Azim Afif Ishak
(pic), 35, will lead a
multiracial team of
mountaineers in what has been billed as
“Malaysia Everest 2023”. In preparation for
the expedition, Azim Afif and his team
underwent technical and mountain train-
ing to be fully prepared for any challenges
they might face.
“We regularly climb between 6,000m
and 8,000m as part of our training so that
during the expedition, all of us can with-
stand the thin air and temperature while
climbing Everest.
“One of the mountaineers I will be
leading is Hawari Hashim, who represents
the disabled community. He is deaf, and
yet he insists on joining the climb up Ever-
est despite knowing it might be (diffi-
cult),” Azim Afif told theSun.
After successfully reaching the Everest
peak in 2016, Azim Afif continued his pas-
sion as a mountaineer and climbed Cho
Oyu in Tibet, which is the sixth-highest
mountain in the world at 8,201m, apart
from several other peaks.
“Last October, my team and I climbed
Manasulu in Nepal, the eighth highest
mountain in the world. However, before
we could reach the summit, we were hit by
an avalanche and several people died, forc-
ing us to discontinue the climb.”
Azim Afif plans on opening a mountain
cafe. He has not finalised where it would
be located, but it would provide informa-
tion on mountain climbing and be a place
where mountaineers could share their
Abidin and others after officiating at the swiftlet house in Kg Rumantai.
Gross National Income (GNI).
He said records show that the industry
also created 20,800 job opportunities and
the commodity remained strong with
exports amounting to 7,838 tonnes worth
RM1.9 billion in 2022.
Abidin, who is also Paginatan Assem-
blyman, said this while completing the
opening of the Village Swiftlets House and
technology.
Dr Balvinder, in her address, under-
scored the need to factor in tourism
requirements in any future planning and
drew on Melbourne’s transport system as
an excellent example of a traveller-
friendly city. She further highlighted the
importance of the aesthetic, cultural, and
historical aspects of Kota Kinabalu city in
planning.
Meanwhile, the CILT Malaysia Presi-
dent Dato Muhammad Muhiyuddin
Abdullah praised CILTM Sabah Section for
successfully holding the forum
He said CILTM will support whatever
initiatives carried out by the Sabah State
Government and CILT Sabah to improve
the transport system in the State and he
hopes more stakeholders will participate
in the next discussion.
Dr Oh said the CILTM Sabah’s forum
marked a significant milestone, as it was
the first of its kind for the year 2023.
The success of the event is a testament
to the CILTM Sabah’s unwavering commit-
ment to promoting effective transport
logistics planning in the region, he said,
adding all stakeholders interested in
future events are welcome to participate
and contribute their ideas to this vital ini-
tiative.
he said in a statement Tuesday.
On March 20, Nga held an engagement
session with ambassadors and representa-
tives of foreign embassies in Malaysia from
the Asia Pacific region as well as represen-
tatives from various government agencies,
including Wisma Putra, as a way to realise
Malaysia’s hope to be a member of
the Executive Board of the UN-Habitat.
The UN-Habitat has been mandated by
the UN General Assembly to
promote  socially and environmentally
sustainable towns and cities, with the aim
of providing adequate shelter for every-
one. – Bernama
experiences.
“I have a rough idea of how the cafe
would be that I thought of before the
Covid-19 pandemic hit.
“Covid-19 put paid to my plans, and
now with this expedition, the plans for the
cafe have been postponed again.
“I hope to make it a reality after I return
from Everest.”
Meanwhile, Ravichandran Tharuma-
lingam, also known as Ravi Everest, is plan-
ning a Himalaya Sports Everest-Lhotse
Expedition 2023 to climb the mountain
solo.
“I have been doing lots of physical
climbing over the years. But in preparation
for the Everest-Lhotse climb, I have been
doing high altitude conditioning.”
In the next four years, Ravichandran
wants to conquer the 14 highest mountain
peaks in the world, all of which have an
altitude of more than 8,000m.
“It is a major project that requires me
to complete climbing all 14 mountain
peaks in the shortest time. I have set this
new challenge to be achieved in the next
four years.
“This back-to-back ascent will make my
fourth expedition to Mount Everest more
difficult than my previous climbs, but it
reflects my life’s motto, ‘Challenge Your
Summit’, which I define as raising the bar
to achieve the very best.”
He also said he might choose to end his
mountaineering career once he has
climbed all 14 peaks.
“The feeling of satisfaction after the
struggle of climbing the mountain, stand-
ing on the summit and returning home
safely is surreal.”
Above all, Ravichandran hopes to bring
glory to the nation by planting the Jalur
Gemilang on all 14 peaks and being the first
Southeast Asian to do so. –The Sun Daily
WE D NE S D AY, MARCH 2 9 , 2 0 2 3
GrandStand at Kg Rumantai, here,
recently.
Towards that end, he encouraged the
villagers, especially those in Paginatan
area, to venture into this swiftlet business.
“Well done to those who have started in
this field, and to those who wish to get
involved in this industry, we encourage
them.
59 students take part in three-
The students with lecturers and staff of IPG Campus Keningau.
day exploration programme
Johan Aziz
KENINGAU: Some 59 students of the Insti-
tute of Teacher Education (IPG) of the
Keningau Campus participated in the
three-day Local Community Culture
Exploration Programme (Pendaras) at SK
Kimondou and Kampung Kibbas in
Ranau, recently.
They are a group of students from
PISMP Intake June 2021 – Kadazandusun
(BKD) language, History and RBT.
The programme, which was jointly
organised by the Education Department
of IPG and SK Kimondou Ranau, also
involved 14 lecturers and staff of IPG,
administrators and teachers of SK Kimon-
dou. Also participating were the commu-
nities of Kampung Kibbas and Purakagis
Ranau.
The objective was to meet the require-
ments of the continuous assessment
assignment for the EDUP3073 Culture and
Learning Course.
On the first day (March 16), there was a
signing ceremony of the Letter of Intent to
Cooperate between IPG Keningau and SK
Kimondou Ranau, followed by a PISMP
30 attend Tambunan health course
Student Discussion Meeting with the
administrators, teachers and Parents
Teachers Association (PTA) of the school.
Johan Aziz
TAMBUNAN: Thirty people comprising
health personnel and members of the
public participated in a two-day course on
strengthening the advisory panel and
youth health held at Rainforest Resort
Mahua here.
The course was organised together with
the Assistant Medical Officer Service unit,
the District Health Office and the Patau
Health Clinic Advisory Panel in collabora-
tion with the District’s Expanded Scope
(Adolescent Health) Division.
Patau Health Clinic Medical Officer, Dr.
Abilasha Nair who officiated the course
said the advisory panel members and ado-
lescent health played an important role in
bridging the gap between health person-
nel and the public by providing the neces-
sary health information.
She said, they function as intermedi-
aries to ensure that the correct informa-
tion is conveyed to the public.
“They are equipped with extensive
knowledge to plan, implement, and eval-
uate health-related activities and events,
ensuring that the right message is deliv-
ered in an effective manner.
“With their extensive knowledge, these
people can help health facilities in dissem-
Duo detained over assault on lorry driver
inating health-related information to the
public,” she said.
SHAH ALAM: Police have detained two
local men suspected of assaulting the
lorry driver that was involved in an acci-
dent that killed a schoolgirl near  Port
Klang recently.
Klang Selatan district police chief ACP
Cha Hoong Fong said the arrest of the duo,
both aged 39, was made following a report
lodged by the lorry driver on Thursday.
“We are in the midst of completing the
investigation and will refer the investiga-
tion paper to the deputy public prosecutor
Agro-tourism
site features
over 500
types of plants
SERDANG: The Plot, located at the
Malaysia Agro Exposition Park Serdang
(Maeps) features more than 500 types of
plants, is offering a unique agro-tourism
experience as well as classes for visitors to
learn more about the science of farming.
Apadana Agro Sdn Bhd chief executive
officer Dr Abas Mazni Othman said The
Plot which occupies two acres of land, is a
one-stop centre offering visitors activities
to learn about the types of plants culti-
vated there through its agro tourism pro-
“What is important is that when we grammes.
work on something, we do it seriously so “We developed The Plot to benefit indi-
that what we do will bear fruit. viduals who are interested in getting to
“We hope that whatever enterprise is know plant species that may now be diffi-
run by the village community here will be cult to find anywhere, including those
able to provide good results and at least be who wish to learn how to cultivate plants.
able to improve the economy of them- “I would like to change the perception
selves, their families and the community that agriculture is not fun, hot and smelly
in general,” he said. because if done right, it is not only fun but
can help generate income,” he told
Bernama in an interview recently.
Abas Mazni said The Plot was divided
into 10 sections namely zeolite (volcanic
rock) and zeolite-based products; water
catchment area; innovative planting
media; main crops; outdoor garden;
indoor garden, animal farm; retail outlets;
centre for recreation as well as training,
events and consultancy.
The former Malaysian Agricultural
Research and Development Institute
(Mardi) scientist said the animal farm on
The PLOT was filled with chickens, ducks,
goats, fish, pigeons, and quails.
He said The Plot was also cultivated
with trees and plants that are unique and
rare, including lemon myrtle, acerola
cherry, miracle berry, Surinam cherry,
black turmeric and fragrant flowers,
including kesidang (bread flower), Mag-
nolia champaca, orange jasmine and
Tonkin jasmine.
The lemon myrtle plant was imported
from Australia, he said, claiming that only
This was followed by a handover ceremony The Plot and an agropreneur in Selangor
of adopted children to their respective are cultivating this plant for commercial
families at the village. purposes.
On March 17, the aerobic activity was “This miracle berry tree, originally from
led by PISMP students followed by Mexico, is true to its name…it can change the
“gotong-royong sehati sejiwa” to clean up sour taste of food into a sweet taste,” he said.
the surrounding area. According to him the crops at The Plot
A motivational talk for Year 6 students are cared for using environmentally
with their parents was delivered by guest friendly methods that minimise the use of
speaker, Haji Bujang Haji Sabli. chemical fertilisers to maintain environ-
In the afternoon, sports activities and mental sustainability, including using
games with the theme of traditional used tires to replace flower pots.
games took place. “We have a section called Tyre Gar-
The evening highlight of the pro- den@The Plot with the concept of sustain-
gramme were the Cultural Dinner and the able use of waste materials where old tyres
Inauguration of the programme by the are set out according to the needs of each
Ranau District Education Officer, Barizah plant type by prioritising maintenance
Abdul Kahar. efficiencies such as watering, fertilising,
This ceremony went smoothly and weeding and cleaning,” he said adding
lively with traditional performances of the that the tyres also function as barriers to
Malaysian community from the students mark the edges of the garden.
of IPG Keningau and Kibbas Ranau vil- Abas Mazni said the plants were also
lagers. processed to produce products such as tea
On March 18, Tambiau Forest House and aromatherapy oil from lemon myrtle
recreational activities involving and pickles, jam and juice from the roselle
IPG students along with lecturers and staff plant, which are being sold in the retail
and the program ends with ‘Lambaian section of The Plot.
Kasih’ as a symbolic handover ceremony of Located at the Mechanisation and
adopted children to IPG Keningau Cam- Automation Technology Site, The Plot is
pus. open daily from 9am to 7pm. – Bernama
Dr Abilasha with health officials, staff and participants.
Dr Abilasha who represented the Dis- their health.
trict Health Officer said that their involve- “The strengthening course of the advi-
ment in the planning and implementation sory panel and adolescent health is
of health campaigns can help ensure that expected to increase the knowledge of the
the campaigns are successful in order to participants and also improve the health
achieve the target. level of the community in this district.
She said, their voluntary efforts are greatly “Hopefully their voluntary efforts can
appreciated in their commitment to help continue and be appreciated in making an
health facilities to deliver information important contribution in promoting
through dedication in contributing to build- public health,” she said.
ing a healthier and more informed society. Among the activities carried out during
According to her, their role in promot- the course are health talks on the role of
ing public health cannot be doubted, and the Advisory Panel and adolescent health,
their contribution is very important in the Tobacco Control Act program as well
ensuring that individuals obtain sufficient as HISTep and tuberculosis control talks in
health information and can make deci- addition to group work activities, and
sions based on information related to health screening.
soon,” he said in a statement. adding that  the case was being investi-
Cha said the police had also recorded gated under Section 147 and Section 427 of
statements from six witnesses to facilitate the Penal Code.
investigations into the case. It was reported that the lorry driver was
He said the police were also tracking injured after he was beaten up by a group
down another individual, identified of people following the  fatal accident
as  Muhammad Putra Abdullah, 31,  who involving a schoolgirl in Kampung Telok
was believed to be involved in the case. Gong.
“Those with information on the suspect In the accident, the victim was riding
are urged to contact the Klang Selatan dis- pillion with her brother on a motorcycle
trict police headquarters at 03-33762222 ridden by a woman, believed to be their
or  the nearest police station,”  Cha  said, babysitter. – Bernama

Leaders reflect
9 years after
historic BARMM
peace pact
GENERAL SANTOS: Bangsamoro interim
Chief Minister Ahod Balawag “Murad”
Ebrahim has called on other leaders of the
special Muslim-majority region to con-
tinue working for the future of the people
in the Bangsamoro homeland, particu-
larly in the quest for justice, peace, and
progress of the region.
Ebrahim made the call on Monday,
March 27, as he addressed a public forum
to commemorate the 9th year of the for-
mal signing of the Comprehensive Agree-
ment of the Bangsamoro (CAB) in 2014.
The CAB, the final peace settlement
signed by the government and the Moro
Islamic Front (MILF) during the adminis-
tration of the late president Benigno
Simeon Aquiono III, paved the way for the
passage of the Bangsamoro Organic Law
(BOL), which operationalised the CAB and
established the Bangsamoro Region in
Muslim Mindanao (Barmm).
Ebrahim, also the leader of the MILF,
said the day marked a significant mile-
stone in the history of the Bangsamoro
people and their continued pursuit of
lasting peace and prosperity in the region.
BARMM parliament members say the
exploitation of Ligawasan Marsh threat-
ens the historical existence and ecology of
the country’s largest wetland
He said the agreement paved the way
for “correcting historical injustice, system-
atic oppression, and discrimination” com-
mitted against the Bangsamoro.
“Let us seize this opportunity to learn
from one another and work toward a bet-
ter future for the Bangsamoro people,” he
said.
Ebrahim said the CAB, as a political set-
tlement, “is not the end of the
Bangsamoro narrative but the continua-
tion of our lifelong quest for justice,
peace, and progress.”
Isidro Purisima, the acting presidential
peace, reconciliation, and unity adviser,
said the government would ensure to
push forward, sustain and build on the
gains of the Bangsamoro peace process as
this would be the “key in building a bet-
ter, brighter, and more progressive future
for the region.”
“This day, nine years ago, was a tri-
umphant moment not only for the
Bangsamoro people but the Filipino
nation as a whole, as the weapons of war
Plans to
fell silent, and residents who used to wake
anticipate
tourist surge
during Eid
JAKARTA: Tourism and Creative Economy
Minister Sandiaga Salahuddin Uno has
readied several plans and increased coor-
dination with regional governments to
anticipate a potential surge in the number
of tourists during this year’s Eid al-Fitr hol-
iday period.
“We will carry out simulations so that
ahead of D-7 (of Eid), the procedures
would have been prepared, such as (for)
crowd control and the flow of visitors and
others,” he said at the Presidential Palace
Complex here on Monday.
This year’s Eid al-Fitr holiday will be the
first long holiday after the Covid-19 pan-
demic and the revocation of the public
activity restrictions (PPKM) in December
2022. Therefore, Uno predicted, the num-
ber of tourists will surge during the holi-
day.
He informed that his ministry has coor-
dinated with tourism offices in districts,
cities, and provinces as well as authority
bodies at each tourism destination to pre-
pare for tourists.
He further said that regional govern-
ments and tourism authorities will need to
immediately improve aspects to support
security, safety, and cleanliness during the
holiday period.
“If, during the (implementation of)
PPKM, the strengthening was carried out
in the health field, now, the focus is on
security, safety, cleanliness, and sustain-
ability,” he informed.
Uno said that his ministry is improving
tourism facilities such as rest areas in
mudik (homecoming exodus) routes and
mosque-based tourist destinations to
attract tourists.
“We have just launched several tourist
destinations for mudik routes. Last year,
we launched several tourism villages, and
this year, there are several rest areas and
mosque-based tourist destinations,” the
minister added. – Antara
up to the sound of mortar fire would start
hearing the hum of bulldozers, trucks,
and farming equipment,” a statement
released by his office read in part.
But days before the anniversary, secu-
rity forces launched an offensive against
armed groups in villages along the
boundaries of the BARMM and the Socc-
sksargen region, killing at least three
alleged militants. The ensuing skirmishes
and artillery shelling by soldiers displaced
families who fled their homes and sought
shelter elsewhere.
Purisima said the 2014 agreement
embodied the aspirations of the
Bangsamoro people who struggled for
almost three decades to achieve self-
determination and self-governance.
He also acknowledged those who col-
laborated and worked toward a common
ground for the welfare of the
Bangsamoro.
The CAB has brought about a new gen-
eration of public servants, who were once
military tacticians and fighters, now com-
mitted to serving their community.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr said his
administration was determined to fulfill
the national government’s commitments
under all signed Bangsamoro peace
agreements.
In a video message, Marcos assured
Bangsamoro officials and people that the
government would not falter in its com-
mitments.
During a public forum, the Barmm
achievements during the nine years the
agreement has been in existence were out-
lined in a presentation, with emphasis on
the newly enacted Bangsamoro Electoral
Code.
Ebrahim said the public forum,
attended by experts from the academe,
professionals, and government digni-
taries, “will help us prepare for the first
regional elections” in 2025.
Bangsamoro parliament member Sha
Elijah Dumama-Alba said ensuring the
success of the 2025 Barmm elections will
not be the responsibility of select institu-
tions alone.
“It requires the buy-ins and conscious
efforts of all of us, from the government,
the international community, academe,
security sector, civil society, and
‘Need new pattern of health worker distribution’
citizens in general,” Dumama-Alba said. –
Rappler
JAKARTA: President
Joko Widodo (Jokowi)
has asked his ranks to
prepare alternative pat-
terns for health work-
ers’ distribution so that
they are uniformly
spread across Indone-
sia.
Minister for Administrative and
Bureaucratic Reform Azwar Anas con-
veyed this information after attending a
limited meeting on the health bill with
President Widodo at Jakarta Presidential
Palace on Monday.
“At the meeting, we discussed issues
related to the medical sector. For exam-
ple, issues regarding the distribution of
doctors and health workers,” he said in
China-Taiwan battle lines run through Latin America
Jakarta on Monday.
Anas informed that he was asked by
the President to prepare a new pattern
TEGUCIGALPA: A battle in the intense
diplomatic war between China and Taiwan
is being fought in Latin America, where
Honduras has become the latest country to
ditch Taipei and align itself with Beijing.
Paraguay will be the next front as it
holds a presidential election in April, with
opposition candidate Efrain Alegre having
vowed to reevaluate relations with Taipei if
he wins.
After Honduras’ severing of ties with
Taiwan on Sunday, only Paraguay and 12
other countries now maintain diplomatic
relations with the self-ruled democratic
island: Guatemala, Belize, Haiti, the Holy
See, Eswatini, and seven small Caribbean
and Pacific island nations.
Taiwan’s president, Tsai Ing-wen, is set
to visit Guatemala and Belize this week
seeking to boost ties after Honduras and
others recently shifted their allegiance to
China: Nicaragua in 2021, El Salvador in
2018, Panama in 2017 and Costa Rica in
2007.
She will also have stopovers in New York
and Los Angeles.
“We are facing a geopolitical recompo-
WE D NE S D AY, MARCH 2 9 , 2 0 2 3
ICC appeals
chamber junk
P’pine bid to
suspend drug
war probe
MANILA: The Appeals Chamber of the
International Criminal Court has rejected
the Philippine government’s bid for the
suspension of the ICC prosecutor’s investi-
gation into the killings in the war on
drugs.
The decision came days after the Office
of the Solicitor General (OSG) on March 13
filed an appeals brief which sought the
reversal of the ICC’s decision to resume the
probe into the Duterte administration’s
anti-drugs campaign.
The government through the OSG had
asked the ICC to suspend the investigation
while the appeal was ongoing; to suspend
the authorisation of the ICC to investigate;
and to determine that the Prosecution is
not authorised to conduct an investiga-
tion.
“The Appeals Chamber rejects the
request of the Republic of the Philippines
for suspensive effect of the aforemen-
tioned decision of Pre-Trial Chamber I,”
read the decision signed by Judge Marc
Perrin de Brichambaut.
The Chamber reviewed the following
documents: the Philippine government’s
notice to appeal; the response of the Pros-
ecutor to the notice; and the Philippine
government’s appeals brief.
The Chamber said that the Philippine
government failed to explain the Court’s
lack of jurisdiction or to provide explana-
tion of the implications and scope of
investigation.
It also pointed out that the local inves-
tigation can proceed even with the ongo-
ing ICC investigation.
The Philippine government had alleged
that the ICC lacks jurisdiction and that the
investigation is an encroachment on the
sovereignty of the Philippines.
“The Appeals Chamber notes that while
the Philippines provides its supporting
arguments with respect to the absence of
the Court’s jurisdiction in the Philippines
Situation under the first ground of appeal,
it fails to explain how the alleged absence
of jurisdictional or legal basis for the
resumption of the Prosecutor’s activities
pending the resolution of the appeal
would ‘defeat its very purpose and create
an irreversible situation that could not be
corrected’.”
The Chamber also noted the govern-
ment’s failure to explain alleged “far-
reaching and inimical consequences or
implications of the Prosecutor’s activities
on suspects, witnesses and victims.”
“The Philippines fails to provide any
explanation as to what those implications
may be and how the broad scope of
the Prosecutor’s investigation at this
stage of the proceedings would lead
to consequences that ‘would be very diffi-
cult to correct and may be irreversible’.” –
GMA
for health worker redistribution since
the current pattern has not been able to
fulfil the need for doctors and health
workers.
“We are preparing options to accom-
modate the distribution. With our cur-
rent pattern, no matter how many health
workers we have, the number will never
be enough,” the minister said.
The government had actually pre-
pared formations for health workers for
remote areas, but the health workers
returned to big cities after one to two
years, he added.
“When the formation is prepared in
Papua, Maluku, or other remote areas, the
health workers usually move out after
one or two years.
That is why the number will never be
enough,” he said.
He emphasized that his ministry is
preparing a pattern to support the uni-
FOCUS
sition of the world,” Honduras analyst
Zoyla Madrid, recently retired from the
National University, told AFP – with China
one of the “imperial poles” vying for Latin
American support.
In that race, the decision by Honduras
was a blow to Washington, said Madrid.
“The United States has always counted
on Honduras geopolitically and militarily,
in fact Honduras has seven US military
bases,” she said.
The United States has no diplomatic ties
with Taiwan, but “a robust unofficial rela-
tionship,” according to the State Depart-
ment.
It is Taiwan’s most significant ally and
largest weapons supplier, despite having
switched recognition to Beijing in 1979.
China considers Taiwan part of its terri-
tory, to be retaken one day – by force, if nec-
essary. Under its “One China” policy, it does
not allow countries to recognize both Bei-
jing and Taipei.
After the Honduras move, US Secretary
of State Antony Blinken said Washington
Philippines & Indonesia 9
The defensive weaponry were fitted aboard the BRP Jose Rizal
PH Navy test-fires anti-ship
(FF-150) and BRP Antonio Luna (FF-151). (Pic: Philippine Navy)
missile decoys off Zambales
MANILA: The Philippine Navy (PN) on
Tuesday announced that it had test-fired
its newly acquired “Bullfighter” chaff anti-
missile decoys in Zambales waters last
March 24.
These defensive weaponry were fitted
aboard the BRP Jose Rizal (FF-150) and BRP
Antonio Luna (FF-151).
“The ‘Bullfighter’ is a new generation of
130mm decoys for super rapid blooming
offboard chaff (SRBOC) and other 130mm
launcher systems to protect naval vessels
up to the size of frigates against anti-ship
missiles,” PN spokesperson Captain Benjo
Negranza said in a statement.
He said the chaff were tested and fired
by the Offshore Patrol Force aboard the
two missile frigates.
“The payload of the chaff is effective
against missiles with modern and sophis-
ticated seekers and electronic protection
measure(s),” Negranza added.
LTFRB issues memorandum
Observers said chaff works by distract-
ing radar guided missiles from their tar-
vs sexual harassment in PUVs
MANILA: The Land Transportation Fran-
chising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) will
now penalise operators, drivers, conduc-
tors, and employees who commit sexual
harassment in public utility vehicles
(PUV).
In a statement on Monday, the LTFRB
cited the Safe Spaces Act that addresses
“gender-based sexual harassment” in the
streets, public places, cyberspace, work-
places, and schools.
LTFRB’s Memorandum Circular No.
2023-016 and the Safe Spaces Act penalise
swearing, catcalling, lewd and sexist com-
ments, actions mocking genders, remarks
form distribution of health workers in the
country.
“President Jokowi hopes that health
workers can be evenly distributed
throughout Indonesia to serve the
community and certain hospitals, not
only in cities but also in remote areas,”
Anas said.
Besides redistribution issues, the min-
ister disclosed that the current number of
health workers is lower than required for
the ideal ratio. According to him, so far,
areas outside Java have experienced a
shortage of general practitioners and spe-
cialists.
“We will take several affirmative steps,
including the amendment to the
Health Law later, but in the short term,
our party is formulating how these health
workers can be distributed evenly accord-
ing to the staff recruited,” he said. –
Antara
has offered its “support to people on Tai-
wan” but that it also stood by the “One-
China” policy.
“Countries have to make their own sov-
ereign decisions about their foreign poli-
cies,” he said. “We leave that to them.”
Honduran sociologist Pablo Carias told
AFP that Washington’s position amounted
to “Do as I say, not as I do.”
“The United States is recommending
that we do not establish relations with
China and yet they have relations,” he said.
For Paraguay’s former foreign minister
Eladio Loizaga, it seemed unlikely his
country would switch recognition to Bei-
jing “although it cannot be ignored that
there is very great political pressure.”
Added analyst Hector Cristaldo: “Look-
ing at the numbers, there is nothing to dis-
cuss” when it comes to Paraguay’s
diplomatic loyalty.
“It is not the same to do business with
Puerto Rico as with the United States,” said
Cristaldo.
Before deciding to cut ties, Taiwan
claimed, Honduras had asked it for money,
saying it would “not engage in a meaning-
gets by spreading or dispensing a small
cloud of aluminium, metalised glass fiber
or plastic which appears as a cluster of tar-
gets in radar screens.
The acquisition of the chaff counter-
measure capability is part of the PN’ 2nd
Horizon modernisation program to capac-
itate the country’s warships to defend
against modern naval warfare threats.
The BRP Jose Rizal and its sister ship
BRP Antonio Luna are modern warships
capable of surface, sub-surface, air and
electronic warfare using state-of-the-art
electronic sensors, long-range missiles,
acoustic guided torpedoes and embarked
anti-submarine helicopters.
The BRP Jose Rizal was delivered to the
Philippines in May 2020 and commis-
sioned in July of the same year while the
BRP Antonio Luna was commissioned on
March 19, 2021. The contract for the two
ships was placed at PHP16 billion with
another PHP2 billion for weapon systems
and munitions. – PNA
interfering with a person’s private life, and
sexual jokes, among others.
For the first offence, PUV workers
involved in these acts may face a P5,000
fine and six-month suspension of their
vehicle’s operation, the LTFRB said.
For the second offence, they may face a
P10,000 fine and one year suspension of
their vehicle.
For the third offence, violators may face
a P15,000 fine and revocation of the Cer-
tificate of Public Convenience (CPC) of
their vehicle.
If PUV workers failed to report a sexual
harassment incident to authorities, they
will have to pay P5,000 fine for the first
offence, according to the LTFRB.
For the second offence, PUV workers
will face a P10,000 fine and three-month
suspension of their vehicle.
For the third offence, they will have to
pay a P15,000 fine and revocation of the
CPC of their vehicle.
The LTFRB said the Land Transportation
Office (LTO) may also suspend or cancel
the license of the driver who commits
sexual harassment under the Safe Spaces
Act.
Under the memorandum, PUV opera-
tors are also ordered to display in two con-
spicuous places inside their vehicles a
signage like “BAWAL ANG BASTOS!”
(LTFRB Memorandum Circular No. 2023-
016), and “ISUMBONG SA LTFRB! 24/7 Hot-
line: 1342 Email: complaints@ltfrb.
gov.ph” in a format set by the LTFRB.
Ignoring this instruction is a violation
of the guidelines and conditions of the
CPC. Penalties under the Joint Administra-
tive Order No. 2014-01 will be imposed,
according to the LTFRB. – GMA
less cash diplomacy contest with China.”
Latin America has been crucial to the
diplomatic struggle between Beijing and
Taipei since they separated in 1949, after
the Chinese civil war.
The communists seized power in main-
land China, while the nationalists retreated
to Taiwan.
Sung Wen-ti, a lecturer on Taiwan stud-
ies with the National Australian University,
said Taiwan would be disappointed about
losing another ally.
But it likely “assigns just as high, if not
higher priority (to) strengthening rela-
tions with other leading countries around
the world, countries like the US, Japan, Aus-
tralia, and Europe, for example.”
Sung added Taiwan has been playing an
increasingly prominent role in the worsen-
ing rivalry between the United States and
China.
And while the United States increas-
ingly needs to “prioritize where it spends
its strategic resources” there may be “more
openings for China... in terms of economic
assistance to make friends in Latin Amer-
ica, Africa, Pacific Islands,” he said.
 WORLD
North’s Kim ramping up weapon-grade nuclear material
11 Ex-student kills six in latest US mass shooting
SEOUL: Leader Kim Jong Un called for
North Korea to expand production of
“weapon-grade nuclear materials”, state
media said Tuesday, as Pyongyang
unveiled what appeared to be a new,
smaller tactical nuclear warhead.
Kim was shown in state media images
surrounded by uniformed generals
inspecting a row of compact green war-
heads identified as the “Hwasan-31”, which
means volcano in Korean.
The North has long sought the technol-
ogy to “miniaturise” a nuclear warhead
allowing it to be mounted on its intercon-
tinental ballistic missiles to threaten the
United States. Diagrams on the walls in the
photos indicate this could be possible with
the Hwasan-31.
Kim was briefed by officials from the
North Korean nuclear weapons institute,
the official Korean Central News Agency
(KCNA) reported. He called on them to
expand “the production of weapon-grade
nuclear materials” for an “exponential”
increase in the North’s arsenal.
Kim also “put spurs to continuing to
produce powerful nuclear weapons” that
he said would strike fear into the North’s
enemies, KCNA said.
West’s double standards exposed: Amnesty
Belarus forced to host Russian
nukes due to Western pressure
MOSCOW: Belarus said on Tuesday it was
forced to host Russian nuclear weapons
due to “unprecedented” Western pres-
sure, insisting their deployment did not
violate international agreements (pic).
At the weekend Russian President
Vladimir Putin announced plans to sta-
tion tactical nuclear weapons in the
Moscow-allied country, drawing con-
demnation from the West.
“Belarus is forced to respond to
strengthen its own security and defence
capability,” the foreign ministry in Minsk
said.
It said Minsk had been subjected to
“unprecedented” political and economic
pressure from the United States and its
allies.
Belarus said it would not have control
over the weapons and their deployment
“in no way contradicts” the Treaty on the
Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons.
Minsk allowed Russia to use its terri-
tory as a launch pad for Moscow’s offen-
sive against Ukraine last year.
The two countries have since held mil-
itary exercises on Belarusian territory and
increased cooperation between their
armies.
“Military cooperation between Belarus
and Russia is carried out in strict accor-
dance with international law,” the for-
eign ministry said.
Authoritarian President Alexander
Lukashenko has ruled Belarus since 1994.
The West has hit Minsk with multiple
rounds of sanctions over its crackdown
on political dissent and its role as a
springboard for Moscow’s assault on
Ukraine.
Ukraine said on Tuesday it had shot
down a dozen Russian drones over the
capital Kyiv, adding that had been no
casualties as a result of Moscow’s latest
Cancer-causing compounds in everyday food
aerial barrage. Single-use drones were
PARIS: Cancer-causing chemical com-
pounds called nitrosamines have been
detected in a range of everyday foods and
could pose a health risk to consumers, the
European Food Safety Agency warned on
Tuesday.
The 10 nitrosamines—which are not
intentionally added to food but which can
form during its preparation and process-
ing—are carcinogenic and also genotoxic,
which means they may damage DNA,
according to a new study conducted by the
European Union agency.
“Our assessment concludes that for all
age groups across the EU population, the
level of exposure to nitrosamines in food
raises a health concern,” said Dieter
Y OU R LOCAL V OICE I WE D NE S D AY, MARCH 2 9 , 2 0 2 3
The North has long sought the technology to ‘miniaturise’ a nuclear
warhead allowing it to be mounted on its intercontinental ballistic missiles.
Experts warned the unveiling of a
potential tactical nuclear weapon did one of their lowest points in years, with
indeed show key signs of technical Seoul and Washington ramping up joint
progress, and could indicate an imminent military drills as North Korea conducts
nuclear test.
It came as a US Navy carrier strike group blaming the South for the deteriorating
arrived in South Korea on Tuesday.
key to a series of attacks that Russia
launched against Ukrainian infrastruc-
ture over the winter months, disrupting
heat, water and electricity supplies to
much of the population.
Russia’s defence ministry said Tuesday
that its navy had fired test anti-ship mis-
siles at mock targets in the Sea of Japan
during military exercises.
Moscow said its naval aviation over-
saw the “safety of the combat exercise.”
Russia has held such exercises before,
firing test Moskit missiles in a similar
drill last year.
But Japanese Foreign Minister Yoshi-
masa Hayashi said that as Moscow’s
Ukraine offensive continues “the Russia
military is increasing activity in the Far
East, including areas near Japan”.
“We will continue to monitor Russia’s
military movements closely,” he said,
quoted by the Jiji Press news agency.
And, Germany and Britain have deliv-
ered Western heavy tanks to Ukraine,
officials said Monday, providing a key
infusion of armored firepower that will
aid Kyiv’s battle against invading Russian
troops.
The tanks—long an item on Ukraine’s
military equipment wish list—were
promised to Kyiv earlier this year and
have arrived in time for an expected
spring offensive by Ukraine’s forces.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz told
journalists on Monday that Berlin had
provided “very modern” Leopard battle
tanks to Kyiv, with the defence ministry
later saying 18 were delivered.
“Our tanks have made it into the
hands of our Ukrainian friends as prom-
ised and on time,” German Defence Min-
ister Boris Pistorius said in a statement.
They are joined by Challenger tanks
from Britain, a spokeswoman for the
defence ministry in Kyiv said. – AFP
Schrenk, chair of the EFSA’s panel on con-
taminants in the food chain. “Based on
animal studies, we considered the inci-
dence of liver tumours in rodents as the
most critical health effect,” he added.
Nitrosamines have been detected in
foods including cured meat, processed
fish, cocoa, beer and other alcoholic
drinks, the EFSA said. The “most important
food group” contributing to nitrosamines
exposure is meat, it said.
Schrenk said the research deployed “a
worst-case scenario” assuming that all
nitrosamines detected in food had the
potential to cause cancer as the most
harmful form of the compound—
“although that is unlikely”. – AFP
12 Caution in Israel after PM pauses reform
Relations between the two Koreas are at
ever more provocative weapons tests while
security situation.
PARIS: Global outrage over Russia’s inva-
sion of Ukraine last year has only served to
expose the West’s “double standards”
towards human rights abuses throughout
the world, Amnesty International said on
Tuesday.
In its annual world report for 2022,
Amnesty pointed to what it described as
the West’s silence on Saudi Arabia’s rights
record, repression in Egypt and Israel’s
treatment of the Palestinians.
“The West’s formidable response to Rus-
sia’s invasion of Ukraine underscored dou-
ble standards, exposing in comparison
how inconsequential their reactions have
been to so many other violations of the UN
Charter,” said Amnesty secretary general
Agnes Callamard as she presented the
group’s world report in Paris.
Russia’s full-scale assault, which began
on February 24, 2022, “gave us an all too
rare view of what becomes possible when
there is political will to act” as the West
closed ranks to support Ukraine, she
added.
Many countries imposed sanctions on
Moscow and opened their borders to
Ukrainian refugees after the invasion,
while the International Criminal Court
launched an investigation into war crimes
in Ukraine.
But Amnesty said the conflict had high-
lighted shortcomings in responding to
abuses in other parts of the globe.
It singled out the West’s “deafening
silence on Saudi Arabia’s human rights
record, inaction on Egypt and the refusal
to confront Israel’s system of apartheid
against Palestinians”.
Amnesty, fellow rights watchdog
Human Rights Watch and a UN special rap-
porteur have concluded that Israel’s treat-
ment of Palestinians amounts to apartheid,
or segregation on grounds of race, a charge
the Israeli state denies.
Last year, “successive Israeli govern-
ments rolled out measures forcing more
Palestinians from their homes, expanding
illegal settlements, and legalising existing
settlements and outposts across the occu-
pied West Bank”, Amnesty said.
But despite this—and despite Israeli
Banks raided in massive French tax fraud case
forces killing “at least 153 civilians, includ-
ing dozens of children” in the occupied
PARIS: French authorities raided five banks
on Tuesday as part of an investigation into
massive suspected cases of tax fraud and
money laundering.
Some 150 investigators, along with six
German prosecutors, conducted searches
in Paris and the financial district La
Defense, the financial prosecutor’s office
said in a statement.
The raids follow five preliminary inves-
tigations that were opened in December
2021 in connection with money launder-
ing and aggravated tax fraud related to
dividend payments, the statement said.
The operation “required several
months of preparation”, the statement
said.
UN calls for release of HK rights activist Ho
A spokesman for Societe Generale con-
firmed to AFP that the French bank was
GENEVA: The United Nations on Tuesday
urged the Hong Kong authorities to
release Albert Ho, one of the city’s best-
known rights activists, saying his health
was in a critical condition.
Ho, 71, formerly led the now-disbanded
Hong Kong Alliance, which organised an
annual candlelight vigil for more than
three decades to mourn the victims of
China’s bloody crackdown at Tiananmen
Square in 1989.
He was arrested by Hong Kong’s
“The current hard-line approach is
likely aimed at justifying their tests for
new weapons and a nuclear test in the
future,” said Cheong Seong-chang, a
researcher at the Sejong Institute.
“North Korea unveiled a significantly
miniaturised tactical nuclear warhead this
time,” he said.
“The possibility that North Korea will
carry out a seventh nuclear test with these
tactical nuclear warheads as a next step
has increased,” Cheong told AFP.
Pyongyang has got into a pattern of
“tit-for-tat” missile launches and tests to
counter US and South Korean military
exercises, which represents a huge—and
unsustainable—financial outlay for the
impoverished country, one expert said.
“North Korea warned of an overwhelm-
ing response against each South Korea-US
joint training, but looking at the number
of missiles fired, they can’t continue this
forever,” Park Won-gon, a professor at
Ewha University in Seoul, told AFP.
“If so, the seventh nuclear test will mark
some kind of an end, they will declare
themselves a nuclear power, and they will
turn to negotiating with the United
States,” he said. The North Korean military
The West closed ranks to support Ukraine but silent on Saudi Arabia’s rights
record, repression in Egypt and Israel’s treatment of the Palestinians.
West Bank—Western nations failed to
demand an end to that “system of oppres-
sion”, it said.
In Saudi Arabia, human rights activists
continued to languish in prison, people
were jailed for their opinions after “grossly
unfair trials”, 81 men were put to death in
a single day, and migrants died in custody.
In Egypt, the group said, thousands of
human rights defenders, journalists, pro-
testers and alleged dissidents lingered
behind bars, and “torture remained ram-
pant”.
Although European countries wel-
comed Ukrainian refugees, they did not
show the same kindness to people fleeing
fighting in Syria, Afghanistan and Libya,
Amnesty said.
The United States also welcomed
Ukrainians, “yet under policies and prac-
tices rooted in anti-Black racism, it
expelled more than 25,000 Haitians
between September 2021 and May 2022,
and subjected many to torture and other
ill-treatment”, the group said.
Amnesty also stressed the failure of
global institutions “to respond adequately
to conflicts killing thousands of people,
being searched by authorities, but he said
he did not know the reason.
French rival BNP Paribas ans its unit
Exane, financial group Natixis and British
banking giant HSBC are the other ones,
according to Le Monde newspaper.
A group of European news outlets pub-
lished an investigation into the tax fraud
dubbed “CumEx-Files” in 2018.
The amounts are suspected to have
reached 140 billion euros ($151 billion)
over a period of 20 years, the media group
said in 2021.
In Brussels. police have detained eight
people during investigations into an
alleged plot to commit “terrorist attacks”
in Belgium, the federal prosecutor’s office
said.
Raids were conducted late Monday on
national security police over alleged wit-
ness tampering, a police source told AFP.
The lawyer is already facing up to
a decade in jail over an “incitement to
subversion” charge under the national
security law, which Beijing imposed on
Hong Kong in 2020 after widespread and
sometimes violent pro-democracy
protests.
“We are following ongoing cases
under national security law with great
concern,” the UN Human Rights Office
10
also conducted a firing drill on Monday,
simulating a nuclear attack using tactical
ballistic missiles, KCNA said in a separate
report, part of a record-breaking streak of
tests over the past year.
“North Korea is sending a very coherent
message. They are fighting for recognition
as a perfect nuclear power,” Park said.
North Korea is seeking to diversify its
delivery mechanisms in addition to
increasing its nuclear stockpile.
It claimed on Tuesday to have con-
ducted a second successful test of a new
underwater nuclear attack drone.
The first test of the Haeil, which means
tsunami in Korean, was claimed to have
been carried out last week in what
Pyongyang said was a response to recent
US-South Korea military exercises, the
largest in five years.
Seoul has cast doubt on the claim, with
the South’s military saying it was “weigh-
ing the possibility” the test had been exag-
gerated or even “fabricated”.
There were some indications “North
Korea is developing unmanned sub-
marines, but it is evaluated that they are
still in the early stages”, the Joint Chiefs of
Staff said. – AFP
including in Ethiopia, Myanmar and
Yemen”.
“The deadliest conflict in 2022 was not
in Ukraine but in Ethiopia,” said Calla-
mard, “away from world’s attention”.
All in all, the war in Ukraine “diverted
resources and attention away from the cli-
mate crisis, other long-standing conflicts
and human suffering the world over”,
Amnesty said.
Last year was dismal for women’s rights
too.
The US Supreme Court overturned the
right to abortion.
In Iran, “women died for dancing, for
singing, for not wearing a veil” as people
rose up in protests against the country’s
Islamic system, Callamard said.
In Afghanistan, under the Taliban,
women were turned into “mere objects to
be treated in any way a man desires, and
with utter impunity”.
Yet “there was no evidence to be found
in 2022, that the international response to
the Ukraine crisis would become a blue-
print for consistent and coherent
responses to conflicts and crises”, she said.
– AFP
homes in the capital Brussels, the port city
of Antwerp and the border town of Eupen,
the statement said.
A judicial source told AFP those
arrested “were very young radicalised peo-
ple” suspected of belonging to a jihadist
movement.
The prosecutor’s statement cited two
inquiries, one led by federal police in Brus-
sels and the other by an investigating mag-
istrate in Antwerp.
Both led to house raids on Monday, and
the statement said: “There are links
between the two files, but further research
will have to show to what extent the two
groups were intertwined.”
The Antwerp inquiry led to five arrests,
including one in Eupen, near the German
border, and the Brussels one three. – AFP
said in a tweet.
“A week ago, Albert Ho was returned to
custody under this law, despite his critical
health condition. We urge authorities to
release Ho, to continue his urgent medical
care.”
The trial in Ho’s subversion case is
pending, and he was granted bail in
August after spending almost a year in
prison. His bail conditions included a gag
order on any speech deemed a threat to
national security. – AFP

Pilgrim bus crash
in Saudia kills 20
RIYADH: A bus ferrying pilgrims to the
holy city of Mecca burst into flames after a
collision on a bridge on Monday, killing 20
people and injuring more than two dozen
others, Saudi state media reported (pic).
The incident in the southern province
of Asir highlights persistent challenges to
safely transporting worshippers to Mecca
and Medina, the holiest cities in Islam.
It comes during the first week of
Ramadan, a busy time for umrah pilgrim-
ages, and just months before millions of
Muslims are expected to make the annual
hajj pilgrimage.
“According to preliminary information
we have now received, the number of
deaths in this accident reached 20, and the
total number of injuries was approxi-
mately 29,” the state-affiliated Al-
Ekhbariya channel reported.
It said the victims had “different nation-
alities” but did not mention them or pro-
vide a breakdown.
The channel said the bus had “car trou-
ble”, without specifying, while the private
newspaper Okaz said the accident resulted
from an issue with the brakes.
The vehicle “then collided with a
bridge, overturned and caught fire”.
Footage broadcast on Al-Ekhbariya
showed a reporter standing in front of
what appeared to be the burnt-out shell of
the bus.
Transporting worshippers around
Saudi Arabia’s holy sites is a perilous task,
particularly during the hajj, when roads
can be chaotic with buses creating inter-
minable traffic jams.
In October 2019, some 35 foreigners
were killed and four others injured when
a bus collided with another heavy vehicle
near Medina. – AFP
Water found
inside glass beads
on the Moon
PARIS: Scientists said that they have dis-
covered water inside tiny beads of glass
scattered across the Moon, suggesting
that one day it could be extracted and
used by the “explorers of tomorrow” (pic).
The Moon was long believed to be dry,
but over the last few decades several mis-
sions have shown there is water both on
the surface and trapped inside minerals.
Mahesh Anand, a professor of plane-
tary science and exploration at the UK’s
Open University, told AFP that water
molecules could be seen “hopping over
the lunar surface” when it was sunny.
“But we didn’t know where exactly it
was coming from,” said Anand, a co-
author of a new study published in the
journal Nature Geoscience.
The study, carried out by a team led by
the Chinese Academy of Sciences, said
that the glass beads are “probably the
dominant reservoir involved in the lunar
surface water cycle”.
The team polished and analysed 117
glass beads which were scooped up by
China’s Chang’e-5 spacecraft in Decem-
ber 2020 and brought back to Earth.
The beads are formed by tiny mete-
orites that bombard the surface of the
Moon, which lacks the protection of an
atmosphere.
The heat of the impact melts the sur-
Pope’s hope message to be sent into space
face material, which cools into round
VATICAN CITY: A
message of faith
and hope first deliv-
ered by Pope Fran-
cis (pic) in the
middle of the 2020
coronavirus lock-
down will be sent
into space, the Vati-
can announced.
The speech of the pontiff praying alone
in an empty St Peter’s Square have been
turned into a “nanobook” measuring less
than two millimetres wide, which will be
launched into orbit on June 10.
It will travel around the Earth on a pur-
pose-built satellite at an altitude of about
Five planets line up with Moon in night sky
525 kilometres, dispatched on a SpaceX Fal-
LONDON: Mercury, Jupiter, Venus,
Uranus, Mars, and the Moon aligned in
an arc across the evening sky, with some
visible to the naked eye.
This is often called “a planetary
parade” and was visible after sunset in
the west.
A good view of the horizon and clear
skies offered the best chance of spotting
the alignment. Last summer Mercury,
Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn came
together in a rare planetary conjunction.
The best shot at spotting the planets
Rapist’s fake death prison break shocks S Africa
J O H A N N E S B U RG :
Police in South Africa
said they have
launched a manhunt
for a convicted rapist
who faked his own
death in a daring
prison break that has
shocked the country.
Authorities
believed Thabo Bester (pic) to have died
after setting himself alight in a privately-
run prison in Bloemfontein in May last year.
But at the weekend police said DNA tests
revealed the charred remains found in the
serial rapist’s cell belonged to someone
else.
“At this point our priority is to find this
Ex-student kills
six in latest US
mass shooting
NASHVILLE: A heavily armed former stu-
dent killed three young children and three
staff in what appeared to be a carefully
planned attack at a private elementary
school in Nashville, before being shot
dead by police.
Chief of Police John Drake named the
suspect as Audrey Hale, 28, who left
behind a manifesto and had maps of the
school detailing surveillance and entry-
exit points.
The suspect was “prepared for a con-
frontation with law enforcement,” the
police chief told reporters following the
latest outburst of gun violence in the
United States.
In an interview with NBC News, Drake
glass beads around the width of a strand
of hair.
As well as finding water in the beads,
the scientists detected “a telltale signa-
ture of the Sun,” Anand said.
Investigating further, they deter-
mined that the hydrogen necessary to
make up the water was coming from
solar wind, which sweeps charged parti-
cles across the Solar System.
The other ingredient for water, oxygen,
makes up nearly half of the Moon, though
it is trapped in rocks and minerals.
This means that solar wind could be
equally contributing to water on other
bodies in the Solar System lacking an
atmosphere, such as Mercury or aster-
oids, Anand said.
The glass beads may make up around
three to five percent of lunar soil, accord-
ing to the study.
A “back of the envelope” calculation
suggested that there could be around a
third of a trillion tonnes of water inside
all the Moon’s glass beads, he added.
And it only takes mild heat of around
100 degrees Celsius (210 Fahrenheit) to
liberate the water from the beads, Anand
said. – AFP
con 9 rocket from Vandenberg Space Force
Base in California.
The “Spei Satelles” (Satellites of Hope in
Latin) project—whose cost and funding
has not been revealed—is being coordi-
nated by the Italian Space Agency in con-
junction with various Italian institutions.
Agency president Giorgio Saccoccia
said the Vatican had asked for “a solution
that would allow the Holy Father’s words
of hope to cross the earth’s borders and
reach from space the greatest possible
number of women and men on our trou-
bled planet”.
On March 27, 2020, the pope urged fol-
lowers who felt “afraid and lost” in the face
of what was then a terrifying new virus to
have faith. – AFP
was away from any bright city lights,
somewhere with a clear, unobstructed
view.
You needed to be observing early in
the evening because Mercury and Jupiter
quickly disappeared over the horizon.
Some of the best views were from
northern parts of Scotland and its islands
because of clear skies.
Prof Catherine Heymans, the
Astronomer Royal for Scotland, watched
the spectacle from Edinburgh’s Porto-
bello beach. – AFP
WE D NE S D AY, MARCH 2 9 , 2 0 2 3
fugitive of justice and establish exactly how
he faked his death,” police spokeswoman
Athlenda Mathe told AFP on Monday.
Dubbed the “Facebook rapist” Bester
allegedly lured victims on the social media
platform before raping and robbing them.
At least one victim was killed.
In 2012 he was sentenced to life in prison
for rape, robbery and murder.
On Sunday police said an autopsy
revealed the body found in Bester’s cell had
died as a result of blunt force trauma to the
head before it was set ablaze.
A fresh murder investigation has been
opened.
The case has sparked outrage in South
Africa, where women’s rights groups have
long accused the government of not doing
said the suspect was likely plotting a
broader attack, as the manifesto “indicates
that there was going to be shootings at
multiple locations, and the school was one
of them.”
Armed with at least two assault rifles
and a handgun, Hale entered The
Covenant School, a Christian academy,
from a side entrance, allegedly shooting
through a door—firing multiple shots
while advancing through the building,
according to police.
Police identified the six victims, saying
one of the three children was eight years
old and two were aged nine, while the
adults killed were aged 60 to 61.
One of the victims, Katherine Koonce, is
listed as head of the school on the acad-
emy’s website.
There was some initial confusion about
the shooter’s gender identity, but police
later said Hale was transgender.
Officers were on the scene within about
15 minutes of receiving the first emergency
call at around 10 am (1500 GMT), engag-
ing the shooter, who returned fire before
being shot dead, police said.
Television images showed children
holding hands as they left the school. One
photograph showed a child sobbing
through the window of her yellow school
bus as it pulled away from the crime scene.
Avery Myrick said her mother, a pre-
kindergarten teacher at Covenant, hid as
shots rang out through the school.
“She said she was hiding in the closet,
and that there was shooting all over and
Afghan girls’ school project founder arrested
that they had potentially tried to get into
her room, and just that she loved us,”
KABUL: The founder of a project that cam-
paigned for girls’ education in Afghanistan
has been detained by Taliban authorities in
Kabul, his brother and the United Nations
said Tuesday.
The Taliban government last year barred
girls from attending secondary school and
later university, making Afghanistan the
only country in the world to issue such
restrictions on education.
Matiullah Wesa, the head of PenPath
was stopped by men outside a mosque after
prayers on Monday evening, his brother
Samiullah Wesa told AFP.
“When Matiullah asked for their identity
cards, they beat him and forcefully took
him away,” he said.
“He has been arrested for his activities in
the education sector. He never worked with
anybody else, neither with the previous
government. He only worked for PenPath.”
The UN mission in Afghanistan con-
firmed in a tweet that Matiullah had been
arrested.
Taliban officials have so far not
responded to requests for comment.
Afghan orphaned toddler finally reunited with family
PenPath campaigns for schools and dis-
tributes books in rural areas, and has long
DOHA: An Afghan toddler who was bun-
dled onto an evacuation flight from
Kabul in 2021 after her parents died in a
bomb blast has been reunited with rela-
tives at a Qatar orphanage.
The little girl, now believed to be
about 21 months old and given the
name Maryam by the orphanage, saw her
uncle Yaar Mohammad Niazi and her
brother and two sisters again for the first
time.
“I did not know if we would ever find
her again, and now I am overcome” with
emotion, said Niazi, aged about 40 and
with four children of his own.
“When I held her, I just told myself ‘she
is alive’.”
The tearful reunion ended a desperate
search for Maryam since the chaotic days
of August 2021 when the Taliban took
control of the Afghan capital, sparking a
World 11
enough to tackle violence against women. Prior to his escape, Bester also reportedly
“The unfolding of this story has been ran a scam media business from inside
like a movie and sent shivers down every- prison using a false name.
one’s spines...I can imagine what it did to A video of the criminal addressing a
the victims” Bafana Khumalo, the co-direc- company event via video call from behind
tor of NGO Sonke Gender Justice, told AFP. bars while pretending to be in New York
Between October and December last has gone viral.
year police recorded more than 12,000 “The escape of Bester... is testament to
rapes across the country. the incompetence of the Correctional Serv-
Doubts about Bester’s death were first ices system, and the endemic corruption in
raised by local media outlet GroundUp last the sector,” Radical leftist opposition party,
November. the Economic Freedom Fighters said in a
Photographs purportedly showing the statement.
convict grocery shopping in an affluent Police have appealed to the public for
Johannesburg suburb have since surfaced. any information relevant to the case.
And some women have come forward “We want to find people who are directly
alleging the convict made contact with involved in this matter as well as his accom-
them on social media. plices,” said Mathe. – AFP
Audrey holding an assault rifle at the Covenant School building
before killing three young children and three staff in a carefully planned
attack. There have been 129 mass shootings so far this year in the US.
Myrick told WSMV4 television, an NBC years.
local affiliate. President Joe Biden described the latest
On Monday night, as the country shooting as “sick” and said gun violence
digested another mass shooting that was “ripping the soul of this nation,” as he
claimed the lives of children, people left urged Congress to pass a ban on the
flowers and stuffed toys at a growing assault weapons often used in mass shoot-
makeshift memorial outside the school. ings.
Some kneeled in prayer. The Covenant School is a private Pres-
Stacie Wilford, a nurse, said it was “so byterian institution with just over 200 stu-
scary” to have a shooting so close to home. dents, from preschool to roughly age 12.
She lives nearby and has an eight-year-old It was founded by and housed in the
who attends a school only two miles down Covenant Presbyterian Church, part of a
the road from Covenant. theologically conservative denomination,
“Whenever you hear about school The New York Times reported.
shootings in other states, yes, you feel it, The Times said one of the children who
but when it’s at your back door, it just sets died in the shooting was Hallie Scruggs,
in differently,” Wilford told AFP. the daughter of the church’s pastor, Chad
Chad Baker, 44, said he felt “horrified Scruggs.
and very sad,” and added that while he Police chief Drake said investigators
supports gun rights, there should be more were working on a possible motive but
regulation. that it was “not confirmed.”
“There’s just not enough to protect chil- Asked whether Hale’s gender identity
dren,” he told AFP. may have been a factor, Drake said: “There
“I carry a gun with me most days, but I is some theory to that, we’re investigating
don’t need an assault rifle,” he added. “And all the leads.”
I don’t think it should be as easy to buy There have been 129 mass shootings—
flowers as it is a gun.” defined as incidents in which four or more
School shootings are alarmingly com- people were shot or killed—so far this year,
mon in the United States, where the prolif- according to data from the Gun Violence
eration of firearms has soared in recent Archive. – AFP
Matiullah speaks to children during a class next to his mobile
library in Spin Boldak district of Kandahar Province.
dedicated itself to communicating the daughters,” he said in a tweet, hours before
importance of girls’ education to elders in he was arrested.
villages, where attitudes have been slowly Last week, as the new school year started
changing. without teenage girls, he vowed to con-
Since the ban on secondary schools for tinue his campaign.
girls, Wesa has continued visiting remote “The damage that closure of schools
areas to drum up support from locals. causes is irreversible and undeniable. We
“Men, women, elderly, young, everyone held meetings with locals and we will con-
from every corner of the country are asking tinue our protest if the schools remain
for the Islamic rights to education of their closed,” he tweeted. – AFP
panicked mass flight. 200 Afghan children to be evacuated
Maryam’s parents were among those alone on the flights that carried tens of
trying to flee with their four children thousands out of Afghanistan.
when they were killed in a huge bomb “We took them in and gave them spe-
blast and gun battle at Kabul airport that cialised care,” said the Qatari official,
claimed 183 lives on August 26. speaking on condition of not being iden-
The little girl, whose birth name was tified.
Aliza, was only weeks old at the time her “We worked with UNICEF to see if
mother and father died in the attack that there were any family members.”
was claimed by the local chapter of the The UN children’s agency was quickly
Islamic State group. besieged with frantic requests from fam-
Amid the carnage, a teenage boy ilies back in Afghanistan looking for
grabbed her and carried her onto a US missing relatives.
military flight taking Afghans and Niazi and the other three orphaned
stranded expatriates to Doha, a Qatari children were back in Afghanistan, where
official said. the Taliban installed a government for
She found a new home in Qatar’s what they named the Islamic Emirate of
Dreama orphanage, while her elder Afghanistan.
brother and two sisters stayed back in Six weeks after the massive Kabul
Afghanistan. bomb blast, UN sleuths thought they had
Maryam was the youngest of about the baby’s identity. – AFP
 39 killed in fire at Mexico-US border migrant centre
12 World WE D NE S D AY, MARCH 2 9 , 2 0 2 3

CIUDAD JUÁREZ, Mexico: At least 39
migrants died in a fire that broke out at an
immigration detention center in a Mexican
city on the US border, the Mexican govern-
ment said Tuesday.
The fire broke out shortly before mid-
night at the National Migration Institute
(INM) facility in Ciudad Juarez, prompting
the mobilization of firefighters and dozens
of ambulances.
An AFP journalist saw forensic personnel
remove a dozen bodies from the INM’s park-
ing lot, where several other bodies were laid
and covered with blankets.
“The National Migration Institute (INM)
of the Interior Ministry regrets the deaths—
so far—of 39 foreign migrants, caused by a
because he was not authorized to speak to
the media, said there were about 70
migrants, mostly Venezuelans, at the center.
Numerous migrants have been detained
in the center in recent days after local
authorities rounded up street vendors,
some of whom were foreigners, from the
area. A Venezuelan woman who gave her
name as Vinagly stood outside the immigra-
tion center, desperate for information
about her 27-year-old husband who had
been detained there.
“He was taken away in an ambulance,”
she told AFP, adding that her husband had
documents allowing him to remain in Mex-
ico.
“They (immigration officials) don’t tell
her voice cracking.
A heavy military and national guard
presence blanketed the site early on Tues-
day.
Ciudad Juarez, which neighbors El Paso,
Texas, is one of the border towns where
numerous undocumented migrants seek-
ing refuge in the United States remain
stranded.
Fed up with the wait, hundreds of them
attempted to storm an international bridge
on March 13 but were blocked by US agents.
The administration of US President Joe
Biden has been hoping to stem the record
tide of migrants and asylum seekers under-
taking often dangerous journeys organized
by human smugglers to get to the United
lum seekers in February, hoping to stifle the
rush of migrants to the southern border
when Covid-related controls are lifted.
The new rules say migrants who arrive at
the border and simply cross into the United
States will no longer be eligible for asylum.
Instead, they must first apply for asylum
in one of the countries they pass through to
get to the US border or apply online via a US
government app.
The new measures came as Biden was
facing accusations from Republicans of hav-
ing lost control of the border.
About 200,000 people try to cross the
border from Mexico into the United States
each month.
Firefighters and police remove the body of
a migrant from an immigration station in
Most are from Central and South Amer-

Ciudad Juarez, Chihuahua state.

fire,” an INM statement said. you anything. A family member can die and States. ica and cite poverty and violence back home
A rescuer, who asked not to be identified they don’t tell you he’s dead,” Vinagly said, Biden proposed new restrictions on asy- when requesting asylum. – AFP

Caution in Israel after PM pauses reform

JERUSALEM: Caution prevailed in Israel
Tuesday after Prime Minister Benjamin
Netanyahu vowed to pause controversial
judicial reforms which sparked a general
strike and mass protests, with the crisis far
from over.
Netanyahu bowed to pressure in the
face of a nation-wide walkout Monday,
which hit hospitals, flights and more,
while tens of thousands of reform oppo-
nents rallied outside parliament in
Jerusalem.
“Out of a will to prevent a rupture
among our people, I have decided to pause
the second and third readings of the bill”
to allow time for dialogue, the Prime Min-
ister said in a broadcast.
The decision to halt the legislative
process marked a dramatic u-turn for the
premier, who just a day earlier announced
he was sacking his defence minister who
had called for the very same step.
The move was greeted with scepticism
in Israel, with leading daily newspaper
Yediot Aharonot commenting the premier
“knew how to transform a crushing defeat
Israeli security forces use water canons to disperse protesters in Tel Aviv. The decision
to halt the legislative process marked a dramatic U-turn for Netanyahu (inset).
proposing is procedure,” wrote columnist
warily, saying he wanted to be sure “that
we are ready to engage in a real dialogue,”
he said in a televised address on Monday.
The opposition had previously refused
to negotiate over the reforms—which
would hand politicians more power over
the judiciary—until the legislative process
was stopped.
Activists who have led nearly three
months of protests against the reform
package vowed to continue their rallies.
“This is another attempt of Netanyahu
trying to gaslight the Israeli public in
order to weaken the protest and then
enact a dictatorship,” the Umbrella Move-
ment of demonstrators said.
“We will not stop the protest until the
judicial coup is completely stopped,” it
added in a statement.
President Isaac Herzog called for “sin-
cere, serious and responsible dialogue”. He
said Monday he would host talks on the
reforms, but when contacted by AFP a
spokesman was unable to provide a sched-
ule for such negotiations.
The crisis has revealed deep rifts within
Netanyahu’s fledgling coalition, an alliance
asserted “there will be no turning back” on
the judicial overhaul, in a tweet Monday.
Fellow far-right cabinet member,
National Security Minister Itamar Ben-
Gvir, had pressed his supporters to rally in
favour of the reforms.
Ben-Gvir’s Jewish Power party revealed
on Monday that the decision to delay the
legislation involved an agreement to
expand the minister’s portfolio after he
threatened to quit if the overhaul was put
on hold.
Writing in the left-wing daily Haaretz,
political correspondent Yossi Verter said
the pause was “a victory for the protesters,
but the one who really bent Netanyahu
and trampled on him is Itamar Ben-Gvir.”
“Netanyahu has come out of this story
like a pressed orange,” wrote Verter.
The affair has hit the coalition’s stand-
ing among the Israeli public, just three
months after it took office.
Netanyahu’s right-wing Likud party
dipped seven points, according to a poll by
Israel’s Channel 12 which predicted the
government would lose its majority in the

World awaits Trump’s indictment

with pretty words into a draw”.
“Israeli society is boiling and what he’s
Nahum Barnea. there is no ruse or bluff ”. with far-right and ultra-Orthodox parties. 120-seat parliament if elections were held.
Opposition leader Yair Lapid reacted “If the legislation truly and totally stops Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich The fate of the ousted defence minister,
Yoav Gallant, was unknown on Tuesday
with speculation in Israeli media that he
could be reinstated.
Gallant, who had warned of a threat to
national security over the crisis, on Mon-
NEW YORK: Nine running again for the White House—to pect accounting were part of a cover-up, day welcomed “the decision to stop the
days after Donald be read his Miranda rights any day now. intended to benefit Trump’s election legislative process in order to conduct dia-
Trump (pic) A grand jury—a panel of citizens with campaign by burying the scandal. logue,” his team said. – AFP
announced he was broad investigative powers that works There are strict laws about how much
about to be with prosecutors—reconvened Monday candidates can contribute to their own
arrested over a in Manhattan, where they reportedly election bid, and secretly funneling
hush-money pay- heard from the former publisher of the money toward campaign coffers can lead

Scottish National Party (SNP) candidates

ment to a porn star, National Enquirer, a central player in the to jail terms of several years.

Ash Regan (left) and Kate Forbes

the world still hush money payment scheme. Criminal charges of any level would be

(right) applaud Humza Yousaf.

awaits what would The probe centres on $130,000 paid uncharted territory in the United States,

Scottish parliament
be one of the most famous police weeks before the 2016 election to adult which has never indicted a sitting or for-
mugshots in history. film star Stormy Daniels to stop her from mer president.

set to confirm
The Republican former US president, going public about a sexual encounter If the jury votes to indict Trump, Man-
who has never been shy about grabbing she says she had with Trump a decade hattan’s chief local prosecutor is obliged

A woman looks at the affected area

the limelight, sent newsrooms in the earlier. to comply with their decision and

Yousaf as
following a landslide in Alausi, Ecuador.

Seven dead, 60
United States and beyond into a spin on Trump’s ex-lawyer Michael Cohen, announce it to the public.
March 18 when he announced he was who has testified before the grand jury, In an interview that aired Monday

first minister
three days away from being brought told Congress in 2019 that he made the night with Fox News, Trump said the pro-

missing in southern
before a New York judge. payment on Trump’s behalf and was later ceedings against him amount to election
Trump, it turned out, had bad infor- reimbursed. interference as he makes another shot for

EDINBURGH: Scotland’s parliament is set
to confirm Humza Yousaf as the new first
minister on Tuesday, after he narrowly won
the contest to succeed Nicola Sturgeon as
mation or was simply guessing, and his
equally baseless claim a week later that
the case had been dropped altogether
was greeted with due incredulity.
The prosecutors may not be marching
to Trump’s tune but legal analysts gen-
Prosecutors say the checks were not
properly registered, which might nor-
mally result in a misdemeanour charge
of falsifying business records.
But that could be upgraded to a felony
if the district attorney can persuade the
Ecuador landslide
the White House.
“In my opinion, it is a way of cheating,”
Trump said. “It’s election interference.”
“We are dealing with dishonest people
and thugs and dealing with people, I
believe, that hate our country,” he added. ALAUSI , Ecuador: Rescuers searched for

France faces new turmoil, Macron remains defiant

Scottish National Party (SNP) leader.
Yousaf beat two SNP rivals on Monday
to clinch the party’s top job, vowing to
rejuvenate its signature policy of pursuing
independence for Scotland which has
stalled in recent months.
The 37-year-old will be the youngest first
minister since devolution reforms created
the Scottish parliament in 1999, and the
first leader of a national UK party from a
minority ethnic background.
“We should all take pride in the fact that
today we have sent a clear message that
your colour of skin, or your faith, is not a
barrier to leading the country we all call
home,” Yousaf said in his victory speech.
Promising to be a leader “for all of Scot-
land”, he pledged to “kickstart” a civic
movement that would “ensure our drive
for independence is in fifth gear”.
“We will be the generation that delivers
independence for Scotland.”
Members of the Scottish Parliament
(MSPs) will vote to confirm a new first
minister later on Tuesday, with Yousaf
ensured of succeeding Sturgeon given the
SNP is the largest party in the devolved
assembly.
He will then be sworn in at a ceremony
uinely expect the 76-year-old—who is
PARIS: Fresh strikes and protests roiled
France on Tuesday with a record number
of police deployed, as President
Emmanuel Macron remained defiant over
a pensions reform that is sparking tur-
moil in the country.
The day of action is the tenth since
protests began in mid-January against the
law, which includes raising the retire-
ment age from 62 to 64.
Last Thursday saw the most violent
clashes yet between protesters and secu-
rity forces, as tensions erupted into
pitched battles on the streets of Paris and
police reported 457 arrests across France
and injuries to 441 officers. Interior Min-
ister Gerald Darmanin said 13,000 mem-
bers of the security forces would be
deployed on Tuesday — 5,500 of them in
Paris alone. The number, a record, was
justified by “a major risk to public order”.
Nearly two weeks after Macron
rammed the new pensions law through
grand jury that the payment and the sus-
parliament using a special provision side-
stepping a vote in the lower house,
unions have vowed no let-up in mass
protests to get the government to back
– AFP more than 60 people reported missing
after a landslide triggered by months of
heavy rain killed at least seven people in
southern Ecuador.
The mudslide happened overnight Sun-
day into Monday, burying dozens of
homes and injuring 23 people in the vil-
lage of Alausi in Chimborazo province,
A protester holds some 300 kilometers (180 miles) south of
a placard Quito, officials said.
reading ‘Here Shocked residents, many in tears, stood
are the breakers, waiting for news Monday as crews with
wanted notice !!!’ shovels, pick axes and sniffer dogs dug
with the through the debris to get to survivors
portraits of (left stuck between sheets of twisted metal and
to right) Macron,
split tree trunks.
PM Borne,
“Five are buried here,” Manuel Upai, a
Labour Minister
40-year-old laborer, told AFP, referring to
Dussopt and
relatives of his as he stared at the muddy
Interior Minister
ground.
Darmanin.
Alausi, a village of some 45,000 people
surrounded by green hills, also saw several
public buildings hit by the avalanche,
which damaged roads and closed three
schools.
down. Ecuadoran President Guillermo Lasso
A state visit to France by Britain’s King said on Twitter that firefighters from
Charles III, which had been due to begin neighboring areas had been rushed to the
on Sunday, was postponed because of the village to help people affected by the

AU urges calm after violent Kenya protests

on Wednesday, following formal approval
from King Charles III—whom Yousaf wants
to dislodge in favour of an elected head of
state for Scotland.
The seismic shift in Scottish politics fol-
lows Sturgeon’s surprise resignation
announcement last month after more than
eight years at the helm.
The 52-year-old said she was quitting
because she felt unable to give “every
ounce of energy” to the job.
But it followed a difficult period for her
government, during which support for
independence has slipped.
Recent surveys show around 45 percent
of Scots support Scotland leaving the
United Kingdom—the same tally recorded
in a 2014 referendum which London insists
settled the matter for a generation. – AFP
unrest. Macron on Monday instead met
Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne, other
cabinet ministers and senior lawmakers
for crisis talks at the Elysee Palace.
“We need to continue to hold out a
NAIROBI: African Union Commission head Moussa Faki Mahamat on Tuesday voiced hand to the unions,” a participant in the
“deep concern” after anti-government protests in Kenya turned violent, and appealed meeting quoted Macron as saying,
for calm. although the president rejected any revi-
Opposition leader Raila Odinga has called for regular protests every Monday and sion of the pensions law.
Thursday, accusing President William Ruto of stealing last year’s election and of fail- In a conciliatory gesture, Borne has
ing to control the surging cost of living. scheduled talks over three weeks with
On Monday, police fired tear gas in Nairobi and the western city of Kisumu—an members of parliament, political parties
Odinga stronghold—to disperse crowds, aiming canisters at cars carrying journalists and local authorities, while still hoping to
in the capital, while looters went on the rampage. meet union leaders.
Officers also used tear gas and water cannon as Odinga’s convoy moved through She is expected to offer worker repre-
a congested neighbourhood in Nairobi, sending people running for cover. sentatives new measures designed to ease
One man was shot dead in Kisumu, the head of the city’s main hospital told AFP, the impact of the pensions law targeting
the second fatality reported since the demonstrations kicked off the previous Mon- physically demanding jobs, conditions
day, when a university student was killed by police fire. – AFP for older workers and retraining. – AFP
tragedy.
He urged all citizens to evacuate the
affected areas.
The government mobilized the
national police, armed forces, the health
ministry and the Red Cross to help with
the rescue efforts.
“We have activated temporary accom-
modation and mobilized sleeping kits for
those that have lost their homes,” said a
government statement on Twitter.
Since the start of the year, heavy rains in
Ecuador have caused the deaths of 22 peo-
ple, destroyed 72 homes and damaged
more than 6,900 residences, according to
the SNGR risk management secretariat.
The downpours have caused close to
1,000 dangerous events, such as landslides
and flooding. – AFP
 BUSINESS
14 Confident of Malaysia’s leadership role in Halal
Green rubber products
a must to stay ahead
KUALA LUMPUR:
Malaysia must capi-
talise on its global
leadership in glove
production by man-
ufacturing environ-
mentally-friendly
tyres and green rub-
ber products to stay
ahead in the game
for the long run.
Malaysian Rubber Board (MRB) direc-
tor-general, Datuk Dr Zairossani Mohd
Nor (pic) said the board and relevant
agencies should support the industry to
ensure that Malaysia maintains its leading
position as the manufacturer of rubber
gloves as well as latex and engineering
rubber products.
With this strength, Malaysia can main-
tain its key position in not only producing
higher value-added rubber products but
also sustainable products, thus ensuring
the sustainability of the industry, he said
during Bernama TV’s “The Brief ” pro-
gramme aired recently.
However, Zairossani said the fallout
from the Russia-Ukraine geopolitical ten-
sions, pressure on energy costs, rising
interest rates, tightening financial condi-
tions in most regions and supply chain
disruptions presented significant chal-
lenges, making 2023 a tough year for the
industry.
Nevertheless, he said the rubber sector
benefited from the Covid-19 pandemic
which skyrocketed demand for Malaysia’s
rubber gloves in 2021, chalking up an
industry export value of RM81 billion - the
highest in the history of the industry.
Int’l demand, offer determine rubber prices
After 2021’s strong performance, the
industry had to adjust to supply and
KUALA LUMPUR: Rubber prices are deter-
mined by international demand and offer,
and it is also affected by the futures market
performance, world crude oil prices, foreign
currency exchange rates and the economic
growth of the world’s main rubber produc-
ing and importing countries.
To boost the development of the rubber
industry, the Ministry of Plantation and
Commodities (MPC) and its agency, the
Malaysian Rubber Board (MRB) have imple-
mented various initiatives to help the small-
holders, especially those in the rubber sector.
The initiatives include the Rubber Pro-
duction Incentive (IPG) and raising the acti-
vation price level to RM2.70 per kilogram
(kg) from RM2.50 per kg with an allocation
of RM350 million, as well as introducing the
Press metal, PChem lead Bursa rally
Latex Production Incentive Programme (IPL),
bursa closing report
KUALA LUMPUR: Improved risk sentiment
and bargain hunting in heavyweights led
by Press Metal and Petronas Chemicals
(PChem) saw Bursa Malaysia’s main index
gaining 0.9 per cent at the close.
At 5 pm, the FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI
(FBM KLCI) advanced 12.49 points, or 0.89
per cent, to 1,409.09 compared with Mon-
day’s close of 1,396.60.
The market bellwether, which opened
five points higher at 1,401.60, moved
between 1,398.42 and 1,409.23 throughout
the session.
Market breadth remained mixed with
decliners leading gainers by 416 to 410
while 430 counters were unchanged, 1,040
untraded and 24 others suspended.
Turnover, however, shrank to 2.83 bil-
lion units worth RM1.51 billion from Mon-
day’s 3.37 billion units valued at RM1.72
billion.
Rakuten Trade Sdn Bhd equity research
vice president Thong Pak Leng said, simi-
larly, key regional markets were mostly in
positive territory as concerns over the
banking sector crisis have eased.
“Nonetheless, we believe it is too early
to gauge whether the overall banking sec-
tor problems in the US and Europe have
been resolved completely until the situa-
February import unit value index up 0.6pc
tion remains stable for at least nine to 12
months.
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia’s import unit
value index showed a positive trend month-
on-month (m-o-m) with a 0.6 per cent
growth to 128.7 points in February 2023 from
128.0 points in January 2023.
The Department of Statistics (DoSM), in
its February External Trade Indices
(2010=100), said the increase in import unit
value index was supported by a rise in
machinery and transport equipment index
(1.4 per cent), mineral fuels (1.1 per cent) and
miscellaneous manufactured articles (0.3 per
cent).
demand conditions where there was a
sharp drop in the glove export value, from
RM54.8 billion in 2021 to RM19 billion in
2022, due to the influx of supply in the
market.
Still, rubber gloves, used in the medical,
industrial, cleanroom and food service sec-
tors, were the main contributor at around
40 per cent to the industry’s export earn-
ings, he said.
Aside from gloves, latex products
exports include foam products, catheters
and condoms, while exports of rubber
products comprised tyres, general rubber
goods, automotive components, precured
tread rubber for tyres, structural bearings
and sporting goods.
Despite the challenges, Zairossani is
optimistic that the industry will perform
better compared with the pre-pandemic
period and chart better growth this year
compared with 2022.
Total rubber demand, which con-
tracted marginally last year, is estimated
to rebound modestly to 2.6 per cent in
2023, mainly driven by China’s reopening,
given that it is the biggest export market
for Malaysia.
Looking ahead, he said Malaysia should
emphasise capturing new markets in
newly-emerging economies, noting that
steps are being taken to capitalise on the
demand for rubber products, with small-
holders adapting to changing market con-
ditions to improve yields and profitability.
“Malaysia has always been a producer
of high-quality rubber products so we
must try to capitalise on our strengths as
the promotion and commercialisation of
rubber products is imperative,” he said.
However, he lamented that for the past
three years, rubber smallholders have
the MPC said in a statement.
Smallholders participating in the IPL pro-
gramme have also received assistance in the
form of agricultural inputs such as fertilisers
and pesticides worth RM850 per hectare on
a one-off basis, and the MRB has also
improved the payment process to facilitate
the distribution of aid such as the IPG and the
IPL.
The ministry has also introduced the TAR-
GET Programme to improve the model and
structure of operations of smallholders and
the rubber supply chain at the upstream
level.
Aside from boosting smallholders’
income, the initiative is also expected to
attract the youth to work in the rubber
industry and reduce dependence on foreign
workers, it said.
“As for the local bourse, despite the
improving market sentiment, investors
need to remain vigilant due to the rising
volatility and uncertainty globally,” he told
Bernama.
Thong expects the FBM KLCI to consoli-
date within the 1,400-1,415 range for the
rest of the week.
Among other heavyweights, most were
in positive territory except for Tenaga
Nasional, MISC, Axiata and Genting which
were in the red.
Press Metal and Sime Darby Plantation
jumped 14 sen to RM4.83 and RM4.30
respectively, PChem rose 13 sen to RM6.95,
Public Bank gained five sen to RM3.94, and
Maybank put on seven sen to RM8.51.
Among the actives, Computer Forms
trimmed 4.5 sen to 18.5 sen, Vinvest
improved two sen to 24.5 sen, Vizione
perked up half-a-sen to six sen, while
Sapura Energy and Fitters were unchanged
at four sen and eight sen respectively.
On the index board, the FBM Emas
Index gained 67.89 points to 10,301.91, the
FBMT 100 Index advanced 70.42 points to
10,000.83 and the FBM Emas Shariah Index
put on 51.81 points to 10,619.29.
The FBM 70 Index improved by 17.90
points to 13,289.54 and the FBM ACE Index
lost 11.44 points to 5,205.51.
Sector-wise, the Financial Services Index
It said the import volume index, however,
fell 2.5 per cent against the previous month,
due to a decline in the miscellaneous manu-
factured articles index (16.2 per cent), man-
ufactured goods (-11.4 per cent) and
machinery and transport equipment (9.7 per
cent).
The seasonally adjusted import volume
index grew by 10.9 per cent from 165.6 points
to 183.6 points, it added.
On a year-on-year basis, the import unit
value index rose 4.6 per cent while the vol-
ume index expanded 7.7 per cent.
WE D NE S D AY, MARCH 2 9 , 2 0 2 3
15 World’s largest microalgae plant opens in Sarawak
been affected not only by the pandemic
but also by the recent price volatility, with
low prices impacting their income.
One of the key policy initiatives to
address this issue was to have a certain
mechanism or incentive to ensure small-
holders would continue tapping rubber
trees to supply the downstream sector.
Zairossani noted that Malaysia is cur-
rently experiencing a shortage of raw
materials, which is why a key initiative is
to ensure that the upstream sector
remains active and produces rubber based
on the demand from the downstream sec-
tor.
To this end, the government introduced
a few incentives to support smallholders,
including the latex production incentive
and the rubber production incentive to
support prices so that smallholders con-
tinue tapping and producing rubber and
increasing their income.
“We are also continuing to ensure the
transfer of the best technology to our
industry, promote the use of high-yield-
ing rubber clones and effective tapping
systems using latex stimulants technology
to increase the productivity of smallhold-
ers,” he said.
MRB is also promoting solar technol-
ogy, including crop integration to enable
smallholders to generate additional
income.
Zairossani reiterated that the MRB will
continue to fulfil its primary objective of
assisting the development and moderni-
sation of the rubber industry by ensuring
sustainability and competitiveness, raising
the incomes of smallholders and raw
material production, increasing export
value and producing value-added prod-
ucts and services. –Bernama
The government had also allocated RM50
million to introduce the Cuplump Modified
Bitumen technology for the purpose of road
maintenance under Budget 2023 which is
expected to increase the use of natural rub-
ber in Malaysia.
“The ministry also welcomes suggestions
and recommendations from various parties
including the Association of Rubber Tappers
and Entrepreneurs towards improving the
country’s rubber industry.
“The government is always committed to
formulating policies and strategies to
increase the competitiveness and viability of
the country’s rubber industry,” it said.
The statement was issued in response to a
newspaper article which touched on the low
and continuously unstable rubber price. –
Bernama
surged 137.89 points to 15,560.39, the
Energy Index perked up 20.48 points to
813.43, the Plantation Index garnered 58.02
points to 6,714.74, and the Industrial Prod-
ucts and Services Index inched up 2.04
points to 168.00.
The Main Market volume dwindled to
1.79 billion shares worth RM1.23 billion
against 2.13 billion shares worth RM1.45 bil-
lion on Monday.
Warrants turnover decreased to 367.94
million units worth RM56.89 million from
456.14 million units worth RM66.12 million
previously.
The ACE Market volume fell to 671.62
million shares worth RM222.67 million
from 779.51 million shares worth RM202.91
million Monday.
Consumer products and services coun-
ters accounted for 274.03 million shares
traded on the Main Market, industrial
products and services (528.06 million);
construction (111.09 million); technology
(236.30 million); SPAC (nil), financial serv-
ices (53.25 million); property (99.15 mil-
lion); plantation (26.96 million); REITs
(6.97 million), closed/fund (3,000); energy
(222.27 million); healthcare (106.88 mil-
lion); telecommunications and media
(54.53 million); transportation and logis-
tics (50.33 million); and utilities (22.50 mil-
lion). –Bernama
Meanwhile, the country’s export prices in
the month under review fell 1.0 per cent from
142.7 points in the preceding month to 141.2
points. DoSM said Malaysia’s terms of trade
remained negative with a growth of 1.6 per
cent m-o-m to 109.7 points in February 2023.
According to its chief statistician Datuk
Seri Dr Mohd Uzir Mahidin, the decline in the
export unit value was due to the decline in
the mineral fuels index (3.6 per cent), animal
and vegetable oils and fats (2.7 per cent) and
machinery and transport equipment (0.4 per
cent). – Bernama
Analysts positive after Gamuda’s
acquisition of Winchester House
KUALA LUMPUR: Research houses are
mainly positive on Gamuda Bhd’s acquisi-
tion, via a joint venture, of Winchester
House from Wessex Winchester LP.
The purchase of the London property,
which currently houses Deutsche Bank AG’s
London headquarters, is part of the prop-
erty and construction group’s Quick Turn-
around Projects (QTP) strategic plan.
CGS-CIMB said the RM1.4 billion deal
“features minimal capital outlay, a high
internal rate of return, and attractive mon-
etisation/future earnings potential.”
“Successful execution of this QTP deal
will demonstrate Gamuda’s strength in
expanding its property
development/investment ventures overseas
and more so in prime property markets, on
top of ongoing overseas expansion of its
construction division,” it said in a note.
Nevertheless, the research house said it
is maintaining current revised net asset
value estimates pending the progress and
completion of the QTP venture.
It also maintained an “add” rating and
LSH Capital gets shareholders’
target price of RM4.69 for Gamuda.
Analysts said Winchester House is an
nod for diversification plan
KUALA LUMPUR: LEAP Market-listed Lim
Seong Hai Capital Bhd (LSH Capital) has
received approval from its shareholders for a
series of corporate proposals.
The corporate proposals entail diversify-
ing its business into a proposed expansion
into the property and construction segments
with the acquisition of Astana Setia Sdn Bhd
(AASB) and Lim Seong Hai Ventures Sdn Bhd.
In a statement to Bursa Malaysia Tuesday,
the group said upon completion of the cor-
porate proposals, it will be in line to further
expand its construction capabilities by fully
integrating digital technologies to optimise
operations.
Yenher aims to export animal health,
“Through the corporate proposals, LSH
nutrition products to 15 more countries
BATU KAWAN: Yenher Holdings Bhd, a
manufacturer and distributor of animal
health and nutrition products, has plans
to export its products to 15 more coun-
tries in the next five years.
Group managing director Cheng
Mooh Tat said various efforts are cur-
rently being undertaken to export its
products to new markets, namely
Bangladesh and Myanmar.
“We believe that we can expand the
business to 15 more countries and now the
company is actively conducting various
promotions in the countries involved
including showcasing our products. At
the same time, efforts are also being made
to increase sales for the local market.
“Currently, we have exported to 15
countries, including Indonesia, Hong
Kong, Brunei, Belgium, Pakistan, South
Korea, Nigeria, Thailand, and Vietnam,
representing about 10 per cent of our
MIDF sees lower cost pressures
total sales,” he said at a press conference
here.
for producers going forward
KUALA LUMPUR: MIDF Research sees
lower cost pressures for Malaysia’s produc-
ers amid lower commodity prices and eas-
ing global supply chain issues.
The reopening of China and the better
supply of labour and materials globally
provide further support, it said.
The continuous decline in producer
price index (PPI) inflation provides a pos-
itive signal, especially for consumers’ price
index (CPI) trajectory in the near term, it
added.
“However, the higher interest rates in
major economies, elevated energy prices,
currency fluctuations, and continuous
geopolitical tensions will continue to pose
downside risks to global inflation, includ-
ing Malaysia’s price growth pressure in
2023,” the research house said in a note
Tuesday.
Icon bags Hibiscus OSV contracts
Malaysia’s input inflation contracted
for the first time in two years, shrinking by
KUALA LUMPUR: Icon Offshore Bhd’s
wholly-owned subsidiary, Icon Offshore
Group Sdn Bhd has secured two off-
shore support vessel (OSV) services con-
tracts from Hibiscus Oil & Gas Malaysia
Ltd (Hibiscus).
In a statement, the company said the
contracts involve the provision of plat-
form supply vessels with crew and
equipment for 24-hour support services
to the offshore construction and inte-
grated well services scope.
The company received the first work
order on Jan 18, 2023, followed by the
13
eight-storey Grade B office building but
upon refurbishment will be upgraded to
Grade A.
Hong Leong Investment Bank gathers
that “Gamuda has potential co-investors
and tenants knocking on the door.”
It said the asset’s estimated rental yields
are healthy at 6.5 per cent in the event of
worst-case non-disposal.
Thus, it is maintaining a “buy” call on
Gamuda with a target price of RM4.88.
Public Investment Bank Bhd, however,
was neutral on this acquisition as Gamuda
could only monetise the investment in “as
long as five years.”
“We understand that the acquisition
could only start contributing to Gamuda’s
earnings from the financial year 2026
(FY2026) onwards, assuming the refurbish-
ment is completed in two years’ time.
“Hence, we are leaving our FY2023-
FY2025 earnings forecast unchanged pend-
ing deal completion in the third quarter
and the earnings recognition timeline.
“Our outperform call is affirmed with an
unchanged sum-of-the-parts target price of
RM5.10,’’ it said. –Bernama
Capital would be able to leverage the con-
struction expertise of ASSB to create synergy
with increased efficiency, improved innova-
tion, enhanced solutions, and a larger order
book.
“This results in a stronger and more effec-
tive entity that will propel the growth and
profitability of the group moving forward,”
it said.
Meanwhile, LSH Capital non-executive
chairman Tan Sri Lim Keng Cheng said the
group will continue to implement its growth
strategy and pursue other future opportuni-
ties to further enhance the RM775.0 million
outstanding construction work order book.
– Bernama
Cheng said the company also plans to
build a new manufacturing plant that
complies with good manufacturing prac-
tices by the second quarter of this year,
with its target completion by the third
quarter of 2024.
He said with new machinery and
equipment in the factory, the company
would be able to increase its production
capacity and be ready to meet higher
demand for its products.
“The company can triple its production
output, especially for animal feed prod-
ucts, as the existing factory has limitations
to produce them in large quantities.
“The new factory will definitely help
Yenher attract new customers and
expand our customer base,” he added.
The group, which has been in business
for over 20 years, has one manufacturing
plant, a warehouse and an in-house labo-
ratory for research and development with
about 140 employees based in Penang. –
Bernama
0.8 per cent year-on-year in February. On a
month-on-month basis, the input infla-
tion fell by 0.2 per cent, marking the third
straight month of negative growth.
MIDF Research said the tapering price
pressures on producers were mainly due
to the persistent contraction of the cost of
crude materials and the moderation in the
cost of intermediate materials.
Inflation of crude materials stayed con-
tractionary since last August while the cost
growth of intermediate materials moder-
ated to an almost two-year low at 3.3 per
cent year-on-year in February 2023.
“We believe the persistent contraction
of crude materials inflation was due to
lower global energy prices whereas the
improvement in intermediate materials
cost inflation was partly attributed to the
easing global supply chain pressures and
better US dollar/ringgit levels,” MIDF said.
–Bernama
second work order on Feb 17, 2023, it
said, adding that both contracts com-
menced on March 1, 2023, and will
utilise 422 combined vessel days in
total.
“These contracts will positively con-
tribute to our earnings and strengthen
our leadership in the OSV segment.
“We look forward to executing this
contract and all the other contracts in
our orderbook that currently stands at
well above RM600 million,” said the
company’s managing director, Datuk
Seri Hadian Hashim. –Bernama

14 Business
Confident of Malaysia’s
leadership role in Halal
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia could maintain
its leadership position in halal products
and services that meet the highest quality
standards as Malaysia has the right ecosys-
tem and strategy to capture more global
halal business.
International Trade and Industry Minis-
ter Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz is
confident that with the Halal Industry Mas-
ter Plan 2030 (Himp 2030), the Ministry of
International Trade and Industry’s (Miti)
vision in developing the industry and busi-
ness-to-business (B2B) platforms like
Malaysia International Halal Showcase
(Mihas), Malaysia could maintain the lead-
ership position.
“Malaysia is known to be a leading sup-
plier of a wide range of halal-certified
products and services, namely food, cos-
metics, pharmaceuticals, finance and
tourism.
“To promote the growth of Malaysia’s
halal economy, the government recently
launched the Himp 2030 which sets out
clear action plans on how we can strategi-
cally capitalise on the growing global
demand for halal products and services, as
well as strengthen Malaysia’s leadership
role by leveraging on our world-recog-
nised halal industry ecosystem and cumu-
lative expertise,” he said during his address
at the Mihas 2023 soft launch here Tuesday.
He said Malaysia has once again been
ranked as the leading halal economy in the
world for the 9th consecutive year and the
Himp 2030 will help cement Malaysia’s
position as the undisputed global leader in
the halal industry.
Through Himp 2030, Miti is projecting
Washington, Tokyo reach deal
that the halal industry will expand to
on critical EV battery minerals
WASHINGTON: The United States and
Japan have reached an agreement on trade
in minerals that are key to electric vehicle
batteries, US trade officials said, a move to
reinforce supply chains in a sector domi-
nated by China.
Rare earth elements and minerals such
as lithium are becoming increasingly
important in clean energy technologies,
but the United States is set to face gaps in
such critical mineral supplies when it
comes to meeting expected demand for
EVs.
The latest US-Japan deal includes com-
mitments not to impose export duties on
critical minerals shipped to the other coun-
try, said statement released by the US Trade
Representative (USTR).
“The United States and Japan share a
common interest in strengthening supply
chains between like-minded partners and
increasing resilience against threats such as
economic coercion,” the USTR added.
Ambassador Katherine Tai said the
agreement marks “a welcome moment” as
Washington continues to work with allies
and partners to boost supply chains,
including through the Inflation Reduction
Act (IRA).
That law stipulates that 40 percent of
critical minerals in an eligible EV battery
needs to be extracted from, or processed in,
countries that have free-trade agreements
with America.
Asian, European markets rise
foreign closing report
as banking crisis fears ease
HONG KONG: Asian and European mar-
kets traded higher on Tuesday, as fears of a
banking crisis eased thanks to the sale of
fallen lender Silicon Valley Bank.
News that North Carolina-based First
Citizens Bank had agreed to take over most
of SVB boosted European stocks and Wall
Street on Monday.
The gains were led by banking shares,
following a rout last week over concerns
that the turmoil in the sector could hit
other major institutions, such as German
giant Deutsche Bank.
Hong Kong and Tokyo closed higher,
while Sydney, Singapore and Seoul also
gained. Shanghai was down, however.
European equities were also higher in
early trade, with London, Frankfurt and
Paris all in positive territory.
Ray Attrill, head of FX strategy at
National Australia Bank, said Tuesday that
the acquisition by First Citizens had
“helped set a positive tone” in global mar-
kets.
“Together with the absence of new scare
stories over the weekend, banking shares
have driven a rally across most major
equity indices,” he wrote in a note.
On Monday, the World Bank warned
that an anticipated economic slowdown in
China is likely to drag global growth down
to its lowest level this century as it pro-
posed measures to prevent a “lost decade”
of growth.
“We’ve grown used to China being the
Y OU R LOCAL V OICE I WE D NE S D AY, MARCH 2 9 , 2 0 2 3
US$113.2 billion by 2030, with a gross
domestic product (GDP) contribution of
8.1 per cent by 2025.
“We are confident of achieving this
because the government has invested heav-
ily in enhancing the halal ecosystem,
including promoting halal research and
development (R&D), and nurturing the
enabling infrastructure to support halal
production and distribution,” he added.
Meanwhile, Tengku Zafrul said Mihas, as
a B2B platform that has grown from
strength to strength, has also been estab-
lished as one of the key drivers to build on
the halal momentum by exploring new
frontiers and untapped opportunities in
the industry.
The 19th edition of Mihas 2023 is hosted
by Miti and organised by the Malaysia
External Trade Development Corporation
(Matrade) and will be held over four days,
This figure is set to rise to 80 percent in
2027 and the rule would have excluded the
European Union and Japan—drawing con-
cern from both parties.
But the latest deal opens the doors for
critical minerals processed in Japan to qual-
ify for some US subsidies under the act.
The Treasury Department will issue a
notice by the end of this month with pro-
posed guidance on the IRA’s critical miner-
als and battery components requirements.
Boosting the critical minerals supply
chain “advances economic security and sta-
bility by ensuring the United States and
allies and partners are not reliant on other
countries for critical minerals,” said a senior
US administration official on condition of
anonymity.
The pact covers five critical minerals
most needed for EV batteries, and will be
reviewed every two years, the official
added.
According to the USTR, the US-Japan
agreement also involves commitment to
confer on “best practices regarding review
of investments within their territories in the
critical minerals sector by foreign entities.”
This month, US President Joe Biden and
top EU official Ursula von der Leyen
announced the start of negotiations on a
critical minerals agreement to enable the
relevant resources extracted or processed in
the European Union to qualify for IRA sub-
sidies. –AFP
tractor of the global economy, and that will
have to change because China’s growth
rate is going to go down over time,” World
Bank Chief Economist Indermit Gill said.
After last week’s tumult, traders were
taking the opportunity to regroup, SPI
Asset Management’s Stephen Innes said
Tuesday.
“US stocks are trading moderately
higher, and bonds lower Monday as bank
stresses relax a bit further,” he said.
“This allows investors more breathing
room to position ahead of a busy end-of-
the-month data week docket and an even
busier April” as first-quarter earnings
approach.
And while markets have responded
positively to the measures implemented by
authorities to shore up the banking sector,
there are still concerns about the impact of
ongoing rate hikes by central banks, espe-
cially the US Federal Reserve.
Despite the recent turmoil, central banks
have pushed on with monetary tightening
as they focus on fighting inflation.
BlackRock Investment Institute strate-
gists, however, see the campaign easing,
according to Bloomberg News.
“We see major central banks moving
away from a ‘whatever it takes’ approach,
stopping their hikes and entering a more
nuanced phase that’s less about a relentless
fight against inflation but still one where
they can’t cut rates,” Bloomberg quoted the
strategists as saying. –AFP
Since its
inception in
2004, Mihas
has become
an event for
local and
foreign
businesses
to thrive in
the Halal
trade and to
contribute
significantly
to the global
Halal
economy.
from Sept 12-15, 2023 at the Malaysia Inter-
national Trade and Exhibition Centre
(Mitec).
Themed ‘Paving the Way of Halal’, the
Mihas 2023 edition will feature the latest
halal trends, technologies and innovations
across 13 clusters comprising food and
beverages; modest fashion and lifestyle;
cosmetics and personal care; and food
technology and packaging, besides
Islamic finance and fintech, media and
recreation, retail and franchise, Muslim-
friendly hospitality and tourism, pharma-
ceutical and medicals, services and
enablers, education, e-Commerce, and
Islamic arts and culture.
Mihas 2023 is expected to be the largest
post-pandemic as it is expected to attract
over 35,000 local and international visi-
Asian regional econ
tors, and 1,500 booths, targeting 40 coun-
try pavilions. –Bernama
integration advancing
BOAO (Hainan): Regional economic inte-
gration has been advancing in Asia,
according to a report released by the Boao
Forum for Asia (BFA) on Tuesday, reported
Xinhua.
The BFA Asian Economic Outlook and
Integration Progress Annual Report 2023
states that in 2021, global dependence on
Asian trade in goods remained stable, and
the trade dependence between Asian
economies remained at a relatively high
level. The status of Asean and China as
hubs for trade in goods remained
unchanged.
Most major Asian economies have
increased their dependence on Asian fac-
tories over the past decade, according to
the report.
“Asia has a significant advantage of pro-
ducing competitive products in global
value chains. Of the top 22 intermediate
products from Asian factories in terms of
export value, 21 have shown significant
growth in exports, with electronic compo-
China breakthrough by Viet durians
HANOI: The export of Vietnamese durian
to China through the official channel
since September 2022 opened up a new
prospect for Vietnam’s fruit and veg-
etable industry.
According to statistics from the Min-
istry of Agriculture and Rural Develop-
ment (MARD), Vietnam has over 100,000
ha of durian with an annual output of
about 1.3 million tonnes. However, only
3,000 ha (3 per cent) of the total meet
standards for export to China.
The Mekong Delta province of Tien
Giang and the Central Highlands
province of Dak Lak have the largest
durian areas meeting export standards in
the country.
According to the Deputy General
Director of Dung Thai Son Import-Export
Company, Vu Ngoc Huy, China is a large
market with a strong durian consump-
SVB collapse ‘textbook case of mismanagement’
tion capacity.
The firm can export 500,000 tonnes of
WASHINGTON: The collapse of Silicon
Valley Bank (SVB) was a “textbook case of
mismanagement” which requires
tougher banking regulation, according
to prepared remarks by a top Federal
Reserve official.
“SVB failed because the bank’s man-
agement did not effectively manage its
interest rate and liquidity risk,” the Fed’s
vice chair for supervision Michael Barr
said in remarks released ahead of a Sen-
ate hearing Tuesday.
He added that its failure “demands a
thorough review of what happened,
including the Federal Reserve’s oversight
of the bank.”
Silicon Valley collapsed on March 10
after taking on excessive interest-rate
risk, leaving it exposed when the Fed
began hiking rates to tackle rising infla-
BP, ADNOC place $4b bid for
half of Israel’s NewMed Energy
JERUSALEM: Gas giants British Petroleum
(BP) and Abu Dhabi National Oil Com-
pany (ADNOC) placed a $4 billion offer to
purchase half of NewMed Energy, the
Israeli company said Tuesday.
The participation of Emirati firm
ADNOC is the latest sign of the quickening
normalisation of relations between Israel
and the UAE since their opening of diplo-
matic relations in 2020 and their signing
of a free trade deal last year which takes
effect next month.
NewMed, which holds 45 percent of
Israel’s Leviathan offshore gas field, said
the “non-binding indicative offer” was
received on Monday, noting it had
appointed an audit committee to examine
the deal.
The cash purchase would include all of
NewMed’s publicly held participation
units, and a small number of participation
units held by Israeli holding firm Delek, of
which NewMed is a subsidiary.
BP said that “together with ADNOC, it
has made a non-binding offer to take
NewMed Energy private through an acqui-
sition of the free float and a partial acqui-
sition of Delek’s stake, which would result
N American consortium agrees $12b
in BP and ADNOC holding 50 percent of
deal for Australia’s Origin Energy
SYDNEY: A North American consortium
says it has agreed to take over Australia’s
Origin Energy in a deal valued at Aus$18.7
billion (US$12 billion), vowing to slash car-
bon emissions.
Origin shares crept a little higher in
early Sydney trading Tuesday, after its
board unanimously called on shareholders
to back the binding offer by a consortium
led by Canada’s Brookfield and US investor
EIG.
nent products such as integrated circuits
growing the fastest, at a growth rate of up
to 28.8 per cent in 2021,” the report said.
In 2021, foreign direct investment (FDI)
inflows into the Asia-Pacific region
accounted for 45 per cent of global FDI
inflows, reaching a record high of over 710
billion U.S. dollars, according to the
report.
“Deepened financial integration in Asia
has made regional economies more
resilient against negative impacts from
international capital flows. As of the end of
2021, the stock of global portfolio invest-
ment outflows in Asia was close to US$11.7
trillion,” the report said.
By the end of 2021, Asian economies
allocated 19.5 per cent of their global port-
folio investment to markets in Asia. Among
Regional Comprehensive Economic Part-
nership (RCEP) economies, Indonesia,
Malaysia, and Singapore had the highest
level of portfolio investment allocation to
the region, the report added. –Bernama
fresh durian per year, accounting for over
one-third of the total durian output of
the country, Huy said.
La Tran Vinh, Director of Vinh Khang
Cooperative in Tien Giang, said the coop-
erative has worked with farmers in
Mekong Delta localities such as Tien
Giang, Can Tho, Vinh Long, and Ben Tre,
and the Central Highlands province of
Dak Lak to grow a total of over 100 ha of
the fruit.
All durian from the localities will be
provided for Chanh Thu Fruit Import-
Export Group JSC to export to the Chinese
market via the official channel, he said.
After China officially opened its door
to durian, Vietnamese farmers have more
opportunities to develop this crop, he
noted.
To promote the export of the product
to this billion-strong market, Hoang
Trung, Director of the MARD’s Plant Pro-
tection Department, recommended that
tion.
Its “concentrated” business model,
which relied heavily on a closely-inter-
connected network of venture capitalists,
also left it vulnerable to a bank run by
concerned depositors, Barr added.
“The bank waited too long to address
its problems, and ironically, the overdue
actions it finally took to strengthen its
balance sheet sparked the uninsured
depositor run that led to the bank’s fail-
ure,” he said.
Barr said the passage of the 2019 Eco-
nomic Growth, Regulatory Relief, and
Consumer Protection Act, led the Fed to
reduce its regulation of smaller banks,
including SVB.
The “less stringent” standards put in
place by the Fed after the Republican-
backed bill’s passage meant SVB was sub-
NewMed Energy.”
The deal would “be a significant first
step” in BP and ADNOC’s intention “to
form a new joint venture that will be
focused on gas development in interna-
tional areas of mutual interest, including
the East Mediterranean,” BP said in a state-
ment.
NewMed CEO Yossi Abu said the offer
was “the result of the warm relationships
and bridges we have built in recent years
with the energy companies working in the
region”.
To Abu, the offer was also “an impor-
tant vote of confidence” in “the Israeli gas
market in general, and to the business and
assets of NewMed Energy in particular,” a
company statement said.
Leviathan, discovered 130 kilometres
(80 miles) west of the Mediterranean port
city Haifa in 2010, is estimated by NewMed
to hold 605 billion cubic metres (21.3 tril-
lion cubic feet) of natural gas, along with
34.1 million barrels of condensate.
Production began in December 2019.
The field is connected by a pipeline to
Israel, which uses part of the gas with the
rest exported to neighbouring Egypt and
Jordan. –AFP
If approved by regulators and share-
holders, Brookfield will take over Origin’s
major power generation and energy retail
operations, while EIG’s MidOcean will snap
up the gas and LNG side of the business,
the firms said on Monday evening.
“As the energy transition gathers pace,
what’s needed is increasingly clear: faster
deployment of large-scale renewables, the
accelerated, responsible retirement of coal
generation, and an interim, supportive role
for gas as the dependable back-up fuel,”
said Brookfield Asset Management chair
Mark Carney, a former Bank of England
governor.
“Brookfield is determined that the new
Origin Energy Markets will lead the way in
all respects at this critical moment for the
Australian economy.”
Brookfield said it planned to invest at
least Aus$20 billion over the next decade in
building renewable energy and storage in
Australia.
The investment is expected to allow the
early retirement of one of Australia’s largest
coal-fired power plants, Eraring, which lies
on the east coast about 90 kilometres (60
miles) north of Sydney, Brookfield said.
The takeover bid, first announced in
November last year, offers Origin share-
holders a mix of Aus$5.78 and US$2.19 a
share, with a total value estimated at
Aus$18.7 billion, subject to currency
swings.
Australia, one of the world’s largest coal
exporters, has pledged to reduce its carbon
emissions by 43 percent before the end of
2030.
Ferocious forest fires and floods have
swept swathes of the country over the past
five years, raising many people’s concerns
about the impact of climate change. –AFP
export enterprises and farmers must reg-
ularly update and strictly comply with
regulations on quality standards, testing,
quarantine, packaging, and traceability
of the Chinese market.
China’s customs authorities have
approved Vietnam’s 51 farming area
codes and 26 packaging facility codes
that fully meet the requirements for
export to the Chinese market, Trung said.
The MARD has asked authorities of
southern localities to improve the quality
of the durian value chain, toward meet-
ing standards for exporting the fruit,
Minister of Agriculture and Rural Devel-
opment Le Minh Hoan said.
Specialised agencies have been tasked
with identifying areas where durian can
be grown sustainably, while localities
have been urged to have policies for
boosting the connection between farmers
and export enterprises, he added. –
Bernama
ject to “less frequent stress testing” and
“less rigorous capital planning and liq-
uidity risk management standards.”
Barr said SVB’s failure “illustrates the
need to move forward with our work to
improve the resilience of the banking
system.”
The Fed will propose a number of
reforms to increase capital and long-
term debt requirements for banks of
SVB’s size, he added.
“We will need to enhance our stress
testing with multiple scenarios so that it
captures a wider range of risk and uncov-
ers channels for contagion, like those we
saw in the recent series of events,” he
said, adding that changes to liquidity
rules may also be required “to improve
the resiliency of the financial system.” –
AFP
 WE D NE S D AY, MARCH 2 9 , 2 0 2 3 Business 15
n 10 MOST ACTIVE STOCKS

COUNTER
CfM
TURNOVER
(UNITS)
201,676,000
HIGH
(SEN)
25.0
LOw
(SEN)
18.0
L/dONE
(SEN)
18.5
UP/dOwN
(SEN)
-4.5
World’s largest SAHAM AMANAH SAbAH
VINVEST 120,596,200 24.5 22.5 24.5 +2.0 (MANAGER’S PRICES fOR MAC 27)
SAPNRG
VIZIONE
fITTERS
111,744,300
60,394,000
59,053,600
4.5
6.5
8.5
3.5
5.5
7.5
4.0
6.0
8.0
UNCH
+0.5
UNCH
microalgae plant bUyING:
SELLING:
NAV:
0.2799
0.2799
0.2799
HSI-HKU 49,885,000 18.5 14.5 15.5 -2.0
HONGSENG
dNEx
JAdEM
HSI-CLy
49,465,400
48,676,800
45,690,400
38,770,400
12.0
63.0
30.5
26.0
11.5
58.0
29.0
22.0
11.5
62.0
29.5
24.5
-1.0
+3.5
-0.5
+1.0
opens in Sarawak n gold prices
THE physical price of gold as at 5pm stood at
KUALA LUMPUR: Chitose Group (Chitose), ogy Development Organisation, C4 is RM267.09 per gramme, down RM3.69 from
an entity formed by biotechnology startups expected to demonstrate the efficient and RM270.78 at 5pm Monday. – bernama
n bURSA SCOREbOARd managed by Chitose Bio Evolution Pte Ltd scalable production of microalgal biomass
n CLOSING INdICES
based in Japan and Singapore, has (utilising photobioreactor technologies)
UP dOwN UNCHANGEd TRAdEd announced the construction of a five- and to produce 350 dry tonnes of microal-
CONSUMER PROd & SERV 51 56 65 172
INd-PROd & SERVICES 69 78 84 231
hectare (ha) microalgae production facility, gal biomass per year, fixing 700 tonnes of fbMEMAS 10,301.90 (+67.89)
CONSTRUCTION 19 12 23 54
Chitose Carbon Capture Central (C4) was carbon dioxide (CO2) per year.
fbMKLCI 1,409.09 (+12.49)
TECHNOLOGy 14 27 15 56
completed and the production of microal- At C4, gas exhausted from a neighbour-
CONSUMER PROdUCTS 567.82 (+3.11)
SPAC 0 0 0 0
gae has been started in Sarawak, Malaysia. ing coal-fired power plant is used as a car-
fINANCIAL SERVICES 16 3 9 28
According to Chitose in a statement, it bon source, and the produced microalgal INdUSTRIAL PROdUCTS 168.00 (+2.04)
PROPERTy 28 38 30 96 plans to establish the stable, continuous biomass will be used for sustainable pro- CONSTRUCTION 159.10 (-0.92)
PLANTATION 17 7 14 38 and large-scale production of microalgae, duction of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF)
fINANCIAL SERVICES 15,560.30 (+137.80)
REIT 7 4 8 19 and its production technology aims at pro- and other products.
CLOSEd ENd fUNd 1 0 0 1 ceeding with the development of applica- Towards 2030, Chitose is planning to ENERGy 813.43 (+20.48)
ENERGy 21 5 9 35 tions for a wide range of industrial expand the production to 2,000 ha and is TELECOMMUNICATIONS590.45 (+5.89)
HEALTH CARE 4 10 2 16 materials, including fuels and plastics. currently in the process of raising funds for HEALTH CARE 1,754.67 (-15.00)
TELECOMMUNICATIONS/MEdIA 8 3 7 18
TRANSPORTATION 893.95 (-5.03)
Chitose aims for zero carbon emission this move.
TRANSPORTATION & LOGISTICS 5 13 13 31 through photoautotrophic microalgae pro- In algae production on a scale of 2,000
UTILITIES 8 4 1 13 duction and through the MATSURI (mean- ha, approximately 140,000 dry tonnes of PROPERTy 684.15 (-1.29)
STRCwARR 75 102 70 247 ing “festival” in Japanese) project, which is microalgal dry-biomass per year will be pro- PLANTATION 6,714.74 (+58.02)
ACE-MKT 63 46 77 186 designed to establish a microalgae-based duced, and the production cost will be less fbMSHA 10,619.20 (+51.81)
bONd&LOAN 0 1 2 3
fbMACE 5,205.51 (-11.40)
industry replacing the petroleum-based than US$2.5 per kg biomass. (US$1=RM4.38)
ETf 2 5 1 8 industry. Further, it also aims to expand the pro-
LEAP-MKT 2 2 0 4 At the same time, the company plans to duction to over 10,000,000 ha, which is TECHNOLOGy 61.16 (-0.09)
develop diverse products used in daily life approximately 1/20 of the world’s maize-
410 416 430 1,256
n INTERbANK RATES
from microalgae, including fuels, plastics, harvested area and will produce 700 million
foods and toiletry, in collaboration with its dry tonnes of microalgal biomass annually,
n bURSA dERIVATIVES ExCHANGE business partners. hence the production cost will potentially KUALA LUMPUR INTERbANK
Backed by the Japanese government- fall to less than US$0.5 per kg biomass. – OffER RATES: MAC 28
KUALA LUMPUR COMPOSITE INdEx fUTURES funded New Energy and Industrial Technol- Bernama
CONTRACT CLOSING: MAC 28
1M 2M 3M 6M 9M 12M
Anti-cartel watchdog suspects Microsoft 2.96 3.35 3.62 3.72 - 3.79
CONTRACT VOLUME OPEN OPEN HIGH LOw LAST SETTLE
MONTHS INTEREST TRAdEd PRC
BERLIN: Germany’s anti-cartel watchdog mount significance for competition across SIbOR (S$) SIbOR (US$) HIbOR (HK$)
MAR-23 31,277 60,869 1396.0 1407.5 1385.5 1404.0 1404.0 said Tuesday it was examining if it needed markets. Such a finding would allow us to 1M – 3.19673
APR-23 27,745 30,493 1397.5 1409.0 1388.0 1405.5 1405.5 to place US giant Microsoft under close take action at an early stage and prohibit
JUN-23 96 846 1398.0 1410.0 1395.0 1407.5 1407.5 watch for any possible abuse. possible anti-competitive practices,” he 2M – 3.44476
SEP-23 20 347 1387.0 1399.0 1387.0 1398.5 1398.5
The Federal Cartel Office said it was tak- said. 3M – 3.71935
ing a first step to see if Microsoft is of The watchdog had already placed
3-MONTH KLIbOR fUTURES CLOSING: MAC 28 “paramount significance across markets”. Google and Meta—the company which 6M – 4.02446
If this is found to be the case, the action owns Facebook, WhatsApp and Insta- 12M – 4.18220
MONTH OPEN HIGH LOw SETTLE VOL OPEN could pave the way for the authorities to gram—under reinforced monitoring.
PRICE POSITION take preventive action against anti-com- Such action was made possible by the
APR-23 - - - 97.23 - -
petitive practices. amended German Competition Act, which n RINGGIT wATCH
The authority’s president Andreas came into force in January 2021, and which
MAy-23 - - - 97.23 - - Mundt noted that Microsoft has had a allows the authority to intervene earlier, The ringgit appreciated against the US dollar at the
JUN-23 - - - 97.23 - - longstanding and strong position with its particularly against huge digital compa- close Tuesday amid weakening demand for the green-
back, tracking the United States banking crisis.
SEPT-23 - - - 97.23 - -
Windows and Office products. nies.
The company has also significantly Big tech companies have been facing At 6 pm, the local note was traded at 4.3990/4030
dEC-23 - - - 97.23 - - grown its cloud services Azure and increasing scrutiny around the globe over versus the US dollar compared with Monday’s closing
rate of 4.4190/4240.
MAR-24 - - - 97.23 - -
bank Muamalat Malaysia bhd chief economist
OneDrive, as well as its Teams video con- their dominant positions as well as their
JUN-24 - - - 97.23 - - ference services. tax practices. Mohd Afzanizam Abdul Rashid said that as the ringgit
SEPT-24 - - - 97.23 - -
“More recently, the company has The EU and Britain in March opened breached its support level of RM4.4099, the next sup-
attracted attention with the integration of antitrust probes into a 2018 deal between port level is located at RM4.3297.
dEC-24 - - - 97.23 - - AI applications,” said Mundt. Google and Meta allegedly aimed at “This implies that the ringgit needs a strong cata-
MAR-24 - - - 97.23 - - “In light of this, there are good reasons cementing their dominance over the lyst to appreciate which can be none other than the
US federal Reserve (fed) taking a dovish stance in

Astro FY2023 profit falls to RM259m

JUN-25 - - - 97.23 - - to examine whether Microsoft is of para- online advertising market. –AFP
May’s federal Open Market Committee (fOMC)
SEP-25 - - - 97.23 - - meeting.
“Should the banking crisis in the US, sparked by
dEC-25 - - - 97.23 - - the Silicon Valley bank and Signature bank, be con-
MAR-25 - - - 97.23 - - tained, the ringgit could potentially be stronger than
what it is today,” he told bernama.
JUN-26 - - - 97.23 - -
KUALA LUMPUR: Astro Malaysia Holdings increase in sales of programming rights,”
Bhd’s net profit for the financial year Astro said in a filing to Bursa Malaysia. Looking ahead, Afzanizam said the market is also
SEP-26 - - - 97.23 - - ended Jan 31, 2023 fell to RM259.04 million In a separate statement, Astro group anticipating the release of US consumer confidence
dEC-26 - - - 97.23 - - from RM460.88 million registered in the chief executive officer Euan Smith said data due later today, and bank Negara Malaysia’s
(bNM) annual report wednesday, for fresh leads.
MAR-26 - - - 97.23 - - previous year after it recorded lower earn- Astro’s transformation plans have contin- Meanwhile, the ringgit traded mostly higher
JUN-27 - - - 97.23 - -
ings in the fourth quarter. ued apace this year as the group continues against a basket of major currencies.
Revenue for the year under review to put in place the structures and architec- The local note rose against the british pound to
SEP-27 - - - 97.23 - - declined to RM3.80 billion from RM4.18 ture that will define the Astro of the future. 5.4046/4095 from 5.4159/4221 at Monday’s close,
dEC-27 - - - 97.23 - - billion. “We are starting to see the benefits improved versus the Japanese yen to 3.3606/3642 from
3.3612/3653, but marginally eased vis-a-vis the euro to
MAR-27 - - - 97.23 - - For the fourth quarter ended Jan 31, from the investments in content, product,
4.7580/7623 from 4.7579/7633 previously.
2023, its net profit was down to RM54.75 connectivity, advertising, and customer
At the same time, the ringgit was traded mixed
TOTAL OPEN INTEREST : NIL CTRS TOTAL TURNOVER : NIL LOTS million from RM126.59 million recorded service, moving the company aggressively against Asean currencies.
previously, while revenue for the period into the new streaming, on-demand era,” It gained versus the Singapore dollar to
slipped 3.9 per cent to RM990.67 million he said. 3.3100/3135 from 3.3151/3191 and went up vis-a-vis the
bURSA MALAySIA dERIVATIVES ExCHANGE: MAC 28 from RM1.03 billion a year before. Smith added that customers are Philippine peso to 8.07/8.09 from 8.14/8.15 previously.
THE CRUdE PALM OIL fUTURES CLOSING (ALL PRCS ARE IN RM/MT) “Decline in the revenue for the quarter streaming more than ever on the Ultra and The local note decreased against the Thai baht to
was mainly (due to) the decrease in sub- Ulti boxes, as well as on Astro GO, with its 12.8288/8457 from 12.8236/8440 and fell against the
dEL OPEN HIGH LOw LAST VOLUME OPEN scription and advertising revenues and on-demand shows streamed rising 25 per Indonesian rupiah to 291.60/291.90 from 291.30/291.90
MONTH (RM) (RM) (RM) (RM) POSIITON Monday. – bernama
merchandise sales, which were offset by an cent year-on-year to 660 million.

APR-23 3896 4013 3880 4013 688 3,761 n COCOA n ExCHANGE RATES
MAy-23 3718 3841 3690 3836 5,334 32,083
dAILy dEALER PURCHASE PRICE Of COCOA ExCHANGE RATES ISSUEd by MALAyAN bANKING bHd: MAC 28
JUN-23 3600 3695 3567 3690 30,329 86,284 bEANS QUOTEd by THE MALAySIAN COCOA
JUL-23 3551 3621 3517 3615 11,763 42,637 bOARd ON TUESdAy, MAC 28 2023 SELLING bUyING bUyING
AUG-23 3535 3588 3511 3580 9,316 26,814 TT/Od TT Od
SMC 1 SMC 2 SMC 3 1 US dollar 4.4815 4.3455 4.3355
SEP-23 3525 3573 3491 3564 8,784 24,204 HIGH LOw HIGH LOw HIGH LOw HIGH LOw
1 Australian dollar 3.0030 2.8820 2.8660
OCT-23 3509 3562 3479 3555 3788 14,306 1 brunei dollar 3.3670 3.2690 3.2610
TAwAU 160 160 8250 8250 8100 8050 – –
NOV-23 3498 3553 3469 3548 2706 15,533 1 Canadian dollar 3.2780 3.1890 3.1770
dEC-23 3469 3550 3469 3550 1378 7,209 TENOM 155 155 8250 8250 8100 8050 – – 1 Euro 4.8500 4.6910 4.6710
JAN-24 3510 3552 3510 3552 1150 5,569 MUAR – – – – – – – – 1 New Zealand dollar 2.7930 2.6880 2.6720
1 Papua N Guinea Kina N/A N/A N/A
TOTAL OPEN POSITION : 264,927 CTRS JERANTUT – – – – – – – –
1 Singapore dollar 3.3670 3.2690 3.2610
TOTAL TURN OVER : 76,601 LOTS RAUb – – 8400 8400 8200 8200 – – 1 Sterling Pound 5.5200 5.3440 5.3240
MARKET TONE : HIGHER KUCHING – – 7750 7750 7600 7550 – – 1 Swiss franc 4.8840 4.7690 4.7540
100 UAE dirham 123.4500 116.9900 116.7900
SARIKEI – – 7750 7750 7600 7550 – –
MPOb PALM OIL PRICES (RM/MT): MAC 28 NOTE : PRELIMINARy PRICES UP TO 100 bangladesh Taka 4.3370 4.0660 3.8660
MARCH APRIL MAy
4.30 P.M. NT – NO TRANSACTION SIbU – – 7750 7750 7600 7550 – – 100 Chinese Renminbi 65.2000 62.7000 N/A
CPO (LOCAL dELIVEREd) 3,998.50 3,931.00 NT LOCAL MALAySIA CPO PRICE TRAdEd fIRM 100 danish Krone 66.7200 61.3800 61.1800
PK (Ex-MILL) 2,080.00 NT NT dUE TO STRONGER SOybEAN OIL PRICES ON n RUbbER 100 Hongkong dollar 57.6900 54.8000 54.6000
CHINA’S dALIAN COMMOdITy ExCHANGE
CPKO (LOCAL dELIVEREd) NT 3,968.50 NT ANd ANTICIPATION Of TIGHTENING PALM OIL SMR CLOSING PRICES (SEN/KG): MAC 28 100 Indian Rupee 5.5400 5.2000 5.0000
Rbd P. OIL (fOb) NT NT NT SUPPLy. CPO dELIVERy PRICES TRAdEd bETwEEN TONE Of MARKET: QUIET 100 Indonesian Rupiah 0.0306 0.0277 0.0227
Rbd P. OLEIN (fOb) NT NT NT RM3,920/TONNE ANd RM4,100/TONNE.
PALM KERNEL PRICE TRAdEd AT fEbRUARy SELLER’S OffER PRICE SEN/KG US CENTS/KG 100 Japanese yen 3.4270 3.3170 3.3070
Rbd P. STEARIN (fOb) NT NT NT RM2,080/TONNE. – bERNAMA 100 New Taiwan dollar 15.8000 N/A N/A
SMR CV – 876.50 / 201.95
100 Norwegian Krone 44.0200 40.4600 40.2600
SMR L – 866.50 / 199.65
dAILy ffb REfERENCE PRICE SUMMARy SMR 5 – 593.50 / 136.75
100 Pakistan Rupee 1.6100 1.5100 1.3100

by REGION (RM/TONNE) MAC 28 100 Philippine Peso N/A N/A N/A

SMR 10 – 583.50 / 134.45 100 Qatar Riyal 123.4400 117.1800 116.9800
dATE NORTH SOUTH CENTRAL EAST COAST SAbAH* SARAwAK* SMR 20 – 581.50 / 133.95 100 Saudi Riyal 120.6100 114.5000 114.3000
GRAdE GRAdE GRAdE GRAdE GRAdE GRAdE 100 South Africa Rand 25.4000 22.9400 22.7400
RM/ 1% OER 42.02 42.57 42.43 42.10 38.15 38.71 100 Sri Lanka Rupee 1.4400 1.3000 1.1000
Note : OER - Oil Extraction Rate (Kadar Perahan Minyak) * Sandakan, Lahad datu and Tawau
CENTRIfUGEd LATEx: LOCAL PRICE (ISO 2004) SEN/KILO (wET): 100 Swedish Krona 44.6000 40.6000 40.4000
NT - No Trade ** Miri and bintulu.
SELLERS LATEx IN bULK: 514.00 100 Thai baht 13.6100 12.0700 11.6700
PH - Public Holiday
 PEOPLE & PLACES
Iraq cancels TV
17 Japan birth drive sparks online debate
show for insulting
tribal sheikhs
BAGHDAD: Iraq’s media regulator has
ordered the cancellation of a Ramadan tel-
evision series accused of portraying the
country’s tribal leaders as salacious
despots, following anger from politicians
and local chiefs.
After only three episodes, the Commu-
nications and Media Commission ordered
private channel UTV to stop broadcasting
“Al-Kasser” (“The Predator”), with the reg-
ulator saying in a statement Sunday it
would work to stop anyone “seeking to
undermine social stability”.
Tribal culture permeates daily life in
Iraq, particularly in the southern regions,
with the judgement of local sheikhs often
sought to resolve disputes – including
arguments over land and marital issues.
The weight of these decisions is often
trusted over those of state courts.
The series had been criticised for its
depiction of tribal leaders as backward
tyrants, abusive of their power and
obsessed with women, with parliamentar-
ian Mustafa Sanad describing it as “an
offence” to society in southern Iraq.
Sanad, a member of Prime Minister
Mohammed Shia al-Sudani’s governing
Coordination Framework bloc, released a
statement Friday calling for the cancella-
tion of the show, saying it “harms the rep-
utation of our tribes”.
UTV network, owned by the son of
prominent Sunni Muslim politician
Khamis al-Khanjar, said the station had
been subject to anonymous threats and
stopped broadcasting the series.
Mohammed al-Azzaoui, a spokesman
for UTV, confirmed the cancellation
despite the series having received the
“approval” of Iraq’s actors guild.
Last year, Iraq’s media regulator also
forced UTV to suspend a satirical pro-
gramme after it aired an episode criticising
alleged corruption in the armed forces.
Activists and civil society organisations
have recently expressed alarm over the
increased repression of freedom of speech
by authorities in the conflict-scarred coun-
try.
In January, the interior ministry
announced a campaign to target “decadent
content” on social media platforms like
YouTube and TikTok, which it described as
breaching Iraqi “mores and traditions”.
Some producers have been imprisoned,
including local TikTok personality Om
Fahad, who gained tens of thousands of
followers by uploading videos of herself
Italy curator slams ‘ignorance’ in US Michelangelo row
dancing to pop music. – AFP
ROME: The head of the Italian museum
housing Michelangelo’s David criticised
“twisted minds” who equated nudity with
pornography, after a US teacher was forced
out for showing pupils the statue.
Cecilie Hollberg, director of the Accad-
emia in Florence, told AFP the row showed
a “huge ignorance” about art history, and
was the product of “misplaced puri-
tanism”.
A school principal in Tallahassee,
Florida, was forced to resign last week fol-
lowing complaints that her class of 11 and
12-year-olds was shown a picture of the
naked statue of David.
One parent reportedly said the image
was pornographic.
“This is absolutely astonishing because
we are talking about the icon of the Ren-
aissance, Michelangelo’s David, which has
been recognised across the world for gen-
erations,” Hollberg said in a telephone
interview.
She said the statue was hailed for its
beauty and “purity”, adding: “One must
Harry returns to court in tabloid phone hacking case
have a twisted mind to combine nudity
LONDON: Prince Harry returned to a Lon-
don court Tuesday for a second day of
hearings to see if the phone hacking law-
suit he brought with Elton John and other
celebrities can withstand a challenge from
the publisher of The Daily Mail.
The case is one of several brought by
the Duke of Sussex in his battle with the
press and alleges the publisher hired pri-
vate investigators to illegally bug homes
and cars and to record phone conversa-
tions.
Associated Newspapers Ltd. denies the
allegations and is seeking to throw out the
case, arguing that the claims are too old
and rely on information they turned over
in confidentiality for a 2012 probe into
media law breaking.
Actresses Liz Hurley and Sadie Frost,
and John’s husband, David Furnish, are
also parties to the case.
The lawsuit alleges Associated Newspa-
pers, which publishes The Daily Mail and
The Mail On Sunday, commissioned the
“breaking and entry into private property,”
and engaged in other unlawful acts that
invaded the privacy of the famous plain-
tiffs.
Attorney David Sherborne, who repre-
sents the prince and others, said the intru-
sions were “habitual and widespread” and
Comedy tricky
as ‘you have
to be careful’
now says Aniston
P
ARIS: Jennifer Aniston said she
wishes we could laugh more at our-
selves, rather than having to police
every word in comedies.
“Comedy has evolved, movies have
evolved,” the “Friends” star, 54, told AFP in
Paris, where her new film “Murder Mystery
2” with Adam Sandler, is set.
“Now it’s a little tricky because you have
to be very careful, which makes it really
hard for comedians, because the beauty of
comedy is that we make fun of ourselves,
make fun of life,” she said.
In the past, “you could joke about a
bigot and have a laugh – that was hysteri-
cal. And it was about educating people on
how ridiculous people were,” she said.
“And now we’re not allowed to do that.”
Aniston said the culture had changed
dramatically since the days of “Friends” in
the 1990s.
“There’s a whole generation of people,
kids, who are now going back to episodes
of ‘Friends’ and find them offensive.
“There were things that were never
intentional and others... well, we should
have thought it through – but I don’t think
there was a sensitivity like there is now.”
These issues are perhaps the reason
why Hollywood is turning out far fewer
comedies in recent years, which Aniston
said was a tragedy.
“Everybody needs funny! The world
needs humour! We can’t take ourselves
too seriously. Especially in the United
States. Everyone is far too divided,” she
said.
For co-star Sandler, the other big
change has been the budgets, with come-
dies now expected to look as good as
expensive blockbusters and dramas.
“You know what else has changed
about comedies? The look,” Sandler joked,
pointing to his clothes.
“Remember when we used to make
comedies? They would give you a budget,
with what was suggested, because obvi-
ously there is a big difference between
nudity and pornography.”
The director decried “a huge igno-
rance” about history and the history of art
which, “more than anything, is quite sad”.
Florence mayor Dario Nardella, for his
part, condemned the US row as “simply
ridiculous”.
Michelangelo’s David, sculpted
between 1501 and 1504 from a single block
of marble, depicts the Biblical hero David,
who killed the giant Goliath with his sling,
and is considered an emblem of the Italian
Renaissance.
“Anyone who feels disturbed by this has
a serious problem with the roots of West-
ern culture,” Hollberg said.
She warned that “we are really losing
our connection with our culture and his-
tory... to think that once in Greece, at the
Olympic Games, everyone was naked!”
The Tallahassee Classical School princi-
pal, Hope Carrasquilla, was told to resign
or be sacked.
Barney Bishop, chairman of the school
Harry waves to the media as he arrives at
the Royal Courts Of Justice in London.
(Pic: AP Photo/Alastair Grant)
later “concealed or covered up.”
Articles were falsely attributed to
“friends,” a family source, palace sources,
royal insider, or similar unnamed individ-
uals to throw subjects “off the scent” of the
true origin, Sherborne said.
Among the allegations in court papers
were that Associated Newspapers unlaw-
fully obtained the birth certificate of John
and Furnish’s child before they saw the
18 Climate change threatens Asia’s water tower
Aniston poses as she arrives for the
Premiere of the movie Murder
Mystery 2 released by Netflix, in Paris.
not too much money, and say: ‘Do what-
ever you can with that.’
“And now they want us to look pretty
awesome. We work harder on that,” he
said with a laugh.
“Murder Mystery 2” follows the hit Net-
flix film from 2019 in which Sandler’s
detective and his wife become embroiled
in a whodunnit on holiday.
The sequel, streaming from Friday, sees
the duo travel to Paris after a wealthy
friend is kidnapped. – AFP
board, confirmed that the art class “was an
issue, along with many others”.
But he told CNN that “we aren’t trying
to ban the picture”.
He said David’s image was used every
year in the Renaissance Art class. But this
year, contrary to procedure, parents had
not been notified in advance.
While almost all the parents in the class
concerned were happy with the lesson, he
said, the school did receive some com-
plaints.
“We think it’s beautiful, but we are
going to make sure the concept of
parental rights is supreme in Florida and
at our charter school,” Bishop said.
In a nationwide US debate, Florida
emphasises parental rights in education a
policy driven by Governor Ron DeSantis,
who is forecast to run against Donald
Trump to become the Republican Party
candidate for the 2024 presidential elec-
tion.
“It saddens me that my time here had to
end this way,” Carrasquilla told a local
newspaper, Tallahassee Democrat. – AFP
document and illegally gleaned informa-
tion on Harry’s previous relationship with
Chelsy Davy, a jewelry designer from Zim-
babwe.
The publisher is also alleged to have
hired a private investigator to hack Hur-
ley’s phone, stuck a mini-microphone on
a window outside her home and bugged
ex-boyfriend Hugh Grant’s car to gather
financial information, travel plans and
medical information during her preg-
nancy.
The case is to some extent a replay of a
British phone-hacking scandal that was
front page news a decade ago and eventu-
ally brought down another tabloid and
ended with the conviction of the former
spokesperson for then-Prime Minister
David Cameron.
The allegations date primarily from
1993 to 2011 but also stretch beyond 2018,
Sherborne said.
Associated Newspapers claims the
information about the scandal was so
widely known the subjects could have
sued years ago.
“It would be surprising indeed for any
reasonably informed member of the pub-
lic, let alone a figure in the public eye, to
have been unaware of these matters,” attor-
ney Adrian Beltrami said in writing. – AP
WE D NE S D AY, MARCH 2 9 , 2 0 2 3
Plaintiff says
Paltrow ski
crash changed
his ‘essence’
LOS ANGELES: The man suing Gwyneth
Paltrow over what he claims was a hit-and-
run ski accident on a posh US slope said
the accident had changed his “essence”.
Terry Sanderson, a 76-year-old retired
optometrist, said the 2016 collision in
Utah had left him with four broken ribs
and lasting psychological damage.
“I’m like living another life now,” he
told a court in Park City.
“My interaction with my family has
been more difficult and I think.... I of
course... I’m desperate to be close to my
family and my girls.
“But something’s wrong with my
essence and what I bring to the table with
them. Communication is not as smooth
and it’s been more difficult.”
Sanderson is suing the “Shakespeare in
Love” actress over the collision, which his
lawyers say caused him damage to the
tune of $3.3 million. He filed the suit in
2019 and the case has taken this long to
reach court.
Paltrow has in turn countersued, for a
symbolic $1, plus legal expenses.
The actress told the trial last week that
Sanderson had ploughed into the back of
her.
But on Monday, Sanderson took the
stand to insist that it was he who was the
victim.
“I got hit in my back so hard and it was
right at my shoulder blades, a serious, seri-
ous smack. I’ve never been hit that hard,
and I’m flying,” he told the jury.
“Last thing I remember, everything was
black.”
Benin star Kidjo wins top music prize
Sanderson, who before the incident
had suffered vision problems and a heart
STOCKHOLM: Benin singer
Angelique Kidjo (pic) won one of
Europe’s top music prizes Tuesday
along with Britain’s Chris Black-
well, founder of Island Records,
and Estonian composer Arvo Part.
The five-times Grammy winner,
described by the organisers of Swe-
den’s Polar Music Prize as “one of
the greatest singer-songwriters in
international music”, sings her in
native Fon and Yoruba languages
as well as in French and English.
Dubbed “Africa’s premier diva”
by Time magazine, she is best
known for her hits “Agolo” and “We
We”.
Blackwell founded the Island
Records label in Jamaica that went on to
sign such legendary stars as Bob Marley,
Cat Stevens, Roxy Music and U2.
Estonia’s Arvo Part, who the jury
described as “the world’s most performed
living composer”, was highlighted for his
“unique compositional technique,
tintinnabuli” which he invented in the
Test your logic skills with the Su Do Ku puzzle. The rules are simple: each of the smaller grids
should contain the number 1 to 9, and in the large grid each row and column should contain the
number 1 to 9. These puzzle vary in difficulty and this is an easy one.
(Solution below)
solution
16
Paltrow sits in court during her
civil trial over a collision with
another skier. (Inset) Sanderson.
attack, said the collision knocked him out.
Asked about an email he sent to his
daughters about the crash with a Holly-
wood celebrity with the subject line “I’m
famous,” Sanderson said: “My head was
scrambled.”
“I didn’t pick my words well. I was try-
ing to add a little levity to a serious situa-
tion and it backfired.”
He did not deny sending the email, but
insisted: “It’s the other personality that’s
inhabiting my body right now.”
Stephen Owens, representing Paltrow,
argued that any changes in Sanderson’s
personality were more to do with the nat-
ural ageing process.
Paltrow was skiing with her children
and her partner, Brad Falchuk.
Last week she told the court “Mr.
Sanderson categorically hit me on that ski
slope, and that is the truth.”
“I was skiing, and two skis came
between my skis, forcing my legs apart,
and then there was a body pressing
against me, and there was a very strange
grunting noise” she said.
In his opening statement last week, Pal-
trow’s lawyer said Sanderson is “obsessed”
with the lawsuit, and that the case was a
“meritless claim of false allegation.”
In addition to her Oscar-winning acting
career, Paltrow has forged a second career
marketing wellness products on her Goop
website. – AFP
1970s.
The Polar Music Prize was founded in
1989 by former ABBA manager Stig Ander-
son and last year honoured Iggy Pop and
US songwriter Diane Warren.
The laureates will receive their 600,000
kroner ($58,000) prize at a ceremony in
Stockholm on May 23. – AFP
QUOTABLE QUOTES
‘The good
ideas will
survive’
– Quentin Tarantino

T
OKYO: Japan’s government has
made tackling its falling birth rate a
top priority, but with few women
involved in official debate on the issue,
some are making themselves heard on
social media.
Japan recorded fewer than 800,000
births last year, the lowest in the country
of 125 million since records began.
The prime minister has warned the
trend threatens “whether we can continue
to function as a society”, and fresh focus
on the issue has sparked countless articles.
But one in particular, noting Japan has
the highest ratio in the OECD of women
aged 50 who have never had children, trig-
gered an outpouring of responses using
the hashtag “life-long childlessness”.
Tomoko Okada had long felt
“ashamed” about not having children and
hesitated to click on the trending topic on
Twitter initially, fearing the usual barrage
of criticism.
Instead, she found mostly sympathetic
and nuanced discussions, with women
explaining why they had been unable to
start a family or, in some cases, why they
had chosen not to.
“I used to strongly believe that giving
birth was the ‘normal’ thing to do,” the 47-
year-old freelance writer told AFP.
She tried matchmaking services hoping
to find a partner, with no luck, and was left
feeling guilty when her dad asked for a
grandchild for Father’s Day.
But posting her experiences and read-
ing those of others helped her feel “my way
of life is also OK”.
While many developed countries are
struggling with low birth rates, the prob-
lem is particularly acute in Japan.
POPEYE
BLONDIE
AMAZING SPIDER-MAN
crossword
‘Don’t blame women’
WE D NE S D AY, MARCH 2 9 , 2 0 2 3
Japan birth drive sparks online debate
It has the world’s second-oldest popu- vowed policies including financial aid for
lation after Monaco, and its relatively strict families, easier childcare access and more
immigration rules mean it faces growing parental leave.
labour shortages. But with female lawmakers accounting
Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has for fewer than 10 per cent of Japan’s pow-
reverse engineer
ACROSS
1. Food with a tortilla shell
5. Make a visit
11. Gave a meal to
14. Stench
15. Cyclops feature
16. Direction opposite WSW
17. Fortune’s partner
18. Alternative strategy, or a hint to the
word whose letters progress in reverse
through 18-, 23-, 36-, 49- and 59-
Across
20. Home body?
DOWN
1. Miso soup cube
2. Lambert who sings with Queen
3. Enters a tournament
4. Quarry mineral
5. Hooded snake
6. Warning sign in a TV studio
7. Holy city in Saudi Arabia
8. Mousy response?
9. College sponsored by the LDS
Church
10. “You got it!”
11. Name of Spain’s current king
12. Infatuate
13. Like pound cake, vis-avis
sponge cake
19. Ovenware vessel
21. Freudian concept
24. Frock
25. By ___ and bounds
26. Lounge around
27. Initial poker bet
28. Leather punch
29. Maroon 5’s “___ Will Be Loved”
People & Places 17
People pay
a visit to
Suitengu
Shrine, a
popular
place to
pray for a
happy and
safe preg-
nancy and
birth of a
child, in the
Ningyocho
area of
Tokyo.
erful lower house, and Kishida’s 19-minis-
ter cabinet including just two women,
most of those involved in the debate are
men.
That has left some women feeling side-
lined, or even under attack.
“Don’t blame women for the low birth
rate,” tweeted Ayako, a 38-year-old Tokyo
resident without children, who used the
hashtag to call for recognition of “various
choices” in life.
She told AFP that Japan’s traditional
gender roles are central to the problem.
A 2021 government survey found that
Japanese women spend around four times
as long on chores and childcare as men,
even with more husbands working from
home.
Ayako is outspoken online, but said she
finds herself “shunned” when she speaks
about gender-related issues in real life,
and preferred not to give her surname.
“It’s hard to raise your voice in the real
world. I feel like women receive so much
criticism just for expressing their opin-
ions,” she said.
On social media, however, “I’m often
surprised to find other people with the
same views.”
Yuiko Fujita, a media and gender stud-
ies professor at Meiji University, said social
media has become a way for women in
particular to discuss political and societal
issues with less fear, often anonymously.
Other birthrate-related hashtags, rail-
ing against mothers being “single-opera-
tor childcare services” or lamenting
rejected nursery applications, have also
gone viral.
But the outpouring has limited impact
outside the “echo chambers” online,
warned Fujita.
“Unfortunately... not many of these
voices make it beyond the community of
women to reach the political arena.”
Experts believe the declining birth rate
is a complex problem with numerous
roots.
Just 2.4 percent of births in Japan are
outside of marriage, the lowest among the
OECD group of 38 countries – a figure
often attributed to conservative norms
and financial structures that favour fami-
lies.
Some point to economics, arguing the
country’s long-stagnant growth discour-
ages couples from having babies.
Policy changes such as expanding day-
care provision can help boost birth rates,
but the increase is often “temporary”, said
Takumi Fujinami of the Japan Research
Institute.
As well as equality when it comes to
household chores, he said, “long-term eco-
nomic stability and rising incomes are
key.” – AFP
48. Personal journal
49. Where people wait to get on board
21. Name hidden in “white rice” 54. Take home, as a salary
22. Goals 55. Fuzzy kind of rug
23. “The Tell-Tale Heart” writer
56. Opposite of subtract
28. Houston slugger
59. Like some meatless diets
30. Years and years and years 63. Board game with a miniature can-
31. Goof dlestick
32. “This ride is fun!” 64. 2021 M. Night Shyamalan thriller
33. Field that includes farmland? in which people age suddenly
36. Not too happy 65. “Present!”
42. Bamboo ___ (edible sprouts) 66. Skeleton part
43. Practice boxing 67. 12/31: Abbr.
44. Soak (up) 68. Went offstage
47. Letters acknowledging a debt
69. Orchid support
solution to today’s
33. French variant of “Ralph”
crossword
34. Sinus doc
35. Name that anagrams to
“Syria”
37. Like a beanpole
38. Hula-___
39. Tony-winning Arthurian musical
40. Bandaged body part in a van
Gogh self-portrait
41. Not wet
44. Trample
45. By mouth
46. “Don’t rain on my ___!”
48. Snoopy, e.g.
50. Holiday ___ Express
51. Positive attribute
52. When repeated, soothing words
53. Stoned
57. 2021 sci-fi epic starring Zendaya
58. Judge to be
60. Score such as 7-7
61. Stunt cyclist’s sport, briefly
62. Type of tuna
63. “Big Broth
aries Mar 20 - april 19
As an Aries, you’re a quick-thinking fire sign.
While, by and large, that’s a gift, at the moment
you could make swift, but unwise, decisions. The
trick? Make those decisions, but regard them as
an experiment more than anything meant to be
lasting. Also, importantly, ensure others realise
you’re taking that approach.
taurus apr 20 - May 20
While you’d have good reason to be upset, if
not seriously irritated by the abrupt and seem-
ingly thoughtless activities of others, ask a few
questions. Their actions were based on facts
you’re unaware of. Once you’ve learnt more
about the situation and direction things are
going, you realise you should be grateful.
geMini May 21 - Jun 20
One of your greatest gifts is your sense of humour.
While, at times, you’re able to prevent others taking
tricky situations too seriously, at the moment, you’re
the one who’d benefit from viewing certain matters
in a more easygoing manner. This isn’t about rem-
edying them, but instead coping with them until
everybody’s mood improves.
cancer June 21 - Jul 21
Some time ago, you promised certain individu-
als that if anything went wrong, you’d ‘be there’
for them. Now they’re asking for your support.
The problem? They’re being lazy. The issues in
question are their fault, and they’re perfectly
capable of dealing with them. Explain that to
them, politely but firmly, and in detail.
leo Jul 22 - aug 22
Time spent with those you care about, from fam-
ily and loved ones to valued friends, is always
important. At the moment, however, between
your own busy schedule and those of others,
actually figuring out when you can get together
is tricky. The real problem? You’re expecting
them to make the changes.
virgo aug 23 - sep 22
The matters you’re currently dealing with may be
dull. However, they’ve been on your mind for
ages and, what’s more, the fact they’re urgent
means you’re able to make demands of others
that previously weren’t possible. Now take things
to the next level, and organise plans your way.
You’ll be glad you did.
libra sep 23 - oct 22
Occasionally, you realise that as a Libra, you’ve
a powerful need for peace and quiet. And it’s a
need that not everybody understands. That being
the case, you’re better off creating a place of
retreat, so when the time comes, there’s no ques-
tion where you should go. It’s a vital gift for your-
self.
scorpio oct 23 - nov 21
Last week your ruler Pluto moved into a new
position in the heavens, and after years in the
sign of Capricorn, it moved into visionary Aquar-
ius. While you may already have experienced
changes in the world around you or, even more,
a major shift in your perspective on life, there’ll
be more, in stages.
sagitarius nov 22 - dec 20
Every once in a while, you realise you’ve com-
mitted unwisely to a plan or an arrangement with
others, one that seemed exciting at the time.
Since then, however, changes in circumstances
or, possibly, your priorities require rethinking
these. Forget about explanations. Once you’ve
made those changes, everybody will understand
exactly what you were thinking.
capricorn dec 21 - Jan 19
As a Capricorn, you’re cautious about the commit-
ments you make. But, for that reason, you’re
always confident you can keep them. At the
moment, however, you’ve run into obstacles. These
are triggered by changes in circumstances as sud-
den as they are unsettling. Despite that, within days
you’ll recognise them as breakthroughs.
aquaris Jan 20 - feb 17
Recent tricky situations made it clear that several
arrangements you thought were going well aren’t
nearly as up to date as you thought. The problem?
You trusted certain individuals with the details,
and their standards are far below yours. Forget
about discussing this. Instead, firmly, but quietly,
make the necessary changes.
pisces feb 18 - Mar 19
Little is as exciting as knowing you’ve inspired
somebody, and judging by the current planetary
setup, recently, you’ve done that in a number of
situations, and in a range of settings. However,
balance is vital, which means it’s time to shift
the focus to you, and certain of your own plans
and passions.
Birthday Today
Being an enthusiastic fire sign, you’ll leap on
the ideas and offers indicated by your birthday
chart. Yet making the best of them means
doing something that doesn’t come naturally
to you, which is seeking the guidance of oth-
ers. This is partly about the unfamiliar circum-
stances you’re dealing with . But, it’s also
about taking the advice you’re given seriously.
It’s likely to be very different from anything
you had in mind, which in turn could trigger
your Aries stubbornness. The secret? Be flex-
ible. Far more flexible than, otherwise, you’d
even consider.
 18 People & Places
Renoxification ups
atmospheric self-
cleaning capacity
SCIENTISTS have shed new light on the
‘self-cleaning’ capacity of the atmosphere.
This process of self-cleaning is essential to
remove gaseous pollutants and regulate
greenhouse gases such as methane from
the atmosphere.
Researchers were already aware that
the atmosphere had this ‘self-cleaning’
ability, but in a new study from the Univer-
sity York, experts have now shown a new
process that increases the ability of the
marine atmosphere to self-cleanse.
Using a combination of aircraft and
ground-based observations, scientists
were able to confirm the widespread pres-
ence of nitrous oxide (HONO) in the
remote Atlantic troposphere formed by
so-called “renoxification,” whereby pho-
tolysis of aerosol nitrate returns nitrogen
oxides (NOx) and HONO to the marine
atmosphere.
Historically, aerosol nitrate had been
considered a permanent sink for NOx. This
new process could increase the ability of
the atmosphere to self-cleanse on a global
scale.
Scientists say the findings, published
in Sciences Advances, could be highly sig-
nificant for atmospheric chemistry and
largely reconcile widespread uncertainty
on the importance of renoxification.
With funding from the Natural Envi-
ronmental Research Council (NERC), sci-
entists from the Wolfson Atmospheric
Chemistry Laboratories (WACL) led exten-
sive aircraft and ground-based observa-
tions in and around Cape Verde in August
2019 and February 2020.
Lead author, Professor Lucy Carpenter
said: “Importantly, the observations
showed that the efficiency of renoxifica-
tion increased with relative humidity and
decreased with the concentration of
nitrate.
“This observation reconciled the very
large discrepancies in the rates of renoxi-
fication found across multiple laboratory
and field studies.
“It was also consistent with renoxifica-
tion occurring on the surface of aerosols,
rather than within their bulk, a new and
exciting finding with implications for how
this fundamental process is controlled
and parameterised in models.”
Recycling of nitrogen oxides on nitrate
aerosol could have important, increasing,
and as yet unexplored implications for the
trends and distributions of atmospheric
Ocean discs play key role in earth’s carbon cycle
oxidants such as tropospheric ozone, an
important greenhouse gas.
A RUTGERS-led team of scientists studying
virus-host interactions of a globally abun-
dant, armor-plated marine algae, Emilia-
nia huxleyi, has found that the circular,
chalk plates the algae produce can act as
catalysts for viral infection, which has vast
consequences for trillions of microscopic
oceanic creatures and the global carbon
cycle.
“In a drop of seawater, there will be
about 1,000 to 10,000 E huxleyi cells, and
about 10 million viruses,” said Kay Bidle, a
professor in the Department of Marine
and Coastal Sciences at Rutgers School of
Environmental and Biological Sciences
(SEBS) and a senior author on the study.
“They’re all in a sort of arms race against
each other and we are studying it to see
how it plays out and impacts Earth’s car-
bon cycle.”
Reporting in Science Advances, the
researchers said they discovered, through
observations both in the ocean and in the
laboratory, that the chalk (calcium car-
bonate) plates, called coccoliths, are a pre-
A drop of seawater (pic) contains between 1,000 to 10,000
E huxleyi cells (an electron microscope image, inset).
Greenland to stay in daylight saving time forever
COPENHAGEN: Residents of Greenland
have switched to daylight saving time and
moved their clocks one hour forward this
weekend for the very last time.
Unlike most of Europe, Greenlanders
will leave their clocks untouched come
autumn when daylight saving time ends.
While Europe and the U.S. debates
whether to stick to the twice-yearly prac-
tice, Greenland - a vast Danish semi-inde-
pendent territory in the Arctic - has
By the end of the century, 84 to 97 per cent of High
Mountain Asia and the Tibetan Plateau (pic) will
experience a large water storage deficit. Increased
warming reduces the amount of moisture in the
region, which causes a continual decline of water
availability.
Climate change
threatens Asia’s
water tower
T
IBET is known as the “Water Tower of
Asia,” providing water to about 2 bil-
lion people and supporting critical
ecosystems in High Mountain Asia and the
Tibetan Plateau, where many of the largest
Asian river systems originate. This region
is also one of the areas most vulnerable to
the compounding effects of climate
change and human activities. Michigan
State University researchers are identifying
policy changes that need to happen now
to prepare for the future impacts projected
by climate models.
The rapid melting of glaciers and snow-
pack due to regional temperature
increases has caused an unprecedented
decline in water availability. This creates
cascading impacts on water, food and
energy security. MSU researchers also have
found that the warming of the northern
Atlantic and Indian oceans is exacerbating
these issues, threatening water security in
the region and interfering with the deli-
cate balance of water in the atmosphere
and its transport.
“It’s a global phenomenon,” said Yadu
Pokhrel, associate professor in the College
of Engineering at MSU.
viously unrealized central player in viral
infections that can collapse phytoplank-
ton blooms the size of some countries
within weeks.
“Coccoliths can act as catalysts for
death, delivering viruses directly to algae
cells for successful infection,” said Christo-
pher Johns, a doctoral student in the
Department of Marine and Coastal Sci-
ences at SEBS and lead author on the study.
E huxleyi is a one-celled species of phy-
toplankton, which, like trees, performs
photosynthesis. In the case of phytoplank-
ton, they convert carbon dioxide dissolved
in ocean water into organic compounds,
and at the same time produce oxygen.
“The phytoplankton in the oceans con-
tribute about half of Earth’s oxygen, with
the other half coming from land plants,”
Bidle said. “Every other breath you take is
from phytoplankton.”
E. huxleyi is well-known for its ability to
biomineralise calcium carbonate, similar
to corals, by producing coccoliths, which
are arranged on the cell surface to form an
resolved to perennially remain only three
hours behind Copenhagen and most other
European countries instead of four.
Greenland’s parliament, Inatsisartut,
voted to stick to daylight saving time year-
round on Nov. 24 last year. Officials say it
will give Greenlanders another hour of day-
light in the afternoons and more time to do
business with Europe and farther afield.
“The shift of time zone marks an excit-
ing new beginning, an equal connection
WE D NE S D AY, MARCH 2 9 , 2 0 2 3
“The warming happening in the ocean
changes how moisture originates and flows
in different parts of the world, and that will
directly impact the Asian water tower.”
Using climate models to predict future
conditions combined with a model that
tracks the source, movement and destina-
tion of moisture around the globe, Pokhrel
and his team found that by the end of the
century, 84 to 97 per cent of High Moun-
tain Asia and the Tibetan Plateau will
experience a large water storage deficit.
Increased warming reduces the amount of
moisture in the region, which causes a
continual decline of water availability.
“This is important because any changes
to the water in this region — whether it is
too little or too much water — impacts the
economy and livelihood of millions of
people in nearby countries,” Pokhrel said.
“This can have huge global implications.”
For Pokhrel and the team, now is the
time to act to prepare for the future.
“We want to know what the overarching
impacts of climate change are, how we can
better understand the impacts on local
communities and how we can develop
adaptation strategies for the future.”
armoured layer.
These coccoliths are produced and then
shed into the surrounding seawater in a
continuous cycle.
For years, the function of these coccol-
iths has been poorly understood, accord-
ing to Bidle.
Researchers believed the chalk armor
existed in part to protect phytoplankton
from getting infected by viruses. And the
discarded, free coccoliths were commonly
thought of as passively drifting planktonic
particles with little biological or ecological
roles.
But in experiments conducted in labo-
ratories on the Cook campus at Rutgers
University-New Brunswick, Johns and
other team members observed that the
expelled coccoliths can find their way back
to the E. huxleyi cells, reattach, and at the
same time ferry viral particles, facilitating
infection. This ability to propagate and
catalyze infection is one unexpected role
of the coccoliths with important potential
ecosystem outcomes.
The discovery also has an important
connection to climate change and the
Earth’s carbon cycle, Bidle said. Infected E.
huxleyi cells produce a sticky glue that can
help aggregate particles into what is called
“marine snow.”
When marine snow sinks to the deep
ocean, it helps to sequester and bury car-
bon, removing it from the atmosphere for
centuries to millennia. Coccoliths are
important in this process because they are
heavier than seawater and help make par-
ticles sink faster and more rapidly into the
deep ocean.
By assisting in the death of the phyto-
plankton, as well as in marine snow forma-
tion and sinking, the coccolith
biominerals can ultimately have a positive
impact on the removal of carbon dioxide
from the upper ocean and atmosphere,
Bidle said.
“This means the coccoliths facilitate the
process of sequestering or sinking carbon
into the deep ocean for thousands of years,
making them important players in balanc-
ing the Earth’s carbon cycle,” Bidle said.
to North America and Europe, and an
opportunity to slow down in a fast-paced
world,” Visit Greenland, the local govern-
ment’s tourism office said in a statement.
Geographically, sparsely populated
Greenland belongs to the North American
continent but geopolitically, it is in Europe.
Greenland is part the Danish Realm and
its southernmost tip is more than 3,200
kilometers (nearly 2,000 miles) west of
Copenhagen. – AP
Zhao: A crypto king under pressure
PARIS: At parties, on stages and in meet-
ings, Changpeng Zhao (pic), who has been
charged with illegal trading in the United
States, is rarely seen without his black polo
shirt, emblazoned with the insignia of his
crypto firm Binance.
The humble look is vital to the myth of
Zhao, the boy from rural China who once
flipped burgers for a living in Canada but
now has a personal fortune estimated in
the tens of billions.
“I’m a small entrepreneur,” he told AFP
last year when comparing himself to Elon
Musk, adding for good measure that he
was just a “normal guy” compared to the
world’s richest man.
Yet Binance has cornered much of the
crypto-trading market.
The 45-year-old, who founded Binance
in Shanghai in 2017, has emerged as the
most visible figure in crypto after his great
rival Sam Bankman-Fried was arrested last
year over claims he masterminded a giant
Ponzi scheme.
But Zhao’s breakneck rise has also been
dogged by controversy.
His cryptocurrency exchange has long
been accused of facilitating money laun-
dering, setting up complex structures to
avoid regulation, and busting sanctions –
claims it denies.
US regulators on Monday said Zhao
had presided over years of wilful evasion
of the rules and wanted him and his com-
pany banned from trading in the US and
fined.
If the charges stick, it would be a major
wrinkle in a carefully orchestrated rags-to-
riches tale that has become
almost mythical in crypto
circles.
Zhao’s early life in
China was scarred by
hardship when his par-
ents were sent to the
countryside for a dose
of peasant reality – a
common punishment
for those suspected of
having capitalist sympa-
thies during the Cul-
tural Revolution.
After the fam-
ily emigrated
Egyptians cling to Ramadan charity
CAIRO: In a time of dire economic trouble,
Egyptians are holding fast to the Ramadan
tradition of charity, with both donors and
those in need pinning hopes on holiday
generosity.
Families have buckled under the weight
of inflation, which hit 32.9 per cent in Feb-
ruary as Egyptians tried to fill their shelves
ahead of the Islamic holy month of day-
time fasting and special evening meals,
known as iftar.
“Last year, we were giving out 360 iftar
meals every day – this year, I’m not sure
we’ll make it to 200,” said the founder of a
small charity in the working-class Cairo
district of al-Marg.
Yet those meals have never been more
vital, the charity worker said, asking not to
be named for privacy concerns.
For many families, Ramadan boxes of
food staples or daily charity iftar meals,
organised in droves across the country,
“are their only chance to eat meat or
chicken,” she added.
Even before the current economic crisis
– worsened by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine
last year, which destabilised crucial food
imports – 30 per cent of Egyptians were liv-
ing under the poverty line, with the same
number vulnerable to falling into poverty,
according to the World Bank.
In addition, surging costs of animal
feed have pushed the once-affordable
meal of chicken out of reach for most of
Egypt’s nearly 105 million-strong popula-
tion.
Before Ramadan began, the charities
upon which tens of millions of Egyptians
depend raised the alarm that they were
struggling to meet more people’s needs, at
higher costs, with dwindling donations.
But a focus on generosity, even and
especially in times of trouble, is baked into
Ramadan, “when most Egyptians give out
their yearly charity, a very cherished cus-
tom,” said Manal Saleh, who heads the
Egyptian Clothing Bank.
Egyptians gave nearly five billion
Egyptian pounds to charity (at the time,
around $315 million) during 10 months of
donations recorded in 2021, according to
state media.
But of that, around “90 per cent” was
given during Ramadan, Saleh estimated,
who also helped found one of the coun-
try’s biggest charities, the Egyptian Food
Bank.
Each day of the holy month, a staple of
to Canada a decade later, young Zhao had
to work at McDonald’s and a petrol station
to help the family survive.
This instilled “drive, grit, and initiative”
into the young man and helped to create
today’s “crypto leader”, according to the
Binance website.
Zhao’s nomadic childhood informed
his adult life, which has seen him crop up
everywhere from New York to Tokyo.
The official legend has it that he caught
the bitcoin bug during a conversation
around a poker table, and started Binance
a few years later.
He quickly left China and has since
hinted that he might set up Binance in
many jurisdictions – Singapore, France,
Malta, Dubai, Bahrain – without defini-
tively committing to any of them.
He often says he “favours good regula-
tion over bad” and dismisses the idea of a
company needing headquarters as a “com-
plex issue”, before swiftly changing the
subject.
This opacity has made him a popular
figure among crypto purists, who loathe
any form of regulation, and for years kept
regulators from knocking too hard at his
door.
But the whiff of scandal finally got too
much for the US Commodity Futures Trad-
ing Commission, which labelled Binance’s
compliance regime a “sham”.
The regulator accused Zhao, among
other things, of orchestrating a “secret
plot” to help VIP customers evade the law.
Apparently in response to the charges,
Zhao indicated on Twitter that he
intended to ignore such “attacks”.
When similar claims were made in
the media last year, Zhao feuded
openly with journalists and
accused outlets, including Reuters,
of peddling fake news.
Zhao’s bruising run-ins with
the media have seen him increas-
ingly champion the free speech
absolutism also favoured by Musk.
The Binance boss has curried
favour with Tesla CEO Musk, throw-
ing $500 million at the magnate’s
Twitter buyout.
Yet Zhao told journalists in
November last year that the
two men had not met in
person.
“He’s busy, I’m
busy,” said Zhao.
But ever
mindful of his
blue-collar
image, he
added: “If
we happen
to be in the
same city, I
w o u l d n’ t
mind it. If
he’s a good
drinker.” –
AFP
Egyptian city streets at sunset is the sight
of mawaed al-rahman, charity tables
where strangers come to break their fast
for free, sometimes hundreds at a time.
Many are organised by anonymous
donors such as Fouad, a 64-year-old
retired engineer, who asked to use a pseu-
donym because his initiative is not a
legally recognised charity.
This year, he and his group of friends
who run the soup kitchen out of a local
mosque have had to double their budget,
committing to feeding even more people
in their community and “not just the least
fortunate.”
Since the Covid-19 pandemic, they have
forgone the conventional banquet table
for a grab-and-go makeshift cafeteria.
All month, the kitchen serves meals to
the community, including underprivileged
families and, increasingly, store clerks and
other workers who can no longer afford a
mid-shift hot meal, saving them some 60
or 70 pounds, around two dollars.
“They know their family needs that
money,” Fouad said.
According to the latest official figures
from 2021, the average salary in Egypt is
4,000 pounds a month, or $129.
Meanwhile, the price of a kilogramme
of the cheapest subsidised local meat has
nearly doubled to 220 pounds, about a
quarter of a week’s pay.
Savings have been slashed as the cur-
rency lost half its value in a year, and more
and more people are struggling to make
ends meet.
With families across classes cutting
back on everything from grocery bills to
schooling, charity budgets could have
been the first to go.
“Honestly, I had grown almost hopeless
a couple of weeks ago, when we looked at
the numbers and realised we may not be
able to pull it off this year,” Fouad told AFP.
“But those who could have doubled
their donations from last year, because
they know how important it is for us to
step up in times like this.”
Saleh said that Ramadan charity is a
tough habit to break.
“We’ve seen crises before, and people
stick together,” Saleh said.
“I think that even if individuals can’t
give as much, you’ll see more people lend-
ing a hand, volunteering, making meals
for those around them, even if cash is
tight.” – AFP

Vehicles
s THE COMPANIES ACT 2016
Resolutions for Winding-up
OCI Manufacturing Sdn Bhd
(Co. No. 597945-T )
(in Members’ Voluntary
Winding-Up Liquidation)
Registered office: LOT A7.09,
7TH FLOOR, WISMA
MERDEKA, JALAN
RAZAK, 88000 KOTA KINA-
BALU, SABAH MALAYSIA
Principal trading address: LOT
23, 1ST FLOOR KIAN YAP
LIGHT INDUSTRIAL ESTATE
Jobs
s INANAM 89350 KOTA KINA-
BALU SABAH MALAYSIA
The following written resolutions
were duly passed by the members
VACANCY
of the Company on 25 March
Driver/Storekeeper
2023, as a special and an ordinary
resolutions:
- Kedai Hardware, Inanam Batu 7
“That the Company be wound up
088-421750/088-423750
voluntarily and that LILIAN VOON
-----------------------
YEN OROLFO, NRIC:
720123125192 of 112 PEARL
JAWATAN KOSONG
TOWER CONDOMINIUM,
PEMANDU LORI GAS
JALAN BDC PHASE 10, LIKAS,
Mempunyai Lesen GDL
88450 KOTA KINABALU
Sila Hubungi Tel:
SABAH MALAYSIA be appointed
Liquidator of the Company and
088-491436
that she be authorised to act.
013-8650320
Further details contact:
013-8745611
Julius Kong,
Tel: 088 252139
-----------------------
LILIAN VOON YEN OROLFO
JOB VACANCY
Director
WELDER MEN
25 March 2023
- With experience 5 years above
RM1,800 to RM2,500
- Apprentice and below 5 years
THE COMPANIES ACT,
experience RM1,500 to
2016
RM1,800
OCI Manufacturing
Penampang Area
Sdn Bhd
Please Call 016 8105979
(Co. No. 597945-T )
-----------------------
(Members’ Voluntary
JOB VACANCY
Winding-Up)
AIRCOND TECHNICIAN
AKTA SYARIKAT 2016
Ketetapan untuk Penggulungan
OCI Manufacturing Sdn Bhd
(No. Co. 597945-T )
(dibawah Pembubaran
Penggulungan Sukarela
Anggota)
Pejabat berdaftar: LOT A7.09, 7TH
TUN FLOOR, WISMA MERDEKA,
JALAN TUN RAZAK, 88000
KOTA KINABALU, SABAH
MALAYSIA
Alamat perdagangan utama: LOT
23, 1ST FLOOR KIAN YAP LIGHT
INDUSTRIAL ESTATE INANAM
89350 KOTA KINABALU SABAH
MALAYSIA
Ketetapan bertulis berikut telah
diluluskan dengan sewajarnya oleh
ahli Syarikat pada 25 March
2023, sebagai ketetapan khas dan
biasa:
“Bahawa Syarikat digulung secara
sukarela dan LILIAN VOON YEN
OROLFO, NRIC: 720123125192
beralamat 112 PEARL TOWER
CONDOMINIUM, JALAN BDC
PHASE 10, LIKAS, 88450 KOTA
KINABALU SABAH MALAYSIA
dilantik sebagai Penyelia Syarikat
dan dia diberi kuasa untuk bertin-
dak.
Maklumat lanjut hubungi:
Julius Kong,
Tel: 088 252139
LILIAN VOON YEN OROLFO
Pengarah
25 March 2023
AKTA SYARIKAT, 2016
OCI Manufacturing
Sdn Bhd
(No. Syarikat 597945-T )
(Penggulungan Sukarela
Anggota)
Notis dengan ini diberikan,
WE D NE S D AY, MARCH 2 9 , 2 0 2 3
IN THE MATTER OF FACILITY
AGREEMENT (TERM LOAN)
AND 1ST PARTY DEED OF
ASSIGNMENT TOGETHER
WITH POWER OF ATTORNEY
BOTH DATED
7TH JANUARY, 2011
BETWEEN
MALAYAN BANKING BERHAD
[REG. NO. 196001000142
(3813-K)]
- ASSIGNEE/BANK
AND
JUTAWAN EMAS SDN. BHD.
[CO. NO. 839462-U]
- ASSIGNOR/BORROWER
PROCLAMATION OF SALE
IN EXERCISE OF THE RIGHTS
AND POWERS conferred upon
the Assignee/Bank under the mat-
ter of Facility Agreement (Term
Loan) and 1st Party Deed of
Assignment together with Power
of Attorney both dated 7th Janu-
ary, 2011, it is hereby proclaimed
that the said Assignee/Bank with
the assistance of the under men-
tioned auctioneer, will sell the
Property described below by pub-
lic auction on Wednesday, 12th
day of April, 2023 at 10.30 a.m.
at GA Space, No. 1-1-6, 1st Floor,
Block B, Kolam Centre, Phase 2,
Hilltop, Luyang, Jalan Lintas,
88300 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah.
PARTICULARS OF PROPERTY
Description of Property: Lot No.
14, First Floor of a 4-storey inter-
mediate terrace shop/office build-
ing known as Putatan Point,
Putatan, Sabah.
Title No.: Strata Title has not
been issued.
Presently held under Master
Title No.: Held under Block Title
CL265358898 (formerly held
under Block Title CL215358893)
in the District of Putatan, Sabah.
19
PROCLAMATION OF SALE
IN THE MATTER OF ALL
MONIES FACILITY AGREEMENT
AND ALL MONIES DEED OF
ASSIGNMENT BOTH DATED
16TH DAY OF FEBRUARY 2015
BETWEEN
MALAYAN BANKING BERHAD
(3813-K)
- ASSIGNEE/BANK
AND
SS AQUACULTURE (M)
SDN BHD (904542-A)
- ASSIGNOR/BORROWER
In the exercise of the rights and
powers conferred upon the
Assignee/Bank under the Monies
Facility Agreement and All Monies
Deed of Assignment both dated
16th day of February 2015 entered
into between the Assignee/Bank
and the Assignor/Customer IT IS
HEREBY PROCLAIMED that the
THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT ORDINANCE, 1961 ORDINAN KERAJAAN TEMPATAN, 1961
Assignee/Bank with the assistance
(ORDINANCE NO. 11 OF 1961) (ORDINAN NO. 11 1961) (PINDAAN 2000)
of the under-mentioned Auctioneer,
(AMENDMENT 2000)
WILL SELL THE PROPERTY
DESCRIBED BELOW BY
MAJLIS DAERAH LAHAD DATU
PUBLIC AUCTION
LAHAD DATU DISTRICT COUNCIL NOTIS PENILAIAN HARTA BERKADAR
ON 12TH APRIL, 2023
NOTICE OF VALUATION OF RATEABLE PROPERTY
TIME: 09: 30 A.M.
VENUE:
Pemilik dan penghuni harta berkadar adalah dimak-
GA SPACE, No.1-1-6, 1st Floor,
Owners and Occupiers of rateable properties are lumkan bahawa menurut Seksyen 74 Ordinan Kera-
Block B, Kolam Centre,
hereby notified that by virtue of Section 74 of the Local jaan Tempatan, 1961, Majlis Daerah Lahad Datu
Phase 2, Hilltop, Luyang,
Jalan Lintas,
Government Ordinance, 1961, the Lahad Datu Dis- telah memberi kuasa kepada Jurunilai JS Valuers
88300 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah.
trict Council has authorized the Valuers of JS Valuers Property Consultants (E.M.) Sdn Bhd untuk men-
IMPORTANT NOTE: Prospective
bidders are advised to: (i) seek
Property Consultants (E.M.) Sdn Bhd to carry out a jalankan penilaian keatas hartanah berkadar termasuk
independent legal advice on all
Valuation on all those rateable properties inclusive of hartanah Kerajaan, Harta-Harta Khas dan Kilang
matters relating to the sale includ- Government properties, Special Properties and Oil Mills Sawit dalam kawasan “Operasi” perkadaran Majlis
ing the Conditions of Sale, (ii)
inspect the Subject Property, (iii)
within the Operational Area of Rating Boundary in Daerah Lahad Datu dan kawasan-kawasan
check on the issuance of separate
Lahad Datu District Council and any other Rateable perkadaran lain yang diarahkan oleh Majlis.
individual/strata title, (iv) conduct
properties within the Rating area which are specifically Notis adalah diberi kepada pemilik dan penghuni
an official title search at the rele-
vant land office, and/or other rele-
instructed by the Council. bahawa pegawai-pegawai daripada JS Valuers Prop-
vant authorities, (v) make the
NOTICE is hereby given to owners and occupiers of erty Consultants (E.M.) Sdn Bhd telah diberi kuasa
necessary enquiries with the
rateable properties that officers from JS Valuers Prop- untuk memasuki dan ukur periksa ke dalam mana-
Developer and/or the Landowner
and/or State Authorities and/or Liq-
erty Consultants (E.M.) Sdn Bhd are authorized to mana juga harta berkadar pada bila-bila masa yang
uidator and/or relevant bodies on
enter and survey at any reasonable hour into and upon munasabah bagi tujuan penilaian untuk maksud
the necessary confirmations/terms

Approximate Floor Area: of consent to the sale herein prior

- With Experience menurut Perkara 459(2) any rateable property for the purpose of such valuation kadaran berkuatkuasa mulai 20hb Mac 2023.
Notice is hereby given,
1,200 square feet (more or less). to the auction sale and (vi) conduct
- Willing to outstation Akta Syarikat 2016, bahawa with effect from 20th March 2023. Notis adalah juga diberi bahawa borang maklum-
Developer/Vendor:
pursuant to Article 459(2)
Mesyuarat Terakhir and rely on their own search, NOTICE is also hereby given that return forms required balas akan diberikan kepada pemilik dan penghuni
Tarlia Enterprises Sdn. Bhd. enquiries, investigations and verifi-
Area Penampang of the Companies Act
(Co. No. 81625-V). cations on the accuracy and cor-
016-8105979 anggota-anggota syarikat to be completed by owners and occupiers will be dis- untuk diisi dan dijawab. Sesiapa yang memberi mak-

General
2016, that the Final Meet-
s Tenure of Subject Property:
ing of the Members of the
above named company
FORMATION OF NEW will be held at KINABALU
SDN. BHD. SPECIALIST CENTRE, 1ST
One-Stop Services FLOOR, LOT 19, LUYANG
Popular Management PHASE 8, 88820, KOTA
Tel: 219055/216576 KINABALU, SABAH,
MALAYSIA on 5th May
B1201, 12th Floor,
W. Merdeka Phase 2, KK 2023 at 2.00 pm for the
----------------------- purposes of laying before
ASIA the meeting the account
rectness of the particulars and
yang dinamakan di atas tributed to the owners and occupiers to fill and answer. lumat atau kenyataan yang palsu adalah bersalah
Assumed to be 99 years lease- information provided. Prospective
akan diadakan di KINA- Any person giving false answers or statements shall atas sesuatu kesalahan yang boleh dihukum dibawah
bidder(s) is/are also advised that
hold
BALU SPECIALIST CENTRE,
no reliance may be placed on any
be guilty of an offence punishable under Section 76 of seksyen 76, Ordinan Kerajaan Tempatan 1961 yang
Encumbrances: Assigned to
statement (s) or representation (s)
1ST FLOOR, LOT 19,
Malayan Banking Berhad and
the Local Government Ordinance, 1961 of which a mana denda adalah sebanyak lima ribu ringgit.
made in this Proclamation of Sale
LUYANG PHASE 8, 88820,
subject to all easements, leases,
fine of five thousand ringgit.
or by the Auctioneer at the auction
tenancies, occupiers, charges,
KOTA KINABALU, SABAH,
concerning the Subject Property
Bertarikh di Lahad Datu pada 27hb Mac, 2023
caveats, previous sale and pur-
MALAYSIA pada pada 5hb
and that any prospective bidder (s)
chase, previous assignment,
Dated at Lahad Datu this 27 day of March, 2023
who choose (s) to rely on such
Mei 2023 jam 2.00 petang
covenants, liabilities subsisting
statement (s) or representation (s)
untuk tujuan memben-
thereon or thereover. do(es) so at his/her/their/its own
tangkan laporan akaun di
Restriction: Bumi Lot risk. The successful bidder (s)
NOTE: Prospective bidders are
hadapan mesyuarat dan
[“The purchaser(s)”] (at
advised to : (i) inspect the subject
his/her/their/its own costs and
bagi memberikan apa-apa

property and check on the expenses) shall immediately upon

PLUMBING SERVICE and for giving any expla- penjelasan
issuance of subdivided title (ii) the sale undertake to apply for and
0168877738, 0178287898 nation
Ahmad seek independent legal advice on obtain the necessary confirma-
tion(s)/consent to transfer or assign
Bertarikh:
all matters in connection with the
(if any) from the Developer and/or
Pakar mengubahsuai rumah, Dated:
auction sale including the Condi-
tions of Sale herein (iii) conduct Proprietor and/or State Authorities
buat pagar, gate grill, manhole LILIAN VOON YEN OROLFO
sumbat, pasang mozek, plas-
official search at the relevant Land and/or Liquidator and/or relevant
LILIAN VOON YEN OROLFO Penyelia
bodies. All arrears of quit rent,
Office and/or other relevant
ter siling, pasang water pump,
assessment, and fees which are
Liquidator
authorities and (iv) make the nec-
lawfully due and payable to the
water heater, paip air, mem-
baiki atap bocor, tandas leak- essary enquiries with the relevant Government or local authorities (if
authorities as to whether the sale any) up to date of successful auc-
is open to all races or to
ing, paip leaking dan lain-lain VACANCY
tion sale of the Subject Property
Malaysian Citizens who are shall be paid out of the proceeds of

BENGKEL SETIAMAJU SDN BHD

LOCATION: KOLOMBONG AREA
Bumiputra only and also on the the auction sale of the Subject
other terms of consent to the sale Property, subject to (i) the
herein prior to the auction sale. Assignee/Bank is in receipt of
1. general clerK 
An established company seeking for:
TYPISTS The Successful Purchaser shall copies of the statement which evi-
immediately upon the sale under- denced the said arrears from the
- (Lelaki/perempuan) take to apply for and obtain the Successful Purchaser within
• Possess at least SPM or higher
SIXTY (60) DAYS from the date of
- Ada I/C
consent to transfer (if any) from
• Able to work irregular hours and on
the Developer and/or the Propri- the auction sale of the Subject

2. Mekanik Kereta
Property and (ii) the Assignee/Bank
certain public holidays
etor and/or State Authorities or
• Must be able to communicate and read English
relevant bodies. reserves the right to refuse to pay

(Ada pengalaman The property will be sold on an “as any sums of the said arrears which
is not lawfully due or time-barred
• Fresh school leavers are welcome
is where is” basis, subject to the
under Limitation Ordinance (Sabah
Reserve Price of RINGGIT
tel 019-8805558
• Teamwork spirit a must
Cap. 72). A Board of Directors’
MALAYSIA THREE HUNDRED Resolution and Written Authorisa-
• Only those who are able to start immediately
need apply. THIRTY THOUSAND tion are required where the bidder
(RM330,000.00) ONLY subject to is a company bidding through an
VACANCY
the Conditions of Sale and by way
• Priority for those with own transport, however
authorised person; and a Written
of an assignment from the above Authorisation is required where the
accommodation can given to those from
AN ESTABLISHED LEGAL FIRM IS LOOKING FOR A SUIT- Assignee/Bank, subject to consent bidder is acting as a proxy.
being obtained by the Successful
ABLE CANDIDATE FOR THE POSITION OF CONVEYANC-
outstation.
PARTICULARS OF PROPERTY
Purchaser from the Developer and Subject Property: Developer’s
ING LAWYER. Those interested please call 019-8819036 for relevant authorities, if any, includ- Unit No. C-46, Concourse Level,
ing all terms, conditions, stipula- Waterfront Mall held under Parent
REQUIREMENTS:- tions and covenants which were Title Town Lease 017553187, Dis-
arrangement of interview from 2pm onwards.
• Able to work independently with minimum supervision; and may be imposed by the rele- trict of Kota Kinabalu, Sabah.
• 3-5 years working experience in Conveyancing handling NEGERI SABAH
vant authority. Address of Property: Unit No. C-
All intending bidders are required 46, Concourse Floor, Oceanus
Sub-sale, Commercial Loans and General Conveyancing LAND ORDINANCE CAP. 68 Waterfront Mall, Jalan Tun Fuad
to deposit 10% of the Reserve
work; LAND ENQUIRY NO. 22 OF 2021 Price by BANK DRAFT OR Stephen, 88000 Kota Kinabalu,
• Good attitude and a Team player; and BETWEEN CASHIER’S ORDER ONLY in
Sabah.
Type of Property: A retail unit.
• Attractive remuneration including allowances will MALAYAN BANKING BERHAD [3813-K]
favour of MALAYAN BANKING Approximate Floor Area: 1,460
commensurate with working experience BERHAD prior to the sale with the
- CHARGEE under mentioned Auctioneer.
square feet (135.64 square metres)
Please send your application together with a passport size AND Any arrears of quit rent, assess-
Tenure of Subject Property:
Assumed to be 99 years leasehold
photograph to reach the following email on or before the 14th PHONG CHI KIONG [NRIC NO. 730510-12-5351] ment and fees due to the Govern- interest.
day of April, 2023. - 1ST CHARGOR ment (if any) which may be Developer: SUNSEA
lawfully due (the Assignee/Bank DEVELOPMENT SDN BHD
Email address: theadvertiser2017@gmail.com CHONG PIK FONG [NRIC NO. 661119-12-5096] reserves the right to refuse to pay (210948-D).
- 2ND CHARGOR any sums not lawfully due and/or Landowner: DEWAN
those sums that are timebarred) BANDARAYA KOTA KINABALU.
Encumbrance: Assigned to
PROCLAMATION OF SALE to any relevant authority up to the
MALAYAN BANKING BERHAD
date of successful sale shall be
PURSUANT to an Order for Re-auction by the Assistant paid out of the proceeds of sale, (3813-K)
Collector of Land Revenue, Kudat (“ACLR”), made on the provided that the Assignee/Bank Reserve Price: Subject Property
application of the Chargee and dated the 30th March 2022, is in receipt of the extracted bills will be sold on an “AS IS WHERE
IS” basis subject to a reserve price
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the under-mentioned from the Successful Purchaser
of RM1,300,000-00 only (RING-
within SIXTY (60) DAYS from the
land will be sold by public auction on Wednesday the 12th date of the sale. In the event such
GIT MALAYSIA ONE MILLION
day of April, 2023, at 9.30 a.m. at the Kudat Assistant extracted bills are not submitted
THREE HUNDRED THOUSAND
ONLY) and subject to the express
Collector of Land Revenue’s office, Kudat. within the stipulated SIXTY (60) terms and conditions of the CON-
DESCRIPTION OF THE LAND / days from the auction date, any DITIONS OF SALE and by way of
SUBLEASE REFERRED TO: subsequent claims made thereun-
der, the Assignee/Bank shall be
an Assignment from the above
Assignee/Bank and also subject to
Land Title No: CL055356833 entitled at their absolute discretion the consent being obtained by the
Tenure: 99 years commencing from 01 January 2015 and not to entertain and the same successful bidder (hereafter the
expiring on 31 December 2113 shall be borne by the Successful Purchaser) from the Developer
Area: 175.7 square metres (Approximately 1,891 square Purchaser. and/or Liquidator and/or the
Landowner, relevant authorities (if
The Balance of the Purchase
feet) Price is to be settled within applicable) including all terms, con-
Description: One (1) unit of single-storey intermediate ter- NINETY (90) DAYS from the ditions, stipulations and covenants
raced house of permanent constructions identified as “LOT date of auction sale by BANK which are and may be imposed by
the Developer and/or Liquidator
NO. 3A, TAMAN SERI AWANA, PHASE 1, 89050 KUDAT” DRAFT or CASHIER’S ORDER
and/or the Landowner and/or rele-
drawn in favour of MALAYAN
District: District of Kudat BANKING BERHAD.
vant authorities in regard to the
Reserved Price: RM221,000.00 Prior to the commencement of the
Subject Property.
Deposit: All intending bidders are
All interested bidders are required to register with the auction sale, all bidders are required to pay a deposit which is
auctioneer appointed by the Assistant Collector of required to register with the Auc- equivalent to 10% of the fixed
Land Revenue Kudat who shall submit the following: tioneer appointed by the
Assignee/Bank and shall submit
Reserve Price for the Subject Prop-
(1) An amount equivalent to 25% of the Reserved Price;
erty by way of Bank Draft or
the following to the Auctioneer: Cashier’s Order only drawn in
(2) Board of Directors’ Resolution And Written Authorisation (1) An amount equivalent to 10% favour of MALAYAN BANKING
where the bidder is a company bidding through an autho- of the Reserve Price by Bank BERHAD, the Assignee/Bank prior
rised person. Draft or Cashier’s Order in favour to the auction sale with the under-
NEGERI SABAH, MALAYSIA

of Malayan Banking Berhad; mentioned Auctioneer and the bal-

(3) Written authorisation where the bidder is acting as a
DALAM MAHKAMAH RENDAH SYARIAH DI PAPAR

(2) Board of Directors’ Resolution ance of the purchase price (90%)

proxy.
PERMOHONAN NO: 2303-L1112-311-0152
& a Written Authorization where shall be settled within ninety (90)
DALAM PERKARA: HARTA PUSAKA SI MATI:

A deposit of 25% of the Reserved Price to be paid by the bidder is a company or other days to the Assignee/Bank from
ABDUL MUTALIP BIN KIDRI
the date of the auction sale by
CASHIER’S ORDER or by BANK DRAFT to Messrs. Fer- body recognized by law as capa-
Bank Draft or Cashier’s Order
ble of purchasing and owning
nandez & Co., as agent for the Assistant Collector of Land only drawn in favour of MALAYAN
NOTIS PENYAMPAIAN GANTI MENURUT
lands, bidding through an author-
Revenue Kudat immediately after the fall of the hammer BANKING BERHAD, failing which
PERINTAH MAHKAMAH
ized person; and
and the balance of the purchase price shall be paid WITHIN
the Purchaser shall forfeit the 10%
Kepada:
(3) Written Authorization where deposit and pay the same
NINETY (90) days from the date of auction. Failure to pay
Semua Ahli Waris Simati Dan Sesiapa Yang Berkenaan
the bidder is acting as a proxy. absolutely to the Assignee/Bank.
the balance as stipulated above will result in FORFEITURE For further particulars, please
AMBIL PERHATIAN bahawa EDA MADIHA BINTI ABDUL
FOR FURTHER PARTICULARS,
contact MESSRS NS FERNAN-
MUTALIP telah memohon kepada mahkamah ini pada pukul

of the deposit, time being of the essence. DEZ & ASSOCIATES, solicitors
please contact/liaise with MESSRS
9.00 pagi pada 12 haribulan APRIL tahun 2023 untuk mem-
BACHI BANTOI & CO., Solicitors
The auction and all bidders shall be SUBJECT TO the for the Assignee/Bank herein for the Assignee/Bank whose
bahagi harta pusaka simati ABDUL MUTALIP BIN KIDRI alasan

Conditions of Sale, details of which may be obtained whose address is at Lot 3, 2nd address is at 2nd Floor, Lot 53,
dan cara pembahagian yang terkandung dalam Afidavit bagi per-

from:- Floor, Fortuna Commercial Cen- Block H, Donggongon Square,

mohonan membahagi harta pusaka oleh EDA MADIHA BINTI

tre, Mile 2.5, Penampang Road, 88300 Penampang, Sabah. (Tele-

1. Messrs. Fernandez & Co.,
ABDUL MUTALIP.

88300 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah phone No.: 088-733787 / Mobile-

Advocates & Solicitors
Harta Yang Dituntut:
[Tel. Nos.: 088-278874 / 088-288875, phone No.:016 832 4988),
1. GERAN TANAH NO GERAN NT 183304083 BERKELUASAN
No. 143, Jalan Tangki, Dezsons Building, Email: E-mail address:
DARIPADA 3.80 EKAR YANG TERLETAK DI KAMPUNG SABAN-
bachibantoi@gmail.com or the
Karamunsing, 88100 Kota Kinabalu admin@nsfernandezassociates.com]
DAR.
or the under mentioned Auction- undermentioned Auctioneer:
Tel: 088 222 450 / 088 221 585
AMBIL PERHATIAN JUGA, jika kamu berhajat menentang
eer:
Fax: 088 538386 MEGA AUCTION HOUSE,
permohonan ini atau jika kamu mempunyai kepentingan ke atas
MESSRS
2. Messrs. Max Auctioneer,
Address: 13A, Taman Baginda,
harta-harta simati, kamu atau peguam syarie kamu bolehlah
MEGA AUCTION HOUSE
Lorong Baginda 1,
Block 9, No. 6, Licensed Auctioneer
membuat semakan di mahkamah ini mengenai fakta-fakta
Off Jalan Penampang, 88300
13a, Taman Baginda
Bangunan Sedco, Pekan Tomborungu,
permohonan yang tersebut dan bolehlah selepas itu memfailkan
Kota Kinabalu, Sabah.
Jalan Penampang
di mahkamah ini dan menyampaikan satu salinan kepada

Peti Surat 151, 89058 Kudat 88300 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah

Contact Nos.:017-8511838 /
pemohon Notis bantahan dan affidavit tidak lebih daripada tiga
014-8611838.
Tel No: 019 822 1930 Tel. Nos.: 017-8511838 / 014- E-mail:
(3) hari selepas tarikh permohonan ini didengar.

3. ASSISTANT COLLECTOR OF LAND REVENUE 8611838 megaauctionhouse@gmail.com

Pada 23 haribulan MAC tahun 2023

DISTRICT LAND OFFICE KUDAT ANACLETUS H. FERNANDEZ

PENOLONG PENDAFTAR

Licensed Auctioneer
TEL: 088 611884
MAHKAMAH RENDAH SYARIAH PAPAR
Difailkan oleh EDA MADIHA BINTI ABDUL MUTALIP yang alamat
KAMPUNG KELANAHAN, 89600 PAPAR, SABAH
20 Sport WE D NE S D AY, MARCH 2 9 , 2 0 2 3

Conte thanks Spurs fans

who shared his ‘passion’
LONDON: Antonio Conte has thanked Tot-
tenham Hotspur fans and all those at the
club who shared his “passion” following his
departure from the Premier League side.
The Italian left his position as Spurs
manager “by mutual agreement” on Sun-
day following 16 months in charge of the
north London team.
His departure came after the Italian’s
“A special thought to the fans who
always showed me support and apprecia-
tion, it’s been unforgettable to hear them
singing my name. Our journey together has
ended, I wish you all the best for the future.”
Conte, who took over in November 2021,
will be replaced by his assistant Cristian
Stellini until the end of the season.
The departure of Conte came with Spurs
tus, Chelsea and Inter Milan, but was
unable to end Tottenham’s 15-year wait to
win a major trophy.
His contract was due to expire at the end
of the season.
Following the Southampton match,
Conte also took aim at Tottenham’s long
trophy drought and pinned the blame on a
culture of repeatedly changing managers.
Conte’s contract was due to expire at the end of the season.

Man United to
extraordinary post-match rant following a fourth in the Premier League, but only two Spurs chairman Daniel Levy, however,
3-3 draw at Southampton on March 18, a points above fifth-placed Newcastle, who said Sunday: “We all need to pull together.
game in which Spurs blew a 3-1 lead, with have two games in hand in the race for Everyone has to step up to ensure the high-

play Wrexham
Conte slamming Spurs players as “selfish” Champions League qualification. est possible finish for our club and amaz-
and unable to perform under pressure. Stellini previously stood in for Conte on ing, loyal supporters.”

in San
Conte, 53, wrote on Instagram on Mon- the touchline this season when the experi- But one fans’ group, the Tottenham Hot-
day: “Football is a passion. I would like to enced manager was recovering from gall- spur Supporters’ Trust urged the board to

Diego friendly
deeply thank everyone at Spurs who appre- bladder surgery. be transparent about their strategy follow-

Rangers coach facing

ciated and shared my passion and my Conte won league titles in his previous ing a fourth consecutive season in which
intense way of living football as a coach. three spells in club management at Juven- the club have changed their manager. – AFP

probe for ‘headbutt’ on

RELOCATION NOTICE LONDON: English football giants Man-
chester United will play a non-league

Celtic women’s boss

Please be informed that Kudat Branch is now relocated to
Kota Marudu Branch effective March 2023. This
relocation is part of our efforts to streamline our operations
and better serve our customers.
We would like to provide the following addresses and
contact information of our new Kota Marudu office and
warehouse:-
Harrisons Sabah Sdn. Bhd.
Kota Marudu Office Address:
Lot 33-2A&B, 2nd Floor Block D
One Avenue Commercial Centre, Jalan WK
89108 Kota Marudu, Sabah.
General Line phone number: 088-611434
Wrexham team owned by two Hollywood
stars in a San Diego friendly on July 25, it
was announced Monday.
This is the first match of United’s tour
of the United States, designed to help the
GLASGOW: Rangers assistant coach Craig McPherson is set to be club prepare for the 2023/24 English sea-
investigated by the Scottish Football Association after appearing son.
to headbutt Celtic manager Fran Alonso in an extraordinary con- Welsh club Wrexham, who play in the
clusion to a women’s match between the bitter rivals. National League—the fifth tier of English
In footage shown by Sky Sports after the finish of Monday’s football’s pyramid—have been owned
Scottish Women’s Premier League fixture, McPherson seemed to since 2020 by Hollywood actors Ryan
aim a headbutt at the back of Alonso’s head as the players were Reynolds and Rob McElhenney.
shaking hands. The SFA will await the referee’s report but given This season Wrexham defied the odds
the high-profile nature of the game—this was the first Scottish to make it to the fourth round of the
women’s game televised live by Sky Sports—an investigation now knockout FA Cup before losing to second-
looks inevitable. tier Sheffield United in a replay.
Rangers were on the brink of victory at Broadwood, the Monday’s statement said a “youth-
women’s team’s home ground, until Caitlin Hayes’s stoppage- focused team drawn from United’s travel-
time equaliser ensured the Glasgow clubs would share the points.
ling tour squad supplemented by
Alonso, who has previously worked under Ronald Koeman and Academy prospects will take on Wrexham
Mauricio Pochettino at Everton and Southampton respectively, AFC on 25th July, as part of a week-long
told Sky Sports he was called a “little rat” as the footage was training camp in San Diego”.
shown to him after the match. Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson
Wrexham co-owners Reynolds (left)
and McElhenney. – Reuters photo
first time in the club’s history. The match
against Manchester United is sure to be a
memorable occasion at Snapdragon Sta-
dium, San Diego.”
The match against United is not the
only game in the United States on Wrex-
ham’s horizon.
Last month it was revealed Wrexham,
who have shot to international fame
through a reality television series, are to
play in a one-million dollar seven-a-side
tournament in North Carolina.
‘The Soccer Tournament’ is a winner-
takes-all competition featuring 32 teams
and will be played from June 1-4.
Wrexham have gained a following in
the United States as a result of the series
‘Welcome to Wrexham’ which charts the

Spanish police scuffle with

“I don’t know. You can see there, somebody pushed me from added: “We’re looking forward to being fortunes of the team since Reynolds and
Kota Marudu Warehouse Address: behind,” said the 46-year-old Spaniard. able to play in the United States for the McElhenney took charge. – AFP
TGIP Block D (CL225317180), “I never talked to (McPherson) the whole game.

Peru national team in Madrid

“It’s obviously disappointing to concede a goal in the last
89108 Kota Marudu, Sabah minute, I totally get it. But I don’t know.
Warehouse phone number: 088-623125 “I was called a ‘little rat’, I don’t know why.”
Rangers women’s head coach Malky Thomson, asked about
the incident after the match, said: “Without me seeing it at all, I
don’t know that I can comment on it. “If that’s the case, then there
will be an investigation and we’ll obviously look at it.” MADRID: Spanish police scuffled with police station,” the spokeswoman added
Celtic and Rangers have dominated Scottish men’s football for Peru national football players in front of without naming the player.
decades, the Glasgow giants monopolising the domestic title for their hotel in Madrid and detained a mem- Peru’s foreign ministry said in a tweet
the best part of 40 years. ber of the squad, police and Peruvian offi- that the detained player was Peruvian
Yet it is the independent Glasgow City who lead the SWPL table cials said Tuesday. goalkeeper Pedro Gallese, who was
by six points from Celtic, with third-placed Rangers, the reigning The altercation happened when the released without being charged.
champions a further point behind. squad arrived at their hotel in Madrid on The Peruvian government has
The men’s Old Firm fixture has witnessed numerous violent Monday night where some 300 fans were demanded a “clarification” of what hap-
clashes between rival fans fuelled by religious bigotry, with waiting to greet them, a police spokes- pened from the “concerned authorities”, it
Rangers a predominately Protestant club and Celtic drawing the woman said. added. Videos shared on social media
bulk of its support from Glasgow’s Catholic community. – AFP The Peru squad are in Madrid to play a showed officers pushing and shoving the
friendly against Morocco on Tuesday night crowd gathered outside the hotel.
at Atletico Madrid’s Metropolitano sta- Among the players who can be seen in
NOTIS PROBATE AND dium. the crowd are Gallese and fellow goal-
PERMOHONAN LESEN MENJUAL ADMINISTRATION
“The supporters tried to reach the play- keeper Jose Carvallo as well as midfielder
MINUMAN KERAS ORDINANCE SABAH
ers and police got in the middle between Yoshimar Yotun.
(CAP. 109)
Adalah dengan ini dimaklumkan bahawa TAN MING the fans and the players to avoid a crush,” Some Spanish media said some of the
ZU No. Kad Pengenalan 950514-12-5345 yang the spokeswoman said. officers failed to recognise the Peruvian

Juventus’ accounting trial

PUBLIC NOTICE
berniaga atas nama EMP O1 CAFE & BISTRO “A player hit an officer in the eye. The players and confused them with support-
telahpun membuat permohonan menjual minuman player was then detained and taken to a ers. – AFP
keras kepada Lembaga Pelesenan & Eksais, ESTATE OF:
MARIANA KIOB,

hearing pushed back to May

Bahagian Pantai Barat Penampang bagi jenis lesen
RUMAH BIR KELAS 1 di LOT 4-1, 1ST FLOOR,
BEVERLY HILLS PLAZA, JALAN BUNDUSAN, 89500
PENAMPANG.
Sebarang bantahan dari orang ramai hendaklah
dikemukakan kepada Lembaga Pelesenan & Eksais,
Bahagian Pantai Barat, Pejabat Daerah Penampang,
Peti Surat 320, 89507 Penampang dalam masa
empat belas hari (14) dari tarikh pengiklanan.
Tarikh Iklan:
28.03.2023 & 29.03.2023
NOTIS
PERMOHONAN LESEN MENJUAL
MINUMAN KERAS
Adalah dengan ini dimaklumkan bahawa 1. LIAU CHEN
KIONG [761003-12-5367] 2. SOH TZE LEONG [760816-
12-5511] yang berniaga dengan HI-JAU CAFE telah
membuat permohonan kepada Pengerusi Lembaga
Pelesenan Eksais Bahagian Pantai Barat Kota Kinabau,
Dewan Bandaraya Kota Kinabalu, No. 1, Jalan Bandaran,
88675 Kota Kinabalu bagi lesen menjual minuman keras
PUBLIC HOUSE LICENSES 1ST CLASS di LOT 4, 1ST FLOOR,
LORONG MAWAS 1, TAMAN FOH SANG,LUYANG, 88300
KOTA KINABALU.
Jika ada sebarang bantahan secaca bertulis, sila
maklumkan Pengerusi Lembaga Pelesenan Eksais
Bahagian Pantai Barat di alamat tersebut di atas dalam
tempoh 14 hari daripada tarikh notis ini dikeluarkan.
Bantahan selepas tempoh berakhir tidak akan dilayan.
Tarikh Iklan:
29.03.2023 & 30.03.2023
PERMOHONAN LESEN
NRIC NO:
601211-12-5190/
H0458113
- DECEASED
All persons having
claims against the estate MILAN: Juventus will have to wait to see if which qualify clubs to Europe’s top club
of the abovementioned they and 12 other current and former club competition.
deceased who died figures will face trial for alleged financial On April 19 the country’s highest sport-
testate at Hospital Queen crimes after Monday’s preliminary hearing ing court will decide whether to uphold
Elizabeth 2 Kota in Turin was postponed until May. the points punishment inflicted by the
Kinabalu Sabah on 30 The hearing was set to decide whether FIGC’s appeals court. The court, based at
August 2021 are
required to submit their
Italy’s biggest football club and individuals Italy’s Olympic Committee, will make its
claims in writing to the
including ex-chairman Andrea Agnelli and decision not on the merits but rather on
his former deputy Pavel Nedved would the legal legitimacy of the court’s ruling. It
under-signed not later
than 29 June 2023 have to defend themselves against accusa- can confirm the points deduction, accept
after which date the tions of a variety of accounting offences Juve’s appeal and completely cancel the
estate will be distributed over three Serie A seasons up to 2021. punishment or remove the points deduc-
among the persons However a new hearing will be held on tion and send the case back to the appeals
entitled thereto subjects May 10 to decide where an eventual trial court.
to claims received within would be held, with Juve’s legal team say- Meanwhile FIGC prosecutors are set to
the said period. ing that as the club is listed on the Italian close by the end of March their probes into
stock exchange it should take place either the role of so-called “partner clubs”
Date : 29 March 2023 in Milan where exchange is based or Rome, involved in the suspected transfer trickery
the location of its servers. and other alleged financial misdeeds
Ref : KK20200007/Ib Monday’s hearing was supposed to be including lying about their players giving
the first stage in a series of off-field battles up salary payments during the Covid-19
[SAFTUYAH ADENAN] for Juventus who are making an unlikely pandemic.
Administrator-General,
bid for Champions League football next Uefa are also investigating Juve’s
Sabah
season despite being docked 15 points for finances in order to ascertain whether the
Amanah Raya Berhad
P.O. Box 10127
illicit transfer activity by the Italian Foot- Italian club misled European football’s
88801 KOTA KINABALU ball Federation (FIGC) in January. governing body when negotiating a “set-
With 11 matches remaining Juve are tlement agreement” following breaches of

Pepi strike lifts US over El Salvador

MENJUAL MINUMAN KERAS seven points off Serie A’s top four positions Financial Fair Play rules. – AFP
Adalah dengan ini dimaklumkan bahawa LIM KOK
SHENG No. Kad Pengenalan 851006-12-5783
yang berniaga atas nama REEVA CAFE telahpun
membuat permohonan kepada Lembaga Pelesenan
Eksais Bahagian Pantai Barat Penampang bagi MIAMI: Second-half sub Ricardo Pepi through ball found him in the area and he
lesen RUMAH BIR KELAS SATU di LOT SH9-10-1, needed almost no time to make his pres- shook off defender Roberto Dominguez
TINGKAT 1, KEDAI TAMAN SURIA SHOP / OFFICE ence felt, delivering the game-winning and lofted a shot over Salvadoran keeper
PH. 1B, JLN. PENAMPANG LAMA, PENAMPANG. goal in the United States’ 1-0 victory over Mario Gonzalez in the 62nd minute.
El Salvador on Monday in the Concacaf Although the defending champions
Sebarang bantahan dari orang ramai hendaklah Nations League. needed only a point against El Salvador to
dikemukakan kepada Lembaga Pelesenan Eksais The Netherlands-based striker, who assure themselves of a place in the final
Bahagian Pantai Barat, Pejabat Daerah Penampang,
scored twice in a starting role in the four of the Nations League in June, Pepi
Peti Surat 320, 89507 Penampang dalam masa
empat belas hari (14) dari tarikh pengiklanan.
United States’ 7-1 thrashing of Grenada on said the win at home mattered.
Friday, came on in the 60th minute at “I think it was important for me person-
Tarikh Iklan: Exploria Stadium in Orlando, Florida. ally and for the team,” said the 20-year-old,
28.03.2023 & 29.03.2023 He’d barely had a chance to touch the who missed out on a place in the US World
ball when Weston McKennie’s crisp Cup squad last year. – AFP
WE D NE S D AY, MARCH 2 9 , 2 0 2 3 21
22
Sabah Clubs and
Non-Governmental Organisations
APRIL 29 (SATURDAY)
SABAH INDIAN ASSOCIATION (SIA) has arranged for Consular
Officers from the Indian High Commission,KL, to be at SIA Hall,KK,
on April 29 and 30 to provide the following services: Malaysian
Citizens of Indian origin: Facilitate applications for the OCI card.
Indian Nationals: Applications for renewal of passports etc. Details:
WhatsApp Datuk Dr. G. Mohan 0198337401.
APRIL 30 (SUNDAY)
SABAH ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE SUPPORT ORGANISATION “Know
Dementia, Know Alzheimer’s Seminar” to create awareness on
Alzheimer’s disease with Gleneagles Hospital Kota Kinabalu. Time:
(am-3pm. Venue: Training Room, Level 2, Gleneagles Hospital KK.
Details: 016-8173650 or 012-8330833.
Regular Events
Sabah AZ (Sabah Alzheimer’s Disease Support Association:
Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) is an irreversible, progressive brain
disorder that slowly destroys memory and thinking skills and,
eventually, the ability to carry out the simplest tasks. Sabah AZ
conducts Talks & Seminars, support, comfort families / caregivers /
AD sufferers. Bi-Monthly Memory Café sharing-session by
caregivers/carers. Details: enquiry@sabahaz.org, www.sabahaz.org,
FB:@Sabahalzheimer. Kent 019-8811030 (10am-6pm).
Sabah State Administrative Centre Galleria Artisan PPNS is open
to public from Monday to Friday from 9am to 4pm. Our gallery
boasts an array of local handicrafts from all over Sabah as well as
locally made Sabah Batik. All local entrepreneurs are welcome to
promote their products through this avenue. Come visit us: PPNS ,
Menara Tun Mustapha and Sabah Handicraft Centre, Keningau.
Details: Facebook https://www.facebook.com/galleria.artisan/ or
Afnansyah Agimin at 088-332186 ext: 1501.
Parkinson Association of West Coast Sabah (PAWS) Conducts
monthly outdoor activities, hold regular fellowship and meetings for
people with Parkinson’s disease (PWP). Carers and volunteers are
welcomed to participate. The fellowship provides opportunity for PWP
to network, share experiences / info and also enjoys the various
complementary therapies such as body balancing, dancing, voice
and music therapy, physiotherapy. Details: 016-8303888 Pat, 014-
6706118 JC or 019-8126196 James.
Sabah Law Society a weekly Free legal consultation and advice
session for the public on Saturdays from 9am to 12.30pm (except
the first Saturday of the month). Members of the public who are
interested are advised to contact the SLS Secretariat at 088-251008
for an appointment or by email ybgk@sabahlawsociety.org.
Blood Bank Unit of Sabah Women and Children’s Hospital, Likas
(HWKKS) Blood Donation Drive “Bah, Mari Menderma” 1 pint of
blood can save 3 lives. Urging army, RELA, police, fire brigades,
uniform bodies, government agencies, healthy public people,
churches, mosques, corporate private companies with huge human
resources to donate generously to our SWACH. Details: 522600 Ext:
2314.
Heritage Toastmasters Club Learn to speak better and improve
leadership skills in a fun and supporting environment. Meetings are
held every 1st and 3rd Monday of the month. Time: 7.30pm. Venue:
6th Floor, Wisma Bandaraya. All are welcome. Details: President
Sabrina 016-8287675 or VPPR Ooi 012-4150046.
Sabah Chartered Volunteer Society invites affiliates to join as
volunteers for its community development projects for the benefits of
the local communities. Youths and college graduates are encouraged
to apply for Free Entrepreneurship and financial planning programs
in order to be offered career prospects as marketing executives or,
financial advisors with a well-established financial institution through
Sabah Chartered Volunteer Society. Details: Prof. Dr. Benjamin 010-
8887850.
Sabah Society For The Blind has moved to the 1st floor, Lot 3, Sri
Damai building, Jalan Kolam, Lorong Nibung, KK on Sept 1. Monday
to Friday 9am to 5pm. Saturday 9am to 12.30pm. Details: 250388,
218130 or Fax: 316588. Email: sabahblindsociety@yahoo.com.
Website: http://www.sabah.org.my/shsb.
Sheltered Workshop. Monday – Friday 8am to 5pm. Tel/ Fax:
788543. Address: Jalan Stesen Pertanian, ARC, 89207, Tuaran,
Sabah.
Sabah Family Planning Association provides services & treatments
relating to sexual reproductive health, family planning and general
health and cancer screening. Details: KK Branch 217553.
WE D NE S D AY, MARCH 2 9 , 2 0 2 3
Tel: 088-430 727 Fax: 088-424 600
Please note that due to space constraints,
Sabah Week will only feature the immediate
events due to take place for the next three days.
The usual brief on the NGOs, voluntary
organisations and their activities
will appear on Sunday.
Sandakan Branch 089-212883, Tawau Branch 089-771172,
Lahad Datu Branch 089-882895 or Kudat Branch 088-611088.
Unplanned Pregnancy Careline: 088-210358. Facebook: Sabah
Family Planning Association. Email: hqsfpa@gmail.com
Gerak Kasih Recycling Collection waste paper – newspapers,
cardboard, boxes, magazines, books, paper bags, soft toys,
clothing, plastic bottles, aluminium tins. Every Friday, Saturday and
Sunday. Time: 10am to 3pm. Venue: Rumah Titian Kasih, Lot 168,
Lot 17, Lorong Kerapu, Rumah Murah Kg Likas Phase 3, 89400
Likas. Details: Nooraisah 014-8586350 or Salina 012-8449139.
Sabah Natives Land Owners Association (SANLODA) is dedicated
to promoting optimum utilisation and preservation of native lands
in Sabah. Membership Drive: Information for membership from
various districts can be obtained from Datuk Stephen 0138658333,
Datuk George 013-851500, Petrus 0198529299 or Datuk Yusof
012-8331950.
Malaysia Blood Donors Society Daily Blood Donation Drive.
Inviting all NGO to collaborate and also calling members of the
public to join its membership. Details: 012-8222779, 016-
3551987 or 014-7342886.
Sabah Cheshire Home & Asian Tourism International College
Basic Pastry Skill Lesson for the physically disabled individuals
aged between 17 – 28. Details: 438202. Fax: 434570.
Taska Mesra Cheshire Early Education for children with physical
disabilities aged below four-years-old. Open Mon to Fri. Details:
Sabah Cheshire Home 438202.
School of Psychology and Social Work, UMS is offering
Counselling Service, Speech Therapy, Music Therapy, Sensory
Integration Therapy and Applied Behaviour Analysis Session. The
services are on appointment basis. Time: 9am to 5pm. Details:
Nurul Fatiha 019-8114573, 320000 Ext: 8833 or
nurulfatihafirdaus@ums.edu.my
EXTOL is a non-profit youth club focusing on developing youths in
stewardship and leadership. Calling on all non-Muslim parents to
encourage their children between the ages of 13 to pre-university /
college to attend our meetings held every Friday. Time: 7.45pm to
9.30pm. Venue: Agape Methodist Church, Agape Hill, Jalan
Shantung Baru, Penampang. Details: Patrick 0109317118.
Pusat Jagaan Seri Murni provides counselling and support services
for women / girl in situation of crisis such as unplanned pregnancies
and sexual gender based violence. Details: Counselling or interview
019-5349044.
The Committee of Communication For Behavioural Impact
(COMBI) Lok Kawi Town, Papar invites the residents of Taman
Pantai Lok Kawi to be a promoter / volunteer of COMBI committee.
All are welcome. Details: Zainal 016-8450717, Hj Mataris 010-
9488846.
HANDPRINTS – Toy Library & Resource Centre is to educate, enable
and empower parents, so that they are able to help and guide their
children with special needs. Thematic monthly play day on 2nd
Saturday of each month. Operating hours: Tuesday, Thursday and
Friday 2pm to 5pm. Wednesday: 7pm to 9pm. Saturday: 9.30am
to 2pm. Venue: Lorong Pokok Saka, Dah Yeh Villa, Off Mile 2 3/4,
Jalan Damai, Luyang. Tel: 016-4172298. Facebook:
www.facebook.com/handprintstoylibrary/. Email:
handprintslib@gmail.com.
Kota Kinabalu Lions Ambulance Service Society (LASS) Provides
24 Hour FREE Ambulance Service. Also providing First-Aid Training
to the public and Mobile Health Service to the rural areas. Call: 088-
319699.
Malaysian Red Crescent Kota Kinabalu City Chapter is providing
Ambulance Services from 8pm to 6am (weekdays only), providing
Patient Transfer Services (daily), providing Basic First Aid and CPR
Courses (Certificate Courses) – every 2nd week of the month and
also providing Emergency First Aid Standby Services (any events).
Details: 232718 (O), 232718 (Fax) or email: mrckkcc@gmail.com
or bsmkkcc@gmail.com
Kinabalu Breast Cancer Support Association (Kinabalu Pink
Ribbon) Offering emotional, social & material support to women
with breast cancer (before/during/after treatment) and their families.
Careline: 016-8038553. Office: 216237 or Fax: 253679. FB:
www.facebook.com/kinabalupinkribbon.
Email: kinabalupinkribbon@gmail.com.
Sabah Mental Health Association PKJS Day Care Centre is open
to suitable candidate and it carries out several activities on
weekdays. Details: 248197.
Alamesra Youth-PREP Centre Provides a place for youths to seek
assistance and support on issues such as education, relationships,
work, family and financial stability. Legal aid and counselling
services are free and are on appointment basis. Venue: Ground
Floor, Lot 25, Block E, Phase 2, Alamesra, Jalan Sulaman. Opening
Hours: Weekdays 9am to 5pm. Tel: 395632 or fax: 485372.
Email: youthprepcentre@gmail.com
Facebook:http://www.facebook.com/youthPREPCentreAlamesra.
The Sabah Australian Alumni Association (SAAA) invites all
Graduates from any Australian Institutions of higher learning to join
as members of SAAA. Details: Omar 019-8110125 or Khalilul 019-
8113777. Email: saaa.honsecretary@gmail.com.
The Kota Kinabalu AIDS Support Services Association (KASIH)
help line & free voluntary HIV screening tests, except sun & public
holidays. Office hours. Time: 9am to 5pm. Fri: 6pm to 9pm. Sat:
4pm to 7pm. provide confidential / free voluntary HIV screening test
(rapid test) during office hours, Mon to Fri. result available 10 to
15 minutes. Details: 712914 or email: kasihsabah@yahoo.com
National Stroke Association of Malaysia Sabah Club Wisma
Pandu Puteri, Kompleks Badan-Badan Sukarela, km 4, Jalan
Tuaran, KK. Centre’s opening Hours: 9am to 5pm. Mon to Fri, closed
on Sat, Sun & Public holidays. Details: 261568.
Federation of Private Medical Practitioners Association of
Malaysia (FPMPAM) the public can obtain medical opinions,
referrals or treatment for crisis intervention, detoxification, prevention
& counselling for drug abuse via www.no2drugs.org.
Special Olympics Sabah Weekly jogging exercise (so west coast).
Details: 016-8807703 or 223221.
Kota Kinabalu Falun Gong Exercise sessions every Saturday &
Sunday. Free of charge. All are welcome, Details: Kota Kinabalu
013-870-6558, Sandakan 089-229626, 089-229023 and Tawau
019-8536333.
SWEPA Toastmasters Club Regular Training Meeting to enhance
your public speaking, communication and leadership skills. Time:
7.30pm (1st & 3rd Wednesday of the month). Venue: Swepa
Secretariat, 2nd Floor, Wisma Wanita, Jalan Tuaran, KK. Details:
President Dora 016-8300755 or VPPR 013-8603871.
The Cancer Society Of Sabah Provide services on hospice, cancer
awareness / education, rural health project. Hotline / counselling
pertaining to cancer & clinic by a lady consultant gynaecologist.
Details: 210377 or 222315.
The Befrienders Kota Kinabalu offers confidential emotional support
to those feeling depressed and in despair which may lead to loss of
life. Call us if you need to talk. We are here if you feel confused or
upset and need someone to talk to. We care, we listen. Call: 088-
255788, 088-335793 or 0168036945 every night, 7pm to 10pm.
www:facebook.com/befrienderskk.
Sabah Society For The Deaf Registration for pre-school deaf
children ages 2 – 6 & hearing sibling ages 2 – 4. Language
Development & Vocational Programme for deaf children & adults
ages 8 and above. Venue: SSD premise, Jalan Khidmat, Bukit
Padang, KK. Details: KK – Wong 230894, Sandakan – Wong 089-
219160, Keningau – Mahinah 087- 339716, Kudat – Chin
622697, Lahad Datu – Asmah 089-887895.
Sabah Society for the Deaf Registration for Sign Language Class.
Details: KK – Wong 230894, Sandakan – Wong 089-219160,
Keningau – Mahinah 087- 339716, Kudat – Chin 622697, Lahad
Datu – Asmah 089-887895.
Sabah Women Action-Resource Group (SAWO) provides Helpline
services to support women and girls who face domestic violence,
rape, sexual harassment and other gender-based violence. Call:
088-280200. Mon-Fri, time: 9am-5pm
D-Dash Compact Car Club Welcomes all Perodua and compact car
owners to join in the club membership. For more info on club weekly
gathering and events contact martin 019-8036019 or d-
dashclub.fotopages.com.
Sabah Government Pensioners’ Association Membership
recruitment exercise & pensioners’ problem 9.30am to 1pm (Mon
– Fri, except public holidays) at Maksak Complex, Likas. Details:
211282 Lucy.
Agriculture Institute of Sabah Alumni Association Membership
drive. Information to obtain membership forms from various district
near you, contact Maidah 019-8414088 or Leong 019-8515893
or email exipstm@yahoo.com.my.
Kent Teachers College Alumni Association Membership drive.
Membership forms are available at all district education offices in
Sabah. Details: Tajuddin 787581, 019-537-1178 or Eddy 016-
8223757.
Kota Kinabalu City Bird Sanctuary Resources Library is free for
public to use. Details: 246955 or fax: 247955.
Sandakan Toastmasters Club Platform to improve effective
communication and leadership skills on every 2nd & 4th Thursdays
of every month. Venue: Incorporated Society of Planters office,
Taman Utama, Zone 3, Jalan Utara. Details: Alex 013-8803622 or
Jerry 012-8616743.
Kota Kinabalu Advanced Toastmasters Club – Communication and
leadership training meeting. Every 1st and 3rd Thursday of the month
at 7.30pm. Venue: Meeting Room 1, 1st Floor, Wisma Wanita, Jalan
Tuaran. Those interested are welcome to attend. Details: Irene 019-
8211985 or Jess 0168302717.
Kiwanis Down Syndrome Foundation KK Centre Open to all, accept
children with Downs Syndrome below the age of 7. Details: Raneh
219809, Fax: 219808.
Consultancy Services & Training Centre For Consumerism,
Environmental & Human Rights Seminar / talks consumer issues-
your rights as consumer, how to complain and get effective results,
know about consumer laws, tribunal for consumer claims,
environmental, human rights & civil society. Except Saturday,
Sunday and Public Holiday. Tel/fax: 234616 Datuk Patrick Sindu
(JP) 019-811-7369, 016-8007369 or
datukpatricksindu@yahoo.com.
United Pasokmomogun Kadazandusun Murut Organisation
(UPKO) Offer opportunities to the public to voice their complaints
on various issues and offer advice to the complainants on how to
go about their grouses. Monday to Friday. Call: 721722 & 721723
or homepage:www.upko.org.my
Alcoholics Anonymous Meeting. Help available for those with
alcohol related problems. Anonymity assured. Meetings in English
every Tuesday at 8pm. Bahasa Malaysia every Thursday at 7pm.
Details: 012-8039883 (ENG) or 016-8386386 (BM).
Malaysian Ex-Police Association (Penampang Branch)
Membership recruitment exercise and other related matters. Time:
2pm to 5pm (Wednesday, Thursdays & Friday), except public
holidays. Venue: PME, 1st floor, Lot 3, Block 15, Penampang Baru
(Protem office). Details: Joseph 016-8213013, 710557 (o) or
714557 (fax).
Palliative Care Association of Kota Kinabalu (Sabah) Day Care
Centre Every Thursday from 9am to 1pm at PWD 7396 & 7397,
Taman Rose, Off Jalan Penampang for mobile patients who are
registered under our Home Care Programme. We help you to care
for your loved ones. Free Home Care Support service for your family
members, relatives or friends who are diagnosed with advanced
cancers. Referrals may be from private / government hospital or self-
referred. Details: Grace 231505 or 257507.
KK Mandarin Toastmasters Club Regular Training Meeting. Time:
7.30pm. (2nd & 4th Thursday of each month). Venue: 3rd Floor, Lot
14, Block B, Lintas Square, KK. Details: Yan 012-8023264, Chua
016-8100282 or Lim 016-8302552.
Fama Pasar Tani Asia City variety of vegetables, fishes, sugar cane
juice, soya bean milk, pastries and many other food items will be
on sale. Every Wednesday & Saturday. Time: 6am to 5pm. all are
welcome. Details: Wasri 013-5555451.
Happy Family Homes Malaysia KK we welcome volunteers to join
us in our house builds on Saturdays. Those with masonry &
carpentry skills are most welcome. Details: 088-395989.
Bukit Harapan 424567.
Sabata 255916.
Tun Haji Mohd Fuad Stephens Borneo Research Library Opening
Hours: Monday – Friday 8.30am to 5pm. Saturday / Sunday &
Public Holiday : Closed. Venue: Menara Tun Mustapha, Likas Bay.
Details: 326300 Ext: 1152 or 1154. Fax: 326490.
Email: ppbtfs@gmail.com or website: www.ysnet.org.my Open to
public.

Rybakina, Sabalenka march on in Miami
MIAMI GARDENS (United States): Elena
Rybakina extended her winning streak to
11 matches as she booked her place in the
Miami Open quarter-finals with a 6-4, 6-3
win over Belgium’s Elise Mertens on Mon-
day while world number two Aryna
Sabalenka powered past Barbora Kre-
jcíkova in straight sets.
But there was agony for Canadian for-
mer US Open winner Bianca Andreescu,
who had to be wheelchaired off court after
suffering a left ankle injury and retiring
against Ekaterina Alexandrova.
Rybakina is looking to complete the
“Sunshine Double” after her triumph in
Indian Wells, but she was far from
euphoric after her victory.
“Physically I’m not the freshest, but I’m
happy that I’m managing and finding my
way. To be in a quarter-final is great and
hopefully I’m going to play better,” she
said.
The Kazakh allowed Mertens to break in
the sixth game of the first set but then two
double faults from the Belgian allowed
Rybakina to swiftly break back and then
she struck again to take the opening set.
The Wimbledon champion broke early
in the second set and never looked back
and she will now face Italian Martina Tre-
Tsitsipas wins
visan in the quarters.
after long
wait in Miami
MIAMI: World number three Stefanos Tsit-
sipas finally got his Miami Open campaign
under way on Monday with a 6-3, 4-6, 6-4
win over Cristian Garin while Argentine
Francisco Cerendulo upset fifth-seeded
Felix Auger-Aliassime.
There were no shortage of upsets at
Hard Rock Stadium with 12th seeded Amer-
ican Francis Tiafoe beaten by 59th ranked
Italian Lorenzo Sonego in straight sets.
France’s Adrian Mannarino beat sev-
enth-seeded Pole Hubert Hurkacz and
American qualifier Christopher Eubanks
defeated Gregoire Barrere in straight sets.
Tsitsipas arrived in Miami a week ago,
had a first round bye and then had a
walkover win in the second round when
Richard Gasquet pulled out with injury.
“It has almost felt like a vacation this
past week, staying in Miami. I glad I got
started. It was a difficult match against an
opponent who has played good tennis
against good opponents in the past,” said
the Greek.
Tsitsipas has not be on court much in
recent weeks. He withdrew from Acapulco
due to a shoulder injury and was beaten in
his opening match at Indian Wells this
month.
The rest has, however, helped Tsitsipas
to recover a little from his injury and
although he was not at his sharpest, he did
enough to book his place in the fourth
round against Karen Khachanov.
Tsitsipas broke at 4-4 in the third set to
make sure of his progress against the
Chilean, who enjoyed plenty of support
from the South Florida crowd. Khachanov
defeated Czech Jiri Lehecka 6-2, 6-4 to reach
the Miami last 16 for the first time.
Cerundolo was knocked out of Indian
Wells in straight sets by Canadian Auger-
Aliassime two weeks ago, but it was a very
different game on the faster courts in South
Florida.
The 25th-seeded Argentine was on top
from the outset, taking the first set 6-2 and
he kept his nerve to triumph 7-5 in the sec-
ond.
Miami is a happy hunting ground for
Cerundolo, who made a surprise run to the
semi-finals last year, and he relished the
vocal support from his fans in the crowd.
“That was another important win for
me, I think I played really good from begin-
ning to end,” he said.
“It is super nice to play here, a lot of
Argentinians, a lot of people, so I really
enjoyed it. Last year was amazing, so I’m
really excited to be in the round of 16 again
and to try to keep winning,” he added.
Exciting American Tiafoe was tipped by
Japanese boxing champ Murata retires
TOKYO: Japan’s former
world and Olympic
boxing champion
Ryota Murata (pic)
announced his retire-
ment Tuesday, saying
he had run out of chal-
lenges following his
loss last year to Kazakh star Gennady
Golovkin.
Murata became Japan’s first-ever
Olympic middleweight gold medallist at
the 2012 London Games before turning
professional and capturing the WBA
world title at the same weight five years
later.
He was back in the global spotlight
last April when he fought Golovkin in
Saitama, north of Tokyo, putting in a
strong performance until the man
known as “GGG” stopped him in the
ninth round.
Murata told reporters in Tokyo he had
“always thought that the Golovkin fight
would be the last one”.
Trevisan beat former French Open win-
ner Jelena Ostapenko 6-3, 6-3.
Sabalenka looked in ominous form as
she blasted her way to victory over Krej-
cikova, the 2021 French Open winner, 6-3,
6-2.
Krejcikova had ended Sabalenka’s 13-
match win streak in February in Dubai but
Sabalenka defeated the Czech two weeks
ago at Indian Wells.
This time Sabalenka took just 65 min-
utes to take care of business, going unbro-
ken in the match and facing just one break
point.
The Belarusian lost just 10 points on her
serve and will start as strong favourite on
Wednesday against Romanian Sorana
Cristea.
Andreescu’s return to form was cut bru-
tally short when she suffered a left ankle
injury in her match against Ekaterina
Alexandrova.
While attempting a return, Andreescu
injured the ankle, collapsing to the court
as she yelled in pain.
After receiving medical attention on
court she was lifted into a wheelchair and
taken off court in tears.
The 22-year-old, who won the US Open
in 2019 but then missed all of 2020 due to
injury, returned to the circuit last April
Tsitsipas celebrates
a point against Garin.
many observers to go deep in the tourna-
ment but he fell 6-3, 6-4 to Sonego in a
game disrupted by a second set rain delay
of over an hour.
Mannarino, playing inventive tennis,
beat Hurkacz 7-6 (7/5) 7-6 (7/0) but will face
a tricky test against the 26-year-old
Eubanks who will break into the top 100 for
the first time in his career thanks to his vic-
tory over 65th ranked Barrere, who had
beaten Britain’s Cam Norrie in the previous
round.
Eubanks trailed 6-2 in a second-set tie-
break before a rain delay of more than an
hour and he won seven of the next eight
points for an emotional 6-3, 7-6 (9/7) vic-
tory.
French qualifier Quentin Halys hit 15
aces as he beat American Mackenzie
McDonald 7-6 (7/2), 6-3 to set up a fourth
round clash with world number five Daniil
Medvedev.
Halys had never won a match at ATP
1000 level prior to this tournament but has
beaten Spain’s Pedro Martinez and Aus-
tralian Alex de Minaur before taking out
McDonald. “I think I’m just the same player,
I am just more confident, I know exactly
what I have to do on court and I am very
confident in my serve,” Halys said.
The 26-year-old said he has sharpened
his mental approach to the game, handling
better the disappointment of missing out
on break opportunities against McDonald
in the second set.
“I was still very focused, very positive
after those games. Maybe in the past I was
negative with myself and I am more posi-
tive now, maybe that is the key,” said Halys
who is ranked 79th in the world. – AFP
“After that, I couldn’t really find any-
thing more that I wanted out of boxing,”
local media quoted the 37-year-old as say-
ing.
Murata retires with a professional
record of 16-3, winning 13 by knock-out.
He became a big star in his home
country after beating Brazil’s Esquiva Fal-
cao to win gold at the London Games,
becoming Japan’s first Olympic boxing
champion since 1964.
His humble, easy-going character won
him friends in and out of the ring, and
Golovkin presented him with his ring
gown following their match as a mark of
respect.
Murata said he wants to become “a
good role model” now that his career is
over.
“If you’re an athlete, once your dream
comes true, you lose your enthusiasm,”
he said.
“Now I want to build a career and
prove that life isn’t just about competi-
tion.” – AFP
WE D NE S D AY, MARCH 2 9 , 2 0 2 3
Rybakina plays a forehand return to Mertens.
after a six-month break.
In Miami she has looked very much first three games. With only 19 minutes on
back to her best with wins over Emma Rad- the clock she was 5-0 up.
ucanu, Maria Sakkari and Sofia Kenin.
American Jessica Pegula looked com- though with Linette grabbing a 5-2 lead.
fortable and in command of her game as However, she twice let set point slip on her
she beat Poland’s Magda Linette 6-1, 7-5.
Cirstea credits Johansson for late career revival
World number three Pegula got off to a five games to secure victory.
flying start - she struck seven winners in
MIAMI GARDENS
(United States): Sorana
Cirstea (pic) reached the
quarter-finals of the
Miami Open for the first
time with victory over
Czech Marketa Von-
drousova on Monday as
she continued her unexpected late career
revival.
The 32-year-old Romanian has followed
up her run to the last eight at Indian Wells
- her best ever showing at the Californian
event - with another impressive showing
in South Florida.
In both tournaments she knocked out
world number four Caroline Garcia and
not surprisingly she is brimming with
Jokic leads
confidence. “When you play good, every-
Nuggets
over Sixers
LOS ANGELES: The Denver Nuggets contin-
ued their march toward the Western Con-
ference top seed Monday with a 116-111 win
over Philadelphia, while the Sacramento
Kings’ hopes of ending a 16-year NBA play-
off drought remained on hold.
Two-time reigning NBA Most Valuable
Player Nikola Jokic had his 29th triple-dou-
ble of the season for Denver with 25 points,
17 rebounds and 12 assists.
But he was unhappy that the Nuggets
let a 20-point fourth-quarter lead dwindle
to just three with 28.9 seconds remaining
against a Sixers team missing star centre
Joel Embiid and playmaker James Harden.
“We didn’t do a good job today,” Jokic
said. “We had control of the whole game,
and then in the fourth quarter, we lost
control. We took bad shots, we didn’t play
defense, and that’s why they came back.”
The Nuggets pushed their lead to three
and a half games over Memphis atop the
West with a fourth straight victory.
The absence of MVP candidate Embiid
took some shine off the contest, but
Philadelphia coach Doc Rivers said the
decision to hold him out because of a sore
calf was “not a hard decision for us.
“We want to get him and the whole
team healthy for the playoffs,” Rivers said.
The stage was set for a celebration in
Sacramento, but the Minnesota Timber-
wolves crashed the party with a 119-115 vic-
tory over the Kings, who could have sealed
their first playoff berth since 2006 with a
victory. Jaden McDaniels scored 20 points
to lead seven Minnesota players in double
figures as they notched a fourth straight
win and tied reigning champions Golden
State for sixth in the West.
Trailing by one entering the fourth
quarter, the Timberwolves gradually
pulled away, a dunk by McDaniels giving
them a 114-104 lead with 3:52 to play – to
the dismay of the sell-out crowd at the
Golden 1 Center.
De’Aaron Fox scored 29 points and
Domantas Sabonis added 24 points and 10
rebounds for the Kings, who are third in
the West and will try again this week to
end the longest active playoff drought in
any major US professional sports league.
Elsewhere, there was good news for the
slumping Dallas Mavericks, who snapped
a four-game skid with a 127-104 victory
over the Indiana Pacers. Luka Doncic led
the Mavs with 25 points—starting the
game after the NBA rescinded the techni-
cal foul he was assessed in a loss at Char-
lotte on Sunday, which would have been
his 16th of the season and triggered an
automatic one-game suspension.
Doncic made the most of the reprieve,
adding seven rebounds and six assists –
one of them an impressive side-armed
pass across the court to rookie Jaden
Hardy for a three-pointer when Doncic
himself couldn’t get a shot off in the face
of a fierce double team. – AFP
Sport 23
Indian Wells but said her rapid-fire open-
ing to matches in Miami had not been part
of any strategy.
“It wasn’t something I was really think-
ing about. I think it just has been happen-
ing that way, which is nice,” she said.
“It was kind of a weird match. I had
strings of games where I was playing really
well, then (went) a little bit off. For the
most part I was able string together good
games, so that’s always a good sign,” she
said.
The American will face Anastasia
Potapova after the Russian beat China’s
Zheng Qinwen 6-4, 7-6 (7/4) to continue
her impressive run.
Romanian Cirstea followed up her
quarter-final at Indian Wells by securing
another last eight appearance thanks to a
7-6 (7-3), 6-4, win over Czech Marketa Von-
drousova.
Revitalised by her Swedish coach
the opening nine minutes and won the Thomas Johansson, Cirstea is enjoying a
revival in fortunes at the age of 32 but
knows she will need to produce one of the
The second set was a different story performances of her life is she is to get past
Sabalenka.
“I know it’s going to be very tough but
serve and Pegula went on to win the final I’ve been winning a lot of matches this
American swing and I have the confidence.
Pegula had lamented her slow starts at I know what I can play.” – AFP
thing becomes a bit more automatic,” she search of some ideas.
said. The impact wasn’t immediately evident
“You don’t think so much. Tennis is a bit in results but has been clear to see in her
more simple. When you’re struggling with performances on the “Sunshine Swing.”
confidence, you’re overthinking every shot “He made me a bit more aware of every-
and you are playing in your mind at each thing. He taught me a bit of tennis IQ,” she
point and you tend to complicate things,” said.
she said. But there is much more to “I think he was one of the best players
Cirstea’s upsurge in form, after 17 years as to read the game when he was playing and
a professional, than simply self-belief. he had the best tennis IQ out there. So he’s
Cirstea has proven the truth behind the been sharing that with me a little bit,” she
sporting cliche, that a player should never added.
stop learning, by radically rethinking her Johansson encouraged Cirstea to forget
approach to the game under the guidance the mantra used by so many players on the
of Swedish coach Thomas Johansson. tour, that the game is best played by focus-
After injury cut her season short after ing on themselves. “He was a player that
the US Open last year, Cirstea turned to was reading his opponent very, very well.
Hogg to retire after Rugby W Cup
2002 Australian Open champion and for- So he’s teaching me that also. I felt that was
mer world number seven Johansson in missing completely,” she said. – AFP
LONDON: Scottish rugby star Stuart Hogg is “I’ve always wanted to finish at the top
to hang up his boots following the Rugby end of the game. After the tournament, a
World Cup later this year, he announced on new career beckons and I will attack it in the
Monday, saying he felt the physical demands same manner as I play the game.”
of the sport were beyond him. Hogg made his Scotland debut during
The full-back, who turns 31 in June, won the 2012 Six Nations and was selected for the
his 100th cap for his country in the Six British and Irish Lions on three successive
Nations defeat by Ireland earlier this month occasions (2013, 2017 and 2021).
but limped off injured and missed their final His 2017 tour was cut short by a facial
game against Italy. fracture, but in 2021 he gained two Lions Test
Hogg, who signed his first professional caps against South Africa.
deal with Glasgow Warriors in 2011, said a His relationship with present Scotland
“new career beckons”. coach Gregor Townsend has not been plain
“I don’t feel my body can achieve the stan- sailing—there have been disciplinary issues
dards that I set myself for much longer,” he and he was replaced as captain last October
VLS-WMS friendly ends in a draw
said. by Jamie Ritchie. – AFP
Jinius Pandakin
SIPITANG: Sarawak Veteran Team (VLS) and Wira Mendulong Sipitang (WMS) team
drew 2-2 in a friendly football match at the Sipitang District Council (MDS) field last
Saturday.
The two teams were evenly matched but VLS displayed an interesting performance
OBITUARY
throughout with good coordination and accurate passing of the ball.
IN LOVING MEMORY OF THE LATE
MR. LIM ONG CHICK
AGE: 85 YEARS OLD
Passed away peacefully at 11:38am on 28th March 2023 (Tuesday)
at KPJ Sabah Specialist Hospital.
Funeral service will be held at 9:00am on 30th March 2023 (Thursday)
at Fook Lu Siew Funeral Parlour (Ground Floor - Room 1E), Mile 2 Tuaran
Road and thereafter will proceed to Nirvana Memorial Park,
Mile 17 Off Tuaran Road for burial.
WIFE: LEE SIEW CHING
CHILDREN: IN-LAWS: GRANDCHILDREN:
LIM VUN CHEONG LINDA H. PUDIN JESS LIM ZII YING
CAYDEN IVAN LIM CAY DEN
WENDEN IRVINE LIM WEN DEN
LIM VUN CHERNG ADELINE BEH AI LAN SARAH LIM SUE ER
RYAN LIM MING YUAN
LIM YE TING LIM CHUN HSIUNG CHLOE LIM YU SHYEN
JESPER LIM YU HENG
Telephone contacts: 011-1600-6138 (Fook Lu Siew Funeral Parlour)
H/P: 013-888-3378, 019-813-8801

Y OU R LOCAL V OICE I WE D NE S D AY, MARCH 2 9 , 2 0 2 3
Super League champs
to receive RM2.4mil
KUALA LUMPUR: The
Super League champions
of this season will receive
RM2.4 million in prize
money through the 2023-
2025 merit-based income
distribution system intro-
duced by the Malaysian Football League
(MFL).
The introduction of the distribution
system also allowed the top six clubs,
excluding the champions, to collect more
than RM1 million while the bottom teams
still carry a winning prize amounting to
RM600,000 compared to only RM250,000
last season. The rate of income distribu-
tion to all 14 clubs competing this season
saw an increase of 96.55 per cent which is
RM15.675 million compared to RM7.975
million distributed to the same 14 clubs in
Is Zii Jia
2022.
MFL chief executive officer (CEO) Stuart
returning to
BAM’s fold?
KUALA LUMPUR: Is
national men’s singles
professional shuttler Lee
Zii Jia (pic) set to rejoin
the Badminton Associa-
tion of Malaysia (BAM)?
Rumours have been
swirling that Zii Jia will rejoin BAM, more
so since BAM president Tan Sri Mohamad
Norza Zakaria uploaded photographs of
him meeting the 25-year-old shuttler sev-
eral times on his Instagram account
recently.
However, Mohamad Norza, when con-
tacted Tuesday, said the two times he met
the world number four shuttler at a restau-
rant were mere coincidences.
He also refused to comment on
whether the 2021 All England champion
will rejoin the national body. “For now, no
comment. I bumped into him twice, they
were not planned. Youth and Sports Min-
ister Hannah Yeoh also wants to meet
him… I’m waiting to see what will be the
outcome of that meeting,” he said.
Local media recently reported that Zii
Jia may rejoin BAM as the Road To Gold
(RTG) team, it is learned, is trying to get
the shuttler to return to the national gov-
erning body.
Mohamad Norza, who is also Olympic
Council of Malaysia (OCM) president,
confirmed that an official meeting with
the shuttler, who hails from Alor Setar,
Kedah, would be held through the
RTG programme, which is jointly chaired
by him and Yeoh. “We will see his (Zii
Jia’s) requirements,” he said briefly. –
MP’s views
Bernama
taken out of
context: BAM
KUALA LUMPUR: The Badminton Associa-
tion of Malaysia (BAM) said the issues
raised by Bandar Kuching Member of Par-
liament Dr Kelvin Yii Lee Wuen regarding
it’s training structure, has been resolved.
The national badminton governing
body in a statement said, Dr Yii had con-
tacted BAM President Tan Sri Mohamad
Norza Zakaria to seek an explanation
about BAM’s training programme. “YB (Dr
Yii) clarified that his views were taken out
of context. He was only giving advice to a
few parents with regards to their chil-
dren’s future.
“Following their discussion today (yes-
terday) Tan Sri Norza and Dr Kelvin con-
sider the matter resolved,” according to
BAM’s statement posted on social media
on Monday night.
On Monday, DayakDaily news portal
reported that Dr Yii warned children and
parents to think twice before pursuing
their badminton dream with BAM, claim-
ing that many senior and junior shuttlers
received termination for non-perfor-
mance. He was quoted as saying that,
those who chose to stop the training pro-
gramme with BAM, would have to pay
RM30,000 in compensation, which he said
doesn’t protect the interest of the players.
– Bernama
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Ramalingam (pic) said a total of RM6.95
million will be distributed to each club
based on their performance at the end of
the season while the champions and run-
ners-up of the MFL Cup will receive
RM500,000 and RM250,000 respectively.
“This merit-based income distribution sys-
tem has already been presented to league
partners in a meeting with all M-League
club CEOs on Feb 15. This system is seen as
fairer for clubs that have performed well
throughout the 2023 M-League season.
“The presentation that was made
receive good reaction and they accepted
the proposed income distribution based
on merit to be introduced this year,” he
said in an MFL statement on Tuesday.
Meanwhile, MFL president Datuk Ab
Ghani Hassan said the increase in income
distribution to all Super League clubs this
season is a positive sign for the develop-
Fifa to pay clubs combined RM1.5bil
ment of the domestic competition scene.
ISTANBUL (Turkiye): Fifa will pay clubs a
combined US$355 million (RM1.5 billion)
for sending their footballers to the 2026
and 2030 World Cup tournaments, the
European Club Association (ECA) con-
firmed Monday.
The ECA said in a statement that Fifa
President Gianni Infantino and ECA Chair-
man Nasser Al-Khelaifi signed a renewed
Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)
between them at the 29th ECA General
Assembly in Budapest, Hungary.
“The Club Benefits Programme, for
example, which has historically compen-
France survive Ireland scare, Dutch ease past Gibraltar
PARIS: France held on to beat Ireland 1-0 in
Dublin on Monday to win their second
Euro 2024 qualifier, while the Netherlands
eased past Gibraltar 3-0.
Right-back Benjamin Pavard pounced
with half an hour remaining at a sold-out
Lansdowne Road before two superb Mike
Maignan saves in the final two minutes.
With 30 seconds to play in Dublin, AC
Milan’s Maignan, who has succeeded for-
mer captain Hugo Lloris as Les Bleus’ goal-
keeper, tipped over team-mate Jules
Kounde’s panicked header.
From the resulting corner Maignan
saved the visitors’ skin as he made a similar
save from Nathan Collins’ powerful effort.
“Mike’s stop allowed us to stay in the
match and claim a clean sheet, so I’m
going to say that he’s the man of the
match,” Bayern Munich’s Pavard told tele-
vision channel TF1. “I had the chance to
play, it was successful, I scored, even if a
defender’s main objective is to defend
well,” he added.
In Rotterdam, Manchester City centre-
Mitsuki can win a medal: Coach
back Nathan Ake scored twice in a little
KUALA LUMPUR: National tennis coach
Zulkhairi Mohd Khir believes that
teenager Mitsuki Leong is capable of win-
ning a medal at the 2023 Cambodia SEA
Games based on his impressive perform-
ance in several tournaments.
The coach said the 19-year-old, who is
competing in the March 27-April 2 Interna-
tional Tennis Federation (ITF) Mysuru
Open in India, is on the right track to col-
lect ITF points to ensure a favourable pas-
sage at the May 5-17 biennial Games in
Phnom Penh. “I feel that Mitsuki’s game is
at a very good level now. When we were in
Lucknow, India, he made it to the third
round and he also reached the quarter-
finals in Jakarta in January.
“So, Mitsuki can help the men’s team
bag a bronze and, judging by his perform-
ance, if he can reach the men’s singles
semi-finals or final, Insya-Allah, he can
bring home a medal too,” he said.
He said this after 2023 SEA Games
o email: ads@dailyexpress.com.my (Advertising) l editorial@dailyexpress.com.my (News)
He said the MFL saw that the revenue
distribution system would encourage all
clubs to compete fiercely to get the best
position and thus receive more revenue. “It
is MFL’s responsibility as the governing
body of the league to try to increase the
income of the clubs and we believe that
with the cooperation of corporate compa-
nies and broadcasting partners, the M-
League can continue to be commercialised
to increase the income of the clubs,” he said.
For the record, following the impact of
the Covid-19 pandemic, the distribution of
income for the 2021 and 2022 seasons is
based on two areas, the first being the
equal distribution of RM500,000 and
RM250,000 respectively to each Super
League and Premier League club.
The second principle is that only clubs
that finish in the top three of the Super
League and Premier League will earn addi-
tional prize money. – Bernama
sated all clubs who release players for
the men’s World Cup and was a
key achievement of the previous MoU,
will now increase from US$209 million for
the 2018 and 2022 Fifa World Cup final
tournaments to US$355 million for the
2026 and 2030 tournaments,” the ECA
said.
It added that the long-term deal would
enable the ECA and Fifa to build on their
close collaboration which has existed
since the birth of the ECA 15 years ago, now
with a new term until Dec 31, 2030. –
Bernama-Anadolu
over half an hour as the Netherlands over-
came 10-men Gibraltar, 200th in the Fifa
rankings.
Atletico Madrid forward Memphis
Depay opened the scoring in the first half
with a towering header before veteran
Liam Walker was shown a red card the
other side of the break.
Oranje captain Virgil van Dijk
bemoaned a lack of goals at De Kuip from
his team, who lost heavily to France in
their Group B opener on Friday. “You score
three goals, but you have to score many
more,” van Dijk said. “This is a game where
you can hardly ever get it right. You have
to win 10-0, so to speak,” he added.
In Group F, Sweden bounced back from
a heavy opening defeat to Belgium by
hammering Azerbaijan 5-0 in Solna. Emile
Forsberg, Viktor Gyokeres, Jesper Karlsson
and Anthony Elanga netted for the hosts
and Bahlul Mustafazade scored an own
goal.
Austria avoided an upset at home to
beat Estonia 2-1 despite trailing after 25
minutes from a Rauno Sappinen effort.
deputy chef de mission Datuk Shalin Zulk-
ifli visited the national tennis team train-
ing camp at the Jalan Duta Tennis Complex
in Bukit Tunku, Tuesday.
Earlier, Tennis Malaysia named the five
men and three women who will carry
Malaysia’s challenge at the Cambodia SEA
Games. They are Mitsuki, Koay Hao Sheng,
Imran Daniel Abd Hazli, S. Darrshan and
Christian Andre (men); as well as Saw Jo
Leen, Shihomi Leong and Lim Sze Xuan
(women).
Imran Daniel, who will be making his
second appearance in the SEA Games after
the previous Hanoi edition in Vietnam,
has been putting in the hard yards in the
hope of doing better this time.
“I feel that my performance is good…
just that didn’t get the opportunity to
compete overseas to test myself. But that
hasn’t stopped me from using the time
available to train and become better,” he
said. – Bernama
Conte
thanks
Spurs fans
who shared
his ‘passion’
Ram (seated centre) with the new committee.
Ram re-elected KKDAA president
GL Oh
KOTA KINABALU: Ram Singh has
retained his position as Kota Kinabalu
District Archery Association’s (KKDAA)
president for a fourth consecutive term
during its Annual General Meeting held
recently.
Kartini Kamis also kept her deputy
president seat, while Clarence Jews was
elected as the vice president.
Secretary general is Shiu Vay Leung
and he will be assisted by Eugenius Lo
Foh Soon with the treasurer and assis-
tant treasurer posts going to Stephanie
Chin and Elaine Van Shuk Lei respec-
tively.
The seven elected committee mem-
bers are Richard Chong, Somphon
Sararaks, Anthony Lee, Emily Lo, Charlie
Jikulis, Kenneth Chow and Renee Sew.
The new committee also opted to
include some senior archers, experi-
enced personnel and active parents into
the team in their quest to improve the
association’s performance.
Ram, who expressed his gratitude to
the support and confidence given, urged
Ireland’s
goal-
keeper
Gavin
Bazunu
saves a
shot from
France’s
striker
Moussa
Diaby.
Cologne winger Florian Kainz opened his
account for his country with 22 minutes to
play before Michael Gregoritsch com-
pleted the comeback with two minutes to
go.
Real Madrid’s David Alaba came off the
bench after 46 minutes after Gregoritsch
has missed a first half penalty. “I’ve had
enough of rollercoaster rides,” Gregoritsch
told broadcasters ORF.
“I also have to apologise to the team for
letting them worry for so long,” he added.
Dominik Szoboszlai superb free-kick
set Hungary on their way to a 3-0 success
over Bulgaria as they started their cam-
paign clinically.
Elsewhere in Group G, Dusan Vlahovic’s
double were more than enough as Serbia
beat Montenegro 2-0 in only their third
meeting since Montenegro declared inde-
pendence in 2006.
In Group E, the Czech Republic were
held 0-0 by lowly Moldova as Karol Swider-
ski scored his ninth goal in 21 internation-
als as Poland beat Albania 1-0 after losing
to the Czechs on Friday. – AFP
Mitsuki
National rugby team eye top four
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia are hoping to
go one better in the men’s 7s rugby com-
petition at the 2023 Hangzhou Asian
Games in China after finishing fifth at the
2018 Jakarta-Palembang edition.
“I hope the squad, comprising experi-
enced players and newcomers, will con-
tinue to have a high spirit of
competitiveness at the international level,”
Malaysia Rugby (MR) president Datuk
Shahrul Zaman Yahya said after the con-
tract signing ceremony with the players,
Rybakina,
Sabalenka
march on
in Miami
24
his new team to work even harder to
continue the association’s legacy.
He said in a statement on Tuesday
that it is important to further improve
the sport that will eventually lead to
more glory for the State and country in
the future. “We are looking forward to
working closely with our State body
(Sabah Archery Association), Youth and
Sports Ministry, Sabah Sports Council,
Sabah Sports Board in a joint effort to
push the sport to a greater height,” he
said.
He added that a few programmes will
be implemented soon including a semi-
nar to be conducted by South Korean
coach Kim Hyung Tak in May, to prepare
the archers in adapting to the new for-
mat during the CPL Archery tournament
in April, a youth development pro-
gramme with inputs from three young
archers, as well as educational tours for
their members to some government
agencies.
Meanwhile, the State Para-Archery
Club is now under KKDAA as an affiliate
member.
Maybank Golf
C’ship returns
with women’s
edition
KUALA LUMPUR: After a three-year hiatus,
the 2023 Maybank Golf Championship,
which is sanctioned by the Ladies Profes-
sional Golf Association (LPGA), will tee off at
the Kuala Lumpur Golf & Country Club
(KLGCC) in Bukit Kiara, here, from Oct 26-29.
Maybank Group president and chief
executive officer Datuk Khairussaleh Ramli
said the championship, offering total prize
money of US$3 million (about RM13 mil-
lion), is set to be contested by 78 profes-
sional women golfers, with 10 slots set aside
for Malaysian and Southeast Asian golfers.
He said the championship this year,
themed “Retake the Green”, reflects May-
bank’s confidence in the women golfers to
show their true potential by turning on the
style on the greens.
“Women’s golf has a great following
worldwide, especially in this region and, if
we look at the LPGA, some of the most
famous golfers are from Asia, including
Malaysia’s Kelly Tan. That is why, if possible,
I want all the top-ranked players to compete
in this championship.
“We, however, are still retaining the
championship name because we already
have a collaboration with the LPGA, so
surely everyone knows it is a women’s cham-
pionship. The collaboration with the LPGA
will be for at least three years,” he told
reporters, here, Tuesday.
Also present at the launch of the cham-
pionship were Youth and Sports Minister
Hannah Yeoh, Maybank Group chairman
Tan Sri Zamzamzairani Mohd Isa, LPGA’s
Chief Business Officer Asia Sean Pyun and
KLGCC president Tun Musa Hitam.
Meanwhile, Hannah, who launched the
2023 Maybank Golf Championship, is confi-
dent that the international-level tourna-
ment will provide a platform for national
women golfers to showcase their talent and
help boost the country’s economic develop-
ment.– Bernama
here, Tuesday. A total of 18 players have
been shortlisted under the National Sports
Council (NSC) and MR Podium Pro-
gramme for the Hangzhou Asiad from
Sept 23-Oct 8 and the Asia Rugby Sevens
Series.
The national team, also known as
Bunga Raya (Hibiscus), will also be com-
peting in the South East Asia 7s in Singa-
pore on April 7-8 and in Thailand on May
13-14 as part of their preparations for the
Hangzhou Asiad. – Bernama

Lelaki dipercayai tidur atas
jalan, maut dilanggar > 2
Belanjawan 2023 Anwar
lulus selepas bacaan akhir
KUALA LUMPUR: Rang Undang-Undang
(RUU) Perbekalan (Belanjawan) 2023
pentadbiran Perdana Menteri Anwar
Ibrahim diluluskan untuk peringkat
jawatankuasa di Dewan Rakyat pada
Selasa melalui undi suara.
Timbalan Yang Dipertua Dewan
Rakyat Alice Lau membuat undi suara
selepas perbahasan belanjawan
kementerian terakhir, iaitu Kementerian
Pendidikan Tinggi diikuti Kementerian
Pendidikan, diluluskan untuk peringkat
jawatankuasa.
Sejurus itu, Timbalan Menteri Kewan-
gan Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan memben-
tangkan Belanjawan 2023 untuk bacaan
ketiga dan terakhir.
Selepas jelas suara “setuju” oleh ahli
parlimen yang hadir, Lau kemudian
mengumumkan belanjawan tersebut
diluluskan.
RUU tersebut, yang merupakan
belanjawan pertama pentadbiran
Anwar, dibahaskan di peringkat
jawatankuasa selama 10 hari, bermula 13
Mac lalu.
Belanjawan tersebut dibentang
Anwar, yang juga menteri kewangan,
pada 24 Februari lalu dengan perun-
tukan sebanyak RM386.14 bilion - tert-
inggi dalam sejarah negara.
Belanjawan kali ini juga menyediakan
peruntukan pembangunan tertinggi
iaitu sebanyak RM99 bilion,
merangkumi suku daripada keselu-
ruhan belanjawan.
Kes denggi meningkat 400 peratus
Belanjawan 2023 lulus di peringkat
dasar pada 9 Mac lalu.
KUALA LUMPUR: Mesyuarat Jawatan-
kuasa Kabinet Menangani Denggi diak-
tifkan semula susulan berlaku
peningkatan lebih 400 peratus kes
denggi pada tahun ini, kata Timbalan
Perdana Menteri Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad
Zahid Hamidi.
Beliau berkata sehingga 25 Mac lepas,
sebanyak 26,222 kes denggi telah dila-
porkan berbanding 8,124 kes bagi tempoh
sama tahun lepas manakala jumlah
kematian akibat komplikasi demam
denggi turut meningkat iaitu 17 kes
berbanding empat kes bagi tempoh yang
sama.
“Maka, bagi menyelesaikan isu ini, kita
akan libatkan pertubuhan bukan kera-
jaan (NGO) dan doktor sukarelawan
untuk turun secara berjadual dan bukan-
nya berkala ke kawasan tumpuan penye-
baran nyamuk Aedes di daerah atau
lokasi tertentu.
“Untuk itu, kita tidak akan menggu-
nakan kaedah memohon peruntukan
tambahan tetapi sebaliknya menggu-
nakan beberapa pendekatan bagi tang-
gungjawab sosial korporat (CSR) seperti
memobilisasikan aset NADMA (Agensi
Pengurusan Bencana Negara) di luar
musim banjir untuk membawa peralatan
bagi operasi (denggi) yang dilakukan,”
katanya.
Ahmad Zahid berkata demikian pada
sidang media selepas mempengerusikan
Mesyuarat Jawatankuasa Kabinet Menan-
gani Denggi di Bangunan Parlimen, di
sini, Selasa yang turut dihadiri Menteri
Kesihatan Dr Zaliha Mustafa.
Mengulas lanjut, Ahmad Zahid
berkata antara pencegahan yang telah
dilaksanakan dan akan disebar luas
adalah kaedah penggunaan BioGel iaitu
manik hidrogel bagi memerangkap dan
membunuh nyamuk Aedes.
“Begitu juga dengan melakukan satu
kaedah nyamuk (yang disuntik bakteria)
wolbachia bagi melawan nyamuk Aedes.
Ini adalah satu kaedah baharu secara
puratanya lebih murah,” katanya.
Beliau berkata perbelanjaan keselu-
ruhan bagi menangani kes denggi adalah
sekitar RM240 juta setahun, namun pen-
dekatan kerajaan ialah untuk menggu-
nakan 1/8 daripada peruntukan tersebut.
Selain itu, katanya, jawatankuasa
rabu, 29 Mac, 2023 / 7 raMadan, 1444H
Suami isteri
melecur
dapur gas
meletup
>3
Mulai 13 Mac, perbahasan peringkat
jawatankuasa mengenai Bajet 2023
diteruskan selama 10 hari, dengan dua
atau tiga kementerian menyampaikan
ucapan penggulungan mereka selepas
Ahli Parlimen bercakap selama lima
minit setiap satu.
Oktober lepas, menteri kewangan
ketika itu Tengku Datuk Seri Tengku
Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz memben-
tangkan Belanjawan 2023 berjumlah
RM372.3 bilion.
Bagaimanapun, ia tidak pernah dilu-
luskan kerana sejurus selepas itu, Parli-
men dibubarkan untuk Pilihan Raya
Umum Ke-15 pada 19 Nov.
Ini memaksa kerajaan Anwar mem-
bentangkan belanjawan baharu selepas
berkuasa pada Pilihan Raya Umum Ke-15.
Pada 20 Disember tahun lepas, Anwar
membentangkan “bajet mini” melalui
Rang Undang-Undang Kumpulan Wang
Disatukan (Perbelanjaan Masuk Akaun)
2022 untuk memberi kerajaan RM107.72
bilion dan memastikan tiada perkhid-
matan terganggu sehingga Belanjawan
2023 diluluskan.
Ia meliputi, antara lain, pembayaran
gaji penjawat awam, utiliti, biasiswa,
bantuan kebajikan serta perkhidmatan
pendidikan dan kesihatan, selain perun-
tukan untuk memastikan projek yang
sedang berjalan diteruskan.
Mulai 29 Mac dan seterusnya, Parli-
men akan disambung semula dengan
hal ehwal kerajaan dan Rang Undang-
undang, serta Rang Undang-undang
Ahli Persendirian.
berkenaan turut bersetuju mewujudkan
High Level Committee Menangani
Denggi di peringkat negeri untuk dise-
laraskan di peringkat daerah, mukim dan
kawasan kampung atau perumahan yang
dikenal pasti sebagai hotspot bagi men-
gatasi permasalahan kes denggi.
Dalam pada itu, Ahmad Zahid turut
yakin Kerajaan Perpaduan mampu men-
capai matlamat sifar denggi menjelang
akhir penggal pentadbiran kerajaan itu.
Beliau berkata ini kerana Kerajaan Per-
paduan sentiasa mengambil berat menye-
lesaikan masalah denggi dengan
melaksanakan beberapa kaedah pencega-
han yang proaktif untuk mencapai matla-
21 notis dikeluarkan terhadap peniaga Bazar Ramadan
mat berkenaan secepat mungkin. –
Bernama
sherell Jeffrey
KOTA KINABALU: Sebanyak 21 notis
dikeluarkan terhadap peniaga Bazar
Ramadan sepanjang Ops Ramadan yang
dijalankan oleh Jabatan Kesihatan
Negeri di seluruh Sabah sejak 27 Mac
lalu.
Notis dikeluarkan di Kota Kinabalu,
Papar, Tawau, Kudat dan Sandakan, di
bawah Seksyen 32B Akta Makanan 1983
atas kesalahan termasuk gagal memakai
apron, kuku jari panjang, tiada sijil kur-
sus pengendali makanan, tiada suntikan
vaksin tifoid, antara lain.
“Pasukan kami juga mengumpul
empat sampel makanan sejak Isnin,”
kata Pengarah Kesihatan Negeri Datuk
Dr Rose Nani Mudin pada sidang media
selepas kunjungan Ops Ramadan di
Bazar Ramadan Lintasan Deasoka, di
sini, Selasa.
Operasi itu dijalankan Penguatkuasa
Jabatan Kesihatan Negeri Sabah bertu-
juan memastikan peniaga Bazar
Ramadan mematuhi prosedur pengen-
dalian makanan dan kebersihan premis
perniagaan.
“Ini perlu untuk mengekalkan keber-
sihan dan keselamatan makanan yang
dijual kepada pengguna,” kata Dr Rose.
Jabatan Kesihatan Negeri turut mem-
perkenalkan penggunaan kod QR di
Bazar Ramadan untuk pengunjung
Penyerang sekolah Kristian
Nashville dikenal pasti > 5
Kunjungan perpisahan
KETUA Menteri Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor menerima kunjungan perpisahan daripada
Pesuruhjaya Polis Sabah Datuk Idris Abdullah di pejabatnya di Menara Kinabalu,
di sini, Selasa. Idris menjadi ketua Kontinjen Polis Sabah pada September 2021,
menggantikan Datuk Hazani Ghazali. Bersama Idris dalam kunjungan hormat itu
adalah Timbalan Pesuruhjaya Polis Sabah Datuk Jauteh Dikun.
Sabah catat pelaburan
RM11.5 bilion tahun lepas
KUALA LUMPUR: Negeri Sabah men-
catatkan pelaburan sebanyak RM11.5 bil-
ion dalam pelbagai sektor ekonomi pada
tahun 2022, Dewan Negara diberitahu
pada Isnin.
Menteri Perdagangan Antarabangsa
dan Industri Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul
Tengku Abdul Aziz berkata ia melibatkan
89 buah projek dan bakal menjana 4,566
jumlah peluang pekerjaan.
“Daripada jumlah keseluruhan pelabu-
ran tersebut, sebanyak RM9.2 billion
merupakan pelaburan langsung asing
(FDI) manakala RM2.3 billion adalah
pelaburan langsung domestik.
“Sektor perkilangan merupakan
penyumbang terbesar sebanyak RM8.4 bil-
ion atau 72.9 peratus manakala sektor
utama menyumbang RM1.6 bilion dan
sektor perkhidmatan sebanyak RM1.5 bil-
ion,” katanya, menjawab soalan tambahan
Senator Datuk Noraini Idris mengenai
jumlah pelaburan ekonomi negeri Sabah
bagi 2022 serta sektor yang terlibat.
DR ROSE (kedua dari kanan) dan pasukannya bergambar dengan
sepanduk menunjukkan kod QR untuk pengguna menyalurkan aduan.
bazar menyalurkan aduan mengenai
kebersihan pengendalian makanan
melalui medium ini.
Kod QR boleh dilihat dalam sepan-
duk yang diletakkan di Bazar Ramadan
di seluruh negeri.
Selain itu, aduan juga boleh diajukan
melalui Aduan Talian Kesihatan Sabah
melalui WhatsApp ke 019-860 2929 dan
Sungguh
Kamu
Aku Rindu
diinspirasikan
daripada
kisah luka
>6
Selain itu, Tengku Zafrul berkata projek
berprofil tinggi bernilai lebih RM100 juta
adalah terutamanya dalam sektor produk
petroleum, produk mineral bukan logam
dan peralatan pengangkutan.
Sementara itu, beliau berkata kemente-
riannya menerusi Lembaga Pembangunan
Pelaburan Malaysia (MIDA) komited
untuk menarik FDI ke Malaysia, termasuk
di negeri Sabah, khususnya bagi industri-
industri yang disasarkan.
“Dalam hal ini, MIDA sentiasa beker-
jasama secara strategik dengan semua
agensi pelaburan di peringkat negeri dan
Koridor Ekonomi dalam menarik pelabu-
ran. MIDA sentiasa bekerjasama dengan
Kementerian Pembangunan Perindustrian
dan Keusahawanan (MIDE Sabah) dan
Pihak Berkuasa Pembangunan Ekonomi
dan Pelaburan Sabah (SEDIA) di dalam
misi pelaburan dan perdagangan untuk
mempromosikan peluang-peluang
pelaburan yang terdapat di negeri Sabah,”
katanya. – Bernama
laman web Sistem Pengurusan Aduan
Awam Kementerian Kesihatan Malaysia
di https://moh/spab.my/eApps/system
/index.do.
Dr Rose mengingatkan orang ramai
supaya bijak memilih makanan sihat
dan premis makanan bersih.
“Kesihatan anda dan keluarga adalah
tanggungjawab anda,” katanya.
WAKTU SOLAT
Imsak Subuh Zohor Asar MaghribIsyak
KK/Pantai Barat 4.59 5.09 12.24 3.28 6.28 7.37
Sandakan Timur 4.52 5.02 12.16 3.20 6.20 7.29
Sandakan Barat 4.56 5.06 12.21 3.23 6.24 7.33
Tawau Timur 4.49 4.59 12.14 3.16 6.17 7.26
Tawau Barat 4.53 5.03 12.17 3.18 6.21 7.30
Kudat 4.55 5.05 12.20 3.26 6.24 7.34
Pedalaman Atas 4.57 5.07 12.22 3.25 6.26 7.35
Pedalaman Bawah 5.01 5.11 12.25 3.28 6.29 7.38
PM cadang badan
bebas siasat aduan,
salah laku badan
penguatkuasaan
KUALA LUMPUR: Perdana Menteri Datuk
Seri Anwar Ibrahim telah meminta
Peguam Negara (AGC) untuk mengkaji
semula cadangan agar diwujudkan badan
bebas dalam mengambil tindakan dan
menyiasat semua aduan, tuduhan dan
salah laku membabitkan semua badan
penguatkuasaan.
Beliau berkata ini bagi memastikan
badan penguatkuasaan yang terlibat
dalam kes salah laku tidak menyiasat
sendiri secara dalaman mana-mana kes
atau aduan diterima membabitkan
pegawai atau anggota mereka.
Perdana Menteri berkata ini meli-
batkan badan penguatkuasaan seperti
Polis Diraja Malaysia (PDRM), Jabatan Kas-
tam Diraja Malaysia, Jabatan Imigresen
dan Suruhanjaya Pencegahan Rasuah
Malaysia (SPRM).
“Saya telah minta Peguam Negara kaji
semula cadangan awal supaya ada
mekanisme untuk semua badan pen-
guatkuasaan kalau ada pertuduhan khas
terhadap pegawai SPRM, Imigresen, polis,
kastam, maka ada badan bebas,
(mungkin) dalam bentuk suruhanjaya,
belum pasti.
“Sudah ada arahan kepada Peguam
Negara untuk kemuka cadangan supaya
badan penguat kuasa ini tidak menyiasat
sendiri, tapi ada badan lain yang bebas
menyiasat, perkara ini saya rasa tidak
begitu sukar kerana ada cadangan awal,”
katanya.
Beliau berkata demikian pada Waktu
Pertanyaan-Pertanyaan Menteri di Dewan
Rakyat, Selasa bagi menjawab soalan tam-
bahan Gobind Singh Deo (PH-
Damansara) berhubung langkah kerajaan
dalam memastikan siasatan dibuat ter-
hadap pegawai agensi pengkuatkuasaan
seperti SPRM, dibuat secara bebas.
Anwar berkata cadangan penubuhan
badan bebas berkenaan ketika ini dilihat
wajar kerana ia lebih menyeluruh dan
boleh mengambil tindakan terhadap
semua aduan membabitkan badan
pengkuatkuasaan.
“Bila timbul isu Suruhanjaya Bebas
Aduan dan Salah Laku Polis (IPCMC) yang
dipertikai polis ialah mengapa dituju
khusus untuk mereka padahal permasala-
han itu harus melibatkan semua agensi
penguatkuasaan,” katanya.
Dalam pada itu menjawab soalan asal
Datuk Mas Ermieyati Samsudin (PN-Masjid
Tanah), Anwar berkata undang-undang
sedia ada menjamin kebebasan SPRM
dalam menjalankan siasatan dan tidak ter-
takluk di bawah arahan Perdana Menteri.
“Sebab itu, bila saya ambil alih saya
memilih untuk tidak menukar Ketua
Pesuruhjaya SPRM yang dilantik Pagoh
untuk tidak menimbulkan persepsi
bahawa seorang Perdana Menteri akan
melantik seorang ketua SPRM yang
baharu, sebab itu saya kekalkan,” katanya.
Terdahulu, Mas Ermieyati meminta Per-
dana Menteri menyatakan kesediaan ker-
ajaan melaksanakan syor daripada
Transparency International Malaysia (TI-
M) supaya SPRM diletakkan di bawah
bidang kuasa Parlimen dan bukan lagi di
bawah Jabatan Perdana Menteri bagi
memastikan proses semak dan imbang
lebih telus.
Anwar berkata beliau tidak mempun-
yai masalah untuk mempertimbangkan
syor TI-M tersebut, namun penelitian ter-
hadap syor itu mesti dibuat secara
menyeluruh dari semua aspek dan meli-
batkan semua pihak.
“Kita juga tentulah sebaik ada perkem-
bangan syor ini harus dikemukakan
kepada Jawatankuasa Pilihan Khas Parli-
men untuk meneliti supaya keupayaan
SPRM akan dapat ditingkatkan dan tidak
ada kekangan dan campur tangan yang
dibimbangi akan menjejaskan usaha
pelaksanaan membanteras rasuah,”
katanya.
Katanya, untuk memperkukuh
kedudukan, SPRM dipantau lima badan
pemantau bebas iaitu Jawatankuasa Khas
Mengenai Rasuah (JKMR), Lembaga
Penasihat Pencegahan Rasuah (LPPR),
Jawatankuasa Aduan (JKA), Panel Penila-
ian Operasi (PPO), Panel Perundingan dan
Pencegahan Rasuah (PPPR). – Bernama
 2 Tempatan
Kanak-kanak tanpa kerakyatan
Selesai proses permohonan
kewarganegaraan mereka: MP
Winnie Kasmir
SANDAKAN: Kementer-
ian Dalam Negeri
(KDN) digesa untuk
menyelesaikan proses
permohonan kewar-
ganegaraan bagi
kanak-kanak tanpa ker-
akyatan di Sabah.
Ahli Parlimen Libaran Datuk Suhaimi
Nasir turut meminta KDN menyelesaikan
isu penduduk Malaysia yang sudah
bermastautin di negara ini tetapi permo-
honan mereka masih belum mendapat
kelulusan taraf kewarganegaraan.
Suhaimi membangkitkan isu taraf
kewarganegaraan berkenaan kerana
perkara itu turut berlaku di beberapa
tempat di kawasan parlimennya terma-
suk Kampung Pulau Nunuyan, Kampung
Pulau Libaran, dan Kampung Semawang.
“Punca utama permasalahan ini
adalah terdapat sebilangan pasangan ibu
atau bapa yang berkahwin dengan pasan-
gan bukan warganegara.
“Apabila pasangan ibu atau bapa ini
Bekalan gula Sandakan stabil: KPDN
Mardinah Jikur
SANDAKAN: Bekalan gula pasir di San-
dakan masih stabil.
Ketua Cawangan Pejabat Kementerian
Perdagangan Dalam Negeri dan Kos Sara
Hidup (KPDN) Sandakan, Azdy Zukkry
John berkata, menerusi pemantauan
gudang di Sandakan pada Selasa, bekalan
gula juga telah sampai pada Isnin.
Susulan itu, bekalan sebanyak 238.08
tan metrik gula itu juga telah mula
diedarkan kepada peniaga pada pagi
Halal: Majlis bawa banyak manfaat
Selasa.
“Nasihat saya kepada semua pengguna,
Clarence Dol
KOTA KINABALU: Cadangan penubuhan
Majlis Pembangunan Industri Halal di
Sabah dan Sarawak akan memberi banyak
manfaat kepada industri kecil dan seder-
hana daripada komuniti nelayan dan usa-
hawan.
Pengerusi Korporasi Kemajuan
Perikanan Dan Nelayan Sabah (Ko-
Nelayan), Kong Soon Choi berkata kerajaan
pusat perlu meneliti perkara itu bagi mem-
bolehkan kerajaan negeri mengeluarkan
lesen halal, yang memudahkan semua per-
ingkat pengusaha produk halal di Sabah
dan Sarawak untuk memohon.
“Saya melihat keperluan untuk Kerajaan
Pusat mempercepatkan penurunan kuasa
kepada kerajaan Sabah dan Sarawak untuk
mengeluarkan sendiri lesen halal,” katanya.
Beliau mengulas saranan Datuk Seri Dr
Jeffrey Kitingan supaya kerajaan di Borneo
diberi kuasa untuk mengeluarkan lesen
Lelaki dipercayai tidur
atas jalan, maut dilanggar
Johan Aziz
TENOM: Seorang lelaki yang dipercayai
tidur di atas jalan, maut selepas dilanggar
sebuah kereta Proton Gen 2 berhampiran
SK Sapong, di sini.
Balai Bomba dan Penyelamat mener-
ima panggilan pada 12.16 pagi Selasa dan
sembilan anggota bomba diketuai
Komander Operasi Mohd Zainal Sinsian
bergegas ke lokasi bersama jentera.
Komander operasi melaporkan mangsa
berusia 55 tahun itu disahkan meninggal
dunia oleh pegawai perubatan dan mayat-
nya diserahkan kepada polis untuk tin-
dakan lanjut.
Operasi ditamatkan pada jam 1.12 pagi
selepas pasukan memastikan tiada bahaya
lain di tempat kejadian.
Sementara itu, Ketua Polis Daerah
Tenom Deputi Superintendan Hasan
Majid berkata kejadian itu berlaku selepas
mangsa dipercayai keluar dari keretanya
di kawasan gelap di Kilometer 9, Jalan
S U AR A TE MP ATAN AND A I RAB U, 2 9 MAC, 2 0 2 3
berpisah, anak-anak mereka hanya
memiliki surat beranak sahaja.
“Lebih memburukkan keadaan lagi
apabila anak-anak ini sudah dewasa
mereka tidak dapat membuat kad penge-
nalan kerana mereka tiada rekod rawatan
di klinik kerajaan,” katanya.
Beliau berkata demikian semasa Per-
bahasan Peringkat Jawatankuasa
Kementerian Dalam Negeri di Dewan
Rakyat, Isnin lalu.
Suhaimi menjelaskan antara sebab
anak-anak ini tidak mendapat rawatan di
fasiliti kesihatan kerajaan adalah kerana
jarak rumah mereka yang jauh dan
memerlukan kos tinggi untuk pergi men-
dapatkan rawatan.
“Lebih menyedihkan lagi, apabila kad
pengenalan ini tidak dapat dibuat anak-
anak ini sukar untuk melanjutkan pela-
jaran di sekolah. Mereka terpaksa
membayar yuran yang mahal sekiranya
mahu meneruskan persekolahan,”
katanya.
Selain itu, Suhaimi menyambut baik
peningkatan peruntukan pendaftaran
AZDY dan
pegawainya
membuat
pemeriksaan
di gudang.
beli gula dengan sewajarnya dan tidak
perlu panik agar semua mendapat
bekalan dengan sebaiknya,” katanya.
“Segera lapor kepada pihak KPDN seki-
ranya orang ramai mengalami masalah
bekalan gula dan barang keperluan yang
lain,” katanya dalam kenyataan, di sini,
Selasa. Beliau turut menjelaskan bahawa
bekalan gula seterusnya akan sampai
bulan depan.
Sebelum ini, orang ramai mendakwa
sukar mendapatkan bekalan gula, namun
KPDN daerah memberi jaminan bekalan
itu mencukupi.
halal, Isnin lalu.
Dr Jeffrey berkata penubuhan majlis itu
di Sabah dan Sarawak adalah wajar bagi
memudahkan proses pengeluaran lesen
kerana kedua-dua wilayah itu sangat jauh
dari ibu negara.
Beliau mengulas cadangan itu ketika
menghadiri mesyuarat pertama Majlis Pem-
bangunan Industri Halal 2023 bagi pihak
Ketua Menteri Datuk Seri Hajiji Haji Noor di
bangunan Parlimen, Khamis lalu.
Sementara itu, Kong turut berpendapat
nelayan di Sabah akan menerima kesan
pendapatan lebih tinggi sekiranya lebih
ramai peniaga tempatan mempunyai lesen
halal untuk berniaga.
Beliau berkata, pada masa ini beberapa
produk koperasi akan dieksport ke luar
Sabah, termasuk mencari peruncit dan
bergantung kepada beberapa usahawan
terlatih dari Ko-Nelayan untuk tujuan
pemasaran.
ANGGOTA
bomba
mengeluarkan
mayat mangsa
yang tersepit.
Sapong – Kemabong.
“Kemalangan berlaku apabila seorang
lelaki berumur 40 tahun memandu
kenderaan sedan dari arah Kemabong
menuju ke Pekan Tenom.
“Dalam masa sama, mangsa yang
memandu kereta pacuan empat roda
keluar dari keretanya dan berada di
lorong sebelah kanan ketika menaiki
bukit,” katanya dalam kenyataan.
Beliau berkata pemandu kereta sedan
itu memotong kenderaan mangsa dari
arah belakang dalam keadaan perseki-
taran jalan yang gelap.
“Pemandu sedan terbabit kemudian
merasakan terlanggar sesuatu objek
(mangsa) menyebabkan keretanya men-
jadi berat semasa mendaki bukit.
“Selepas itu, pemandu berkenaan
berhenti dan keluar dari keretanya untuk
memeriksa sebelum mendapati seorang
lelaki terperosok di bawah kenderaannya,”
katanya.
negara dari RM363.9 juta pada 2022
kepada RM387.8 juta bagi 2023.
Justeru , beliau mahu kementerian
mengatasi segera dua isu tersebut kerana
perkara ini telah berlanjutan sekian lama.
Dalam masa sama, Suhaimi turut
membangkitkan isu bekalan air di
pangsapuri PDRM Sandakan di Batu 4,
Sandakan.
“Maklumat yang saya perolehi menge-
nai isu ini adalah, sistem perpaipan di
perumahan ini telah berkarat. Sekiranya
air ini digunakan untuk minum ia sangat
tidak baik untuk kesihatan,” katanya.
Suhaimi mahu perkara tersebut diberi
perhatian sewajarnya oleh pihak
kementerian kerana ia boleh menje-
jaskan keselamatan dan kesihatan
anggota polis yang menetap di situ.
Beliau turut bertanya, daripada perun-
tukan RM44.8 juta bagi 2023 ini, berapa
jumlah yang diperuntukkan bagi menye-
lesaikan isu sistem perpaipan di kawasan
perumahan polis ini, serta adakah terda-
pat sebarang jaminan bahawa isu ini
KKD perkasa
akan diselesaikan segera.
strategi tangani
berita palsu
KOTA KINABALU:
Kementerian Komu-
nikasi dan Digital
(KKD) mem-
perkasakan per-
anan dan
strateginya untuk
menangani berita
palsu.
Menteri Sains,
Teknologi dan Inovasi, Datuk Dr Mohd
Arifin Mohd Arif berkata pihaknya
mengambil perhatian serius terhadap
penularan berita palsu yang mampu
menggugat keharmonian serta perpad-
uan dalam masyarakat.
“Kita mengambil perhatian serius
berhubung perkara ini, dan untuk
mendepani berita palsu, kita perlu
perkasakan kaedah penyampaian berita
sahih.
“Apabila kita menyebut berita sahih
sudah pastilah tunjangnya adalah
Jabatan Penerangan (JaPen), Jabatan
Penyiaran (RTM) serta agensi-agensi di
bawah KKD.
“Demikian juga dengan program pen-
jelasan isu yang berkaitan dengan Sabah,
penerangan tentang dasar-dasar kera-
jaan dan kita juga fokus dengan peranan
yang dimainkan JaPen kepada
masyarakat,” jelasnya.
Arifin yang juga Exco Komunikasi
mendedahkan, beliau akan mengadakan
mesyuarat bersama jabatan serta agensi
di bawah KKD untuk menyelaraskan
semua program serta aktiviti kementer-
ian itu di Sabah.
“Kita akan mengadakan perbincan-
gan dan mesyuarat selanjutnya bersama
jabatan serta agensi di bawah KKD
berhubung dengan program serta aktiv-
iti JaPen, RTM dan agensi-agensi lain
sesuai dengan amanah yang diberikan
kepada saya sebagai Exco Komunikasi
Sabah.
“Dalam kunjungan hormat saya
kepada Menteri KKD baru-baru ini, saya
telah membawa beberapa permohonan
berhubung dengan keperluan-keperluan
di Negeri Sabah termasuk liputan jalur
lebar.
“Kita menyasarkan liputan penuh
menjelang 2024 dan kita berharap Sabah
akan menerima prasarana dan perun-
tukan yang disediakan oleh KKD,” ujar
beliau.
Beliau berkata demikian menerima
kunjungan hormat Pengarah Peneran-
gan Sabah, Jainisah Mohd Noor yang
diiringi Timbalannya, Supian Musa serta
Timbalan Pengarah Penyiaran Sabah,
Lelaki ditahan
Aminah Samsudin.
bersama dadah
Ahmad Apong
BEAUFORT: Polis di sini menangkap seo-
rang suspek lelaki berumur 35 tahun di
sebuah rumah tidak bernombor di
Menumbok kerana kesalahan dadah.
Ketua Polis Daerah Yusoff Zaki Mat
Yaacob mengesahkan tangkapan terse-
but dilakukan pada Selasa lalu semen-
tara pihaknya juga menemui dadah
jenis amfetamin dan syabu seberat 5.68
gram.
“Ujian awal juga mendapati air kenc-
ing suspek positif dadah jenis syabu.
“Suspek akan didakwa di bawah
Seksyen 39A(1) dan Seksyen 15(1)(a)
Akta Dadah Berbahaya 1952,” katanya.
Beliau menegaskan, polis akan terus
membanteras aktiviti dadah di daerah
ini, sekali gus mengurangkan kadar
jenayah seperti samun dan kes curi yang
berkaitan.
MASIDI (keenam dari kanan) menerima cenderahati
‘Pelabur domestik juga penting’
daripada Lee semasa kunjungan hormat itu.
KOTA KINABALU: Menteri Kewangan Datuk
Seri Masidi Manjun berharap penganjur
Ekspo Antarabangsa Sabah 2023 (SIE2023)
akan memberi tumpuan lebih kepada
pelaburan langsung domestik (DDI) dan
bukan hanya pelaburan langsung asing
(FDI).
Beliau juga menggalakkan mereka
untuk berusaha sedaya upaya tahun ini,
memandangkan Sabah menyambut 60
tahun kemerdekaan serta pembentukan
Persekutuan Malaysia.
SIE2023 adalah saluran bagi bagi untuk
warga antarabangsa dan rakyat Malaysia
untuk mengetahui lebih lanjut tentang apa
yang Sabah telah capai dan apa yang
ditawarkan oleh Negeri ini, katanya.
“Saya juga berharap SIE2023 akan mem-
berikan lebih tumpuan kepada DDI dan
bukan hanya FDI untuk terus membina
ekonomi Sabah, dan akhirnya
meningkatkan KDNK dan hasil negeri,”
katanya, ketika menerima kunjungan hor-
Jumlah kes usahawan bankrap
mat daripada jawatankuasa penganjur
SIE2023 yang diketuai pengerusi penganjur
menurun tahun lepas: Ewon
KUALA LUMPUR: Jumlah kes kebankrapan
yang direkodkan pada tahun lepas menu-
run kepada 5,695 berbanding 6,554 kes
pada 2021, kata Menteri Pembangunan
Usahawan Dan Koperasi Datuk Ewon
Benedick.
Menurutnya, ia susulan pindaan perun-
tukan perenggan 5(1)(a) Akta Insolvensi
1967 (Akta 360) melalui Akta Insolvensi
(Pindaan) 2020 (Akta A1624) yang
menaikkan nilai had minimum keber-
hutangan kepada RM100,000.
“Sebagai usaha membantu mengu-
rangkan kadar kebankrapan dalam kalan-
gan usahawan, kerajaan telah
memperkenalkan Perkiraan Sukarela (Vol-
untary Arrangement) dalam Akta 360
yang mula berkuat kuasa pada 6 Okt 2017.
“Penghutang boleh memohon perintah
interim daripada mahkamah untuk peng-
gantungan prosiding kebankrapan
sementara rundingan diadakan antara
penghutang dengan pemiutang
berhubung pelan cadangan bayaran balik
hutang,” katanya pada sesi soal jawab di
Dewan Rakyat, Selasa.
97 peratus kontrak DNB diperolehi
Beliau menjawab soalan Datuk Awang
secara bidaan kompetitif: Fahmi
SEHINGGA Disember tahun lalu sebanyak
215 kontrak dengan nilai keseluruhan
RM7.8 billion telah ditandatangani oleh
Digital Nasional Berhad (DNB) dengan 97
peratus (138 kontrak) daripada nilai
keseluruhan kontrak, diperoleh secara
bidaan kompetitif (tender terhad).
Menteri Komunikasi dan Digital
Fahmi Fadzil berkata sebanyak tiga pera-
tus lagi atau 77 kontrak telah dianuger-
ahkan secara rundingan terus yang
dibuat pada 2021, ketika DNB baru
ditubuhkan dengan matlamat melak-
sanakan rangkaian 5G dalam jangka
masa yang singkat.
“DNB baru ditubuhkan pada 2021 den-
gan matlamat melaksanakan rangkaian
5G dalam jangka masa yang singkat.
Ketika itu, DNB memerlukan set kemahi-
Pemandu lori balak maut
MANGSA maut selepas tercampak dari lorinya.
Lagatah Toyos
TAWAU: Seorang pemandu maut selepas
lorinya yang membawa muatan kayu
balak, terbabas sendiri dalam kemalangan
di KM136 Jalan Kalabakan - Maliau Basin
sekitar jam 9 pagi Isnin.
Ketua Polis Daerah Tawau, ACP Jasmin
Hussin berkata, mangsa berusia 33 tahun
itu dikatakan memandu dari arah Kal-
abakan-Serudung menuju ke Ladang
Brantian untuk menghantar muatannya.
“Apabila tiba di tempat kejadian, lori
yang dipandu mangsa dipercayai hilang
harianekspres
bersama, Datuk Lee Swi Heng, di sini,
Selasa.
Dalam pertemuan itu, Masidi diberi tak-
limat mengenai agenda dan program yang
sedang dirancang untuk SIE2023, termasuk
Bicara Makan Tengah Hari Perniagaan
Antarabangsa Sabah 2023 (SIBLT2023), yang
mana beliau dijemput untuk menjadi mod-
erator.
Lee, yang juga Pengerusi Dewan Pernia-
gaan dan Industri Antarabangsa Malaysia
Sabah (MICCI), mengucapkan terima kasih
kepada Masidi atas sokongannya terhadap
SIE2023 dan atas pandangan serta ideanya.
“Kami percaya Masidi, sebagai Menteri
Kewangan dengan pengalaman dan penge-
tahuannya yang amat luas, adalah tokoh
terbaik untuk menjadi moderator
SIBLT2023 dan mampu menjadikan sesi itu
sangat menarik,” kata Lee.
SIE2023 akan diadakan dari 22-24 Sept
dan SIBLT2023 pada 21 Sept di Pusat Kon-
vensyen Antarabangsa Sabah (SICC), yang
turut menampilkan penceramah Datuk Seri
Anifah Aman dan Tan Sri Andrew Sheng.
Hashim (PN-Pendang) mengenai langkah
jangka panjang bagi mengurangkan
kadar kebankrap dalam kalangan usa-
hawan Bumiputera serta meningkatkan
kemampanan golongan terbabit.
Ewon berkata pada masa sama, Jabatan
Insolvensi (MdI) melaksanakan program
seperti MdL Prihatin dan penyebaran mak-
lumat di media sosial untuk mewujudkan
kesedaran masyarakat berhubung isu
muflis.
Bermula 1 Mac lepas, beliau berkata
kerajaan melaksanakan inisiatif untuk
melepaskan individu yang bankrap bagi
kategori hutang berskala kecil iaitu jum-
lah tuntutan hutang yang diperakukan
dengan jumlah RM500,000 dan ke bawah
dengan bersyarat. – Bernama
ran yang tidak tersedia ada dan hanya
boleh diperoleh daripada syarikat global
berkepakaran sesuai,” katanya sesi soal
jawab di Dewan Rakyat di sini, Selasa.
Beliau menjawab pertanyaan Datuk
Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad (PH-Kuala
Selangor) mengenai kesediaan men-
guatkuasakan perolehan secara tender
termasuk projek pelancaran 5G yang dit-
erajui DNB yang mengundang pelbagai
kontroversi sejak dilancarkan.
Katanya, kerajaan tidak bercadang
untuk membuka semula kontrak yang
telah dimeterai dengan DNB sebagai
menghormati prinsip ‘sanctity of con-
tract’, namun memberi jaminan bahawa
semua kontrak berhubung perkara itu
pada masa depan akan dilaksanakan
secara tender terbuka. – Bernama
kawalan lalu memasuki laluan bertentan-
gan dan tergelincir ke bahu jalan sebelah
kanan.
“Lori mangsa turut terbabas sejauh
lebih kurang 66 meter dan mengaki-
batkan mangsa tercampak keluar melalui
cermin hadapan yang pecah,” katanya.
Jasmin berkata, mangsa meninggal
dunia di tempat kejadian akibat keceder-
aan parah.
Siasatan masih diteruskan di bawah
Seksyen 41 (1) Akta Pengangkutan Jalan
(APJ) 1987.
harianekspres
Ahli Majlis Daerah digesa
komited majukan daerah
KOTA MARUDU: Ahli-ahli
Majlis Daerah diminta
untuk menunjukkan
komitmen tinggi dalam
apa juga perancangan
dan program yang akan
dilaksanakan oleh Majlis
Daerah, serta memberikan sokongan dan
kerjasama padu dalam memajukan
daerah masing-masing.
Timbalan Ketua Menteri merangkap
Menteri Kerajaan Tempatan dan Peruma-
han, Datuk Seri Dr. Joachim Gunsalam
(gambar) berkata, Ahli-ahli Majlis hen-
daklah menanamkan sikap kerja berpa-
sukan, tegas, cekap dan kreatif dalam
mencetuskan idea-idea untuk
meningkatkan kualiti perkhidmatan
yang lebih berkesan.
“Pelantikan ini adalah satu amanah
dan tanggungjawab yang amat berat dan
penting,” katanya ketika merasmikan
Majlis Upacara Angkat Sumpah Ahli-ahli
Majlis Daerah Kota Marudu (MDKM) bagi
Sesi 2023-2025 di Bilik Gerakan Majlis
Daerah Kota Marudu, di sini, Isnin.
Upacara tersebut melibatkan 17 orang
(sebahagian lantikan baharu dan sebaha-
gian lantikan semula) yang telah dilantik
bagi meneruskan khidmat untuk mem-
berikan perkhidmatan terbaik kepada
Kabel rosak punca
penduduk Kota Marudu.
gangguan elektrik
di Tebobon,
Sepanggar
KOTA KINABALU: Gangguan bekalan elek-
trik yang berlaku di kawasan Tebobon dan
Sepanggar, Menggatal pada malam Ahad
lalu berpunca daripada kerosakan kabel
bawah tanah milik Sabah Electricity Sdn
Bhd (SESB).
Pengurus Besar Kanan (Pengurusan
Aset) Ir. Idris Mohd Noor berkata itu
adalah hasil analisis pasukan teknikal SESB
yang melakukan pencarian punca gang-
guan tersebut. Beliau berkata, kerosakan
itu disyaki disebabkan oleh kerja-kerja
pembesaran jalan di kawasan itu.
“Kabel milik SESB disyaki termampat
akibat kerja-kerja pembesaran jalan di
kawasan itu,” katanya dalam satu keny-
ataan media, Selasa.
Sementara itu, beliau berkata SESB kini
dalam proses untuk menaiktaraf sistem
pembahagian bekalan elektrik dari Pen-
cawang Pembahagi Utama Menggatal
untuk meningkatkan dayaharap serta
mempercepatkan kerja-kerja pemulihan
Paip rosak di
bekalan di kawasan tersebut.
sepanjang projek
Pan Borneo
Ahmad Apong
SIPITANG: Bekalan air bersih terputus aki-
bat kerja-kerja di lebuh raya Pan Borneo
bermula Isnin. Gangguan itu menjejaskan
beberapa kampung, kata jurucakap
Jabatan Air.
Antara kampung terlibat ialah Pekan
Sipitang, Kg Lubang Baya, Kg Parusiku, Kg
Kaban, Kg Bangsal, Kg Tanjung Nipis, Kg
Pantai, Kg Kawang Tali Air, Kg Ranau-
Ranau, Kg Bahagia, Kg Seri Menanti dan
seluruh kawasan Sindumin.
Turut terjejas ialah Kg Batu 7, Jalan Lua-
gan, Jalan Samur, Kg Padang Berempah,
Jalan Sungai Batat, Kg batu 1 dan 2,
Perumahan Petronas, Kg Tanjung Pagar,
Kg Ulu Sipitang, Jalan Naparan Ulu Sipi-
Suami isteri melecur dapur gas meletup
tang dan kawasan sekitarnya.
Lagatah Toyos
TAWAU: Sepasang suami isteri dilaporkan
melecur hampir keseluruhan badan selepas
dapur gas bocor dan berlaku letupan dalam
insiden di Tingkat 4 Blok C12 Projek Peruma-
han Rakyat (PPR) Sri Semarak awal pagi,
Selasa.
Ketua Balai Bomba dan Penyelamat (BBP)
Tawau, Jemishin Ujin berkata, sepasukan 15
pegawai dan anggota dikerah ke lokasi
selepas menerima panggilan kecemasan jam
3.36 pagi menerusi MERS 999.
“Insiden itu membabitkan kebakaran
dapur yang berpunca daripada gas bocor dan
menyebabkan berlaku letupan serta mengak-
ibatkan kemusnahan 100 peratus dan keced-
eraan melecur kepada isi rumah tersebut
(suami isteri),” katanya.
Menurutnya, apabila tiba di lokasi api
sudah dipadamkan orang awam menggu-
nakan alat pemadam api.
Susulan itu, katanya, pihaknya hanya men-
jalankan pemeriksaan dan mengambil
keterangan mangsa sebelum menghantar
mereka ke Hospital Tawau menggunakan jen-
tera EMRS untuk rawatan lanjut.
Jemishin menambah, operasi itu terkawal
jam 4.10 pagi dan ditamatkan jam 4.15 pagi.
S U AR A TE MP ATAN AND A I RAB U, 2 9 MAC, 2 0 2 3
Berdasarkan kuasa yang diberi di
bawah Seksyen 10 (1) Akta Kerajaan Tem-
patan 1976, Kementerian Kerajaan Tem-
patan dan Perumahan Sabah telah
melantik Ahli Majlis Daerah Kota Marudu
untuk berkhidmat mulai 20 Januari 2023
sehingga 20 Januari 2025.
“Sebagai Ahli Majlis, amanah dan
tanggungjawab ini bukan semata-mata
untuk memajukan diri sendiri, tetapi
untuk membantu dan memenuhi
kepentingan penduduk Kota Marudu,
menyumbangkan idea-idea bernas dan
kepakaran kepada MDKM, serta memaju
dan meningkatkan mutu perkhidmatan
majlis,” katanya.
Beliau berkata, Ahli Majlis perlu
menunjukkan komitmen tinggi dalam
apa juga perancangan dan program yang
akan dilaksanakan oleh MDKM, dan
berikan sokongan dan kerjasama padu
untuk memajukan Kota Marudu agar
dapat bersaing seiring dengan daerah
lain.
“Saya berharap, dengan pelantikan ini
juga akan memudahkan Majlis Daerah
dalam membuat keputusan dengan
mengambil kira pandangan wakil
masyarakat iaitu ahli-ahli majlis yang
dilantik namun demikian, apa juga ben-
tuk keputusan yang diambil hendaklah
selaras dengan undang-undang, peratu-
ran-peraturan serta dasar dan polisi yang
sedia ada.
“Di samping itu, saya juga menghara-
pkan kerjasama terbaik dalam kalangan
ahli majlis dengan pegawai-pegawai
MDKM dalam melaksanakan tugas-tugas
dan tanggungjawab kerana dengan
adanya kerjasama ini akan dapat meman-
tapkan lagi perkhidmatan yang akan
diberikan kepada penduduk di Kota
Marudu,” kata beliau.
Selain itu, Dr Joachim juga menghara-
9 peniaga bazar Ramadan dikompaun di Sandakan
pkan MDKM boleh menjadi sebuah pihak
Mardinah Jikur
SANDAKAN: Seramai sembilan peniaga
bazar Ramadan di sini dikompaun
RM100 akibat gagal mematuhi peraturan
kebersihan makanan.
Kompaun dikeluarkan selepas
pemeriksaan Operasi Bazar Ramadan
yang dilaksanakan Pejabat Kesihatan
Kawasan Sandakan (PKS) bersama Unit
Kesihatan Awam Majlis Perbandaran San-
dakan (MPS) di sini pada Isnin.
Pegawai Kesihatan Kawasan Sandakan,
Dr Johari Awang Besar berkata, operasi
itu antara lain bertujuan untuk memas-
tikan makanan disediakan atau dijual
adalah selamat untuk pengguna dan
mematuhi kehendak Akta Makanan 1983,
Peraturan-Peraturan Makanan 1985 dan
Peraturan-Peraturan Kebersihan
Makanan 2009.
‘Kenang nasib golong kurang bernasib baik ketika Ramadan’
“Antara kesalahan yang dikenal pasti,
Noor Zafira Zayn
KOTA KINABALU: Yang DiPertua Majlis
Ugama Islam Sabah (Muis), Datuk Seri
Yahya Hussin menyeru semua umat
Islam untuk mengenang nasib golongan
kurang bernasib baik dalam menyam-
but Ramadan.
Katanya, kepahitan hidup golongan
itu dalam usaha mencari rezeki bagi
menampung keperluan hidup perlu
disokong dan dibantu oleh semua
pihak.
“Muis menyokong usaha murni pihak
yang prihatin terhadap golongan ini,
lebih-lebih lagi kepada saudara-saudara
baharu kita yang telah membuat kepu-
tusan untuk memeluk Islam yang wajar
kita bantu bersama.
KEADAAN dapur rumah yang
musnah dalam kejadian itu.
berkuasa tempatan yang dapat
memenuhi kehendak dan ekspektasi
masyarakat, sentiasa dapat memberikan
perkhidmatan terbaik dan bertekad
untuk menjadikan pengurusan dan pen-
tadbiran pada landasan yang tepat dan
konsisten agar perkhidmatan yang
diberikan kepada masyarakat sentiasa
relevan dan memuaskan hati pelanggan
dan pemegang taruh.
“MDKM diharap dapat mencapai dan
meningkatkan kewangan serta mencari
sumber-sumber baru supaya kemam-
puan kewangan Majlis dapat dit-
ingkatkan.
“Ahli-ahli Majlis hendaklah
menanamkan sikap kerja berpasukan,
tegas, cekap dan kreatif dalam mence-
tuskan idea-idea untuk meningkatkan
kualiti perkhidmatan yang lebih berke-
san.
“Idea-idea bernas anda hendaklah
selari dengan hala tuju pelan tindakan
Sabah Maju Jaya yang mana menjurus
kepada pelaksanaan yang terancang dan
strategik agar dapat mencapai sasaran
dan matlamat yang bertepatan dengan
keperluan pembangunan di Kota
Marudu,” katanya.
Beliau menyeru kepada semua Ahli
MDKM untuk menjalankan tugas yang
diamanahkan dengan komitmen dan
tanggungjawab yang tinggi.
Dr Joachim turut menyerahkan
watikah pelantikan kepada semua Ahli
MDKM bagi tahun 2023 – 2025.
Turut hadir ialah Pembantu Menteri
Pertanian dan Industri Makanan Sabah
yang juga Ahli Dewan Undangan Negeri
(Adun) Tandek, Hendrus Anding; Tim-
balan Setiausaha Tetap II Kementerian
Kerajaan Tempatan dan Perumahan
Sabah, Faridah Giau; Pegawai Daerah
Kota Marudu, Alexander Yong; Pegawai
Eksekutif, Abdul Sani Arsat, antara lain.
peniaga gagal menunjukkan kad kuning
atau kesihatan serta suntikan tifoid, tiada
sijil pengendali makanan, selain gagal
memastikan kebersihan kawasan jualan
masing-masing dan tidak memakai
apron selaku pengendali makanan,”
katanya.
Beliau ditemui sejurus mengetuai
Operasi Bazar Ramadan di Bandar San-
dakan pada Isnin.
Sebanyak 60 daripada 164 gerai di
Bazar Bandar di Jalan Coastal Sandakan
diperiksa dalam operasi itu.
Dalam perkembangan sama, beliau
berkata, sebuah restoran di daerah ini
telah dikompaun RM1,000 kerana didap-
ati kehadiran lalat pada menu berbuka
puasa pelanggan.
“Kita juga ada menerima satu lagi
laporan berkenaan juadah berbuka
puasa ikan keli yang dikatakan mempun-
“Usaha Pertubuhan Kadazan Dusun
Murut Muslim (KDMRS Muslim) dalam
usaha outreach kebajikan dan pen-
didikan dalam kalangan asnaf mualaf
khususnya dan seluruh masyarakat
Sabah amat disokong dan dikagumi
oleh Muis,” katanya dalam Majlis Peras-
mian Grand Iftar Perdana Amal KDMRS
Muslim di sini pada Isnin.
Menurut Yahya lagi, usaha memupuk
keharmonian dalam toleransi agama
amat jelas dipamerkan oleh perpaduan
masyarakat di Sabah.
“Kita raikan dan tonjolkan perpad-
uan dan kehormanian kita di samping
memberikan kesedaran kepada
masyarakat Islam bahawa saudara
Waris kanak-kanak ini dicari
baharu perlu disantuni daripada pelba-
Winnie Kasmir
SANDAKAN: Jabatan
Perkhidmatan Keba-
jikan Am (JPKA) Baha-
gian Kinabatangan
sedang mengesan
keluarga atau waris
kepada seorang
kanak-kanak perempuan bernama
Aina Hana Delisha (gambar).
Kanak-kanak itu, yang kini berusia 5
tahun lapan bulan, diberikan oleh ibu
kandungnya yang dikenali sebagai
Puan Sara kepada pengadu yang kini
merupakan penjaga kanak-kanak terse-
but sejak 2017.
Menurut pengadu, kanak-kanak itu
diserahkan kepadanya ketika berusia
sebulan di rumah kakak kandung pen-
gadu di Taman Mawar Batu 5, di sini,
kerana ibu kandung tidak mampu
untuk menjaga disebabkan masalah
kewangan.
Pengadu kemudiannya bersetuju
menerima dan memberi penjagaan
kepada kanak-kanak tersebut.
Tempatan 3
Ibu bapa mesti pantau maklumat
media sosial diterima kanak-kanak
KANDUNGAN video bentuk pendek, akademik dan sosial, hanyalah beberapa
yang dikenali sebagai reels, boleh dida- kesan negatif kerana membebankan
pati di pelbagai laman media sosial, ter- kanak-kanak dengan maklumat.
masuk Instagram, Facebook dan TikTok. Ia juga boleh membuat kanak-kanak
Reels biasanya berdurasi antara 15 resah dan tertekan, terutamanya bagi
dan 60 saat, dan mungkin mengandungi anak-anak muda yang tidak mempunyai
pelbagai bahan, seperti lip synching, tar- sumber kognitif atau emosi untuk men-
ian, skit komedi dan video pendidikan gendalikan bahan yang rumit atau
ringkas. menyakitkan.
Ia semakin popular sejak beberapa Selain itu, corak tidur mereka akan
tahun kebelakangan ini, terutamanya terganggu akibat pendedahan berlebi-
dalam kalangan generasi muda. han kepada maklumat daripada skrin,
Bagaimanapun, pengguna mesti yang boleh menjejaskan kesihatan dan
berhati-hati dengan kesan negatif reels, kesejahteraan am mereka secara negatif
terutamanya ke atas anak muda. dan mungkin membawa kepada gang-
Terdapat bukti bahawa terlalu banyak guan tingkah laku dan mental.
penggunaan skrin, termasuk menonton Akhir sekali, jika kanak-kanak diberi
media bentuk pendek seperti reels, terlalu banyak maklumat, ia mungkin
boleh membahayakan pertumbuhan menghalang pertumbuhan sosial dan
kognitif dan jangka masa perhatian emosi mereka kerana mereka mungkin
kanak-kanak. sukar untuk berhubung dengan orang
Bagi kanak-kanak, penggunaan skrin lain atau menyampaikan emosi mereka.
berlebihan dikaitkan dengan isu dengan Secara amnya, adalah penting bagi
perhatian, konsentrasi berkurangan dan ibu bapa untuk memberi perhatian
kawalan impuls, menurut penyelidikan. kepada maklumat dan media yang
Skrin boleh menjadi sangat menarik dan didedahkan kepada anak-anak mereka
melebihi kapasiti otak untuk mengenda- dan mengutamakan pengalaman dan
likan maklumat, yang dianggap sebagai aktiviti yang menyokong pertumbuhan
sebab di sebalik isu ini. dan kesejahteraan sihat.
Kurangkan jangka masa perhatian,
yang boleh menyukarkan kanak-kanak Nazirul Mubin Mohd Noor
untuk menumpukan perhatian, serta Pensyarah, Akademi
potensi kesan ke atas pembangunan Pengajian Bahasa, UiTM
yai telur lalat yang dibeli oleh pengguna
di salah sebuah bazar Ramadan di sini,
dan kita akan menyiasat perkara ini,”
jelasnya.
Menurut beliau, operasi itu akan
diteruskan dan akan dilaksanakan oleh
40 anggota PKS dan MPS di tiga tapak
bazar kendalian MPS iaitu di bandar San-
dakan, Batu 8 dan Sejati Ujana.
Sementara tapak bazar kendalian
pihak penganjur swasta dan badan
bukan kerajaan juga akan diperiksa.
Johari menasihatkan peniaga agar
sentiasa ambil peduli dan peka berke-
naan tahap kebersihan jualan mereka.
“Pembeli juga perlu bijak menilai
peniaga mana yang mempunyai tahap
kebersihan sewajarnya, seperti makanan
JOHARI (kanan) dan pegawainya
memeriksa kad kesihatan dan sijil
sentiasa tertutup dan tidak terdedah, dan
pengendali makanan di bazar itu.
pengendali menggunakan apron,” tam-
KPDN Labuan
bahnya.
rampas
44,000 liter
gai aspek,” katanya.
Dalam pada itu, Yahya memberitahu
diesel
program iftar yang julung kali diadakan
itu adalah berfokuskan untuk meraih
sumbangan bagi program serupa yang
bersubsidi
akan diadakan di 12 daerah seluruh
negeri.
“Acara ini adalah acara tahunan kita,
di mana kita menyantuni saudara asnaf,
mualaf dan keluarga mereka yang LABUAN: Kementerian Perdagangan
bukan Islam dengan program bersama Dalam Negeri dan Kos Sara Hidup (KPDN)
berbuka puasa di kampung-kampung di Labuan menahan seorang lelaki tempatan
sekitar pedalaman Sabah. dan merampas lebih kurang 44,000 liter
“Mudah-mudahan usaha ini mampu minyak diesel bersubsidi dalam satu ser-
mengeratkan ukhwah sesama kita buan di sebuah stor di Jalan Mohd Salleh,
semua sebagai saudara semanusia di di sini, Isnin.
dunia, dan mengekalkan keharmonian Pengarah KPDN Labuan Junaidah
dan perpaduan,” jelasnya lagi. Arbain berkata suspek berusia 31 tahun
dipercayai pemilik stor itu ditahan dalam
serbuan pada 12 tengah hari dan hasil
pemeriksaan telah menemukan minyak
diesel bersubsidi disimpan dalam tangki
penyimpanan yang diubah suai dalam
Namun sehingga kini ibu bapa kan-
dua kenderaan.
dung kanak-kanak itu tidak dapat
Turut dirampas dua buah kontena
dihubungi dan ditemui.
berisi minyak diesel serta peralatan
Pelindung Kanak-Kanak Bahagian
disyaki digunakan untuk aktiviti
Kinabatangan Musminah Mustain
penyelewengan barangan kawalan itu
berkata pihaknya kini sedang men-
dengan nilai keseluruhan berjumlah
jalankan siasatan untuk mengesan
RM94,600.
keluarga atau waris Aina Hana Delisha.
Beliau berkata berdasarkan keteran-
“Penjaganya telah membuat laporan
gan awal, pemilik stor terbabit gagal
polis pada 24 Januari lalu berhubung
mengemukakan sebarang dokumen
kes ini.
kebenaran dan lesen yang sah untuk
“JPKA sedang menjalankan siasatan
menyimpan barang kawalan di lokasi
dan kes ini sedang diambil tindakan di
berkenaan.
bawah Seksyen 17(1)(d) Akta Kanak-
Junaidah berkata kes berkenaan disi-
Kanak 2001 (Pindaan 2016),” katanya.
asat di bawah Seksyen 21 Akta Kawalan
Sehubungan itu, keluarga atau waris
Bekalan 1961 kerana memiliki barang
kanak-kanak berkenaan atau sesiapa
kawalan dengan tujuan untuk melakukan
yang mempunyai maklumat mengenai
kesalahan yang dibaca bersama Peraturan
ibu kandung atau waris diminta tampil
3(1) Peraturan-Peraturan Kawalan
menghubungi Pelindung Bahagian
Bekalan 1974 kerana menjalankan urus
Kinabatangan bagi memudahkan
niaga barang kawalan tanpa lesen.
segala urusan berkaitan kanak-kanak
“Siasatan juga akan dilakukan di
itu.
bawah Seksyen 20(1) akta sama kerana
Untuk sebarang maklumat, hubungi
mengalihkan barang kawalan dari tempat
Pelindung Daerah Kinabatangan, Puan
yang dilesenkan,” katanya dalam keny-
Musminah Mustain di 089-561873.
ataan. – Bernama
 4 Tempatan
Lelaki
didakwa
rogol
anak, 12
Cynthia D Baga
KOTA KINABALU: Seorang lelaki berusia 39
tahun didakwa merogol anak perempuan-
nya berusia 12 tahun lima bulan.
Lelaki itu mengaku tidak bersalah di
hadapan Hakim Mahkamah Sesyen Amir
Shah Amir Hassan, terhadap pertuduhan
yang dikenakan ke atasnya pada Selasa.
Lelaki berkenaan didakwa merogol
anak perempuannya pada jam 7 pagi, 12
Mac tahun ini di sebuah rumah di Mang-
gatal, dekat sini.
Kesalahan di bawah Seksyen 376(3)
Kanun Keseksaan itu membawa hukuman
penjara antara lapan dan 30 tahun, dan
sekurang-kurangnya 10 kali sebatan, jika
sabit kesalahan.
Mahkamah menetapkan 25 April tahun
ini untuk pengurusan kes pra-perbicaraan
dan memerintahkan lelaki itu direman
sementara menunggu tarikh tersebut.
Lelaki berkenaan dinasihatkan untuk
mendapatkan peguam.
Timbalan Pendakwa Raya (DPP) Najiha
Farhana Che Awang tampil untuk pendak-
waan manakala lelaki berkenaan tidak
diwakili peguam.
Di mahkamah berasingan, seorang
lelaki berusia 36 tahun didakwa
melakukan gangguan seksual fizikal ter-
hadap seorang kanak-kanak perempuan.
Ismail Kassim terdahulu mengaku
bersalah di hadapan Hakim Mahkamah
Sesyen Ummu Khaltom Abd Samad, tetapi
semasa mitigasi dia mendakwa dia men-
galami masalah mental dan mahkamah
menetapkan tarikh lain untuk menge-
sahkan dakwaannya.
Semasa mitigasi, Ismail yang tidak
diwakili, mendakwa dia sakit jiwa dan
mempunyai ‘kad biru’ serta mendapatkan
ubat dari Hospital Mesra Bukit Padang.
Mahkamah kemudian menetapkan 10
April depan untuk sebutan bagi meman-
tau status psikologi Ismail dan sementara
menunggu tarikh itu, dia diperintahkan
direman lanjut.
Ismail didakwa melakukan kesalahan
itu terhadap kanak-kanak perempuan
berusia lapan tahun itu dengan memeluk
dan mencium bibirnya jam 9.30 malam,
pada 14 Feb tahun ini di Kg Gusung Likas,
dekat sini.
Perbuatan di bawah Seksyen 14 (a) Akta
Kesalahan-Kesalahan Seksual Terhadap
Kanak-Kanak 2017 itu membawa huku-
man penjara sehingga 20 tahun, dan
sebatan jika sabit kesalahan.
DPP Siti Hajar Mazlan melakukan pen-
dakwaan.
JURUTEKNIK jabatan mengesahkan air sampai ke kedai
makan di Putatan ini, sambil diperhatikan pemiliknya.
Penyelenggaran di Loji Rawatan
Kasigui punca masalah air di Putatan
% KERJA-KERJA penyelenggaraan yang
dijalankan pada pepasangan Jabatan Air,
untuk kawasan Putatan, menyebabkan
masalah bekalan yang dialami sebahagian
pengguna di daerah ini sejak minggu lepas.
Jurucakap agensi itu berkata operasi di
Loji Rawatan Kasigui dihentikan pada
kebanyakan masa 23 Mac supaya takungan
R9nya di Bukit Kuda – dekat Jalan Ramayah
– dapat dibersihkan dan dinyahjangkit
secara menyeluruh.
“Pembersihan itu dianggap perlu
memandangkan banyak alga, kulat dan
lumut yang tumbuh di dalam dalam
takungan,” katanya.
“Tindakan juga diambil untuk men-
geluarkan lapisan sedimen yang mendap
di bahagian dasar.”
Menurutnya, kira-kira 53 juta liter air
terawat dihasilkan setiap hari di Loji
Kasigui, dalam keadaan biasa.
“Keluaran terjejas teruk semasa takun-
gan sedang diselenggara.”
Dia berkata notis telah dikeluarkan
beberapa kali sejak beberapa bulan lalu,
melalui media sosial, untuk memak-
lumkan kepada orang ramai mengenai
penyelenggaraan ini.
“Pengguna telah diberi amaran tentang
kemungkinan penurunan tekanan air di
premis mereka.
“Mereka dinasihatkan untuk mengam-
bil langkah bagi membuat persediaan
berdepan kemungkinan ini dengan meny-
impan air terlebih dahulu dan menggu-
S U AR A TE MP ATAN AND A I RAB U, 2 9 MAC, 2 0 2 3
Durinah
Untuk kegunaan sindiket penyeludupan PTI
Pinjamkan kad pengenalan:
Tiga dipenjara, didenda
Lagatah Toyos
TAWAU: Tiga warga tempatan yang men-
gaku meminjamkan kad pengenalan
kepada orang lain untuk kegunaan
sindiket penyeludupan pendatang tanpa
izin ke Sabah, dipenjara dan didenda ker-
ana gagal membawa dokumen penge-
nalan diri pada setiap masa.
Abdul Habil Mobin, 58, dan Fatimah
Hasan, 50, masing-masing dijatuhi huku-
man penjara dua bulan dan denda
RM2,500 atau dua bulan penjara, man-
akala Durinah Suaib, 36, dipenjara 12
minggu, selepas mereka mengaku
bersalah di hadapan Majistret Leona
Dominic Mojiliu dan Majistret Dzul Elmy
Yunus, secara berasingan, pada Selasa.
Abdul Habil dan Fatimah melakukan
kesalahan itu di Pejabat UTC Jabatan
Pendaftaran Negara (JPN) Tawau pada 24
Mac jam 4 petang, dengan pertuduhan
menyatakan mereka gagal mematuhi Per-
aturan 6 kerana gagal membawa kad pen-
genalan sepanjang masa.
Durinah telah melakukan kesalahan
itu di tempat dan masa sama.
Mengikut fakta kes, kesemua mereka
ditahan dalam Ops Lancar oleh sepasukan
pegawai Bahagian Siasatan dan Pen-
guatkuasaan dari JPN pada 24 Mac, mas-
ing-masing , antara 10 pagi dan 10.30
pagi, dalam serbuan rumah di Kg Air dan
Kg Panji, Semporna.
Dalam pemeriksaan, mereka didapati
gagal mengemukakan sebarang doku-
BEKALAN air di dapur untuk kedai makan
itu didapati keluar seperti sepatutnya.
KEKUATAN air yang datang dari
meter ini didapati boleh diterima.
nakan rizab ini secara berhemat.”
Kawasan yang mengalami gangguan
bekalan termasuk Kg Ramayah, Kg Duvan-
son, Kg Terawi, Kg Buit Hill, Kg Bukitas Ulu
Putatan, Kg Kandazon, Kg Botong, Kg
Dabak, Kg Baru Putatan, Taman Malakkun
dan Taman Lembah Impian.
Mereka yang menghadiri Pusat Latihan
Jabatan Pertanian serta mereka yang ting-
gal di sepanjang Jalan Ramayah Terawi,
turut merasai impaknya.
Jurucakap itu berkata pembersihan R9
telah selesai pada malam 23 Mac tetapi
tekanan air di beberapa kawasan terjejas
masih lemag setakat Isnin minggu ini.
Hotline dibanjiri dengan panggilan
daripada pengguna Putatan yang marah
tentang masalah air di premis mereka.
Lebih seminggu baru-baru ini, seorang
penduduk Taman Bersatu Fasa 2 mendap-
Fatimah
men pengenalan diri dan siasatan menda-
pati mereka adalah warganegara Malaysia
dan mempunyai kad pengenalan dengan
mereka mengaku meminjamkan doku-
men itu kepada orang lain.
Ketiga-tiga mereka didakwa mengikut
Peraturan 25 (1)(n) Peraturan-Peraturan
Pendaftaran Negara 1990 (Pindaan 2007)
yang membawa hukuman penjara
sehingga tiga tahun, atau denda sehingga
RM20,000, atau kedua-duanya, jika sabit
kesalahan.
Semasa mitigasi, Durinah yang diwak-
ili peguam Jhesseny P. Kang dari Yayasan
Bantuan Guaman Kebangsaan (YBGK)
merayu hukuman ringan manakala Abdul
Habil dan Fatimah yang tidak diwakili
turut memohon hukuman ringan.
Fatimah yang menangis ketika prosid-
ing meminta tiada hukuman penjara ker-
ana suaminya tidak bekerja.
“Saya rasa mahu mati di lokap, tidak
boleh tidur… Saya tidak akan buat lagi,”
katanya sambil menambah, dia men-
galami hipertensi dan anemia.
Pegawai Pendakwa JPN Mohamad
Faizal Tahir menggesa mahkamah men-
jatuhkan hukuman setimpal sebagai pen-
gajaran bukan sahaja kepada trio
berkenaan tetapi juga kepada masyarakat
SEORANG pemilik rumah di bahagian lain di Putatan
mengesahkan bahawa bekalan sampai ke premisnya.
ati tekanan bekalan air di rumahnya
lemah.
Dia berkata air menitis dari beberapa
paip di tingkat bawah rumahnya, man-
akala tiada setitik pun keluar daripada
mana-mana paip di tingkat satu.
Seorang pengusaha kedai makan di
pusat komersial Putatan Jaya pula sukar
menjalankan perniagaannya dalam
keadaan sama.
Kedua-duanya secara berasingan mem-
berikan alamat mereka kepada Hotline. Ia
kemudian dikemukakan kepada Jabatan.
Jurucakap itu berkata jurutekniknya
datang ke kedua-dua lokasi sejurus
mengetahui tentang kejadian ini.
“Mereka memeriksa keadaan paip yang
menuju ke setiap premis ini dan member-
sihkan sebarang kunci udara yang terben-
tuk di dalamnya,” katanya.
Abdul Habil
tentang kepentingan dokumen penge-
nalan diri kerana ia merupakan dokumen
terpenting bagi setiap individu di
Malaysia.
Malah, kerajaan katanya, mengelu-
arkan kos yang tinggi untuk sentiasa
menambah baik ciri keselamatan kad
pengenalan yang dikeluarkan kepada
setiap rakyat negara ini.
Beliau seterusnya berhujah bahawa
tindakan tertuduh telah mencemarkan
kedaulatan dan keselamatan negara serta
isu kad pengenalan adalah isu sensitif.
Mohamad Faizal menambah, tindakan
memberikan identiti atau dokumen sese-
orang kepada pendatang tanpa izin
adalah satu perbuatan mengkhianati diri
sendiri dan negara.
Untuk rekod, ketiga-tiga tertuduh
adalah pemilik sebenar kad pengenalan
yang didakwa digunakan oleh pendatang
tanpa izin dalam sindiket penyeludupan
PTI ke Sabah yang berjaya ditumpaskan
oleh JPN dengan kerjasama Suruhanjaya
Pencegahan Rasuah Malaysia (SPRM) dan
polis, baru-baru ini.
Susulan itu, lima pegawai Jabatan Imi-
gresen Malaysia (JIM) yang bertugas di
Lapangan Terbang Tawau (LTT) turut dita-
han pada 23 Mac lalu kerana disyaki
terbabit dalam sindiket berkenaan.
Sementara itu, seorang lagi pegawai
JIM yang bertugas di LTT turut dilaporkan
ditahan SPRM pada Isnin, menjadikan
keseluruhan enam orang setakat ini.
“Mereka mendapati bekalan mencecah
meter dan kekuatan bekalan boleh diter-
ima.”
Dalam kedai kopi pula, katanya, kakitan-
gan agensi itu mengesahkan bahawa air di
sinki dapur keluar seperti sepatutnya.
“Kakitangan kami secara berkala
memantau keadaan untuk memastikan
bekalan sampai kepada pengguna kedia-
man dan komersial di kawasan ini.”
Penjual Ngiau Chap DAWN mengeluh
tentang kesulitan yang disebabkan oleh
bekalan yang tidak teratur itu.
“Air dalam tangki simpanan kedai saya
telah kering,” katanya sambil menambah
dia tidak mempunyai bekalan di premis itu
sejak beberapa hari lalu.
“Sukar untuk menyediakan makanan,
apatah lagi membuat minuman atau men-
cuci pinggan dan kutleri, apabila bekalan
air bermasalah.
Suri rumah RIA bercakap mengenai
masalah air di Taman Bersatu.
“Saya perasan tekanan air dari paip di
rumah saya semakin lemah menjelang
hujung minggu lalu,” katanya.
Menjelang Isnin, apabila dia
menghubungi Hotline, bekalannya berku-
rangan dan hanya tersedia untuk beberapa
jam selepas tengah malam.
Ria berkata, dia terpaksa berhenti mem-
bersihkan rumah dan mencuci pakaian-
nya, kerana dia mahu menjimatkan air
untuk mandi dan penggunaan tandas di
rumahnya. (SS)
harianekspres
Pekerja am
miliki Hilux curi
kena 14 bulan
Jo Ann Mool
KOTA KINABALU: Seorang pekerja am beru-
sia 24 tahun dijatuhi hukuman penjara 14
bulan pada Selasa kerana mempunyai
kenderaan curi.
Ardie Ariansyah Abd Salam mengaku
bersalah di hadapan Majistret Lovely
Natasha Charles atas pertuduhan memiliki
Toyota Hilux kepunyaan Mohd Azmir Nasir
jam 4.55 petang pada 19 Mac tahun ini di
kawasan lapang dekat pencawang teleko-
munikasi Suria Sabah, Jalan Tuaran Bypass,
Inanam.
Pertuduhan di bawah Seksyen 411 Kanun
Keseksaan itu membawa hukuman penjara
antara enam bulan hingga lima tahun dan
boleh didenda jika sabit kesalahan.
Majistret dimaklumkan oleh pendak-
waan bahawa kenderaan itu dilaporkan
dicuri dari Plaza YLY Kolombong pada 7 Mac
tahun ini.
Ardie ditahan polis pada 19 Mac di sebuah
restoran di Inanam ketika dia sedang beru-
rusan menjual kenderaan itu.
Ardie kemudian membawa polis untuk
mendapatkan semula Hilux yang dicuri itu.
Peguam dilantik Carmen Khoo, yang
mewakili Ardie, merayu hukuman ringan
atas alasan dia sudah menyesal dan perlu
menjaga ibu bapanya.
Pendakwaan memohon hukuman setim-
pal dan kenderaan itu dikembalikan kepada
pemilik sahnya.
Mahkamah memerintahkan Ardie men-
jalani hukuman itu dari tarikh dia ditangkap
dan memerintahkan kenderaan berkenaan
dikembalikan kepada pemiliknya.
Dalam kes lain, seorang pengumpul besi
buruk dipenjara dua bulan kerana mem-
punyai alatan tanpa alasan yang sah.
Budiman Tanai, 41, mengaku di hadapan
Majistret Jessica Ombou Kakayun kerana
mempunyai gergaji besi dan pemotong
keluli pukul 12.30 tengah hari pada 23 Mac di
tepi jalan Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman, dekat
UTC Sembulan.
Dia didakwa mengikut Seksyen 18(e)
Ordinan Kesalahan-Kesalahan Kecil yang
membawa hukuman penjara sehingga
enam bulan jika sabit kesalahan.
Budiman memberitahu mahkamah
bahawa dia mengumpul barangan itu ker-
ana ingin menjualnya.
Peguam dilantik Khoo, yang mewakili
Budiman merayu hukuman ringan dan
berhujah anak guamnya seorang duda den-
gan dua anak dan menyesal dengan tin-
dakannya itu.
Sementara itu, 12 orang telah dihukum
kerana melakukan kesalahan berkaitan
dadah.
Lapan daripada mereka mengaku
bersalah mengambil amphetamine dan
syabu manakala empat lagi mengaku memi-
liki syabu.
Lapan orang Damasus Malik, Rasman
Osman, Md Syazwan Dominic, Haziq Haikal,
Md Asdi Lazim, Sulaiman Hamid, Jonaidi
Junior dan Affendi Rahman ditahan di
lokasi berasingan di sini dan di Penampang
antara 20 Okt 2022 dan 12 Jan tahun ini
selepas didapati positif untuk dadah mas-
Pesalah berulang
ing-masing.
miliki pisau daging
tanpa permit
dijel 6 tahun
KOTA KINABALU: Seorang pesalah beru-
lang berusia 51 tahun, yang mempunyai
rekod sabitan lampau sejak 1992, dijatuhi
hukuman penjara enam tahun kerana
mempunyai pisau daging di tempat awam
tanpa sebarang permit.
Victor Joseph mengaku bersalah di
hadapan Hakim Mahkamah Sesyen Amir
Shah Amir Hassan, terhadap pertuduhan
itu pada Selasa.
Tiada sebatan dikenakan terhadap Vic-
tor disebabkan usianya dan mahkamah
memerintahkan Victor menjalani huku-
man penjara itu dari tarikh dia ditangkap
pada 23 Mac tahun ini.
Victor ditemukan mempunyai pisau
daging itu pukul 11.10 malam pada 23 Mac
tahun ini di hadapan Kedai Runcit Maniha
Garden Kinarut di Papar.
Perbuatan mengikut Seksyen 6(1) Akta
Bahan-Bahan kakisan Dan Letupan Dan
Senjata Berbahaya 1958 membawa huku-
man penjara antara lima tahun hingga 10
tahun dan sebatan, jika sabit kesalahan.
Semasa mitigasi, Victor yang tidak
diwakili, merayu hukuman ringan dengan
mengatakan bahawa dia mempunyai seo-
rang isteri dan dua anak kecil untuk
dijaga.
“Beri saya peluang terakhir untuk
memperbaiki diri menjadi lelaki yang
lebih baik dan saya berjanji tidak akan
mengulangi sebarang kesalahan. Saya
benar-benar menyesali kesalahan saya,”
kata Victor merayu hukuman ringan.
Bagaimanapun, Timbalan Pendakwa
Raya Najiha Farhana Che Awang
menggesa mahkamah menjatuhkan
hukuman berat dengan berhujah bahawa
Victor adalah seorang pesalah berulang
kerana dia mempunyai beberapa rekod
sabitan lampau sejak 1992.
Najiha berkata Victor mempunyai sen-
jata itu di tempat awam tanpa sebarang
permit. – CDB
harianekspres
Kim Jong Un mahu Korea Utara tingkat
pengeluaran bahan nuklear gred senjata
SEOUL: Pemimpin Korea Utara, Kim Jong
Un mahu negaranya mengembangkan
pengeluaran bahan nuklear gred senjata
dan membina lebih banyak senjata hebat,
lapor media tempatan pada Selasa.
Memetik laporan Agensi Berita Pusat
Korea (KCNA), Jong Un yang menerima
taklimat daripada pegawai institut senjata
nuklear negara itu berkata, Korea Utara
bersiap sedia untuk menggunakan senjata
itu pada bila-bila masa dan di mana jua.
Disney tamatkan
perkhidmatan
7,000 pekerja
minggu ini
LOS ANGELES: Gergasi hiburan
Amerika Syarikat (AS) Walt Disney
akan mula mengeluarkan notis pem-
berhentian untuk lebih 7,000 kakitan-
gan minggu ini, lapor Xinhua yang
memetik Variety, pada Isnin.
Ketua pegawai eksekutif Disney Bob
Iger mengesahkan perkara berkenaan
menerusi memo bahawa pemberhent-
ian dilaksanakan dalam tiga per-
ingkat. 
Selepas minggu ini, peringkat
kedua membabitkan “lebih banyak”
pekerja diberhentikan pada April dan
peringkat terakhir akan berlaku
“sebelum permulaan musim panas”
menurut laporan itu.
Iger berkata Disney telah membuat
“keputusan sukar” untuk mengu-
rangkan tenaga kerja dan dilihat seba-
gai “sebahagian daripada penjajaran
semula syarikat, termasuk langkah
penjimatan kos untuk mewujudkan
pendekatan yang lebih berkesan, dise-
laraskan dan diperkemas”.
Disney mengumumkan penamatan
perkhidmatan 7,000 pekerja pada 8
Feb. yang mewakili sekitar 3.2 peratus
daripada 220,000 pekerjanya di selu-
ruh dunia.
Syarikat itu menyasarkan penji-
matan kos US$5.5 bilion, termasuk
penjimatan kandungan sebanyak US$3
bilion. – Bernama-Xinhua
ORANG Islam berdoa sebelum berbuka puasa di Masjid Besar Nurul
Islam di Palangka Raya, Kalimantan Tengah, pada 24 Mac lepas.
Jokowi gesa pegawai
k’jaan guna bajet
majlis buka puasa
bantu golongan miskin
JAKARTA: Presiden Joko Widodo (Jokowi)
pada Isnin mengarahkan pegawainya
untuk menyalurkan bajet majlis iftar bagi
membantu golongan miskin, susulan
kehidupan mewah segelintir kakitangan
kanan kerajaan menjadi kontroversi
selepas didedahkan kepada umum.
“Gaya hidup pegawai kerajaan
semakin mendapat perhatian umum. Jadi
saya minta pegawai kerajaan menyambut
Ramadan ini dengan semangat keseder-
hanaan, dan tidak melampaui batas.
“Kita akan mengagihkan semula bajet
majlis berbuka puasa untuk aktiviti yang
lebih bermanfaat seperti membantu
golongan miskin, anak yatim, dan orang
yang memerlukan,” kata Jokowi dalam
satu siaran video.
“Kita juga boleh menggunakan bajet
untuk menganjurkan Pasar Murah,” kata
Jokowi, merujuk kepada bazar yang men-
jual makanan ruji pada harga jauh lebih
murah untuk golongan miskin dan
kurang berkemampuan.
Dalam video itu, Jokowi mengin-
gatkan rakyat bahawa larangan men-
gadakan majlis iftar hanya dikenakan ke
atas pegawai kerajaan, khususnya
menteri dan ketua agensi kerajaan.
Dalam erti kata lain, orang ramai bebas
untuk menganjurkan majlis iftar
S U AR A TE MP ATAN AND A I RAB U, 2 9 MAC, 2 0 2 3
Justeru, beliau berkata terdapat keper-
luan untuk meningkatkan pengeluaran
bahan nuklear gred senjata secara pesat
sebagai pelindung negara.
Dengan dorongan untuk meng-
hasilkan senjata nuklear berkuasa, beliau
berkata ia sekali gus akan mencetuskan
ketakutan kepada musuh negara.
KCNA turut menerbitkan laporan
berkaitan nuklear semalam, yang mana
penganalisis menyifatkan ia satu petunjuk
bahawa negara itu sedang membina
membina pelancar nuklear ketujuh.
“Korea Utara melancarkan kepala
peledak taktikal yang sangat kecil hari ini
dan ramai yang mempersoalkan sama ada
Penyerang sekolah Kristian Nashville dikenal pasti
ia benar-benar boleh meletup,” kata
penyelidik di Institut Sejong, Cheong
WASHINGTON: Penjenayah dalam kes
tembak di sebuah sekolah swasta di Ten-
nessee Amerika Syarikat dikenali sebagai
Audrey Hale, 28, kata Ketua Polis Nashville
John Drake dalam sidang media.
Hale dikenal pasti sebagai lelaki trans-
gender dan dipercayai pernah bersekolah
di sekolah Kristian itu, kata Drake.
Insiden tembakan pada Isnin menye-
babkan enam orang terbunuh termasuk
tiga kanak-kanak berumur bawah 10
tahun. Seorang daripada mangsa, Kather-
ine Koonce, merupakan Pengetua Sekolah
berkenaan, lapor Sputnik.
Suspek dilaporkan terbunuh dalam
kejadian itu hasil tindakan pantas polis.
Polis sedang menjalankan siasatan di
kediaman yang dikaitkan dengan Hale, di
mana mereka menemui manifesto dan
peta sekolah itu, kata Drake.
Presiden AS Joe Biden telah diberi tak-
limat mengenai insiden itu, kata Seti-
ausaha Akhbar Rumah Putih Karine
Jean-Pierre pada Isnin.
Biden dalam ucapannya memuji tindak
balas pantas penguatkuasa undang-
undang dan menyeru negara itu mengam-
bil langkah menghentikan keganasan
senjata api.
Biden turut mengarahkan supaya ben-
dera Amerika Syarikat dikibarkan separuh
tiang selepas kejadian tembakan di
sebuah sekolah Kristian di Nashville, Ten-
nessee, menurut Rumah Putih dalam satu
pengisytiharan.
berkumpulan.
Jokowi minggu lalu meminta pegawai
kanan kerajaan supaya tidak mengan-
jurkan majlis berbuka puasa.
Dalam pekeliling asal, Jokowi berkata
larangan itu perlu kerana Indonesia kini
dalam proses peralihan ke fasa endemik
Covid-19. Pekeliling itu tidak secara jelas
menyebut gaya hidup mewah penjawat
awam.
Setiausaha Kabinet Pramono Anung
kemudian mengeluarkan kenyataan men-
genai larangan itu, dengan mengatakan
bahawa pegawai kanan kerajaan mesti
menjalani kehidupan yang sederhana.
Lebih ramai pegawai kanan kerajaan
didedahkan memiliki kekayaan yang
diragukan ketika ramai rakyat Indonesia
masih bergelut dengan kemiskinan.
Kementerian Pengangkutan pada Isnin
mengumumkan mereka telah memecat
sementara Muhammad Rizky Alamsyah
daripada jawatannya sebagai pegawai di
Direktorat Perhubungan Laut untuk siasa-
tan lanjut. Isteri Rizky sebelum ini dilihat
sering menunjukkan kekayaan keluarga
mereka di media sosial.
Bank Pembangunan Asia (ADB) mela-
porkan bahawa 10.1 peratus rakyat
Indonesia masih hidup di bawah garis
kemiskinan pada 2021. – Agensi
Seong-chang.
Beliau menjangkakan kemungkinan
Korea Utara akan melakukan ujian nuk-
lear ketujuh dengan kepala peledak nuk-
lear taktikal sebagai langkah ke hadapan.
Seorang lagi pakar dari Universiti
Ewha, Prof Park Won-gon, berkata setiap
kali latihan ketenteraan bersama antara
Korea Selatan dan Amerika Syarikat (AS),
Korea Utara akan memberi amaran den-
gan melancarkan tindak balas.
Melihat jumlah peluru berpandu yang
dilancarkan, beliau berpandangan negara
itu tidak lagi boleh meneruskan kaedah
seperti itu selama-lamanya.
“Jika ya, ujian nuklear ketujuh bakal
menandakan beberapa jenis penamat.
Mereka akan mengisytiharkan diri mereka
IMEJ tangkap
layar video yang
diedarkan oleh
Jabatan Polis
Metropolitan
Nashville
menunjukkan
suspek Audrey Hale
memegang senapang
serangan di dalam
bangunan sekolah
Kristian itu.
– Foto AFP
“Sebagai tanda penghormatan kepada
mangsa keganasan yang dilakukan pada
27 Mac 2023, di Nashville, Tennessee,
menurut Perlembagaan dan undang-
undang Amerika Syarikat, saya dengan ini
mengarahkan bendera hendaklah dik-
ibarkan separuh tiang di Rumah Putih dan
di semua bangunan dan kawasan awam,
di semua pos tentera, dan di semua kapal
tentera laut Kerajaan Persekutuan di Dis-
trict of Columbia dan di seluruh Amerika
Syarikat serta Wilayahnya sehingga mata-
hari terbenam, 31 Mac 2023.
“Saya juga mengarahkan bahawa ben-
dera itu hendaklah dikibarkan separuh
tiang untuk tempoh masa yang sama di
semua kedutaan Amerika Syarikat, legasi,
pejabat konsular, dan kemudahan lain di
luar negara, termasuk semua kemudahan
tentera dan kapal dan stesen tentera laut,”
menurut Rumah Putih. – Bernama-Sputnik
Polis tahan pemilik agensi umrah tipu jemaah
JAKARTA: Polis menahan sepasang suami
isteri yang mengasaskan Naila Syafaah
Wisata Mandiri, agensi umrah yang
menipu ratusan jemaah Indonesia malah
ada yang terperangkap di Arab Saudi
selama beberapa hari.
Pasangan itu, Mahfudz Abdullah, 52,
dan Halijah Amin, 48, sedang menginap di
sebuah hotel di Yogyakarta ketika ditahan.
“Kami menangkap pelaku pada 27 Feb-
ruari lepas,” kata Ketua Komisioner
Hengki Hariyadi dari Polis Metropolitan
Jakarta pada hari Selasa, seperti yang dila-
porkan oleh portal Beritasatu.
Polis juga menangkap Hermansyah, 59,
yang merupakan pengarah presiden di
Naila Syafaah Wisata Mandiri. Ketiga-tiga
suspek boleh menjalani hukuman penjara
sehingga 10 tahun.
Jawa Timur sedia
Menurut Hengki, polis mula menerima
161 bas percuma
untuk balik raya
SURABAYA: Kerajaan Jawa Timur menyedi-
akan 161 bas percuma bagi memudahkan
penduduk yang ingin balik ke kampung
halaman bagi menyambut Aidilfitri, bulan
depan.
“Pendaftaran (untuk bas percuma)
adalah dengan melampirkan (salinan)
kad pengenalan diri, kad pengenalan
keluarga, dan bukti menerima vaksin
penggalak,” kata Gabenor Jawa Timur
Khofifah Indar Parawansa di sini, pada
Selasa, seperti dilaporkan portal
Antaranews.com.
Penduduk yang ingin mendapatkan
perkhidmatan bas percuma untuk percut-
ian Aidilfitri boleh mendaftar melalui
pejabat pengangkutan wilayah di laman
sesawang Mudik Gratis 2023 dari 27 Mac
hingga 10 April.
Bas percuma itu akan berlepas ke pel-
bagai wilayah di Jawa Timur bermula 9
April dari pejabat pengangkutan wilayah
di Jalan Ahmad Yani, Surabaya.
“Sekitar 90 bas akan berlepas pada 9
hingga 20 April ke pelbagai daerah dan
bandar,” kata Parawansa.
Bas percuma untuk program mudik
(balik kampung) Aidilfitri itu mem-
babitkan laluan Surabaya-Madiun,
Surabaya-Magetan, Surabaya-Ponorogo,
Surabaya-Nganjuk, Surabaya-Tulunga-
gung, Surabaya-Blitar, Surabaya-Treng-
galek, Surabaya-Bondowoso, dan
Surabaya-Pacitan. – Agensi
sebagai kuasa nuklear dan mereka akan
beralih kepada rundingan dengan AS,”
katanya.
Terbaru, Korea Utara melancarkan
peluru berpandu balistik jarak dekat di
Laut Jepun semalam.
Terdapat juga beberapa petunjuk Korea
Utara sedang membangunkan kapal
selam tanpa pemandu, namun ada pihak
mengatakan ia masih di peringkat awal,
kata Ketua Turus Bersama.
Pyongyang pada Isnin lepas berkata,
kapal selam diberi nama Haeil sudah
bergerak selama 41 jam dan 27 minit
menelusuri laluan simulasi sepanjang
600 kilometer (km) sebelum memus-
nahkan sasaran di wilayah Hamgyong
Utara. – AFP
Sekatan baharu ke atas Myanmar,
sasar pembekal alatan tentera
LONDON: United Kingdom pada Isnin
mengumumkan sekatan baharu ter-
hadap Myanmar, termasuk menyasarkan
pembekal peralatan ketenteraan kepada
junta.
“Sekatan baharu ini menyasarkan
individu dan syarikat yang mem-
bekalkan bahan, termasuk peralatan
ketenteraan yang masih digunakan
untuk menyerang orang awam,” lapor
Agensi Anadolu memetik kenyataan
Pejabat Luar London.
Ia menambah bahawa sekatan itu
laporan mengenai penipuan itu daripada
Kementerian Hal Ehwal Agama.
“Mangsa memfailkan laporan kepada
Konsulat Jeneral Indonesia di Arab Saudi,
sebelum mengemukakan maklumat ini
kepada Kementerian Hal Ehwal Agama
yang akhirnya memaklumkannya kepada
kami,” kata Hengki.
Polis sehingga hari ini masih tidak
mendedahkan jumlah sebenar mangsa
terlibat.
Nailah Syafaah, mangsa Abdus adalah
sebahagian daripada kumpulan umrah
seramai 64 orang. Penerbangan pulang
mereka dijadualkan pada 18 September
2022 jam 5.50 petang, masa Arab Saudi.
Para jemaah itu tiba di lapangan terbang
di Mekah kira-kira jam 3 petang tetapi
Polis beri amaran akan
mereka tidak dapat menaiki kapal terbang
kerana masalah visa.
terus buru baki anggota JI
JAKARTA. Polis Negara pada Isnin berkata
mereka akan terus memburu baki
anggota Jemaah Islamiyah walaupun
pemimpin utama kumpulan itu yang
didakwa melakukan banyak serangan
keganasan pada 2000an telah pun
ditangkap atau dibunuh.
Kenyataan itu dikeluarkan hampir dua
minggu selepas lima suspek militan yang
dikaitkan dengan JI ditangkap semasa ser-
buan di wilayah Sulawesi Tengah tetapi
polis masih belum mendedahkan mak-
lumat mengenai sebarang ancaman dari-
pada kumpulan itu.
JI bertanggungjawab ke atas pengebo-
man berkembar pada Oktober 2002 di
Bali yang mengorbankan lebih 200 orang
dalam serangan dahsyat yang menjadi
titik permulaan kepada siri letupan maut
di Jakarta dan beberapa bandar lain yang
menyasarkan kemudahan kerajaan dan
aset asing termasuk bangunan kedutaan
dan hotel.
Bagaimanapun, sejak sedekad lalu, JI
dilihat kurang aktif dengan pemimpin-
nya yang masih hidup secara sukarela
menyertai program deradikalisasi kera-
jaan.
Tetapi jurucakap Polis Negara Insp.
Jeneral Dedi Prasetyo memberi amaran
bahawa skuad anti keganasannya, Detas-
men 88 memiliki pangkalan data anggota
JI yang masih aktif.
“JI terus menimbulkan ancaman
tersembunyi kepada keselamatan
Dunia 5
Taliban berkas
aktivis perjuang
hak gadis dapat
akses pendidikan
MOSCOW: Misi Bantuan Pertubuhan
Bangsa-Bangsa Bersatu di Afghanistan
(Unama) pada Selasa memaklumkan
bahawa pergerakan Taliban telah menahan
seorang aktivis terkemuka yang memper-
juangkan hak kanak-kanak perempuan
mendapat akses pendidikan.
“Matiullah Wesa, ketua @PenPath1
(masyarakat sivil) dan peguam bela untuk
pendidikan kanak-kanak perempuan, telah
ditahan di #Kabul pada Isnin.
Unama menyeru pihak berkuasa de facto
untuk mendedahkan keberadaannya, sebab
penahanannya dan memastikan aksesnya
kepada undang-undang dan keluarga,”
menurut Unama menerusi ciapan di Twitter.
Selepas Taliban kembali berkuasa di
Afghanistan pada 2021, ia mengarahkan
semua pertubuhan bukan kerajaan tem-
patan dan antarabangsa menggantung
perkhidmatan pekerja wanita mereka.
Taliban menghalang wanita dan kanak-
kanak perempuan daripada menghadiri sesi
persekolahan dan pengajian di peringkat
menengah dan universiti.
Keputusan pihak berkuasa Afghanistan
telah dikritik keras oleh organisasi antara-
bangsa dan pemimpin global.
Menurut laporan Unicef yang dikelu-
arkan Ogos lalu, hakikat bahawa gadis di
Afghanistan dihalang mendapat akses pen-
didikan telah menyebabkan kerugian
kepada ekonomi negara sekurang-
kurangnya AS$500 juta sejak larangan itu
diperkenalkan, iaitu bersamaan 2.5 peratus
daripada KDNK. – Bernama-Sputnik
dikenakan sempena Hari Angkatan Ten-
tera Myanmar.
“Mereka yang dikenakan sekatan ter-
masuk sebuah syarikat dan pengarahnya
yang membekalkan bahan api penerban-
gan untuk Angkatan Udara Myanmar dan
pengarah syarikat yang membekalkan
barangan dan teknologi melalui pernia-
gaannya,” menurut kenyataan itu.
Anne-Marie Trevelyan, menteri untuk
Indo-Pasifik, berkata UK mengutuk
“kempen kejam” tentera terhadap rakyat
Myanmar. – Bernama-Anadolu
Jemaah haji dibawa ke Hotel Prima
selama tiga hari dan kemudian dipin-
dahkan ke Pakons Prime Hotel sebelum
pulang ke tanah air pada 29 September.
Namun, tidak semua orang dapat
pulang ke Indonesia. Enam belas jemaah
haji terpaksa menunggu di Arab Saudi
dan tersekat di Mekah selama lebih semi-
nggu tanpa tempat untuk dituju dan tiada
khabar dari agensi Naila Syafaah.
“Saya Abdus, salah seorang mangsa
Naila Syafaah. Saya di sini bagi pihak 16
jemaah haji yang gagal pulang ke Indone-
sia tepat pada masanya. (Kami ter-
perangkap) di Mekah selama lebih kurang
8 hari,” kata Abdus.
Abdus berkata mereka akhirnya dapat
pulang ke Indonesia selepas menghantar
surat kepada konsulat jeneral Indonesia. –
Agensi
negara,” kata Dedi semasa lawatan ke B-
Universe Media Holdings di Jakarta.
“Operasi anti-keganasan adalah tang-
gungjawab Detasmen 88 yang mempun-
yai pangkalan data mengenai anggota
semasa JI.”
Pegawai komunikasi awam Brig. Jen-
eral Ahmad Ramadhan menyifatkan
keadaan semasa JI sebagai “kumplan
pengganas tidur” yang sering beroperasi
di bawah kumpulan gabungan untuk
menyembunyikan aktiviti mengumpul
dana dan memperoleh senjata.
Semasa penangkapan di Sulawesi Ten-
gah baru-baru ini, skuad anti-pengganas
merampas dokumen, pisau, teleskop, dan
senapang pelet daripada suspek.
“Jangan lupa bahawa JI telah diklasi-
fikasikan sebagai organisasi pengganas
yang kini digelar sebagai sel pengganas
yang sedang tidur,” kata Ahmad.
Polis juga menuduh JI menempatkan
kotak derma di pasar mini di beberapa
wilayah di seluruh Indonesia untuk
menipu orang awam supaya menderma
wang mereka yang akan digunakan bagi
membiayai aktiviti keganasan kumpulan
itu.
Kumpulan itu menggunakan dana
berkenaan untuk menerbangkan peng-
ganas ke Syria bagi menyertai latihan
ketenteraan dan membeli senjata dan
bahan letupan untuk digunakan dalam
serangan pengganas pada masa hadapan,
menurut polis. – Agensi
 6 Hiburan
Tempoh reman penyerang Kamal Adli dilanjutkan seminggu lagi
TEMPOH tahanan reman ke atas lelaki
yang didakwa menyerang pelakon Kamal
Adli dilanjutkan tujuh hari lagi bagi
melengkapkan pemeriksaan perubatan
di Institut Kesihatan Mental (IMH)
Singapura.
Menurut Hakim Daerah Terence Tay,
IMH memohon tempoh reman terhadap
suspek dilanjutkan bagi melengkapkan
pemeriksaan.
“Saya membenarkan permohonan
untuk anda direman selama seminggu
lagi di IMH,” katanya sambil menambah
sebutan kes seterusnya adalah pada 4
Dayang Nurfaizah
gegar Singapura
Mei depan
SELEPAS lima tahun, penyanyi terkenal,
Dayang Nurfaizah (gambar) kembali
menggegarkan pentas Esplanade,
Singapura menerusi Konsert Belagu yang
akan berlangsung pada 20 Mei depan.
Menurut Dayang atau nama sebenar,
Dayang Nurfaizah Awang Dowty, 42, dia
juga tidak sabar untuk kembali beraksi
di pentas Esplanade sekali gus mengubat
kerinduan peminatnya di Singapura.
“Alhamdulillah, saya berasa terharu
dan bersyukur kerana jualan tiket
konsert Belagu yang mula dijual kepada
orang ramai sejak 16 Mac lalu juga sudah
‘sold out’.
“Konsert ini hanya satu malam saja dan
pihak kami tidak akan menambah
persembahan kepada dua malam,” katanya.
Mengulas mengenai konsert itu, kata
Dayang, persembahannya akan diiringi
barisan 18 pemuzik di bawah pimpinan
pengarah muzik, Aubrey Suwito.
“Ia berbeza dengan konsert Belagu di
Dewan Filharmonik Petronas (DFP) di
mana persembahan saya bersama dengan
Orkestra Filharmonik Malaysia (MPO).
“Manakala, konsert Belagu di
Esplanade pula bersama dengan band
tapi konsep persembahan masih sama
iaitu mengangkat karya irama klasik
yang masih segar.
“Seramai 1,500 peminat di Singapura
akan turun untuk menyaksikan konsert
saya di dewan Esplanade nanti,” katanya.
Ditanya persiapan pula, kata Dayang,
dia akan berlatih bersama dengan band
di bawah pimpinan Aubrey selepas
sambutan Aidilfitri nanti.
“Selain menjalani ibadah puasa, saya
juga berlatih sendiri dulu sepanjang
Ramadan ini. Saya akan menyampaikan
rangkaian lagu dari album Belagu dan
Belagu II, pastinya saya dan Aubrey mahu
memberikan yang terbaik untuk peminat
pada konsert Belagu di Singapura nanti,”
katanya.
Terdahulu, Dayang berjaya
mengangkat karya irama klasik menerusi
konsert Dayang Nurfaizah & MPO: Belagu
yang berlangsung di DFP, KLCC pada 11
Bill Entertainment
Mac lalu. – Harian Metro
‘ikat’ Jin Hyuk
BEKAS ahli kumpulan
idola UP10TION iaitu
Lee Jin Hyuk
(gambar)
menandatangani
kontrak eksklusif
bersama syarikat
pengurusan artis, Bill
Entertainment.
Ia diumumkan secara
rasmi oleh pihak pengurusan Bill
Entertainment Isnin lalu. Syarikat
berkenaan dijangka menguruskan semua
aktiviti lakonan dan nyanyian Jin Hyuk.
Jurucakap syarikat berkenaan berkata
pihaknya sentiasa menyokong
pembabitan Jin Hyuk dalam dunia seni
dan mempunyai perancangan khas bagi
artis berbakat itu. Jin Hyuk, 26, juga
dijangka mengeluarkan album solonya
pada tahun ini.
Beliau mula menyertai UP10TION sejak
2015 dan tampil dalam beberapa drama
TV antaranya Find Me in Your Memory
dengan watak Jo-II Kwan pada 2020.
Bakat seninya berjaya menarik
perhatian ramai sehingga berjaya
meloloskan diri dalam senarai beberapa
anugerah utama. – Agensi
S U AR A TE MP ATAN AND A I RAB U, 2 9 MAC, 2 0 2 3
April.
Pada 14 Mac lalu, mahkamah
menetapkan lelaki itu direman dua
minggu untuk menjalani penilaian
psikiatri di institut berkenaan.
Lelaki berusia 33 tahun itu menjawab
“ya” apabila ditanya sama ada dia
mendengar keputusan itu.
Dia didakwa di Mahkamah Negeri
pada 14 Mac kerana “disyaki terlibat
Hakim Syarie nasihat
dalam kes menyebabkan kecederaan
menggunakan senjata berbahaya.”
Jika sabit kesalahan, menyerang
hingga menyebabkan kecederaan
Farid, Diana berdamai
M
AHKAMAH Rendah Syariah
Petaling, Subang Bestari di
Petaling Jaya pada Selasa,
menasihatkan pelakon Farid Kamil dan
isterinya yang juga pelakon iaitu Diana
Danielle, untuk berdamai bagi
menyelesaikan kemelut rumah tangga
mereka.
Peguam Syarie Fakhrul Azman Abu
Hassan, yang mewakili Farid atau nama
penuhnya Farid Kamil Zahari, 42,
memberitahu pemberita selepas
sebutan kes perceraian pasangan
pelakon itu di hadapan Hakim Syarie
Shukran Yusof.
Beliau berkata hakim itu berkata
“Benda yang boleh selesai secara baik,
cubalah mengislahkan (usaha untuk
memperbaiki keadaan)”.
Fakhrul Azman berkata hakim
berkenaan turut memerintahkan
pasangan itu melantik wakil masing-
masing dalam Jawatankuasa Pendamai
(JKP) dan menetapkan 30 Mei ini untuk
mengetahui laporan jawatankuasa
terbabit.
“Pada prosiding hari ini, mahkamah
dimaklumkan mengenai lantikan wakil
JKP dan Farid telah melantik kakaknya
manakala Diana melantik rakannya
sebagai wakil JKP dan proses
perbincangan dalam jawatankuasa itu
akan didakan di pejabat agama Shah
Alam, yang mana tarikhnya akan
ditentukan kemudian.
“Seterusnya, pihak-pihak akan melalui
proses hakam (kalau JKP tidak mencapai
persetujuan) dan mahkamah akan
menentukannya,” katanya.
Sementara itu, peguam syarie Datuk
Akberdin Abdul Kader yang mewakili
Diana yang nama sebenarnya Diana
Danielle Danny Beeson, 32, mengesahkan
tarikh 30 Mei yang ditetapkan oleh
‘Kalau boleh saya nak bantu semua orang’
mahkamah.
“Pada tarikh tersebut mahkamah akan
TIDAK hanya menjadi inspirasi daripada
populariti yang dikecap sebagai anak
seni, pelakon Anzalna Nasir juga dipuji
memiliki keperibadian terpuji apabila
sangat dekat dengan kerja-kerja amal
dan kebajikan.
Sentiasa prihatin dengan golongan
tidak bernasib baik, terutamanya
golongan ibu tunggal dan kanak-
kanak, bintang drama Dendam Aurora
itu sentiasa terbuka berkongsi
rezeki.
“Kongsi rezeki itu adalah
antara cara mensyukuri apa
yang Tuhan berikan untuk kita
dan bukanlah saja nak tunjuk
baik. Saya pun menghulurkan
bantuan mengikut
kemampuan diri sahaja.
Salman Khan sekali lagi terima ugutan bunuh
“Kalau boleh saya nak bantu
AKTOR Salman Khan (gambar)
terpaksa mengetatkan kawalan
keselamatan apabila sekali lagi
berdepan ugutan bunuh daripada
kumpulan gengster Rajasthan,
Lawrence Bishnoi.
Biarpun penjenayah kini berada di
penjara, mesej yang disampaikan terus
kepada aktor berusia 57 tahun itu
membuatkan Salman diselubungi
Ali janji selesai hutang RM60,000 Siti Norhidayah sebelum Aidilfitri
kebimbangan.
SELEPAS permohonan bayaran ansuran
ditolak, pelawak, Ali Puteh (gambar) akan
menjelaskan bayaran RM60,000 kepada
balu Allahyarham Abam Bocey, Siti
Norhidayah Mohd Ali sebelum
Aidilfitri ini.
“Dari awal saya mohon untuk
bayar secara ansuran, tetapi
ditolak. Jadi, saya akan usahakan
untuk bayar serentak dengan
penuh seperti yang diminta. Insya-
Allah, sebelum Aidilfitri ini saya akan
selesaikan.
“Apa nak buat, saya tak boleh nak
menidakkan sebab ini kerja Tuhan. Tak
mengapa, saya bincang dengan isteri, kami
akan usahakan apa yang termampu
biarpun terpaksa bergadai.
“Saya pun sudah hubungi peguam saya
dengan sengaja menggunakan senjata
berbahaya di bawah Seksyen
324 Kanun Keseksaan membawa
hukuman penjara sehingga tujuh tahun,
denda, rotan, atau mana-mana
kombinasi hukuman itu.
Pada 12 Mac kira-kira jam 9.19 malam,
Pasukan Polis Singapura menerima
laporan mengenai satu kes di 1 Expo
Drive di mana suspek didakwa telah
menyerang seorang lelaki berusia 36
tahun dengan menggunakan cota.
Polis telah merampas cota berkenaan
untuk dijadikan bahan bukti dan
FARID Kamil menunjukkan cincin
perkahwinannya sebaik keluar
dari Mahkamah Rendah Syariah
Petaling, Subang Bestari
pada Selasa. – fotoBERNAMA
membaca laporan JKP yang akan
dipengerusikan oleh pegawai daripada
Jabatan Agama Islam (JAIS),” katanya.
Sementara itu, Akberdin
memaklumkan bahawa pada 24 Mac
lepas, Mahkamah Tinggi Syariah Shah
Alam mengeluarkan perintah hak
penjagaan sementara dua anak pasangan
berkenaan, yang berusia 10 dan lapan
tahun kepada Diana, namun tiada
halangan untuk Farid berjumpa dengan
anak-anaknya.
Farid ketika ditemui pemberita
selepas prosiding mendakwa hampir 23
hari beliau tidak dapat bertemu dua
anaknya itu.
Pelakon Lagenda Budak Setan itu
berkata, keretakan rumah tangganya
berpunca daripada “pihak ketiga”
namun enggan mendedahkan isu
semua orang, tetapi mungkin ketika ini
saya lebih terarah kepada kanak-kanak
dan ibu tunggal.
“Mungkin kerana status saya sebagai
seorang ibu, saya jadi mudah tersentuh
melihat anak-anak yang perlukan
bantuan. Saya sedih bila tengok
mereka tidak cukup keperluan
seperti susu dan lampin,” ujarnya.
Anzalna, 35, yang ditemui pada
majlis memperkenalkan dirinya
selaku wajah kempen Flora
Nostalgia Raya oleh Isetan
Kuala Lumpur baru-baru ini
turut berhasrat untuk
menyumbang pakaian raya
untuk anak-anak yatim
sempena Syawal nanti.
“Saya sangat gembira bila
dapat tahu pertolongan
Apatah lagi ugutan tersebut
turut menyebut mengenai
keselamatan keluarga
Salman yang mendorongnya
meminta pihak polis
menambahkan pegawai
untuk berkawal.
Salman dan ahli keluarganya
dinasihatkan supaya tidak kerap
keluar di tempat umum yang
mendedahkan mereka kepada risiko.
semalam, dan rasanya hari ini surat pun
sudah dihantar. Insya-Allah, sebelum
Aidilfitri selesai,” katanya ketika
rakaman program Melodi Raya di
Luxury Garden Hall, Isnin lalu.
Pada 18 Februari tahun lalu,
Mahkamah Sesyen
memerintahkan Ali atau nama
sebenarnya, Syed Ali Mubarak
Syed Mohd Ridzuan dan tiga ahli
keluarganya membayar RM60,000
kepada Siti Norhidayah kerana
mengeluarkan kata-kata mengaibkan
wanita itu di Instagram (IG), dua tahun lalu.
Ali turut tidak menafikan dia
mempunyai kekangan untuk membayar
jumlah sebesar memandangkan sudah
lama tidak menerima tawaran kerja seni.
“Memang tawaran kerja tidak seperti
siasatan sedang dijalankan.
Kamal yang cedera terpaksa menjalani
pembedahan di sebuah hospital di sini.
Beliau dan isterinya Uqasha Senrose
berada di Singapura untuk acara Jualan
Mega Hari Raya 2023 selama tiga hari
bermula 10 Mac, di Dewan 5A Ekspo
Singapura.
Menurut Uqasha, kejadian itu berlaku
di penghujung acara.
Turut hadir di mahkamah pada Selasa
ialah peguam Kamal, Jason Wee dari
Firma Undang-undang AVW yang
berpangkalan di Malaysia. – Bernama
DIANA Danielle ketika keluar
dari Mahkamah Rendah Syariah
Petaling, Subang Bestari
pada Selasa. – fotoBERNAMA
berkenaan dengan lebih terperinci.
Dalam pada itu, Diana berkata,
tuduhan yang dilemparkan suaminya
berhubung isu orang ketiga sebagai
fitnah.
Terdahulu, Farid yang tiba di
mahkamah kira-kira 9 pagi berkata
beliau membawa sejambak bunga
sebagai tanda perdamaian dan sebentuk
cincin emas untuk diberikan kepada
Diana.
Pada 10 Mac lepas, Diana selaku
plaintif memfailkan permohonan cerai
terhadap Farid mengikut Seksyen 47
Enakmen Undang-Undang Keluarga
Islam (Negeri Selangor) 2003 atas alasan
tiada persefahaman dan berlaku shiqaq
atau perbalahan berpanjangan serta
tidak lagi mampu hidup bersama sebagai
suami isteri. – Bernama
kecil saya itu sangat besar ertinya pada
orang lain, malah membahagiakan
kehidupan mereka. Terharu bila ramai
yang sentiasa kirimkan doa buat saya
dan keluarga,” katanya.
Meski kadang-kala berdepan dengan
mereka yang suka mengambil
kesempatan dan cuba menipu, ibu
kepada dua anak itu tetap positif dan
berusaha memberikan yang terbaik.
“Biasalah dalam hidup ini, memang
akan ada orang yang suka ambil
kesempatan. Pada mulanya saya kecewa
juga bila jumpa orang seperti ini. Mereka
menutup peluang orang lain yang lebih
berhak.
“Bagaimanapun bila fikir balik, niat
saya ikhlas membantu. Jadi hal-hal lain,
biarlah itu menjadi urusan dia dengan
Tuhan,” katanya. – Sinar Plus
Begitupun, ini bukan ugutan
pertama diterima pelakon Hum
Dil De Chuke Sanam itu daripada
Lawrence. Tahun lalu, ugutan
sama turut diterimanya.
Terdahulu, ancaman bunuh
Lawrence terhadapnya
dipercayai berkaitan kes
pembunuhan pada 1998 yang
didakwa membabitkan aktor tersebut
dan beberapa rakannya.
sebelum arwah Abam meninggal dunia,
rasanya sudah lebih kurang enam bulan
saya tiada ‘job’. Sekarang saya berniaga
dalam media sosial. Saya gunakan platform
apa yang ada untuk cari duit.
“Jadi, saya gunakan apa yang saya ada
untuk selesaikan bayaran balu Abam. Saya
kesal sebab saya bukan penjenayah, di
mana saya digari dan dimasukkan dalam
penjara, sebaliknya ini hanyalah urusan
keluarga yang tidak membabitkan jenayah.
“Saya pelik sampai begini kerjaya saya
terganggu. Saya merasakan ia tak adil,
tetapi nak buat macam mana, saya harap
bila bayaran selesai, isu ini tidak
berpanjangan,” katanya.
Sementara itu, mengenai rumah arwah
Abam yang dituntut Siti Norhidayah, Ali
berkata, dia tidak boleh menyerahkannya
harianekspres
FAHIMI Rahmat
dan Athalia
Sungguh Kamu
Aku Rindu
diinspirasikan
daripada kisah luka
MENGHARGAI keberadaan orang lain
adalah hal yang sederhana tapi amat
bermakna. Hargai setiap insan yang
kita sayang selagi mereka masih
bernyawa.
Demikian mesej utama yang cuba
dibawakan penyanyi Fahimi Rahmat
dan Athalia dalam single duet
terbaharu mereka berjudul Sungguh
Kamu Aku Rindu (SKAR).
Kolaboratif sulung dua bakat muda
itu merupakan hasil kerjasama antara
label Universal Music dan Faithful
Music.
SKAR yang dilancarkan secara rasmi
pada 3 Mac lalu dicipta sepenuhnya
oleh Fahimi sejak dua tahun lalu
selepas melalui satu peristiwa yang
sangat berbekas dalam hidupnya.
“Lagu ini memberi peringatan agar
sentiasa menghargai orang yang kita
rapat. Sebab kita tidak akan pernah
tahu bila dia akan pergi. Jadi hargailah
setiap insan yang berada di sekeliling.
“Sebenarnya lagu ini sudah
dihasilkan dua tahun lalu tetapi saya
simpan sekejap kerana menunggu
waktu yang terbaik untuk dilancarkan.
Tahun ini adalah waktu terbaik
merealisasikannya,” ujar Fahimi.
Tambahnya, lagu yang mendapat
sentuhan daripada komposer Mike
Chan tersebut diinspirasikan daripada
kisah luka yang dilaluinya sebelum ini.
Sementara itu, bercakap tentang
gandingannya bersama Athalia,
pemilihan penyanyi itu sememangnya
bertepatan kerana mereka mudah
mencipta keserasian ketika proses
rakaman meskipun ini kali pertama
Fahami menyanyi lagu duet.
“Selama berada dalam industri, saya
tak pernah berduet dengan mana-
mana penyanyi. Tetapi kali ini saya cari
kelainan.
“Pada peringkat awal, ada beberapa
nama penyanyi lain yang disenarai
pendek. Tetapi pada akhirnya, Athalia
yang dipilih sebab sewaktu
mendengar suaranya, saya dapat
rasakan lagu SKAR sangat sesuai
dengan dia,” ujarnya.
Dalam pada itu, Athalia yang
merupakan anak kepada penyanyi
Sharifah Zarina menyifatkan
kerjasama dengan Fahimi sebagai
pengalaman berharga cukup manis
untuk dikenang.
Demi menyelami maksud sebenar
lagu berkenaan, kedua-duanya
menterjemahkan emosi dan nyanyian
mengikut pemahaman sendiri.
“Lagu ini dekat dengan kehidupan
orang yang pernah melalui cerita
indah atau segala memori bersama
pasangan mahupun insan tersayang.
“Sejujurnya, kerjasama ini adalah
satu pengalaman hebat buat diri saya
sebab kami masing-masing ada
pandangan makna yang tersendiri.
Tambahan pula, dalam video muzik
ada banyak babak yang dekat dengan
kisah hidup,” luahnya.
Menyifatkan Fahimi sebagai
seorang penyanyi yang komited
dengan setiap hasil kerjanya, Athalia
berharap SKAR dapat diterima baik
oleh pendengar.
Lagu SKAR kini tersedia dalam
semua platform penstriman
termasuklah video muzik rasmi yang
boleh ditonton menerusi YouTube
Faithful Music. – Kosmo! Online
kerana rumah itu adalah rumah pusaka
arwah ibunya. Justeru, kata Ali, pihaknya
akan membayar saman untuk
mengelakkan rumah berkenaan disita.
“Sebenarnya, ada perselisihan faham
mengenai rumah berkenaan. Ia adalah
rumah pusaka arwah ibu, tetapi banyak
pula peguam bersuara. Saya juga sudah
menghubungi peguam balu Abam dan
mereka minta saya menjawabnya di
mahkamah. Tetapi, saya malas nak teruskan
di mahkamah lagi.
“Jadi, kami tolak tepi perkara itu sebab
mereka tidak tahu apa terjadi dengan
keluarga kami. Dan selepas berbincang
dengan kakak dan adik susulan rumah
pusaka disita, kami akan sediakan bayaran
saman secepat mungkin. Insya-Allah
rumah itu akan selamat,” katanya. – BH

harianekspres
P
ERUBAHAN amalan kerja akibat
pandemik Covid-19 membawa
hanya sedikit kemajuan daripada
sudut bilangan wanita yang menyandang
jawatan kanan dalam organisasi
korporat di Malaysia, demikian menurut
satu laporan baru-baru ini.
Menurut Grant Thornton
International Business Report: Women in
Business 2023, hanya 40 peratus jawatan
pengurusan kanan di negara ini
dipegang oleh wanita dan peratusan itu
adalah sama seperti tahun sebelumnya.
Grant Thornton adalah syarikat
antarabangsa yang menawarkan
perlbagai khidmat nasihat yang
menyeluruh.
Rakan kongsi Grant Thornton
(pengurusan kualiti), Silvia Tan berkata:
“Hasil dapatan kajian kami
menunjukkan secara keseluruhannya
bilangan wanita dalam kepimpinan
kanan terus meningkat berbanding di
Malaysia yang agak perlahan dan ini
sesuatu yang perlu diberi perhatian.
“Penyelidikan kami turut
mendedahkan bahawa ada risiko ia
boleh merosot dan pihak perniagaan
perlu berusaha lebih serta pantas untuk
meraih kesaksamaan,” katanya.
Di peringkat global, menurut laporan
Grant Thornton, 32.4 peratus jawatan
pengurusan kanan dalam ‘mid-market
businesses’ kini disandang wanita iaitu
kenaikan separuh mata peratusan (pp)
sejak tahun 2022 dan hanya 13pp sejak
penyelidikan ini mula dijalankan pada
tahun 2004.
Kajian laporan ini melibatkan
pemimpin kanan dari 5,000 perniagaan
antara Oktober dan November 2022
merentasi 29 ekonomi.
“Memandangkan keadaan ini, hanya
34 peratus jawatan kepimpinan kanan
(secara global) akan disandang wanita
pada tahun 2025.
“Berdasarkan laporan World
Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap,
iuntuk menangani jurang gender global
ini, ianya akan mengambil masa 132
tahun lagi,” Tan memberitahu Bernama
baru-baru ini.
Model kerja fleksibel pasca
pandemik
Menurut Tan lagi, hasil penyelidikan
itu juga mendapati model kerja
mempunyai impak besar ke atas
bilangan wanita dalam pengurusan
kanan.
Beliau menambah, di Malaysia, ekoran
daripada pandemik Covid-19, 45 peratus
perniagaan kini beroperasi di pejabat
sementara 52 peratus adalah hibrid dan
mengambil pendekatan kebolehsesuaian
atau fleksibel dan tiga peratus lagi
Sukan
Skuad ragbi 7s sasar kedudukan
empat terbaik di Hangzhou
KUALA LUMPUR: Selepas menamatkan
saingan di tempat kelima pada Sukan
Asia Jakarta-Palembang 2018, skuad
ragbi tujuh-sebelah (7s) kebangsaan, kali
ini menyasarkan kedudukan empat
terbaik di Hangzhou, China.
Presiden Malaysia Ragbi Datuk
Shahrul Zaman Yahya berkata sasaran
itu, ditetapkan berdasarkan kemampuan
skuad negara.
“Saya berharap skuad yang terdiri
daripada pemain berpengalaman dan
baharu ini akan memberi impak untuk
terus bersaing di peringkat
antarabangsa,” katanya selepas majlis
Karate sasaran
menandatangani kontrak bersama
lubuk emas
negara di Sukan
SEA – CDM
KUALA LUMPUR: Sukan karate akan
menjadi sasaran lubuk pingat emas buat
skuad karate negara pada temasya Sukan
SEA 2023 di Kemboja, Mei ini.
Ketua Kontinjen (CDM) ke Sukan SEA
Kemboja 2023, Datuk Mohd Nasir Ali yang
meletakkan harapan tinggi kepada skuad
itu berkata dengan kehadiran ketua
jurulatih baharu daripada Mesir, Tamer
Abdelraouf Mohamed Mourssy, beliau
yakin pasukan karate negara mampu
memperoleh pencapaian cemerlang.
“Saya yakin pasukan karate mampu
menyumbang pingat emas lebih daripada
pencapaian yang diraih pada Sukan SEA
Hanoi, di Vietnam tahun lalu,” katanya
kepada pemberita semasa meninjau
persiapan skuad berkenaan di sini Isnin
lalu.
Pada edisi tahun lepas, skuad karate
negara berjaya menamatkan kempen
dengan memenangi empat pingat emas
dan enam pingat gangsa.
Sementara itu, mengenai larian obor
Sukan SEA, Mohd Nasir berkata ia telah
dijadual berlangsung di ibu negara pada
11 April ini membabitkan atlet dan bekas
atlet.
Perlu lebih ramai pemimpin
S U AR A TE MP ATAN AND A I RAB U, 2 9 MAC, 2 0 2 3
wanita dalam organisasi korporat
bekerja dari rumah.
“Dengan hampir separuh perniagaan
kembali beroperasi di pejabat, ini
memberi kesan kepada kemajuan untuk
meningkatkan kepimpinan wanita
dalam perniagaan dan tanpa amalan
kerja yang fleksibel, ini membuatkan
tidak ramai wanita yang menyandang
jawatan kanan berminat.
“Sekiranya perniagaan berkenaan
tidak mendokong kaedah kerja hibrid
atau fleksibel, wanita mungkin
melepaskan jawatan mereka dan
menimbangkan kerja secara sambilan
atau memulakan perniagaan sendiri,”
katanya.
Tan menambah, di tengah-tengah
berlakunya kekurangan kemahiran di
peringkat global serta krisis bakat,
perniagaan yang mendokong model
kerja fleksibel mungkin juga mendapat
manfaat daripada bekerja rentas
sempadan dan akses kepada tenaga kerja
seperti mereka yang kurang upaya,
mereka yang tinggal di lokasi pedalaman
atau mereka yang mencari
keseimbangan kerja-kehidupan yang
lebih baik.
“Sebagai contoh, saya mungkin kerja
di Kuala Lumpur tetapi ibu pejabat saya
berpangkalan di Pulau Pinang. Kami
tidak dikehendaki bekerja di ibu pejabat
tetapi kerana komitmen keluarga serta
keperluan untuk hampir dengan
mereka, kami memilih untuk di
tempatkan di mana yang kami berasa
selesa,” katanya.
“Di Grant Thornton Malaysia, kami
melancarkan ‘Your Time Your Place’–
aturan kerja fleksibel untuk pekerja kami
bagi memperkasakan mereka mendapat
keseimbangan kerja-kehidupan, beri
mereka ruang serta masa untuk
menampung tanggungjawab serta
keperluan mereka.
“Ini menyumbang kepada hasil positif
untuk syarikat kami mempunyai 45
peratus pekerja wanita menyandang
jawatan kanan,” katanya.
Sebagai langkah untuk menarik lebih
ramai wanita menyertai organisasi, Tan
juga mencadangkan pihak perniagaan
menawarkan peluang untuk kenaikan
pangkat jawatan kanan yang lebih telus.
pemain di sini, pada Selasa.
Seramai 18 pemain ragbi disenarai di
bawah program podium Majlis Sukan
Negara (MSN) dan Kesatuan Ragbi
Malaysia (MR), untuk menghadapi Sukan
Asia Hangzhou bermula 23 Sept hingga 8
Okt dan Kejohanan Siri Ragbi Asia.
Pasukan negara yang diberi julukan
skuad Bunga Raya 7 itu, bakal menyertai
Kejohanan SEA 7s yang akan berlangsung
dari 7-8 April di Singapura dan di
Thailand pada 13-14 Mei ini sebagai
persediaan ke Hangzhou.
Sementara itu, ketua jurulatih skuad
Kenyataan Dr Yii diambil luar konteks – BAM
negara yang baharu, Ahmad Fadzlee
Ahmad Idris berkata persediaan
KUALA LUMPUR: Isu yang dibangkitkan
Ahli Parlimen Bandar Kuching Dr
Kelvin Yii Lee Wuen berhubung struktur
latihan Persatuan Badminton Malaysia
(BAM) telah selesai, menurut persatuan
itu.
Badan induk sukan badminton itu
dalam kenyataan memaklumkan Dr Yii
telah menghubungi Presiden BAM Tan
Sri Mohamad Norza Zakaria bagi
mendapatkan penjelasan mengenai
Skuad hoki tolak aksi persahabatan, elak corak permainan diketahui lawan
program latihan BAM.
“YB (Dr Yii) menjelaskan bahawa
KUALA LUMPUR: Skuad projek khas
hoki lelaki yang bakal beraksi pada
Sukan SEA 2023 di Kemboja,
Mei ini, terpaksa menolak pelawaan
Thailand dan Indonesia untuk aksi
persahabatan bagi memastikan corak
permainan pasukan negara menjadi
‘rahsia’.
Ketua jurulatihnya, Muhammad
Amin Rahim, berkata ia kerana
pihaknya tidak mahu strategi pasukan
diketahui oleh pihak lawan menjelang
temasya dwitahunan itu yang dijadual
berlangsung di Phnom Penh dari 5
hingga 17 Mei depan.
Sebaliknya, pasukan muda negara,
dalam persiapan untuk Piala Dunia
Remaja (JWC) pada hujung tahun ini di
Gambar hiasan.
Pencapaian ESG
Tan juga berkongsi bahawa syarikat
yang menepati matlamat Environmental,
Social, and Governance (ESG), lazimnya
mempunyai lebih ramai wakil wanita
dalam bilik lembaga pengarah dan
mereka ini mungkin kurang membesar-
besarkan kelayakan mereka semata-mata
untuk dikekalkan kedudukan mereka..
“Wanita dalam kepimpinan kanan
lebih cenderung bersikap terbuka
tentang pencapaian ESG syarikat mereka
dan kurang mahu memberikan
maklumat yang mengelirukan tentang
syarikat mereka kerana mereka lebih
lantang bersuara, berbanding lelaki,
dalam menyuarakan sikap yang tidak
beretika serta menyokong keputusan
yang memberatkan alam sekitar,”
katanya, menambah, syarikat yang
mengamalkan prinsip ESG mungkin
lebih menarik pelabur serta pelanggan
antarabangsa.
Menurut Tan, di Malaysia, lebih
banyak syarikat mendokong amalam ESG
untuk mempamerkan komitmen
terhadap kemampanan, termasuk
kesaksamaan gender dalam jawatan
kepimpinan kanan.
Tan menambah, fokus kepada
tanggungjawab korporat dan standard
pasukan, yang sudah memulakan latihan
sejak dua hari lepas tidak terganggu,
biarpun dalam bulan puasa.
“Saya banyak bertanya kepada
jurulatih dari luar negara dan juga
berjumpa dengan pakar-pakar sukan
dan makanan, kita tidak ada isu dengan
pemain kami sebab mereka ini pemain
bermusim.
“Bulan puasa ini kita membuat
latihan macam biasa pada waktu petang
dan selepas berbuka, pada setiap Isnin,
Rabu dan Jumaat, kita akan ke gim serta
pada Khamis dan Sabtu, kita akan turun
padang,” katanya.
Berikut senarai 18 pemain:
pandangan beliau telah diambil di luar
konteks. Beliau sekadar memberi
nasihat kepada beberapa ibu bapa
berkaitan masa depan anak-anak
mereka.
“Susulan perbincangan mereka hari
ini Tan Sri Norza dan Dr Kelvin
menganggap isu itu selesai,” menurut
BAM dalam hantaran menerusi media
sosial malam Isnin lalu.
Isnin lalu, satu portal berita
melaporkan Dr Yii memberi
amaran kepada anak-anak dan ibu bapa
Stadium Hoki Nasional Bukit Jalil,
dijangka beraksi dalam aksi pemanas
badan menentang skuad senior yang
sedang bersedia menghadapi Sukan
Asia Hangzhou, China, yang juga
merupakan kelayakan Sukan Olimpik
Paris 2024.
“Kita tidak mahu dedahkan strategi
dan corak permainan kepada musuh.
Kalau tiada halangan, kita akan ke
Australia minggu depan untuk latihan
dan beberapa aksi menentang pasukan
kelab di sana,” katanya ketika ditemui
pada sesi latihan skuad remaja negara,
baru-baru ini.
Walaupun hanya menghantar skuad
junior untuk mencabar negara lain
yang dibarisi pemain senior pada
global memberi tekanan kepada firma
untuk mewujudkan pasukan
kepimpinan yang pelbagai dan
kegagalan berbuat demikian mungkin
menyebabkan mereka gagal menambah
modal serta menarik pelabur.
Sementara itu, kerajaan juga semakin
memberi penekanan kepada dasar
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI)
dalam perniagaan.
“Penting untuk meningkatkan inisiatif
DEI, memandangkan syarikat Malaysia
menghadapi persaingan sengit untuk
mendapatkan mereka yang berbakat dan
perlu menangani isu penggantian dan
risiko orang penting,” katanya.
(DEI adalah elemen penting untuk
mengukur tahap tadbir urus korporat
dalam organisasi. Mulai tahun 2014,
Bursa Malaysia mengkehendaki semua
syarikat yang disenarai awam [PLC]
untuk mendedahkan dalam laporan
tahunan mereka akan dasar DEI mereka,
meliputi semua pekerja lelaki dan
wanita, tanpa mengira umru, kaum,
kemampuan dan kekurangan.)
Pengerusi 30% Club Malaysia Datuk
Ami Moris berkata, sebarang sasaran dan
dasar yang ada kaitan dengan DEI, perlu
mempunyai konteks, yang bermaksud, ia
perlu mengambil kira keperluan serta
Muhammad Zulhisham Rasli,
Muhammad Kamal Hamidi Mohd
Raihan, Mohamad Shah Izwan Nordin,
Wan Azley Wan Omar, Muhd Danish
Haikal Shahizam, Muhammad Ali Imran
Mohd Suhaimi, Muhd Danish Ikhmal
Shahizam, Suhaikal Suhaimi,
Muhammad Harith Iqbal Muhamad
Anhar, Adeen Imann Putra Md
Baharudin, Aiman Nasri Awaludin,
Muhammad Azwan Zuwairi Mat Zizi,
Amirul Ramzan Amir, Muhammad Alif
Aiman Abdul Majid, Eddie Arrif Ferdaus
Freedy, Muhammad Hafizize Sudin,
Shamsul Md Salleh, Asrin Azman. –
Bernama
supaya berfikir dua kali sebelum
mengejar impian mereka bersama BAM,
dengan mendakwa ramai pemain
badminton senior dan junior
ditamatkan kontrak kerana kegagalan
prestasi.
Beliau dipetik sebagai berkata
mereka yang memilih berhenti
daripada program latihan
BAM perlu membayar pampasan
RM30,000, yang menurutnya tidak
melindungi kepentingan pemain. –
Bernama
temasya di Phnom Penh, Malaysia tetap
menjadi pilihan untuk mengekalkan
statusnya selaku pasukan terkuat Asia
Tenggara.
Sukan SEA boleh dianggap sebagai
pemanas badan bagi pasukan
itu menjelang Piala Remaja Asia
bermula 23 Mei hingga 1 Jun di Salalah,
Oman.
Namun, Muhammad Amin, berkata
pihaknya enggan mendabik dada
kerana tidak mahu peristiwa final edisi
2015 berulang, apabila skuad negara
diheret sehingga penentuan penalti
oleh tuan rumah Singapura, selepas
terikat 2-2.
Malaysia, bagaimanapun, berjaya
meraih emas selepas menang 4-3
Rencana 7
matlamat yang strategik pihak pasukan
dan organisasi.
“Jurang gender akan berterusan jika
DEI hanya dilihat sebagai menanda kotak
jawapan. DEI memerlukan kepimpinan
kanan mengambil tanggungjawab serta
memastikan perlaksanaannya,” beliau
memberitahu Bernama dalam
wawancara menerusi emel.
Isu kesihatan mental
Ami, yang juga penasihat Perniagaan
dan Kemampanan Maybank berkata, 30%
Club Malaysia menggalakkan PLC perlu
keluar mencari mereka yang boleh
memberikan pandangan yang lebih
pelbagai.
“PLC perlu juga membuat
pertimbangan yang strategik untuk
menjadikan syarikat lebih berdaya tahan,
mampan dan berjaya. Kajian
menunjukkan ada kaitan antara prestasi
kewangan syarikat dan kepelbagaian ahli
lembaga pengarah mereka,” katanya.
Menurut Ami, pelabur institusi seperti
Khazanah Nasional dan Kumpulan Wang
Simpanan Pekerja (KWSP) mengiktiraf
trend ini dan memberi keutamaan
kepada DEI dalam lembaga pengarah
syarikat yang mereka membuat
pelaburan dan mungkin mengundi tidak
menyokong sebarang perlantikan
baharu yang tidak menambah kepada
kepelbagaian itu.
Sementara itu, pakar psikiatri Aurelius
Hospital Nilai, Dr Malini Elangovan
berpandangan, wanita terutamanya yang
memainkan peranan kepimpinan mungkin
berhadapan dengan risiko isu kesihatan
mental yang lebih tinggi, antaranya akibat
diskriminasi jantina, kesukaran
melaksanakan kuasa serta komitmen atau
ketidaksamaan di tempat kerja.
“Wanita sering berasa tertekan untuk
melaksanakan tugas dan membuktikan
kemampuan mereka di tempat kerja.
Mereka juga dihantui perasaan bersalah
untuk memenuhi jangkaan keluarga
mereka di rumah,” katanya.
Menurut Dr Malini, seorang dalam
lima wanita mengalami masalah
kesihatan mental yang biasa seperti
kemurungan dan kebimbangan. –
Bernama
Mohammad Fitri
kembali bersama
Speedy Tigers
KUALA
Pemain
LUMPUR:
tengah
Mohammad Fitri Saari
(gambar) yang kembali
menyertai latihan
skuad hoki lelaki
kebangsaan tidak
mahu mensia-siakan
peluang kedua itu.
Pemain berusia 30 tahun itu yang
teruja dapat kembali berlatih bersama
skuad Speedy Tigers mahu memastikan
prestasinya pada tahap terbaik untuk
terus berada dalam pasukan.
Mohammad Fitri berkata hasratnya
adalah untuk beraksi bersama
skuad kendalian A. Arul Selvaraj di
Sukan Olimpik Paris 2024 dengan
muncul juara di Sukan Asia Hangzhou
bermula 23 September hingga 8 Oktober ini.
“Saya tak nak sia-siakan peluang kedua
ini. Saya teruja untuk berlatih semula
sebab saya tak nak terlepas kejohanan
bersama pasukan kebangsaan kerana
impian saya nak ke Olimpik.
“Sasaran saya adalah pingat emas
Sukan Asia kerana kalau melalui pusingan
kelayakan, agak susah untuk ke Olimpik,”
katanya ketika ditemui pemberita pada
sesi latihan pertama skuad kebangsaan di
Stadium Hoki Nasional Bukit Jalil, malam
Isnin lalu. Mohammad Fitri, yang
diketepikan daripada skuad kebangsaan
sejak awal 2020, kembali menyertai
latihan skuad Speedy Tigers Isnin lalu,
yang diadakan pada waktu malam ketika
Ramadan. – Bernama
menerusi penentuan penalti.
“Kita akan ada lebih kurang 30
perlawanan antarabangsa menjelang
Jun. Jadi kita boleh tahu di mana tahap
kita, kemudian kita tambah baik dan
betulkan dari segi teknikal, taktikal
dan strategi pukulan sudut penalti,
selain menguji bagaimana pemain
beraksi dalam tekanan dan intensiti
tinggi.
“Kita kini ada 35 pemain, dan hanya
akan kekalkan 30 pemain menjelang
akhir April, yang akan dijangka kekal
sehingga JWC nanti. Pingat emas Sukan
SEA pastinya dapat membakar
semangat pemain menjelang Piala
Remaja Asia dan JWC,” katanya. –
Bernama
 SUKAN
Juara
Liga Super
bakal terima
RM2.4 juta
KUALA LUMPUR: Juara Liga Super musim
ini akan menerima wang hadiah
kemenangan berjumlah RM2.4 juta
menerusi sistem agihan pendapatan
berasaskan merit 2023-2025 yang
diperkenalkan Liga Bolasepak Malaysia
(MFL).
Pengenalan sistem agihan itu turut
membolehkan enam kelab teratas tidak
termasuk juara, meraih lebih RM1 juta
sementara pasukan tercorot tetap
membawa hadiah kemenangan berjumlah
RM600,000 berbanding hanya RM250,000
pada musim lepas.
Kadar agihan pendapatan kepada
keseluruhan 14 kelab yang bertanding
musim ini menyaksikan peningkatan
sebanyak 96.55 peratus iaitu RM15.675 juta
berbanding RM7.975 juta yang diagihkan
kepada 14 kelab yang sama pada 2022.
Ketua Pegawai Eksekutif (CEO) MFL
Stuart Ramalingam berkata sebanyak
RM6.95 juta akan diagihkan kepada setiap
kelab berdasarkan prestasi masing-masing
di penghujung musim sementara juara
dan naib juara Piala MFL masing-masing
menerima RM500,000 dan RM250,000.
“Sistem agihan pendapatan
berdasarkan merit ini sudah dibentangkan
kepada rakan kongsi liga dalam
pertemuan bersama kesemua CEO kelab
Liga-M pada 15 Feb lepas. Sistem ini dilihat
lebih adil buat kelab-kelab yang
mempamerkan prestasi cemerlang
sepanjang musim Liga-M 2023.
Zii Jia kembali ke BAM?
“Pembentangan yang dibuat mendapat
reaksi cukup baik dan mereka menerima
KUALA LUMPUR: Persoalan sama ada
perseorangan lelaki profesional negara,
Lee Zii Jia, kembali ke pangkuan Persatuan
Badminton Malaysia (BAM) masih
menjadi tanda tanya.
Desas desus yang timbul mengatakan
Zii Jia akan kembali ke BAM semakin jelas
selepas Presiden BAM, Tan Sri Mohamad
Norza Zakaria memuat naik gambar beliau
bertemu pemain berusia 25 tahun itu
beberapa kali di laman rasmi
Instagramnya, baru-baru ini.
Bagaimanapun, Mohamad Norza,
ketika dihubungi Bernama pada Selasa,
memaklumkan, dua pertemuannya
bersama pemain nombor empat dunia di
sebuah restoran adalah secara kebetulan
dan tidak dirancang.
Beliau pada masa sama enggan
memberi sebarang komen mengenai
adakah juara Seluruh England 2021 itu
akan kembali bernaung di bawah badan
induk sukan badminton kebangsaan itu.
“Buat masa ini tiada komen, setakat dua
pertemuan adalah terserempak, bukan
dirancang, saya pun nak tunggu hasil
Menteri Belia dan Sukan, Hannah Yeoh,
yang ingin bertemu Zii Jia,” katanya.
Baru-baru ini sebuah media tempatan
melaporkan Zii Jia berkemungkinan
kembali ke BAM apabila pasukan Road To
Gold (RTG) difahamkan bakal
menggerakkan semula pemain terbabit
Ram Singh kekal Presiden PMDKK
GL Oh
KOTA KINABALU: Ram Singh
mempertahankan jawatannya sebagai
Presiden Persatuan Memanah Daerah
Kota Kinabalu (PMDKK) untuk penggal
keempat berturut-turut semasa
Mesyuarat Agung Tahunan yang
diadakan baru-baru ini.
Hjh Kartini Kamis juga mengekalkan
kerusi Timbalan Presiden, manakala
Clarence Jews dipilih sebagai Naib
Presiden.
Setiausaha Agung ialah Shiu Vay
Leung dan beliau akan dibantu oleh
Eugenius Lo Foh Soon, sementara
jawatan Bendahari dan Penolong
Bendahari masing-masing disandang
oleh Stephanie Chin dan Elaine Van Shuk
Lei.
Tujuh ahli jawatankuasa yang dipilih
ialah Richard Chong, Somphon Sararaks,
Anthony Lee, Emily Lo, Charlie Jikulis,
Kenneth Chow dan Renee Sew.
Jawatankuasa baharu itu juga
harianekspres
S U AR A TE MP ATAN AND A I RAB U, 2 9 MAC, 2 0 2 3
cadangan agihan pendapatan
berdasarkan merit untuk diperkenalkan
tahun ini,” katanya dalam kenyataan MFL
pada Selasa.
Sementara itu, Presiden MFL Datuk Ab
Ghani Hassan berkata peningkatan agihan
pendapatan kepada semua kelab Liga
Super musim ini adalah satu petanda
positif terhadap perkembangan kancah
saingan domestik.
Beliau berkata MFL melihat sistem
agihan pendapatan itu akan
menggalakkan semua kelab bersaing
hebat bagi mendapatkan kedudukan
terbaik sekali gus menerima lebih banyak
pendapatan.
“Adalah tanggungjawab MFL sebagai
badan pengelola liga untuk berusaha
meningkatkan pendapatan kelab-kelab
dan kami percaya dengan kerjasama
syarikat-syarikat korporat serta rakan
penyiar, Liga-M dapat terus
dikomersialkan bagi meningkatkan
pendapatan kelab-kelab,” katanya.
Sebagai rekod, susulan impak
pandemik Covid-19 yang melanda, agihan
pendapatan bagi musim 2021 dan 2022
dilakukan berdasarkan dua asas iaitu yang
pertama agihan sama rata sebanyak
RM500,000 dan RM250,000 masing-
masing kepada setiap kelab Liga Super dan
Liga Premier.
Asas kedua ialah hanya kelab yang
menamatkan saingan Liga Super dan Liga
Premier dalam kelompok tiga teratas akan
memperoleh hadiah wang tunai
tambahan. – Bernama
untuk kembali bernaung di bawah badan
induk berkenaan.
Dalam pada itu, Mohamad Norza, yang
juga Presiden Majlis Olimpik Malaysia
(MOM), mengesahkan pertemuan rasmi
bersama pemain berasal dari Alor Setar,
Kedah itu akan diadakan melalui program
RTG yang akan dipengerusikan oleh Yeoh
dan beliau sendiri.
“Kita akan lihat keperluan dia (Zii Jia),”
katanya ringkas.
Sebelum ini media melaporkan Yeoh
memberitahu akan mengadakan
pertemuan empat mata dengan Zii Jia
sebaik pemain itu pulang ke tanah air
selepas tamat siri kejohanan di Eropah
untuk membantu atlet berkenaan susulan
prestasi tidak menentu pemain profesional
itu sejak kebelakangan ini.
Mengulas mengenai prestasi Zii Jia yang
baru pulang daripada Kejohanan All
England dan Terbuka Switzerland,
Mohamad Norza menyifatkan pemain itu
sudah menemui rentak kemenangannya
dan perlu diberikan masa untuk beraksi
lebih baik.
Pada kejohanan All England
menyaksikan, Zii Jia tersingkir di peringkat
separuh akhir selepas ditewaskan pemain
China, Shi Yu Qi 19-21,13-21, manakala
beliau turut terkandas di pusingan sama di
tangan pemain Jepun, Koki Watanabe, 11-
21, 14-21 di Terbuka Switzerland. – Bernama
memilih untuk memasukkan beberapa
pemanah kanan, kakitangan
berpengalaman dan ibu bapa yang aktif
ke dalam pasukan dalam usaha mereka
untuk meningkatkan prestasi persatuan.
Ram yang mengucapkan terima kasih
atas sokongan dan keyakinan yang
diberikan kepadanya, menggesa pasukan
baharunya bekerja lebih gigih bagi
meneruskan legasi persatuan itu.
Beliau dalam satu kenyataan pada
Selasa berkata adalah penting untuk
meningkatkan lagi sukan itu yang
akhirnya akan membawa lebih banyak
kegemilangan untuk negeri dan negara
pada masa hadapan.
“Kami berharap dapat bekerjasama
rapat dengan badan negeri (Persatuan
Memanah Sabah), Kementerian Belia dan
Sukan, Majlis Sukan Sabah, Lembaga
Sukan Sabah dalam usaha bersama
untuk melonjakkan sukan itu ke tahap
yang lebih tinggi,” katanya.
Beliau menambah bahawa beberapa
PEMAIN tengah Republik Ireland, Alan Browne (kiri) melakukan tandukan yang berjaya diselamatkan
oleh penjaga gol Perancis, Mike Maignan (kanan) semasa perlawanan tersebut. – Gambar AFP
Pavard, Maignan pastikan kemenangan Perancis
BOLA SEPAK – Kelayakan Euro 2024
PARIS: Perancis menewaskan Ireland 1-0 di
Dublin pada awal pagi Selasa untuk
kemenangan kedua dalam aksi kelayakan
Euro 2024, manakala Belanda mengatasi
Gibraltar 3-0.
Pertahanan kanan Benjamin Pavard
memecah kebuntuan pada pertengahan
babak kedua aksi di Lansdowne Road
sebelum Mike Maignan memastikan
gawang Perancis tidak dibolosi dalam dua
minit terakhir.
Ketika permainan berbaki 30 saat di
Dublin, penjaga gol AC Milan, Maignan,
yang menggantikan bekas kapten, Hugo
Lloris, menepis keluar tandukan panik
rakan sepasukan, Jule Kounde.
Daripada sepakan sudut yang
diberikan, Maignan sekali lagi
menyelamatkan gawang Perancis, kali ini
daripada percubaan pemain lawan,
Nathan Collins.
“Aksi Mike membolehkan kami terus
Mitsuki sandaran pingat di Kemboja
mendahului dan menang tanpa bolos,
jadi saya boleh katakan yang dia adalah
KUALA LUMPUR: Jurulatih skuad
kebangsaan Zulkhairi Mohd Khir percaya
pemain tenis muda negara, Mitsuki Leong
boleh diletakkan sandaran pingat pada
Sukan SEA Kemboja 2023, berdasarkan
prestasi cemerlang ditampilkan anak
buahnya itu dalam beberapa siri
kejohanan sebelum ini.
Beliau berkata pemain berusia 19 itu
yang kini bersaing pada Kejohanan Tenis
Dunia (ITF) di Mysuru, India yang
membuka tirai semalam hingga Ahad ini
(2 April), berada di landasan tepat untuk
mengumpul mata ITF bagi memastikan
laluan di temasya dwitahunan itu
berpihak kepada dirinya.
“Saya rasa tahap permainan Mitsuki
memang bagus sekarang. Semasa di
Lucknow, India dia mara sehingga ke
peringkat ketiga dan di Jakarta, pada
Januari lepas sampai ke peringkat suku
akhir.
“Jadi, Mitsuki boleh (membantu)
pasukan lelaki meraih pingat gangsa
menerusi acara kumpulan, dan jika
melihat kepada permainan perseorangan
kalau dia boleh lepas sampai ke separuh
akhir dan final, Insya-Allah (pingat
mampu dibawa pulang),” katanya.
Beliau berkata demikian selepas
menerima kunjungan Timbalan Ketua
Kontinjen ke Sukan SEA 2023, Datuk
RAM Singh (duduk tengah) bersama jawatankuasa baharu.
program akan dilaksanakan tidak lama
lagi termasuk seminar yang akan
dikendalikan oleh jurulatih Korea Kim
Hyung Tak pada Mei, mempersiapkan
pemanah menyesuaikan diri dengan
format baharu semasa kejohanan
Memanah CPL pada April, program
Mohammad Fitri
kembali bersama
Speedy Tigers
pemain terbaik perlawanan,” kata pemain
Bayern Munich, Pavard memberitahu
saluran televisyen TF1.
“Saya diberi peluang untuk bermain, ia
satu kejayaan, saya menjaringkan gol,
walaupun tugas utama pertahanan adalah
untuk bertahan,” kata Pavard.
Di Rotterdam, pertahanan tengah
Manchester City, Nathan Ake meledak dua
kali dalam kemenangan Belanda ke atas
Gibraltar, pasukan ranking ke-200 yang
terpaksa beraksi 10 orang.
Penyerang Atletico Madrid, Memphis
Depay membuka jaringan pada babak
pertama menerusi tandukan padu
sebelum pemain veteran, Liam Walker
dilayangkan kad merah pada babak
kedua.
Kapten Belanda, Virgil van Dijk
bagaimanapun menganggap pasukannya
tidak menjaringkan gol yang mencukupi
selepas dibelasah Perancis pada aksi
pembukaan Kumpulan B Jumaat lalu.
“Kami menjaringkan tiga gol, tetapi
Shalin Zulkifli ke pusat latihan skuad tenis
negara di Kompleks Tenis Jalan Duta, Bukit
Tunku, pada Selasa.
Terdahulu, Persatuan Tenis Malaysia
(Tennis Malaysia) mempertaruhkan lima
pemain lelaki dan tiga wanita bagi
menggalas cabaran negara pada Sukan
SEA di Phnom Penh, Kemboja yang akan
berlangsung dari 5 hingga 17 Mei ini.
Pemain lelaki ialah Mitsuki; Koay Hao
Sheng; Imran Daniel Abd Hazli; S.
Darrshan dan Christian Andre manakala
Saw Jo Leen; Shihomi Leong dan Lim Sze
Xuan bagi wanita.
Dalam pada itu, Imran Daniel yang
akan membuat penampilan kedua di
Sukan SEA selepas edisi Hanoi, Vietnam
tahun lepas kini sedang giat menjalani
latihan untuk mempertajamkan
kemahirannya bagi memastikan
penyertaan kali kedua membuahkan hasil.
“Saya rasa persembahan baik cuma
tiada peluang nak menyertai kejohanan di
luar negara untuk menguji kemampuan
diri sendiri. Namun, itu tidak
mematahkan semangat untuk
menggunakan waktu yang ada untuk
berlatih,” katanya.
Pada edisi di Hanoi, skuad tenis negara
meraih dua pingat gangsa menerusi acara
berpasukan lelaki dan beregu wanita. –
Bernama
pembangunan belia dengan input
daripada tiga pemanah muda, serta
lawatan pendidikan untuk ahli mereka
ke beberapa agensi kerajaan.
Sementara itu, Kelab Memanah Para
negeri kini berada di bawah PMDKK
sebagai ahli gabungan.
8
sepatutnya kami perlu menjaringkan
lebih banyak lagi. Kami perlu menang 10-
0 pada perlawanan seperti ini,” kata Van
Dijk.
Dalam saingan Kumpulan F, Sweden
bangkit daripada kekalahan di tangan
Belgium dengan membelasah Azerbaijan
5-0 di Solna. Emile Forsberg, Viktor
Gyokeres, Jesper Karlsson dan Anthony
Elanga menemui sasaran untuk tuan
rumah dan Bahlul Mustafazade
menjaringkan gol sendiri.
Austria menewaskan Estonia 2-1 selepas
ketinggalan hasil jaringan Rauno
Sappinen pada minit ke-25. Pemain sayap
Cologne, Florian Kainz menjaringkan gol
pertama untuk negaranya ketika
permainan berbaki 22 minit dan Michael
Gregoritsch melengkapkan kebangkitan
Austria pada minit-minit akhir.
Sepakan percuma Dominik Szoboszlai
mencetus kemenangan 3-0 Hungary ke
atas Bulgaria untuk permulaan kempen
Kejohanan Golf
yang cemerlang. – AFP
Maybank 2023
kembali dengan
edisi wanita
KUALA LUMPUR: Selepas tertangguh
selama tiga tahun, Kejohanan Golf
Maybank 2023 kembali dianjurkan
menerusi edisi wanita yang mendapat
pengiktirafan Persatuan Golf Profesional
Wanita (LPGA) di Kelab Golf & Country
Kuala Lumpur (KLGCC) di Bukit Kiara dari
26 hingga 29 Oktober ini.
Presiden Kumpulan dan Ketua Pegawai
Eksekutif Maybank Datuk Khairussaleh
Ramli berkata kejohanan menawarkan
hadiah keseluruhan berjumlah US$3 juta
(kira-kira RM13 juta) itu dijangka disertai
78 pemain profesional, dengan 10 slot
dikhususkan kepada pemain Malaysia dan
Asia Tenggara.
Beliau berkata kejohanan musim ini
yang menggunakan tema “Retake the
Green” mencerminkan keyakinan
Maybank kepada pemain wanita untuk
menonjolkan potensi dengan permainan
penuh bergaya ketika beraksi di
lapangan.
“Golf wanita mempunyai pengikut di
seluruh dunia terutamanya di rantau ini
dan kalau tengok pemain terkemuka di
LPGA datangnya dari Asia contohnya,
pemain Malaysia iaitu Kelly Tan.
Disebabkan itu, kalau boleh saya mahu
semua pemain ranking dunia menyertai
kejohanan ini.
“Kita bagaimanapun masih kekalkan
nama kejohanan kerana sudah ada
kerjasama dengan LPGA jadi pasti semua
sudah faham ia kejohanan wanita.
Kerjasama dengan LPGA ini akan
dijalankan sekurang-kurangnya selama
tiga tahun,” katanya kepada pemberita di
sini pada Selasa.
Turut hadir pada majlis pelancaran
kejohanan berkenaan ialah Menteri Belia
dan Sukan Hannah Yeoh, Pengerusi
Kumpulan Maybank Tan Sri
Zamzamzairani Mohd Isa, Ketua Pegawai
Perniagaan LPGA Asia Sean Pyun dan
Presiden Kelab KLGCC Tun Musa Hitam.
Sementara itu, Hannah yang
melancarkan Kejohanan Golf Maybank
2023, yakin kejohanan bertaraf
antarabangsa itu mampu menyediakan
pentas untuk atlet wanita negara
menonjolkan bakat sukan golf serta
membantu pembangunan ekonomi
negara. –Bernama