PPH 8/12/2012 (031085) Vol. 106 Kota Kinabalu, Thursday, April 20, 2023 RM1.

50 Established 1963

759 Filipinos Lumadan All students

deported folks get land are
from after waiting potential
Sandakan for 40 years leaders
PAGE 2 PAGE 3 PAGE 6

Instead of asking for endless reports, says Chamber. Immigration also singled out

Just restore Labuan’s status

Sohan Das and Nikko Fabian
LABUAN: The Labuan Chinese
Chamber of Commerce questioned
the need for yet another report on
what is necessary to uplift the
island’s economy. It feels if the new
unity government is serious in help-
ing Labuan all it needs to do is
restore the tax-free tobacco sales.
Chamber Chairman Datuk Wong Kii Yii
said all economic sectors in the island
protested when the special privilege with-
drawn under Budget 2021 by the previous
government.
“Numerous appeals, including memo-
randa, were submitted to the Ministry of
Finance and other agencies and there were
high expectations that the new Anwar-led
government would restore this colonial-
era privilege in the revised 2023 budget
but was not done,” he said.
Wong said that the island was strug-
gling following the withdrawal was not an
unknown matter. He said even Prime Min-
ister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, when he
visited Kota Kinabalu, admitted Labuan’s
economy was sluggish and called for joint
efforts to address the problem.
“Hence, what is the need for any new
full report on the Labuan situation as sug-
gested by the Deputy Finance Minister.
This could be misconstrued as a way to fur-
ther delay action on Labuan when the
solution is so simple.
“If with the stroke of pen Labuan’s sta-
tus could be revoked, it could also be
restored with the same stroke and it is all
up to the Ministry,” said Wong.
He said there were reportedly plans to
take the Federal Government to court on
the matter as Labuan’s privileges were sup-
posed to be untouched under the terms of
the handover of the territory to Federal in
1984 to become a Federal Territory.
He said another bone in the throat is
the immigration cheeks implemented at
the ferry terminal here and Menumbok
without proper study and adequate facili-
ties not ready.
“This caused a downturn in visitors to
the island and is affecting tourists.”
Wong also expressed regret that
Deputy Finance Minister Steven Sim, dur-
ing his maiden visit here, did not even
bother to engage with the Chamber.
The Deputy Finance Minister only offi-
ciated a DAP convention where he
Wong Daniel
announced the appointment of Labuan
DAP pioneer, Jeremy Wong, as a Special
officer in charge if Labuan affairs, besides
visiting the Customs department.
Meanwhile, Labuan Chamber of Com-
merce (LCC) Chairman Daniel Doughty
said it would provide a comprehensive
report. It said LCC recognises the impor-
tance of having a thriving economy that
benefits all stakeholders as an organiza-
tion that represents the interests of local
businesses, industries and entrepreneurs
on the island since 1977.
“We see this as a positive step towards
addressing the challenges faced by our
local business community and further
enhancing Labuan’s position as the
regional oil and gas development hub,
trans shipment hub for BIMP EAGA, an
international business and financial cen-
One of the prisoners receiving her OBB presented by Kesumawati (second from right) while Mohammad Sa’ad
tre,” the Chamber said.
(third from right) and Head of Parole and Community Services Division Jomison Gondikit (right) looks on.
“LCC does not believe in sending a half
baked report to the MOF for the sake of
just reporting, our aim is to produce a
comprehensive economic report and rec-
ommendations that would position
Labuan to pivot towards a thriving econ-
omy that brings value to the island and
415 prisoners in Sabah, Labuan freed
nearby states, moving away from a silo Sherell Jeffrey, Mardinah Jikur rehabilitation which was 18.6 per cent last leaf.
mindset when planning and growing an and Lagatah Toyos year. In SANDAKAN, five prisoners were
island economy.” KOTA KINABALU: Some 415 prisoners in Inmates eligible for OBB are those serv- released. Sandakan Prisons Director Ab
It said it would reach out to multidisci- Sabah and Labuan were freed as part of ing less than a year and had served one- Nasif Sarahan said all were serving less
plinary professionals and academics, the Licensed Prisoner Release (OBB) pro- third of their sentence, have completed or than a year for substance abuse and fights.
engage with all levels of communities, gramme between January and March this are currently completing the rehabilita- Ab Nasif noted the effectiveness of reha-
business communities, and all relevant year. It was initiated in 2020. tion programme and have a guarantee bilitation in the community among pris-
stakeholders on the ground for their input. Sabah ranked the highest in number of from their employer, family, or a non-gov- oners compared to undergoing
“We will be able to compile it in 4 to 6 prisoners released nationwide, followed ernmental organisation to provide a place rehabilitation in prison.
months time,” he said. by Selangor. For the record, a total of 1,436 to live as well as a job. He said rehabilitation is important in
Past feedback revealed that Labuan’s prisoners in Sabah and Labuan were Upon release, they are monitored by ensuring family and community support
poor economy stemmed from uncertain released under OBB since 2020. the District Parole Officer in their area via for them (prisoners) and being accepted
and ineffective policies and governance Currently, 200 prisoners in Sabah are home visits, employer visits or phone calls. in the community after the end of the sen-
matters. undergoing the programme in terms of There are 191 females doing time at the tence. Two of those freed, aged 44 and 29,
“The report will be backed by credible monitoring. On Wednesday, 38 were Kota Kinabalu prisons, which can accom- were grateful for the opportunity to meet
data and done professionally. The support released under the programme held simul- modate up to 400 at any given time. A their families this festive season.
and collaboration of the Labuan Authority taneously nationwide for the first time. total of 2,576 males are serving time in KK “Drugs brings a lot of problems and I
and government agencies in Labuan are From the 38, some 15 are from the Kota prisons that can house 1,329 at any given hope youngsters, especially, will stay away
essential in sharing their data to ensure Kinabalu Central Prison, one from the time. from substance abuse,” said one.
the report’s success.” Kota Kinabalu Women’s Prison, 10 from “We hope by having this OBB pro- Family members of those released
Tawau Prisons, five from Sandakan Prisons gramme, more prisoners will be able to under OBB were equally happy.
and six from the Labuan Correctional Cen- complete their remaining prison time and “This is our chance to celebrate the fes-

EU puts ban on imports tre. The bulk are serving time for drug-
related offences and have met the
requirements and stages established by
rehabilitation in the community,” said
Mohammad Sa’ad Bantalani, Deputy
Director of Kota Kinabalu Prisons Central.
tive season together because we have
never celebrated without them,” said
mothers and wives to some of the OBBs.
the Prisons Department in order to be eli- Earlier, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Siblings, children, grandchildren and
that speed up deforestation gible for the programme.
“The OBB programme is part of the
Anwar Ibrahim announced the Licensed
Prisoner Release Ihsan Madani scheme
other relatives were also present to wel-
come the prisoners.
approach taken by Prisons to provide which would see more than 1,000 convicts In TAWAU, Rusdi Ismail was among 10
STRASBOURG (France): The inmates the opportunity to go through released under licence throughout prisoners released. He had been in and
European Parliament rehabilitation with the community in Ramadan and Syawal. out of prison four times for drugs in three
adopted a new EU law on addition to reducing expenses and over- One of the beneficiaries, Sarah (not her years and swore not to repeat his mis-
Wednesday that will ban crowding in prisons,” said Kota Kinabalu real name) is relieved to be able to return takes.
imports deemed to be driv- Women’s Prisons Director Kesumawati home and celebrate Hari Raya with her The 32-year-old from Kunak said he
ing deforestation, throwing Ilas, Wednesday. family. The 24-year-old had been in jail for would find work and spend valuable time
the bloc’s trade muscle She said the programme is effective three months for drug abuse. with his family because he was moved by
behind a global fight against and proven through the achievement of Another prisoner Noro (not his real the acceptance of those who remain will-
climate change. the recidivism rate which is 0.24 per cent name), aged 36, who has been in and out ing to wait for his homecoming.
The legislation, which has compared to prisoners who undergo full of prison thrice, is eager to turn over a new See Page 2, Col. 5
to get final approval from the
European Union’s member
countries, would apply to
coffee, cocoa, soy, timber,
palm oil, cattle, printing
Raya aid extended to three more volunteer bodies
An aggregate area of land bigger than the
paper and rubber, and SHAH ALAM: The Gov- Meanwhile, the Finance Ministry said country’s system is damaged, due to the
European Union has been deforested around
derived products, coming ernment has decided to 26,000 people from the three volunteer leadership at the top,” he said when speak-
the world over the past three decades.
from countries around the extend the Aidilfitri Spe- bodies would receive the Aidilfitri Special ing at a breaking of fast and presentation
world. cial Financial Aid to Financial Aid involving an allocation of contributions to Tahfiz students and
Imports that come from land that was cratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Mexico three more volunteer RM7.8 million. orphans at the Ahmadi Mosque, Kampung
deforested after December 31, 2020 will be and Guatemala. bodies, namely the Terri- Last March 29, the Government Rantau Panjang.
prohibited in the huge EU market. The United Nations’ Food and Agricul- torial Army Regiment, announced that more than 200,000 peo- He said although various slogans
Companies sending such merchandise ture Organisation estimates that an aggre- Armed Forces Reserve ple comprising members of the Malaysia related to Malays, Islam, unity and justice
to Europe will have to show a certificate gate area of land bigger than the European Force (PSAT) and Malaysian Maritime Vol- Volunteers Corps Department, Malaysia were used by previous leaders, all of them
guaranteeing they do not come from such Union, or some 420 million hectares unteer Corps (PSMM). Civil Defence Force, police volunteers and had no effect and meaning if there was no
zones, with checks conducted on a sliding (more than one billion acres), has been Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar volunteer firefighters would receive the sincerity and determination to practise
scale according to how high risk the deforested around the world over the past Ibrahim (pic) said this was in response to Aidilfitri financial aid of RM300 each. them.
exporting country is ranked. three decades. applications submitted by these bodies. Meanwhile, Anwar wants the people “We entrust the leadership and the
The European Union is the second- The EU legislation is “the first law in the “There were applications made for and leaders to work together to clean up leadership keeps changing, how many
biggest market for consumption of the world that will bring about the end of allowance for volunteers, namely territo- the country from the past problems, espe- prime ministers have changed over the
targeted products after China. imported deforestation,” one MEP, Pascal rial army volunteers (Territorial Army Reg- cially those involving corruption. years... but the situation is still the same,
The European Parliament estimates Canfin, said. iment), armed forces volunteers (PSAT) He said the country’s Muslims and peo- corruption is still rampant.
Europe is responsible for around 10 per- “All the studies show Europeans don’t and maritime volunteers (PSMM). ple cannot empower Malaysia to become “So I want to change, I want Muslims in
cent of deforestated land around the want to contribute to deforestation, but they “All will come under the category of a Madani nation if they are not willing to Malaysia including in Selangor to change
planet. aren’t able to know—when they take their Aidilfitri aid for volunteers,” he told make changes at all levels, from the top to this perception, as the leader for coopera-
Illegal production has spurred massive cup of coffee in the morning or a mug of hot reporters after a walkabout to meet with bottom. tion and responsible for cleaning the
deforestation in countries such as Brazil, chocolate—that in fact they are accomplices traders at the PKNS Ramadan Bazaar, here, “That’s why my harsh and decisive country from the mess of the past,” he said.
Indonesia, Malaysia, Nigeria, the Demo- to imported deforestation,” he said. – AFP Wednesday. action starts from the top because the – Bernama
 2 Local
Ewon defends election
promise on air fares
KOTA KINABALU:
Entrepreneur Devel-
opment and Cooper-
atives Minister
Datuk Ewon
Benedick (pic)
defended his parlia-
mentary election
promise of RM199
air fares between
Kuala Lumpur and here, saying it was
based on the Pakatan Harapan manifesto.
“This is not my manifesto alone; it is a
manifesto in the Pakatan Harapan offer
MP wants govt to intervene
and can be read in the Pakatan Harapan
Kita Boleh offer,” he said, when asked to
Lagatah Toyos
TAWAU: Kal-
abakan Member
of Parliament
Datuk Andi
Muhammad
Suryady Bandy
(pic) suggested
that airlines
expand the
schedule and tim-
ing of domestic and international
flights in Sabah and consider two-way
travel.
He believes this would prevent air
ticket prices from skyrocketing every
time the holiday season arrives.
“If the flight time is increased, for
example Kuala Lumpur-Tawau-Kuala
Lumpur, the ticket price will undoubt-
edly go down…there are currently fewer
flights and when seats are full, the air-
fare rises,” he said.
He said this in response to the exor-
bitant price of flying to Sabah and
Sarawak, which has irritated many Saba-
hans and Sarawakians working in the
peninsula.
Additionally, Andi, who is also Assis-
Call for stern govt action
tant Minister of Industrial Development
and Entrepreneurship, urged the Gov-
against airline companies
TAWAU: The State Government needs to
take strict action against airline compa-
nies regarding the issue of ticket prices
that are excessively high during the fes-
tive season, said Muhammad Faisal
Mohamad Mohidin.
The Private Secretary to a Dewan
Negara member said the State Govern-
ment must consider the difficulties expe-
rienced by the B40 group and students
who are desperate to return home for the
festival, noting that the issue has been
ongoing for a long time and is frequently
discussed in the Dewan Rakyat and
Dewan Negara.
“When will this issue be resolved?
When it’s time for them to return to their
hometowns, they are charged a very
unreasonable ticket price,” he said.
Glad to leave
He said the long-standing issue con-
prison grounds
From Page One
“I will live with my stepmother’s family
in Kunak, look for work and try to better
myself,” said the eighth of 10 siblings.
He said time in prison taught him many
valuable lessons, including strengthening
his religious knowledge, learning the
importance of duty and appreciating oth-
ers.
“All the officers treat the prisoners well...I
do not want to go in again. I do not want to
be separated from my family anymore,” said
the former restaurant staff. “After this, I will
be more careful in choosing friends so as
not to get trapped again.” he said.
Prisoner Management Director Ajidin
Salleh reminded all the OBBs to appreciate
their early release by not repeating mistakes
or crimes.
“Don’t waste this privilege (early
release)... Hopefully this is your last step
here in the prison. Know that when you are
in prison, there are responsibilities that you
leave behind, there are children and wives
that you leave behind.
“Prison life provides you with meals and
clothing, but think about the responsibili-
ties you leave behind, think about the meals
and welfare of your children, spouse and
parents,” he said.
He also reminded OBBs to learn to adapt
to society and not isolate themselves,
because those who are released are those
who want to start afresh.
At the same time, he reminded families
and employers to open their hearts to help
and welcome these prisoners so that they
will not return to their old ways of engaging
in crime. He also said that 16,073 prisoners
out of the 17,760 who applied for the OBB
nationwide have been released since 2020.
respond to netizens criticisms.
He said people must understand that
the government is comprised of different
coalitions such as BN, GRS, GPS, Warisan
and independent parties that support the
formation of a Unity Government.
He said he is sure the Transport Minis-
ter is discussing with airline companies to
reduce fare during the festive period.
“At the Cabinet level, we have agreed
that the manifesto offered by all of these
coalitions should be a priority to be imple-
mented as a common manifesto.
“That is why, even though only Pakatan
Harapan made this offer in its manifesto,
it is being acted on by members of the
ernment to intervene in dealing with
the recurring issue during the festive
season.
“We hope the Government will inter-
vene to ensure that the price of plane
tickets is affordable in light of the cur-
rent situation and economy.
“We hope the Minister of Transport
will come up with specific initiatives
and alternatives to ensure that ticket
prices can be controlled and are afford-
able for people who want to go home for
Eid with their families,” he added.
Andi said the problem was high-
lighted during the previous Parliament
session, but that there may be some lim-
its in the Transport Ministry.
“However, one of the Ministry’s
responsibilities is to assist the people,
not to mention that the prices of goods
are rising while people’s income is stag-
nant,” he said.
He said many Tawau residents were
affected by the high cost of flight tickets
and that holiday flights abroad were
substantially cheaper.
“All they want to do is return to their
village and be with their love ones... The
Government must address this issue by
considering the two-way journey there
and back,” he said.
tinues to be a burden for approximately
400,000 Sabahans living throughout
Peninsular Malaysia, particularly the B40
group.
Several media outlets have previously
reported that domestic flight tickets in
this country are more expensive a few
days before Hari Raya Aidilfitri.
Flights to Sabah in economy class cost
RM1,123 one way from Kuala Lumpur to
Kota Kinabalu on flights scheduled at
9.15am and 10pm.
Meanwhile, flights from Kuala Lumpur
to Kuching in Sarawak were RM1,025 and
RM1,009.
According to Muhammad Faisal, the
Sabah Government must deal with the
issue decisively by devising the best pos-
sible mechanism to deliver sufficient ben-
efits to the people.
Evacuation of M’sians in Sudan when situation permits
PUTRAJAYA: The process of bringing
back 32 Malaysians who are stranded in
Sudan will be carried out as soon as the
situation permits, said Foreign Minister
Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir.
Speaking at a media conference on
the situation in Sudan here Wednesday,
Zambry said all Malaysian citizens are
safe at seven locations and are provided
with food and medicine for two weeks.
“At the Cabinet meeting today, Prime
Minister Anwar Ibrahim ordered such
efforts to be conducted as soon as the
situation allows.
“I wish to stress the commitment of
the Government to ensure the safety of
Malaysians in Sudan, as the priority,” he
said, adding a special team will bring
back the Malaysians as soon as possible.
Zambry said based on the current
TH URS D AY, APRI L 2 0 , 2 0 2 3
759 Filipinos deported from S’kan
council of ministers who have been
assigned to ensure that action is taken on
the offer raised.
“But the main thing is that the govern-
ment has agreed to increase the number of
flights throughout the holiday season, and
I believe it has reduced ticket prices to
some extent; it’s just that they’re still a lit-
tle high,” he said.
Fares for flights from Kuala Lumpur to
Kota Kinabalu offered by several airlines
A TOTAL of 95 Filipinos (regular passengers) and 759 deportees returned to the
ahead of Hari Raya range between RM400
Philippines from Sandakan to celebrate Aidilfitri with their families.
and RM1,200.
They arrived in Zamboanga City late Wednesday afternoon after a 16-hour
A one-way economy ticket from Kota
journey on board M/V Antonia 1.
Kinabalu to Tawau, on the other hand, was
Health
The deportees comprised 719 adults and 40 children aged below 12.
close to RM600.
The vessel arrived at the Sandakan Port at 4.40pm on Tuesday with some
171 passengers from Zamboanga City.
D-G Noor
After boarding of deportees and regular passengers, the vessel sailed back
to its original port at 1.30am on Wednesday.
Hisham
The deportation exercise was carried out by personnel from the Sabah
Immigration Department, police, port personnel and other relevant local
authorities, including officials from the Philippine Embassy in Kuala Lumpur
retires
and M/V Antonia 1 crew.
Meanwhile, it was reported that Indonesians living in the country are start-
ing to travel home to celebrate Aidilfitri in their hometowns, and the ferry ter-
minal here has become busier and livelier than usual.
A check at the Tawau Ferry Terminal found that people of various ages had
Anti-hop Bill: Engagement
KUALA LUMPUR: been waiting since early in the morning to buy tickets to board the ferry to
Health Minister Dr Nunukan, Indonesia. – Nikko Fabian
Zaliha Mustafa on
Wednesday thanked
session and studies needed
Health Director-Gen-
eral Tan Sri Dr Noor
Hisham Abdullah
(pic) for his 35 years
of service and contri-
bution to public
healthcare. KOTA KINABALU: It party.
Dr Zaliha said Dr Noor Hisham recorded is important for the “For that reason, the provisions of the
several engagements and achievements State Government law related to anti-hopping need to take
both locally and globally during the period to hold an engage- into account various factors.
and his tenure was fully utilised to build a ment session with “The basis is a commitment to the
resilient healthcare system for Malaysians to stakeholders and democratic system and the need to bal-
be on par with foreign countries. non-governmental ance between party decision factors and
“Celebrating Health Director-General organisations voter sentiment.
(NGOs) before “The anti-hopping law also needs to be
Tan Sri Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah’s retire-
tabling the anti- avoided as a tool for party leaders to turn
ment. This ceremony is to honour and to
hopping bill in the Sabah Legislative their backs on the values and norms of
express gratitude for the dedicated service
Assembly (DUN) this year, said Telupid democracy itself,” he said.
that Tan Sri Dr Noor Hisham has given
throughout his time with the Ministry. Assemblyman Jonnybone Kurum (pic). He was responding to the statement by
He said before tabling the bill the State Warisan President and Senallang Assem-
“I am confident that Tan Sri’s service will
not end here. In fact, his expertise is still Government also needs to examine the blyman Datuk Seri Shafie Apdal who
needed for the development of national propriety of fully adopting the provisions plans to table a Private Bill Related to
health and medical practice. of the national anti-hop law for expan- Anti-Hopping in the DUN.
“On behalf of MOH, I would like to wish sion to the State. Jonnybone said in principle, the
happy retirement and express our deepest “Among things that need to be studied expansion of the provisions of the law
appreciation to Tan Sri Dr Noor Hisham for is the definition and form of actions that related to anti-hopping as soon as possi-
his service, dedication and contribution to are categorised as party-hopping which ble is highly agreed upon as a reform and
the ministry,” she said in a post on Facebook, leads to the dropping of assemblyman strengthening of the implementation of
Wednesday. status. the democratic system in Sabah.
Dr Noor Hisham, who was regarded a “For example, can the decision of an “We are grateful that today almost all
national hero when the country was faced assemblyman who does not leave the parties in Sabah support the implemen-
with the Covid-19 pandemic, will retire this party but does not agree with the party tation of the provisions of the anti-hop-
Friday after over three decades of govern- leader’s decision in a matter involving the ping law.
ment service. Dr Noor Hisham was also affairs of the DUN be considered as ‘hop- “This includes parties who have been
recipient of the 1442H/2020 Tokoh Maal ping’? ‘victims’ and parties who have ‘benefited’
Hijrah award at the national level. “As is happening to some BN assembly- from various forms of ‘political hopping’,
Meanwhile, Dr Noor Hisham said all he men in Sabah now. They contested on the as Shafie and Parti Warisan themselves
wanted to do was to take a break after serv- BN ticket and won against Parti Warisan, once ‘benefited the hopping’ to seize the
ing the Health Ministry (MOH) for 35 years. but were forced by party leaders to State Government in May 2018. The State
“Take a rest first,” he said when met by change the Chief Minister with a Chief Government led by him was formed after
the media after clocking out at 4.17pm on Minister-candidate they did not agree receiving opposing assemblymen who
his last working day at the MOH, Wednes- with from the party they were fighting jumped from Barisan Nasional (BN),” he
Man missing
day. against. added.
“Alhamdulilah, everything went “Can their action of not following the
smoothly, Covid-19 cases too have reduced instructions of the party leader be consid-
after boats
and we are able to keep the situation under ered as ‘hopping’, when since the begin-
control and yes, I have been looking forward ning of the election the voters also chose
collide in
A rare gesture
to retiring,” said Dr Noor Hisham. – them not only on the basis of the party
Bernama but on the basis of rejecting the opposing
Semporna
KOTA KINABALU: A giant billboard in Bukit SEMPORNA: A man has been reported
Garam, Kinabatangan, that displayed Raya missing after two boats collided near the
greetings from Kinabatangan Member of Parlia- Hotel Seafest waters here, at 2pm, on Tues-
ment Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin raised day.
many eyebrows. Semporna Fire and Rescue Station Chief
This is because it featured both his wives, Abdul Kadir Ab Halalan said they were
Datin Seri Nor Asidah Alimudin and Datin Seri only notified of the incident at 11am on
Zizie Izette Abdul Samad. Wednesday. 8
They said other leaders usually only featured He said they were informed that the
their first wives while others remained in the collision resulted in one of the boats cap-
background, even unseen. sizing.
It is understood that the former Deputy Chief A search and rescue team has been
Minister previously had a fasting month greet- deployed to the area and the man has yet
ing card also with both wives. – Sherell Jeffrey to be found as at press time. – Lagatah
Toyos
evaluation, the safe route out is by air is more than 2,000 people were reported humanitarian aid operations after three
via Khartoum International Airport, to be injured, and the number of casual- of its staff became victims in this battle,”
nonetheless, the airport is still not in ties is feared to be increasing because of he said.
operation as it has become a target of the restrictions on access to the battle- Regarding the developments in
the battle. field and Sudan’s health services are cur- Tunisia following the arrest of the top
Violent fighting broke out on Satur- rently operating at a minimal level. leader of the Ennahda Party, Rached
day (April 16) between the Sudanese Sharing the latest developments at Ghannouchi, reportedly detained by the
Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramili- the Petronas Complex in Sudan which Tunisian authorities on Monday, Zambry
tary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Khar- was taken by force last Monday, he said said Wisma Putra is closely following the
toum and other cities, with both sides SAF which is still occupying the building developments and hoped that the coun-
accusing each other of fuelling the con- have made the roof in block B a post to try would soon reach a solution so that
flict. monitor any activities that may threaten the situation would return to stability.
Tensions between the two military the SAF headquarters. “The best thing is for them to come
forces have escalated since Wednesday Describing the situation of unrest in up with a solution at the national level
in the Merowe region of northern Sudan Sudan as very complex, Zambry said the and reach a consensus to stop the unsta-
after the RSF took military vehicles to a World Health Organisation (WHO) and ble situation in the country,” he said.
location near a military airbase there the World Food Programme (WPF) have He said Malaysia will not interfere in
which SAF considered illegal. expressed their respective concerns the affairs of other countries but if a
Zambry said based on the latest about the situation. country is not peaceful, it will affect the
reports, 185 people were killed while “WFP, for example, has stopped its international community. – Bernama

Lumadan folks get land
after waiting for 40 years
Iskandar Dzulkifli
LUMADAN: Seventeen Kg Karangan house-
hold heads living on land owned by Sawit
Kinabalu can breathe a sigh of relief after
40 years, as the land is being gazetted as a
village reserve.
Lumadan Assemblyman Datuk Ruslan
Muharam announced the good news dur-
ing the Sawit Kinabalu Lot Handover, pre-
sented by Sawit Kinabalu Group Managing
Director Datuk Bacho Jansie in Kg
Karangan, here.
Representatives of the 17 heads of fam-
ilies involved also witnessed Bacho hand-
ing over the 10-acre government-linked
company (GLC) land lot to Beaufort Dis-
trict Officer Mohd Nazri Ajun for the
gazetting process.
One of the recipients of the land lot,
Adek Awang Mokti, 67, described it as the
most meaningful gift after almost 40 years
living on the land with his late mother,
father and other relatives.
He was also relieved as he no longer has
to worry about having to relocate, should
their application to occupy the land two
State Govt ready to review regulatory barriers
Safar (9th left) together with industry leaders at the function.
Mohd Izham Bin Hashim
KOTA KINABALU: The State Government is
prepared to review regulatory barriers to
facilitate the implementation of the Sabah
Maju Jaya (SMJ) plan to ensure more busi-
ness-friendly policies for industry players
To this objective, State Secretary Datuk
Seri Safar Untong described the establish-
ment of the Pemudahcara SMJ as a mani-
festation of public-private sector
cooperation which acts as a conducive
platform to receive input and new recom-
mendations from industry players to
improve trade policies and other relevant
issues.
“It is hoped the policies review process
involving ordinances and enactments can
be continued with the involvement of
Pemudahcara SMJ to eliminate bureau-
cracy and allow improvements to be made
in an organised manner,” he said at the
launch of the Pemudahcara SMJ ceremony
held in conjunction with an iftar function.
He admitted previous amendments of
policies were formulated from the depart-
ment’s point of view and that of the public
Man sets himself on fire after
service.
failing law exams for 3rd time
SEGAMAT: A man set himself on fire before
being rescued by a petrol station owner in
an incident here on Tuesday.
Segamat District police chief Superin-
tendent Ahmad Zamry Marinsah said the
24-year-old man used a lighter to ignite
the petrol he had poured on himself at a
Petron gas station on Jalan Ibrahim.
“The petrol station owner, who is in his
60s, managed to save the victim by putting
out the blaze using a fire extinguisher,” he
said in a statement. However, the victim
then ran towards and sat in the middle of
the Seremban-Johor Baru road.
“A lorry driver passing through the road
stopped his vehicle when he saw the man
Use face masks, umbrellas: Minister
in the middle of the road, but the car
PUTRAJAYA: The public is advised to use
face masks, umbrellas and hats to avoid
direct exposure to the hot weather and
haze currently affecting the country, said
Health Minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa.
She said people should also avoid
strenuous activities to prevent illness dur-
ing the current weather conditions.
“Limit the time spent outdoors to avoid
exposure to the hot weather and
haze,” she said in a statement following
the current weather, which is affecting the
air quality and ambient temperature in
several areas.
Fuel prices remain unchanged
Natural Resources, Environment and
Climate Change Minister Nik Nazmi Nik
KUALA LUMPUR: The retail prices
of  RON97 and  RON95 petrol as well as
diesel will remain unchanged for the April
20 to 26 period.
The Finance Ministry, in a statement
Wednesday, said RON97 remains at RM3.35
per litre, RON95 (RM2.05 per litre)
and diesel (RM2.15 per litre).
“To protect consumers from global oil
price increase, the government will main-
years ago be rejected.
“Thank you to Sawit Kinabalu for being
concerned about our plight and of course
I am happy because the gift of this land lot
is like an Aidilfitri ‘gift’ for all of us,” he
said.
Another resident, Haslinda Buang, 33,
also shared the same relief, because she
had been living on the same land with her
parents since she was born up until
becoming a mother herself.
She also appreciated those who played
their role in making their dreams come
true, especially Ruslan, Bacho and the
Lumadan Native Chief.
“I am very grateful, my worries are gone
and as a family we greatly appreciate the
role of the parties who made our dreams
come true,” she said.
Meanwhile, Ruslan who is also Assis-
tant Minister to the Chief Minister said the
gazette is the result of Chief Minister
Datuk Seri Hajiji Mohd Noor’s concern
and commitment to fill the needs of the
people.
He also praised Sawit Kinabalu’s efforts
“From this point onwards, we look for-
ward a more detailed assessment and feed-
back on amendment of policies, legislation
and enactment from appointed members
in the Pemudahcara SMJ,” he said.
Safar noted this move will not only meet
the expectations of stakeholders but also
prevent corrupt practices, leakages and
boost public confidence in the govern-
ment.
Furthermore, he hoped the participa-
tion of pemudahcara SMJ and industry
players in the review of polices and regula-
tions can simplify the system delivery
process especially with regards to invest-
ment matters.
He pointed such proactive measures to
establish good work process fosters a con-
ducive, healthy business climate, and thus
increases the government’s revenue
stream, creates job opportunities and
drives the state economy forward.
In his message, Safar also called upon
members of the public service to strive
towards enhancing governance to boost
the confidence of all stakeholders.
To realise its mission of ensuring best
behind failed stop in time and collided
with the back of the lorry,” said Ahmad.
The burnt man was sent to Segamat
Hospital by ambulance for treatment.
Medical officers said he sustained
burns to nearly 70 per cent of his body,
and is being held in the hospital for fur-
ther treatment.
In a statement, the man said he
attempted suicide because he was
ashamed to face his family after failing his
law degree examinations a third time.
Police are conducting further investiga-
tions to verify the information.
Those with information related to this
case can contact the Segamat district Con-
trol Centre’s hotline at 07-9324222.
Ahmad was reported to have said that the
haze is expected to be worse this year
compared to the last three years as plan-
tation and industrial activities have
returned to normal operations.
Based on monitoring of the hot
weather status by the Malaysian Meteoro-
logical Department  yesterday, several
areas were reported to be in the Warning
Level 1 (Caution) category and no areas
were reported to be in Warning Level 2
(heat wave).
Dr Zaliha also urged the public to keep
windows closed to prevent haze particles
from entering their houses or buildings. –
Bernama
tain the ceiling price of RON95 at RM2.05
per litre and diesel at RM2.15 per litre, even
though the market price for both prod-
ucts has increased beyond the current ceil-
ing price,” it said.
The ministry said the government
would continue to monitor the trends of
global crude oil prices and take appropriate
measures to ensure the continued welfare
and well-being of the people. – Bernama
TH URS D AY, APRI L 2 0 , 2 0 2 3
for handling the matter during the
lengthy time it did not have a solution and
successfully resolving the issue under
Bacho’s administration in the end.
“Thankfully the government that exists
today led by Hajiji takes a people-centric
approach in solving issues, in line with the
aspirations of Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ).
“This shows that the Chief Minister is a
person who cares about the people’s prob-
lems,” he said.
Additionally, Bacho said in addition to
handing over the land in Kg Karangan, the
group has taken the same approach in sev-
eral other areas, involving 661 acres owned
by Sawit Kinabalu.
He said the company has handed over
331 acres of land to residents in Pitas so it
can be gazetted as a village, including 130
acres in Kota Marudu and 200 acres in
Semporna.
“This noble effort will ease Sawit Kina-
balu’s management in obtaining Sustain-
able Palm Oil (MSPO) and SPO
certification after the land-related issues
are resolved,” he said.
governance practices in the civil service, he
affirmed the state government has issued
Guidelines and Circulars for Best Practices
in the Public Sector.
This was followed by the Sabah Good
Regulatory Practices which was launched
by Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor on
Sept 19, 2021, and establishment of the
Guideline Book for the Implementation of
Best Practices Policies in Sabah (GRP
Sabah).
“These three documents serve as an
important reference point for all legal
coordinators at every ministry department,
agencies in implementing policies review
of their respective agencies in a more sys-
tematic, transparent and effective manner,
“he said.
With this, Safar reminded public ser-
vants to continue enhancing the effective-
ness of service delivery system which
should exceed the expectation of users.
“It’s also vital for Permanent Secretaries
of Ministries, District Officers and public
servants to give their level best in enhanc-
ing service delivery in line with the
Seda: Practise
Malaysia Madani concept, “he said.
sustainable
energy
management
KUALA LUMPUR: Sustainable Energy
Development Authority (Seda) Malaysia
recommends that those planning to leave
their homes during the Hari Raya Aidilfitri
holidays practise sustainable energy man-
agement, including reducing excessive
energy consumption.
In a statement Wednesday, it said that
this can be achieved by consuming energy
with prudence, including turning off
lights and electronic equipment when not
in use, using energy-efficient equipment
and lighting such as LED light bulbs, and
positioning furniture properly so as not to
obstruct airflow or affect the temperature
in the house.
“Preparing Raya dishes also involves the
use of a lot of energy. Changing existing
equipment to energy-efficient appliances
that have a four-or five-star rating by the
Energy Commission will be able to con-
tribute to energy savings,” read the state-
ment.
The public is also encouraged to make
the most of natural light by opening win-
dows and curtains, particularly during the
day, and allowing room for outside air to
enter because doing so can lessen the need
for artificial lighting and aid with the
reuse of renewable energy.
In addition, Seda recommends the use
of modes of transportation that actively
preserve the environment.
“Motor vehicle (exhausts) are the
major source of air pollution in major
cities, contributing 90 per cent of carbon
dioxide gas emissions. Therefore, if possi-
ble, opt for low-carbon and energy-effi-
cient modes of transportation, such as
taking the bus, walking, cycling, or car-
pooling.
“If you can afford it, you can choose to
use an electric or hybrid car to attain max-
imum energy efficiency,” according to the
statement. – Bernama
Ruslan (fifth left) witnessing the handing over of the
land lot by Bacho (second right) to the District Officer.
Police summonses payable in court
ineligible for RM50 special offer
KUALA LUMPUR: Summonses which are to
be paid in court are not eligible for the
special rate of RM50 announced by Prime
Minister Anwar Ibrahim Tuesday.
Bukit Aman traffic investigation and
enforcement department director Mat
Kasim Karim said the offer announced yes-
terday was different from the up to 60pc
discount on summonses offered in con-
junction with the 216th Police Day recently.
He said the Police Day discount earlier
did not cover some summonses. Among
them were accident cases, non-com-
poundable offences, beating the red light
and summonses with warrant status.
Miri logging firm hits back at
“But the special summons rate
groups for pressuring it to drop suit
PETALING JAYA: Miri-based timber com-
pany Samling Plywood has criticised a
group of civil society organisations for
urging it to withdraw its defamation suit
against NGO SAVE Rivers and its board.
Samling said it is disappointing that
they have sought to stifle its rights to seek
appropriate legal remedy without under-
standing the context that led to the cur-
rent position.
“Instead of justifying their position in a
Malaysian court, SAVE Rivers and those
responsible have now resorted to external
and overseas pressure tactics to force a
withdrawal of the pending claim,” it said
in a statement today.
It also denied allegations that its deci-
sion to commence action amounted to a
Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participa-
tion (SLAPP).
Samling said about a year before initi-
ating legal action, it had taken all efforts
possible to address and clarify any misun-
derstanding and misinformation with
SAVE Rivers.
These efforts included reaching out to
those at the NGO to clarify matters, but it
was “flatly refused”.
It also claimed to have engaged with
the leaders of the local community and
organised a seminar to brief on the forest
Redonah presenting a sourvenir to Mohd Razali.
Gagasan Rakyat Wanita wing
announces its exco, committee
KOTA KINABALU: Parti Gagasan Rakyat
Sabah (Gagasan Rakyat) Wanita Chief
Datuk Redonah Bahanda said the move-
ment’s exco and committee at the State
level has been formed Monday.
She said Sahramah Jamaludin was
appointed Wanita Movement’s Perma-
nent Chairperson, while her Deputy
Chairperson is Halijah Din with Aziah
Atoh as the Vice Chairperson and
Fahzean Mohiddin as the Assistant Secre-
tary.
The rest are Datuk Jamaliah Antalip
(Assistant Treasurer), Annabell @
Suzieana Perian (Information Chief) and
the committee members - Datuk Surinam
Sadikun, Datuk Hajah Amelia Ajun, Salmi
Sarinoh, Dayang Norhayati Titing, Has-
rina Wati Golkhan, Dayang Hairena
Awang Basir, Hasma Nurdin, Maria
Wahaya, Saridah Ab. Lakata, Salmah Sait,
Luvita Koisun, Sabini Ansumor, Jahiah @
Jalilah Apiang, Erveana Ansari, Kathie
Renjus, Aneh Jamri, Dr Davina Datuk
Markus Majihi, Saturah Jamrah @ Mastu-
rah, Lailawati Ahmad Bahrom, Dayang
Masni Datu Saribu and Shazlinah Lai
Wun Fong.
Redonah also chairs the Political
Bureau, while Aziah for the Membership
Bureau, Fahzean (Training Bureau), Dr
Davina (Health Bureau), Kathie (Welfare
Bureau), Jahiah @ Jalilah (Education
Bureau), Shahlinah (Entrepreneurship
Bureau), Lailawati (IT and Media Bureau),
Dayang Norhayati (Sports and Culture
Local 3
announced by the prime minister yester-
day is different and is lower than the 60%
discount for each summons.”
Mat Kasim said members of the public
can settle their summonses online via the
MyBayar Saman application.
They can also do so in person at all traf-
fic counters at police contingent and dis-
trict headquarters nationwide from April
21 to May 21.
Mat Kasim said police were also not
limiting the total number of traffic sum-
monses which can be paid by the people
during this period and welcomed them to
settle all summonses they have received. –
FMT
management certification process under
the Malaysian Timber Certification
Scheme (MTCS).
“Despite that, SAVE Rivers continues to
level the same accusations against Sam-
ling, seriously harming and tarnishing
Samling’s reputation as a result. Samling
had no other option but to resort to filing
the claim,” it said, adding it only took legal
action a day before the expiry of the one-
year limitation for defamation suits.
Yesterday, FMT reported that 160 civil
society organisations sent a solidarity let-
ter to Samling, one month before the start
of the trial scheduled for May 15, to urge it
to withdraw its defamation suit against
SAVE Rivers and its board of directors.
Simon Siah, counsel for SAVE Rivers,
said the United Nations special rappor-
teurs on Human Rights Defenders, and
Rights of Indigenous Peoples, and the
Business and Human Rights Resource Cen-
tre have recognised that Samling’s suit
may be classified as a SLAPP.
Samling is suing SAVE Rivers for alleged
defamatory statements with regards to
consultations of local communities under
the MTCS. It is seeking an apology, an
injunction to stop the NGO from reporting
community claims and RM5 million in
damages. – FMT
Bureau), Dayang Masni (Religion
Bureau), Mastura (Women and Commu-
nity Bureau), Erveana (Law Bureau) and
Luvita Koisun (Housing and Urban
Bureau).
The Heads of Coordinators are Has-
rina Golkhan (Kudat, Kota Marudu),
Jamaliah Antalip (Kota Belud, Tuaran),
Salmi Sarinoh (Sepanggar, Putatan),
Salmah Sait (Penampang, Kota Kina-
balu), Dayang Hairena Awang Basir
(Papar, Kimanis), Datuk Surinam
Sadikun (Beauford, Sipitang), Datuk
Amelia Ajun (Keningau, Ranau), Sabini
Ansumor (Pensiangan, Tenom), Hasma
Nurdin (Batu Sapi, Sandakan, Libaran),
Dayang Norhayati Titingan (Kinabatan-
gan, Beluran), Saridah Ab Lakata (Lahad
Datu, Semporna) and Maria Wahaya
(Kalabakan, Tawau).
Redonah hoped the exco and commit-
tee members will carry out their respon-
sibilities with full commitment and trust
in helping the party implement various
agendas and programmes.
“As the party’s wing, we are also
responsible for helping the leadership of
the State Government, especially in
ensuring that efforts to defend the people
can be implemented by achieving targets
and goals,” he said during the Wanita’s
Exco special meeting at the Sabah Inter-
national Convention Centre (SICC) here
Tuesday.
Gagasan Rakyat Secretary-General
Datuk Mohd Razali Razi was also present.
 Three-fold jump in jobless Malaysian PhD holders
4 Local
PETALING JAYA: The number of PhD gradu-
ates increased from 1,247 in 2010 to 4,560 in
2020. However, the rate of unemployment
for doctorate holders under 35 has
increased from seven per cent in 2010 to 16
per cent in 2020.
In a Graduate Tracer Study in 2021, the
Higher Education Ministry recorded that
out of 2,501 PhD graduates, 63 or 2.5 per cent
were waiting for job placements and 220 or
YS loan repayment discounts
KOTA KINABALU:
Yayasan Sabah
Group once again
implemented repay-
ments discounts,
with up to 25 per
cent (lump sum pay-
ment) and 15 per
cent (half loan pay-
ment) under its
Appreciation Rebate Programme from
April until 30 June 2023, to ease the burden
to repay their study loan balances.
According to the Director of Yayasan
Sabah, Datuk Sri Haji Gulamhaidar @
Yusof bin Khan Bahadar (pic), the pro-
SESB’s 4WDs gift to KTYS
KOTA KINABALU: Kolej Teknologi Yayasan
Sabah (KTYS) received three four-wheel
drive vehicles from Sabah Electricity Sdn
Bhd (SESB).
Equipped with modern and safety fea-
tures, they would be used for educational
and operational purposes, particularly its
Automotive Technology Programme and
enhance quality education for its stu-
dents.
The handover was held at the City
Campus, Sembulan and attended by KTYS
CEO Haji Samin Haji Ongki, SESB CEO Ir Ts
Mohd Yaakob Hj Jaafar and senior repre-
sentatives both from sides (pic).
Putrajaya Ramadan achieves
Haji Samin expressed his gratitude to
SESB for the generous donation, saying it
target, attracts 600,000 visitors
PUTRAJAYA: The 11th edition of the Putra-
jaya Ramadan Festival 2023 (FRP 2023) has
so far recorded 600,000 visitors, exceed-
ing the target of 500,000 for the month-
long festival.
Director of the Licensing Division, City
Services Department of the Putrajaya Cor-
poration (PPj) Jeffri Mustapa said the FRP,
an annual event organised by PPj, started
on March 22 and will close on April 21.
The festival, themed “Seindah
Ramadan, Harmoni Lebaran”,  has two
components, namely the Ramadan Bazaar
and the Aidilfitri Sale which are aimed at
making Putrajaya a one-stop centre for
selling iftar food and Aidilfitri essentials.
“Alhamdulillah, with the response  so
far, PPj is confident of attracting more vis-
itors this year.
“This encouraging response is evident
with the number of patrons arriving even
on weekdays, and even more on weekends.
Many of them converge to the Ramadan
Bazaar, the Aidilfitri Sale at  the Syawal
Anjung and the Laman Iftar area,” he said
when met by Bernama.
For this year’s FRP, PPj features a new
element at the Ramadan Bazaar with the
setting up of four Mini Ramadan Bazaars
at the parking lot, Taman Seri Empangan,
Precinct 5, involving the participation of 11
Getting goods
traders; Public Market parking area,
Precinct 8 (12 traders); the site in front of
at reasonable
prices: Fama
KUALA LUMPUR: The Federal Agricultural
Marketing Authority (Fama) will expand
the location of the Direct Sales From Farm
(JTDL) programme in an effort to help
more people get essential goods at reason-
able prices.
FAMA Deputy Director-General of  feared lost while searching for vegetables,
operations Abdul Rashid Bahari said
among the planned new locations
for the programme were  government
office complexes in Putrajaya and Kuala
Lumpur.
“We will also have the programme at
People’s Housing Projects (PPR), mostly in
dense areas with many people from the
B40 group. Also, at the outlets of FAMA
entrepreneurs such as Agrobazaar Kedai
Rakyat, AgroBazaar Rakyat and at the
supermarkets of our strategic partners
such as Aeon or Lotus’s,” he said when con-
tacted. – Bernama
8.8 per cent were unemployed.
Human Capital Consultant Usha Devi
Arumugam said employers need to know
the work history of PhD graduates seeking
employment.
“There could be a mismatch in their
qualifications and what the industry is look-
ing for,” she told the Sun.
Usha Devi said the job market might not
see the added value of PhD degrees.
gramme was an incentive from Yayasan
Sabah Group to borrowers.
“Previously, the 25 per cent rebate was
only given to study loan borrowers who
wanted to shorten their payment period
by at least 75 per cent of the prescribed
repayment period.
“For 2023, through this special 25 per
cent and 15 per cent rebate programme,
borrowers are eligible for rebates offered
based on the conditions set,” he explained.
“This incentive will supplement the Fed-
eral Government’s efforts to implement the
Loan Repayment Incentive of the National
Higher Education Fund Corporation
(PTPTN), with effect from 1 March 2023.
would greatly benefit KTYS in achieving
its academic and operational goals.
Haji Samin emphasised the impor-
tance of collaborations between industry
and academia in nurturing the next gen-
eration of skilled professionals for Sabah’s
human capital.
Ir Ts Mohd Yaakob expressed delight in
contributing to KTYS’ mission of provid-
ing technical education to the youth of
Sabah. The donation was part of SESB’s
commitment to supporting education
and empowering the youth of Sabah.
He highlighted SESB’s dedication to
supporting the development of the local
community and reiterated its corporate
social responsibility initiative.
PPj Depot, Precinct 9 (45 traders) and the
Precinct 14 night market site (145 traders).
A total of 290 traders participated in
the Ramadan Bazaar at Precinct 3, he said.
“This Mini Ramadan Bazaar is opened
following the overwhelming  response
from traders. We received 500 applica-
tions. So we decided to open a bazaar
at  another location to give the
traders, who were previously affected by
the COVID-19 pandemic, an opportunity
to increase their income,” he said.
He said the opening of the Ramadan
Mini Bazaar provided an alternative
option for the residents of Putrajaya, other
than the Ramadan Bazaar at Precinct 3.
Jeffri said the Ramadan Mini
Bazaar also attracted residents from out-
side the Putrajaya area.
To ensure cleanliness and hygiene at
FRP2023,  he said more than 100 personnel
were tasked with monitoring the compli-
ance of traders to the stipulated regula-
tions daily.
Regarding the Aidilfitri sale at Anjung
Syawal, which is located in front of PPj, he
said it had been agreed that business oper-
ations there be extended until 2am on
April 12 to 18 and until 5am on the last
three nights of Ramadan, which are on
April 19 to 21.
“This is to give the public the opportu-
nity for last-minute Aidilfitri
shopping,” he said.
Regarding tPPj’s planning for FRP next
year, Jeffri said PPj will improve various
facilities, increase the location of the
Ramadan Bazaar and Mini Ramadan Bazaar,
as well as intensify promotional activities
through cooperation with the Ministry of
B’fort village couple reported lost found safe
Tourism, Arts and Culture (Motac) to attract
foreign tourists. – Bernama
Ahmad Apong
BEAUFORT: A couple in Kg Melalugus,
were found safe on Monday.
Head of Mohammad District Fire and
Rescue Station Hasbullah Nenggok con-
firmed on Tuesday that the husband and
wife were found safe but weak.
He said the fire brigade arrived at the
scene and found the tired couple at the
river bank of Tanjung Kg Melulugus at
8.33pm.
The victims only suffered minor
injuries as the man had fallen when
they tried to find their way home, he
said.
Since they were both safe, no SAR was
TH URS D AY, APRI L 2 0 , 2 0 2 3
She added that talent seekers and
human resource personnel may ask for
additional skills and expertise within the
field of PhD qualification compared with
the skills and expertise of employees who
have a Master’s or Bachelor’s degree,
diploma or even a certificate.
“Some PhD graduates are not willing to
take a step back in their careers and because
of this, the industry might find them
“Yayasan Sabah Group is also offering a
15 per cent rebate to borrowers who wish
to pay half (50 per cent) of their loan bal-
ance. Interested borrowers must, however,
sign the rebate acceptance letter pro-
vided,” he said.
For that purpose, YSG diversified its
payment facilities to make it easier for bor-
rowers to make payments. Throughout the
programme, borrowers can make pay-
ments online, among other modes of
remittance.
“Borrowers have various digital pay-
ment options, such as the Maybank2u
Electoral Roll open for review
application for Maybank customers and
transfers using telegraph and JomPAY for
KUALA LUMPUR: The Supplementary Elec-
toral Roll for March 2023 (DPT BLN3/2023),
which has been verified and gazetted, is
now open for review for 30 days from
today until May 18.
Election Commission (EC)
Secretary  Datuk Ikmalrudin Ishak, in a
statement today, said the DPT BLN3/2023
contained 39,604 names of citizens aged
18 and above for the period from March 1
until March 31, 2023.
“It also involved 13,534 registered voters
who changed constituencies and 3,229 vot-
ers who changed status or category of vot-
ers,” he said.
The EC provides five methods for
review, namely, via its portal
at https://www.spr.gov.my or https://myspr
semak.spr.gov.my and the official portals
of state election offices at
http://ppn.spr.gov.my.
The review  can also be done through
the online application
at  https://myspr.spr.gov.my, MySPR
Semak mobile application and the EC hot-
Arifin (middle) in a group photo with 12 school
RM20k each to 12 schools
representatives who received donations from KSTI.
KOTA KINABALU: A total of 12 schools
here were selected to receive donations
towards empowering Science, Technol-
ogy, Engineering and Mathematics
(STEM) education.
Minister of the Ministry of Science,
Technology and Innovation (KSTI),
Datuk Dr Mohd Arifin Mohd Arif, said
the donations were aimed at helping
the Science Laboratory Upgrade Pro-
gramme for secondary schools and the
establishment of a Science Corner for
primary schools in the State.
“This year, a total of 30 selected
schools received donations through the
programme amounting to RM20,000
each for that purpose.
“It is hoped that KSTI’s objective in
bringing students interested in Science,
Technology and Mathematics subjects
will be achieved through this assis-
tance,” he said when met by the media
at KSTI’s Ramadan Ihya Majlis at Wisma
Bandaraya near here on Monday.
At the event, Arifin presented dona-
tions of RM20,000 each to 12 schools
including SMK Membakut, SMK Mem-
bakut II, SMK St Patrick Membakut,
SMK Pengalat Papar, SMK Tenghilan
Daim and his wife.
conducted.
The man is identified as Daim Amsir
and his wife Lim Laimun, both aged 70.
They lost their way while looking for
vegetables at 6pm.
They tried to find their way out by
overqualified to take on vacant positions.”
She added that generally, getting a PhD
is not required in most industries besides
academia as well as research and develop-
ment areas.
“So, PhD holders appeal to a small sec-
tion of the industry and are sought for
employment in very specific fields.
“For jobs that do not need specific aca-
demic requirements, working experience
other bank customers. Alternatively, we
also accept payments made through Bank
Standing Instructions, bank drafts, and
cheques,” he said.
“Borrowers can also visit our payment
counter at Level 6, Menara Tun Mustapha,
Likas Bay, Yayasan Sabah’s office, Level 6,
Urban Transformation Centre (UTC), Sem-
bulan, Kota Kinabalu or our Zone Offices
in Beaufort, Kota Marudu, Keningau, San-
dakan and Tawau,” he added.
“With more study loan payments col-
lected by YSG, we hope to raise more funds
to enable it to continue to support and
provide educational sponsorship for stu-
dents in the future,” Gulam said.
line at 03-88927218.
“EC urges citizens aged 18 and above in
March this year and registered voters who
have applied for a change of constituency
or status to check their names in the DPT
BLN3/2023.
“If they find that their name is not listed
in the electoral roll, they can make a claim
by filling out form C through the online
application at https://myspr.spr.gov.my or
go to the respective state election offices,”
he said.
Ikmalrudin said registered voters in any
constituency who wished to object to the
entry of voters who changed to their con-
stituency could fill in form D through the
same online app or go to the relevant EC
office.
He said forms C and D could also be
downloaded from the State Election
Offices’ portals and should be submitted
to the state election director concerned
with the fee during office hours on any
working day during the review period of
the DPT BLN3/2023. - Bernama
Tuaran, SMK Putatan, Kota Kinabalu
Sixth Form College, SK Saga- Saga Mem-
bakut, SK Kg. Bambangan Membakut,
SK Pekan Membakut, SK Pomotodon
Inanam and SRK Sacred Heart Kota Kin-
abalu.
In the same ceremony, Arifin also
witnessed the presentation of a
RM100,000 donation for KSTI’s
PitchBorneo 2023 Programme from
Sabah State Baitulmal Corporation
(PBNS).
Its Chief Executive Officer Dr Awang
Faisal Assyiffa Awang Rahim presented
the donation to KSTI Permanent Secre-
tary Datuk Zainudin Aman.
Also receiving donations from PBNS
are the USIA Mosque in Kota Kinabalu
City and the As-Syatibiyah Al-Quran
Tahfiz Center in Kota Kinabalu.
In attendance were Assistant Minis-
ter of KSTI Datuk Harun Durabi, State
Government Mufti Datuk Bungsu Aziz
Jaafar, Chairman of PBNS Datuk Dr
Omar Raisul As Salam Syah Datuk
Sulaiman Omar, Chairman of Sabah
Net Sdn Bhd Datuk Azaman Ruslan and
Deputy Chairman of Muis Malai Ali
Malai Ahmad.
retracing their steps but they couldn’t find
them and ended up in the same place.
“The time was around 6.30 pm and we
continued to look for the trail to get out
of the forest but we couldn’t find it. We
had to break our fast with only water,”
Daim said.
They tried various methods and rituals
to get out of the forest but all failed and
when they got too tired, they just put their
fate in God’s hands.
At 8.30 pm they heard the
villagers calling their names and they
responded.
Daim and his wife were found by the
Fire Brigade and rescuers accompanied by
villagers in the forest.
matters more than academic achievements.
In the end, employers want to know more
about the added value and skill sets that a
future employee would bring to the com-
pany.”
Human resource and talent recruitment
specialist Nurul Izzah Abdul Salam said
most unemployed PhD graduates may not
have enough working experience, which
may be unappealing to job recruiters.
“PhD holders who graduated before they
reached 35 years understand theory and
knowledge in their respective fields. How-
ever, they may not be skilled in resolving
practical problems.
“There have been cases where these grad-
uates were too demanding about salaries.
Nowadays, companies may employ a degree
holder with the skills that they require
rather than pay more for a person with high
qualifications but requires training.
“In reality, hiring an employee with mas-
tery in a third or fourth language is more
valuable than hiring a person who possesses
a PhD qualification.”
Nurul Izzah said to combat this, the
authorities must encourage students who
want to pursue higher education to have
some working experience and encourage
part-time studies.
“Apart from that, the government
through the Higher Education Ministry
must encourage universities to implement
vocational courses and ensure that gradu-
ates possess industrial skills.
“To make the hiring of employees hold-
ing advanced degrees more attractive, the
government could subsidise wages as a way
to compensate employers for their invest-
Aidilfitri: 2.3m
ment in training the recruits.” – The Sun
vehicles expected
daily on major
expressways
KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian High-
way Authority (LLM) expects an increase in
traffic volume of up to 2.3 million vehicles
daily on the three major expressways in
the country starting Wednesday until May
7 in conjunction with the Aidilfitri celebra-
tion.
LLM, in a statement Wednesday, stated
that the expected increase in traffic is on
the North-South Expressway (PLUS), Kuala
Lumpur-Karak Expressway and East Coast
Expressway 1.
To ensure the smooth flow of traffic and
reduce congestion on expressways, it has
instructed the highway concessionaires to
take several steps to minimise the impact
of the increase in traffic.
They include stopping construction
and maintenance work involving the clo-
sure of highway lanes effective yesterday
(April 18) until May 7 and to issue Travel
Time Advisory  (TTA) to help motorists
plan their journey, as well as display traffic
information and reminders for them to
top up Touch n’ Go or e-Wallet before
starting their journey on electronic sig-
nages.
The highway concessionaires  are also
requested  to station their staff at toll
plazas to assist motorists in ensuring
smooth traffic flow, especially when the
free toll initiative is in effect, in addition to
ensuring the system and operation at the
toll plazas run smoothly.
They are also requested to open addi-
tional toll lanes in areas identified as hav-
ing high traffic.
According to LLM, it will also  ensure
that the concessionaires provide enough
Emergency Response Team (ERT) mem-
bers to deal with any incident, as well as
provide additional facilities in parking lots
and portable toilets in several R&R areas
along PLUS and East Coast Expressway 2.
To optimise the free toll initiative that
starts today until April 21 and on April 24,
the Touch n’ Go or SmartTAG card needs to
be touched at the toll plaza,  while users of
the Radio Frequency Identification (RFID)
need to enter and exit the highway using
RFID lanes.
The LLM Traffic Management Centre
will operate for 24 hours from April 19 to
26 to provide the latest traffic information
Special school
to highway users. - Bernama
admission
results: MOE
PUTRAJAYA: The results  of appeals  for
admission into special schools  for the
2023/2024 session will be out today (April
20), according to the Ministry of Educa-
tion (MOE).
The special schools are Sekolah Beras-
rama Penuh (SBP) and Sekolah Menengah
Kebangsaan Agama (SMKA). 
The MOE in a statement today said for
the appeal category, a total of 1,783 Form
One students and 404 Form Four students
were offered to SBP, while 1,886 Form
One students and 971 Form Four students
were offered to SMKA.
The results can be checked
at  https://spskt1.moe.gov.my for Form
One  and  https://spskt4.moe.gov.my for
Form Four. - Bernama
 Man jailed and fined for misappropriation of property
Jo Ann Mool
KOTA KINABALU: A self-employed man was
on Wednesday jailed eight months and
fined RM4,000 or another four months for
misappropriation of property two years ago.
Norhasikin Laji, 36, pleaded not guilty
before Magistrate Jessica Ombou Kakayun to
dishonestly keeping RM3,500 cash belong-
ing to Safuan Willie Sodoi for his own use at
2.42pm on Oct 27, 2021 at Inanam Taipan,
here.
The charge under Section 403 of the
Penal Code carries a jail term of between six
months and five years and whipping and lia-
bility of a fine, on conviction.
In presenting the facts of the case, prose-
cuting officer Albert Basiri, informed the
Religious teacher, 71, denies
molesting 13-year-old-girl
Cynthia D Baga
KOTA KINABALU: A 71-year-old religious
teacher was charged with committing
physical sexual harassment against a 13-
year-old girl.
The man pleaded not guilty before Ses-
sions Court Judge Ummu Khaltom Abd
Samad, to the charge against him,
Wednesday.
He is accused of committing the
offence by hugging and kissing her as well
as fondling her breasts at 8pm on March 3
this year at a house in Taman Nountun
Juta, Inanam, near here.
The offence under Section 14 (a) of Sex-
ual Offences Against Children Act 2017 car-
ries a jail term of up to 20 years, and
Altantuya’s family appeals to
whipping, on conviction.
increase RM5m damages awarded
PUTRAJAYA: The family of Mongolian model
Altantuya Shaariibuu is appealing for higher
compensation than the RM5 million
awarded to them by the Shah Alam High
Court in a suit they filed over her death in
2006.
In the notice of appeal filed on Jan 16 this
year, Altantuya’s family is cross-appealing
against part of the High Court’s decision on
the quantum of damages.
On Dec  16  last year, High Court Judge
Datuk Vazeer Alam Mydin Meera (now Court
of Appeal judge) allowed the suit by Altan-
tuya’s family and ordered former policemen
Azilah Hadri and Sirul Azhar Umar, political
analyst Abdul Razak Baginda, and the
Malaysian Government to jointly pay RM5
million in general, aggravated and exem-
plary damages to the family.
The judge also awarded interest at five per
cent per annum of the sum of judgment
from the date of the filing of the lawsuit until
the full settlement of the amount and legal
costs of RM25,000.
On Jan 12 this year, the Malaysian Govern-
ment and Abdul Razak filed their appeals
against the High Court’s decision on liability
Amanah Youth chief gets DNAA
and quantum.
A case management for the Altantuya
KUALA LUMPUR: Parti Amanah Negara
(Amanah) Youth chief Mohd Hasbie Muda
was given a Discharge Not Amounting to an
Acquittal (DNAA) by the Magistrate’s Court
here, Wednesday on a charge of organising
a protest gathering over rising prices of
goods without a permit here in July last
year.
His lawyer, Muhammad Faiz Fadzil, told
reporters that the decision was made by
Magistrate Wong Chai Sia after the prosecu-
tion informed the court that they had
received instructions from the Attorney
General’s Chambers (AGC) to withdraw the
charge against Mohd Hasbie, 35, who is also
a Senator.
According to Muhammad Faiz, his client
had sent a representation to the AGC last
Mar 17 seeking to withdraw the charge,
framed under Section 9(1) of the Peaceful
Assembly Act 2012 (Act 736) against him to
be withdrawn.
Court reduces ex-fishermen’s jail
On Aug 18 last year, Mohd Hasbie
PUTRAJAYA: Two former fishermen con-
victed of armed robberies and possession
of a scheduled weapon saw their jail time
substantially reduced after the Court of
Appeal substituted their consecutive sen-
tences with concurrent ones.
A three-member Court of Appeal bench
chaired by Justice Hadhariah Syed Ismail
said the consecutive jail terms were exces-
sive as the two had pleaded guilty to the
charges.
“We have also considered the sentencing
trend for armed robbery,” said Hadhariah,
who sat with Justices M Gunalan and Lim
Chong Fong.
Rapid Shahrudin, 31, will now serve
eight years in jail. The bench also reduced
his whipping sentence from 12 strokes to
eight.
His accomplice, Azhar Kahar, 36, will be
detained for eight years and receive six
strokes of the rotan.
court that the complainant saw an advertise-
ment on the sale of a used Toyota Hilux
while browsing the Facebook marketplace
in September 2021 and contacted the hand-
phone number provided and agreed to
make the purchase.
Safuan made payments in stages to a
Maybank account in the name of Norhasikin
Laki for the purpose of deposit and car loan
application.
The complainant felt cheated when he
did not receive the vehicle and Norhasikin
failed to be contacted, prompting the com-
plainant to lodge a police report for further
action.
Duty counsel Lim Ming Zoong @
Lawrence representing Norhasikin
There is an additional punishment for
the man under Section 16(1) of the same
Act carries a jail term of up to five years,
and whipping at least two strokes, on con-
viction.
The court set May 23 this year for pre-
trial case management and the man was
released on bail of RM15,000 with
RM10,000 deposited in two local sureties
having permanent address.
The man also was ordered to report to
police station here every first and third
Monday of the month until the disposal of
family’s appeal was held before Court of
Appeal deputy registrar Nadia Mohd Kamal
today, who then fixed another case manage-
ment date on June 13 for parties to update the
court relating to the status of the grounds of
appeal and notes of proceedings.
The appeals by Abdul Razak and the Gov-
ernment are also fixed for case management
on the same day.
When contacted by Bernama, lawyer Sim-
ranjit Kaur Chhran representing Altantuya’s
family, confirmed the next case management
date.
On June 4, 2007, Altantuya’s parents Dr
Shaariibuu and Altantsetseg Sanjaa, as well
as their grandson Mungunshagai Bayarjar-
gal, filed an RM100 million suit against Azi-
lah Hadri and Sirul Azhar, Abdul Razak and
the Malaysian Government.
In their statement of claim, Altantuya’s
family said the model’s death resulted in
them suffering mental shock and psycho-
logical trauma and sought compensation as
well as exemplary and aggravated dam-
ages.  Deputy public prosecutor Wan
Sirul Azhar is currently being held at an
Australian immigration detention centre,
and Azilah is on death row at Kajang prison.
– Bernama
pleaded not guilty to a charge of failing to
notify the Dang Wangi police five days
before staging the gatherings at Masjid
Jamek Kampung Baru, Jalan Raja Alang and
in front of the Sogo Complex in Jalan
Tuanku Abdul Rahman.
He was alleged to have committed the
offence at 2pm on July 1.
Meanwhile, Muhammad Faiz, in a state-
ment Wednesday, described the court’s
decision as a positive start by the Madani
government which respects the right and
freedom to assemble and express views as
stated in Article 10 (1) of the Federal Consti-
tution.
“With this decision, the struggle of the
Madani government led by Prime Minister
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to resolve the
issue of the high cost of living of the people
is seen to be completely transparent
because the peaceful assembly is no longer
considered unlawful by the Attorney Gen-
eral’s Chambers,” said the lawyer. – Bernama
Rapid had pleaded guilty in a sessions
court to committing armed robbery by
using a knife on Lim Chong Whi at a reflex-
ology centre in Taman Sri Kenchana, Batu
Pahat, Johor, on Dec 15, 2017. He was sen-
tenced to seven years in jail and six strokes
of the rotan.
He had also pleaded guilty to commit-
ting another robbery together with Azhar
and using brass knuckles on Tan Kim Yong
at a massage parlour at Bandar Pura Ken-
chana on Dec 12, 2017. The duo were sen-
tenced to eight years’ imprisonment and six
strokes of the cane each.
Azhar had also pleaded guilty to being
in possession of a set of brass knuckles at
his home at Jalan Parit Botak, Senggarang,
Johor, on Dec 16, 2017. He was sentenced to
five years’ jail for the offence under Section
7(1) of the Corrosive and Explosive Sub-
stances and Offensive Weapons Act 1958. –
Bernama
TH URS D AY, APRI L 2 0 , 2 0 2 3
requested a lenient sentence.
In another case, a 41-year-old waiter was
charged with trafficking 374.91gm of 3,4-
Methylenedioxymethamphetamine
(MDMA).
Woo Chee Ken was accused of commit-
ting the offence between 12.20am and 2am
on April 8, this year at Pavillion Bundusan,
Penampang.
However, no plea was taken from Woo
after the charge was read out to him.
The charge under Section 39B(1)(a) of the
Dangerous Drugs Act 1952, carries a punish-
ment of either the death penalty or life in
prison and whipping with a minimum of 15
strokes, on conviction.
The prosecution applied for a new men-
his case.
The court also ordered for any travel-
ling documents and passport to be
impounded by the court.
The court reminded the man that in the
event the court received any official com-
plaint report from the alleged victim or
any family members as well as potential
witnesses either physically or via phone,
the court will not hesitate to revoke his
bail.
Fail to furnish bail, he will be remanded
under Section 259 of the Criminal Proce-
dure Code.
Deputy Public Prosecutor Siti Hajar
Mazlan appeared for the prosecution
while counsel Rizwandean M Borhan
Muhy files
defended the man.
bid to annul
power
abuse charges
KUALA LUMPUR:
Former prime min-
ister Muhyiddin
Yassin has filed an
application to
strike out the four
counts of abuse of
power he was
charged with last
month.
The application, which was filed in
the High Court Wednesday, also called
for his acquittal.
In the alternative, the Bersatu presi-
dent wants all proceedings in the ses-
sions court, where he was charged, to
be stayed pending the outcome of the
striking-out application.
Shahruddin Wan Ladin, when con-
tacted, said they had received the
unsealed copies of the application via
email Wednesafternoon.
“We will respond when sealed copies
are presented to us,” he told FMT.
In the application, filed by Messrs
Chetan Jethwani & Company, Muhyid-
din said the charges did not disclose
any offence under section 23 (1) of the
Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commis-
sion (MACC) Act.
The Pagoh MP said the charges were
also an abuse of process and lacking in
particulars as to how he abused his
power as prime minister between
March 2020 and August 2021.
The charges were in relation to the
Jana Wibawa programme to allegedly
obtain RM232.5 million for his political
party, Bersatu.
On March 10, Muhyiddin pleaded
not guilty after the charges were read
out to him in the sessions court here
before judge Azura Alwi.
Muhyiddin, who is also the
Perikatan Nasional chairman, is alleged
to have committed the four abuse of
power offences at the Prime Minister’s
Office in Putrajaya between Feb 8 and
Aug 20, 2021.
On the first count, he is said to have
used his office to obtain a RM200,000
bribe from a company for his party.
On the second count, he is alleged to
have received RM1 million for his party
from Nepturis Sdn Bhd.
For the third charge, he is said to
Mischief: Food rider denies
have received RM19.5 million from
Mamfor Sdn Bhd.
KUALA LUMPUR: A food rider pleaded not
guilty in the Sessions Court here to a
charge of causing mischief by burning 11
motorcycles and four electric scooters at
a parking area of a shopping centre here
last week.
Azril Kamarunzaman, 34, was charged
with committing the offence at the park-
ing area in front of the Suria KLCC in Jalan
Ampang here at 3.30 pm last April 13.
He was charged under Section 435 of
tion date pending the chemist report and
objected bail as the charge has no provision
for such.
The court fixed May 5 for mention and
ordered Woo to be further remanded.
Meanwhile, a car rental shop worker was
charged with two counts of burglary and
having stolen items.
Mohd Shameer Marican Ariffin pleaded
not guilty to breaking into the Keda Sup Ikan
Kudat at Lintas Jaya Uptownship here at
7.32am on April 3 this year along with an
accomplice still at large and stealing an Ipad
and a piggy bank belonging to Sitti Nazwa-
hayati Alhabsi.
On the second count, Shameer denied
having a stolen car computer box belonging
Ex-GLC CEO claims trial to
Aziedy (centre) leaving the courtroom yesterday after pleading not guilty.
graft involving over RM400,000
BUTTERWORTH: A former chief operating
officer of a company pleaded not guilty in
the Sessions Court here Wednesday to
charges of using his office to obtain grati-
fication amounting to RM415,397  seven
years ago.
Aziedy Abdul Talib, 42, was charged in
his capacity as the chief operating officer
and covering as the chief executive offi-
cer of Mutiara.Com Sdn Bhd with abus-
ing his position by appointing ATR
Resources Enterprise, which belonged to
his younger sibling, to supply  CCTV
equipment worth RM223, 586 for the Seri
Bayu Apartment Project, in the Barat
Daya district here.
The offence was allegedly committed at
the Mutiara.Com Sdn Bhd Office in Jalan
Macalister here on Feb 4, 2016.
Aziedy, who is currently an information
technology manager, is also charged with
RM2m libel damages against MP
using his position to approve his sibling’s
company as a supplier for Intercom instal-
to deter unfounded remarks: Court
KUALA LUMPUR:
The High Court has
said that an award of
RM2 million in dam-
ages to an e-com-
merce firm is to
serve as a deterrent
against individuals
making unfounded
Lim
remarks in the
future.
However, the award made against
Kepong MP Lim Lip Eng was “not to stifle
freedom of speech and expression”, said
Justice Akhtar Tahir in his grounds of judg-
ment issued on Tuesday.
“(It was meant) as a discouragement for
any person making uncalled for and
unverified statements, especially in the era
of the wide use of social media,” he said.
Last month, the court ordered Lim to
pay a total of RM2 million in damages to
businesswoman Jessy Lai and her com-
pany, MonSpace (M) Sdn Bhd, after hold-
ing him liable for defamation.
Akhtar said a deterrent was needed as
the courts were inundated with defama-
Court defers decision on ex-staff
tion cases involving various members of
society.
KUALA LUMPUR: The Sessions Court set a
new date,  May 12, to decide on the corrup-
tion and money laundering case involving
former Secretary of the Finance Division,
Ministry of Youth and Sports (KBS) Otman
Arsahd.
Lawyer Muhammad Rafique Rashid Ali,
the Penal Code which carries  imprison-
ment for up to 14 years and fined, if con-
victed.
Judge Datuk Nu’aman Mahmud
Zuhudi allowed him bail of  RM5,000
with one surety and fixed May 22 for men-
tion.
Deputy public prosecutor Wan Nurul
Amalina Abu Hanifah prosecuted,
while  lawyer Muhamad Ridzuan
Umar represented Azril. – Bernama
Local 5
to Habib Idrus Habib Mohammad at 8.55pm
on July 15, 2020 at Taman Seri Gaya here.
The first count is framed under Section
457 of the Penal Code while the second count
is under Section 411 of the same Code.
The prosecution proposed bail at
RM5,000 and RM3,000 for the first and sec-
ond count, respectively.
Duty counsel Carmen Khoo applied for a
lower bail as the accused is married with
three children.
The court released the accused on a bail
of RM2,500 in two sureties on the first
count and fixed May 15 for mention and
offered him bail of RM1,500 in two sureties
on the second count pending mention on
May 25.
lation work worth RM191,811 for the Seri
Bayu Apartment Project at the same place
on June 14, 2016.
Both charges are framed under Section
23(1) of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption
Commission Act 2009 (Act 694) and can
be punished under Section 24 (1) of the
same act which provides  a maximum
prison sentence of 20 years and a fine of up
to five times the value of the gratification
or RM10,000, whichever is higher, if found
guilty.
Judge Zulhazmi Abdullah allowed
Aziedy bail of RM10,000 on each charge
with a local surety and also ordered him to
surrender his passport to the court, report
to the MACC Office once a month and not
disturb the witnesses in the case.
The court set May 30 for mention.
Deputy public prosecutor Noor Azura
Zulkiflee prosecuted, while lawyer Arafas
Abdul Razak represented Aziedy. –
Bernama
“See you in court’ seems to have
become a fashionable statement rather
than being something to be fearful about,”
he added.
In his ruling, Akhtar said he found Lim’s
actions akin to those of a “vigilante”, deter-
mined to force the authorities to act
against Lai and her companies at any cost.
Referring to the lodging of police
reports in 2017 by a group of Chinese
nationals claiming they were cheated by
Lai and MonSpace, the judge noted that
neither Lai nor MonSpace were charged for
cheating or carrying out any Ponzi scheme.
“The defendant (Lim) should have
stopped there and allowed the authorities
to investigate instead of pressuring the
authorities to take action against the
plaintiffs.
“The court is sure that the 19 Chinese
nationals who were intelligent enough to
invest with the plaintiffs could have taken
action against her without the help of the
defendant,” said Akhtar.
Lim is appealing the High Court’s deci-
sion and has applied to stay the execution
of the RM2 million judgment.
The stay application is fixed for hearing
on May 22.
representing Otman, 64, said the court set
the new date after the defence requested for
a postponement to allow more time for
them to file their submission.
Following that, the court vacated today’s
date and set May 12 for the decision, he said
when contacted. The court had set Wednes-
day for the decision of the case before Judge
Kamarudin Kamsun.
On March 31, 2016, Otman was charged
with 32 counts of abuse of power and with
submitting false claims involving RM38.4
million at  National Sports Council
Office  (MSN),  Bukit Jalil National Sports
Complex here between Feb 28, 2012, and Nov
18, 2015.
The 17 charges of allegedly submitting
false claims were framed under Section 18
(a) of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Act
(MACC) 2009, while the remaining 15
charges of abuse of power were under Sec-
tion 23 (1) of the same Act. – Bernama
 6 Local
Mohamad Azmihrul delivering his talk to the students.
All students are
potential leaders
KOTA KINABALU: Kota Kinabalu High
School recently held a Jalinan Mesra Seko-
lah programme with the police in con-
junction with its Discipline Week.
The programme is aimed at achieving
zero crime in schools.
Since the implementation of the Move-
ment Control Order, the school’s relation-
ship with the police has reportedly got
better, according to School Principal Lily
Wong Bitt Lee.
She also noted the important role
played by school’s police liaison officers in
matters related to students’ discipline.
Wong said the school hopes that the
cooperation and friendly ties with the
police can continue and become an exam-
ple for other schools in fighting crime in
their respective schools.
She expressed gratitude towards the
role played by Officer-in-Charge of Kota
Kinabalu International Airport (KKIA)
Police Station, ASP Mohamad Azmihrul
Mokti who is the school’s Chief School Liai-
son Officer in upholding the students’ dis-
cipline.
She said the school has received great
support from Mohamad since the Move-
ment Control Order (MCO) period.
Wong said this at the opening of the
school’s Jalinan Mesra Sekolah dengan
Polis Diraja Malaysia (PDRM) in conjunc-
tion with the Discipline Week here, Mon-
day.
Meanwhile, the school’s Liaison Officer
Chief ASP Mohamad Azmihrul Mokti said
all students are potential leaders who
Promoting Sabah’s ethnic
need to have good character and disci-
pline.
beauty through festival
KOTA KINABALU: The beauty in Sabah’s
ethnic diversity was recently promoted
through the fifth International Borneo Fes-
tival London 2023 (Sabah Edition).
The event held at the Sabah State
Department of Arts and Culture was sup-
ported by Dr John Laurence, the founder
of Greater UK Asia and also founder for the
International Borneo Festival which was
established in 2018.
“The main highlights of the fest are the
Borneo Designers Award and the Miss and
Mister Ambassador 2023,” said Sabah
Coordinator Godffrey Sylvester in a state-
ment, here, Tuesday.
The main objective of the festival is to
promote beauty in ethnic diversity in the
world.
It also aims at giving opportunity to
young people to be more interested in the
culture.
He said cultivating the talent that exists
in the local community, especially in pro-
moting the creation of contemporary
clothing according to the ethnicities
found in Borneo was another objective.
“We also want to assist in promoting
local entrepreneurs who produce local
products and tourism centre in Sabah to a
Improving PPR community wellbeing
higher level.
K (K2K) programme led by Think City,” he
Berhad (Khazanah) and several of its affil-
iates will do a comprehensive review of
issues related to the People’s Housing
Project (PPR) to address the common
gaps in social housing in Malaysia
through policy proposals, community
empowerment and ‘placemaking’ initia-
tives.
Khazanah said it will lead this collab-
oration with other entities under its
umbrella such as Khazanah Research
Institute (KRI), Yayasan Hasanah
(Hasanah) and Think City in efforts to
create liveable PPR communities.
Its managing director (MD), Datuk
Amirul Feisal Wan Zahir said the collabo-
ration among Khazanah entities will fur-
ther strengthen its role as a  sovereign
wealth fund that is able to deal with key
issues affecting the people.
“We praise Prime Minister Datuk Seri
Anwar Ibrahim’s announcement of  the
RM35 million additional allocation for
community empowerment programmes
for public housing communities in Selan-
gor and Kuala Lumpur.
“This allocation will benefit 50,000
residents through the Kita-Untuk-Kita
He said the school reported four inci-
dents to the police, including bullying and
spam.
He said it is crucial for the School
Board, parent-teachers, and school admin-
istrators to work together to prevent crime
activities.
He cautioned students against using
drugs and said that the police would look
into any text or speech that contained
criminal elements.
He also cautioned teachers against dis-
closing personal information to outside
parties for profit.
He also said no illegal racing activities
were reported in the area.
Cooperation from the School Board of
Governors, Parent-Teacher Association
and also school administrators can also
prevent students’ involvement in such
crime, said Mohamad who also gave a
crime prevention talk.
Meanwhile, the school’s Discipline
Week is usually a week where students are
emphasized about the values of discipline
and responsibility.
Also present were Chairman of the
School Board of Governors Lim Kiat Kong,
Chairman of the Parent-Teacher Associa-
tion Tan Hock Siong, Vice-Chairman of the
Parent-Teacher Association Dr Lim Cheng
Kooi, Committee Members of the Parents
Teachers Organisation Sharon Ng and
Grace Tsen, as well a Inspector Mohammad
Khairul Nizam Mokhtar from Kota Kina-
balu Police Traffic Investigation and
Enforcement and Inspector Stephanie Anak
Silom from the Kota Kinabalu Police Com-
mercial Crime Investigation Department.
From left to right:
Wendy, Jason, and Petley.
“We want to be a platform for designers
to showcase their contemporary ethnic
design in ready to wear concept,” said
Godfrey who is also winner of the Borneo
Designer Award 2018.
Their committee comprise Mister
Ambassador 2020/21 Matthew Ezra Walter,
Miss Ambassador 2020/21 Audreal Diane
Chai, Miss Ambassador 2019 Wedylin Patin
and Mister Ambassador Roland Ronald
Honarius.
Meanwhile, Jason Jeremy won the Bor-
neo Designer Award, while Wendy Johadin
and Petley Peter walked home as the Miss
Ambassador and Mister Ambassador 2023
title, respectively.
said in a statement.
Meanwhile, KRI chairman Tan Sri Nor
Mohamed Yakcop said his team con-
ducted a public policy study on the PPR
programme and published the Residen-
tial Well-being of the Urban Poor: PPR
Study report last March as a result of the
participation of 3,878 households from
five PPRs here and in Penang.
He said the report outlined an action
plan that needed to be taken to address
the weaknesses affecting the PPR pro-
gramme, including a review of the social
housing policy.
“The policy proposals include a focus
on the quality of social housing, the gov-
ernment’s role in maintaining an ade-
quate social housing scheme as well as
the impact of providing social housing on
the private housing market,” he said.
Meanwhile, Think City MD, Hamdan
Abdul Majeed said in line with Malaysia
MADANI concept, the K2K programme
encourages collective action for a more
inclusive, resilient and prosperous public
housing community, as well as shared
responsibilities  to meet the needs and
aspirations of the community. – Bernama
TH URS D AY, APRI L 2 0 , 2 0 2 3
‘Stamp of approval’: Musk
amplifies misinformation
W
ASHINGTON: Elon Musk
promised to make Twitter the
“most accurate source of infor-
mation about the world,” but he has
repeatedly used his own account to
amplify false claims from some of the
most notorious disinformers on the inter-
net, according to an AFP analysis of his
online activity.
The posts show Musk drawing atten-
tion to misinformation about everything
from the war in Ukraine to the attack on
US Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi’s hus-
band. Last week, the billionaire boosted a
tweet that wrongly suggested doctors mis-
diagnosed flu cases as Covid-19 deaths.
“One of the greatest mysteries of
Covid-19: Where did the flu go in 2020
Musk says ‘many mistakes’
and 2021?” an account called
“KanekoaTheGreat” said, to which Musk
made since Twitter takeover
SAN FRANCISCO: Twitter boss Elon Musk
(pic) said running the social media net-
work has been “quite a rollercoaster” and
acknowledged “many mistakes” along the
way, six months after he bought the com-
pany for $44 billion.
In a live interview with the BBC after
agreeing to a last-minute invitation for
the “spontaneity” of it, Musk appeared to
tacitly acknowledge that one of those
errors was the decision to label the broad-
caster’s account “government-funded
media”.
He said he would change the designa-
tion on the BBC’s Twitter handle after the
broadcaster objected.
“We want it as truthful and accurate as
possible – we’re adjusting the label to
‘publicly funded’,” Musk said.
Britain’s national broadcaster is pre-
dominantly funded by an annual license
fee set by the government but paid by
individual households.
The labeling spat follows an earlier
controversy over a similar move involving
US radio network NPR, which Twitter
briefly branded “state-affiliated”, the
same way it styles government-run Chi-
nese and Russian platforms.
NPR stopped tweeting in protest.
Twitter now tags NPR, which has
nearly 9 million followers, “government-
funded media”, and applied the same
label to the BBC’s account.
Musk has expressed deep disdain for
news media for years and recently
installed an automatic response of a poop
emoji to emails sent to the site’s main
media address.
Speaking with the BBC late on Tuesday,
he also addressed Twitter’s controversial
move to strip the New York Times of its
blue verified check mark after the com-
pany refused to pay to keep it.
From April 20, any legacy verified
accounts on Twitter – which were verified
Computer fundamentals quiz
1) You cannot get a Computer Virus if
you install Anti-virus Software:
a) True
b) False
2) Which of the following is not a good
way to protect your computer?
a) Install Anti-Virus Software
b) Backup Important Files
c) Skip Operating System Updates
d) Plug into a Surge Protector
3) When something is saved to the
cloud, it means it’s stored on the inter-
net instead of your computer’s hard
drive:
a) True
b) False
4) Microsoft Word, Google Chrome,
iTunes, and Adobe Photoshop are
examples of:
a) Applications
b) Mobile Devices
c) Operating Systems
d) Internet Services Providers
5) Which of the following is NOT types
of Computer Hardware?
a) Mouse
b) Keyboard
c) Microsoft Windows
d) Motherboard
6) Choose the incorrect answer:
The Motherboard -
a) Holds all of the most important parts
of the computer
b) The smallest circuit board of the com-
puter
c) Found at the bottom of the Desktop
replied: “Good question.”
It was one of at least 40 times the bil-
lionaire replied to the profile, which has
promoted the QAnon conspiracy theory,
since purchasing Twitter for $44 billion
nearly six months ago. He has only
replied to a handful of accounts more in
that time.
Using data from PolitiTweet, a website
that tracked public figures’ posts until
Twitter cut off its access, AFP reviewed
thousands of replies Musk published
between late October and March.
He shared a fabricated CNN segment,
called a made-up quote “wise words” and
falsely claimed police escorted a rioter
through the US Capitol on January 6, 2021.
He amplified a post blaming mass shoot-
ings on LGBTQ individuals and endorsed
a fake casualty count from Ukraine.
as authentic under the company’s old
ownership – will have to pay to subscribe
to Twitter Blue.
One of the reasons for this, Musk said,
was that he does not want Twitter to boost
“some anointed class of journalists” who
determine what constitutes news.
“I’m hopeful that this can be more a
case of the public choosing the narrative,
as opposed to the media choosing the
narrative,” he said.
Twitter, he said, would “treat everyone
equally”.
Musk, in assessing his time in charge of
the social media network since he took
over in October, said it had been “a stress-
ful situation over the last several months”.
“Were there many mistakes made
along the way? Of course,” he said. “But
all’s well that ends well. I feel like we’re
headed to a good place.”
He said the company was now
“roughly breaking even” with the return
of advertisers.
When pushed on who was Twitter’s
new CEO after he stepped down in
response to a poll on the site, he named
his dog, Floki. – AFP
d) Is like a mother to all of the other cir-
cuit boards
7) When the computer is turned off,
_______ forgets everything you told it:
a) ROM
b) RAM
8) What is Wi-Fi?
a) A hard-wired Internet connection
b) A wireless Internet connection
c) A dial-up Internet connection
d) None of the above
9) A ______ device is any auxiliary
device such as a computer mouse or
keyboard that connects to and works
with the computer in some way.
a) Disk Drive
b) Peripheral
c) Hard Drive
Personal Details
Photo Name
[your choice]
Address
IC No
Phone
E-mail Id
Musk has also downplayed Covid-19
and promoted spurious claims about vac-
cines causing blood clots, miscarriages
and heart problems.
“We are running out of ‘conspiracies’
that turned out to be true!” the Twitter
owner said in March, replying to a tweet
that listed Covid-19 and vaccine safety
among the “biggest media lies.”
Days later, he tweeted that the “best
way to fight misinformation is to respond
with accurate information.” Experts say
Musk’s activity is concerning – and not
just because of his online influence.
“Musk has almost 135 million Twitter
followers and forced his engineers to
increase the reach of his tweets, so we
should worry when he spreads misinfor-
mation,” Brendan Nyhan, a Dartmouth
College professor who studies mispercep-
tions in politics, told AFP.
“I’m most worried, though, about what
these tweets reveal about the judgment of
the person who determines the policies of
a major social media platform.”
Researchers have tied Twitter’s recent
policy changes – including Musk’s rein-
statement of suspended accounts and its
overhaul of verification practices – to
spikes in misinformation.
NewsGuard, a company that assesses
websites’ credibility, found accounts pay-
ing for Twitter’s subscription service are
inundating the site with false claims.
Musk is driving attention to some of
these accounts.
“Got the Elon Musk stamp of
approval,” said “KanekoaTheGreat” on
Telegram after one such reply.
A January study from the Institute for
Strategic Dialogue, a London-based think
tank, recorded a “staggering” increase in
Musk’s interactions with right-wing
accounts since acquiring Twitter, includ-
ing several profiles other research identi-
fied as spreaders of US election
misinformation.
Musk has repeatedly amplified posts
from sources such as the pro-Donald
Trump page “Catturd,” the anti-LGBTQ
account “Libs of TikTok” and the conspir-
atorial website ZeroHedge.
Ian Miles Cheong, a far-right blogger,
has received at least 60 replies from Musk
– topping all but a few other profiles,
according to AFP’s analysis. In one
instance, Musk amplified a tweet blaming
Joe Biden for an immigration program
that started under Trump.
“Musk is elevating some of the worst
voices on Twitter,” Nyhan told AFP.
“These interactions are likely to increase
the reach and prominence of the
accounts.”
In some cases, the Twitter boss has
helped mainstream false narratives.
After an intruder broke into Pelosi’s
California residence and struck the law-
maker’s husband with a hammer in Octo-
ber, Musk tweeted a link to an article
claiming he was drunk and quarreling
with a male prostitute. #Pelosigaylover
trended on Twitter. – AFP
d) BIOS
10) A computer is an electronic device
that manipulates information.
a) True
b) False
11) What type of computer serves up
Information to other computers?
a) Mac
b) PC
c) Laptop
d) Server
12) Which of the following does NOT
happen when you boot or start your
computer?
a) The computer runs tests to see if every-
thing works
b) The computer checks for new Hard-
ware
c) The computer opens your E-mail
d) The computer starts your Operating
System
 TH URS D AY, APRI L 2 0 , 2 0 2 3 Local 7
RAMADAN ROUND-UP

RM1,000 aid for rubber smallholders

Henry Bating
KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah Rubber Indus-
try Board (LIGS) distributed Aidilfitri Spe-
cial Financial Assistance (BKKA) to 86,617
rubber smallholders in the State starting
April 17.
LIGS Chairman Datuk Edward Linggu
said the RM200 assistance per person
would be enjoyed by all rubber smallhold-
ers in Sabah in addition to the RM800
Monsoon Season Aid (BMT) earlier this
year.
“We hope this assistance, totalling
RM17.3 million, will be able to ease the
financial burden of rubber smallholders,
especially to celebrate Aidilfitri this year,”
he said.
Linggu stressed the Government is
always concerned about the welfare of the
rubber smallholders in the State where in
2023, the Government through LIGS had
distributed RM1,000 BKKA and BMT to
each eligible smallholder.
Linggu expressed the hope the small-
holders would continue tapping and
increasing productivity after attending the
Lambuk Porridge Programme organised
by the Islamic Welfare Body of Sabah Vet-
erinary Services Department.
The ceremony was launched by Deputy
Chief Minister I Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey G
Kitingan, who is also the Minister of Agri-
culture, Fisheries and Food Industry. Also
present was Sabah Veterinary Director Dr
Hajah Normah Yusop. At the beginning of
this year, LIGS distributed RM800 BMT per
person to 86,617 smallholders in Sabah
involving a total of RM69.3 million.
“This has made the total amount of
assistance being distributed to smallhold-
ers in Sabah this year to RM86.6 million,”
he said. According to Linggu, LIGS is always
sensitive and takes an effective approach to
help and improve the living standards of
smallholders in Sabah.
He said LIGS is also always sensitive and
concerned about the issues faced by small-
holders and always tries to explore various
significant approaches to advance the rub-
ber smallholder community in Sabah.

DONATION FOR MOSQUE: As-Sobirin Mosque Kg Sipanggil received a cheque dona-

tion for RM3,000 from Yayasan Nur Jauhar (YNJ) The donation was presented by the
Dr Jeffrey with Linggu and Dr Normah at the lambuk porridge programme.
wife of the head of State, Toh Puan Norlidah RM Jasni, who is also the Patron of the
foundation in the Khatam Al-Quran and Iftar Ceremony here, on Tuesday.
Earlier, Norlidah participated in the khatam Al-Quran with 64 participants, comprising
29 men and 35 women, who had been lining up since the beginning of Ramadan at the YSG IFTAR: Yayasan Sabah Group hosted Iftar at the Al-Akmal
18-year old mosque. At the event, Maahad Tahfiz Darul Uluumil Quraniyyah Kg Seri Mosque, Kg Karambunai Baru, Tuaran, on April 17.
Menanti Kinarut students graced the event with a Qasidah presentation before the iftar Among those present were the Chairman of Innoprise Corpo-
ceremony. Norlidah presenting the donation to a representative of the mosque. ration Sdn. Bhd. cum Pantai Dalit Assemblyman, Datuk Jasnih
bin Daya, Corporate Secretary of Yayasan Sabah, Hanafiah bin
PETROL STATIONS CHIP IN: A total of 41 Diman, Yayasan Sabah Group’s staff, and other local dignitaries.
trainees and people with visual disabilities at In his speech, Jasnih commended YSG for organising the
the Training Centre for the Blind at Taman event, saying “Sabahans lead the way in racial and religious har-
Cahaya, Batu 12 Sandakan received dona- mony. This is evident today when Yayasan Sabah invited me to
tions from representatives of several LAMBUK PORRIDGE DISTRIBUTION: One thousand packs of be here with all of you. I am thrilled to be able to share the joy of
Petronas petrol stations in Sandakan on lambuk porridge were distributed by the Sabah Veterinary Depart- Ramadan with all of you here today.”
Tuesday. ment (DVS) to all staff of the State Ministry of Agriculture, Fish- YSG also donated to Asnaf (underprivileged low-income) fam-
Among the station representatives were eries, and Food Industry (MAFFI). ilies and Al-Akmal Mosque.
Petronas Bokara Gas Station, Petronas Gas The distribution was carried out by Deputy Chief Minister I, About 150 people from within Kg Karambunai Baru attended
Station Batu 1.5, Petronas Gas Station Batu Datuk Seri Panglima Dr Jeffrey Kitingan, who is also the Minister the event, which commenced with the breaking of fast before the
5, Petronas Gas Station Batu 8 (Labuk Cross- of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry at Wisma Pertanian congregation performed prayers.
ing), Petronas Gas Station Batu 8 (Labuk by Sabah, on Tuesday.
pass), Petronas Gas Station Bate 32 and Gas The programme is a traditional event that has been held for
Beluran Petronas Station. more than 10 years with the aim of energizing the atmosphere of
It was led by the Territory Manager, Retail the month of Ramadan among DVS citizens. DVS also held
and Operation Department /Retail Business breaking fast with its citizens and handing over donations in the
Division, Petronas Dagangan Berhad in Kota form of cash to families in need. Also present were the Director
Kinabalu, Siti Norkamaria Yahya. of DVS, Dr Normah Yusop, Sabah Rubber Industry Board (LIGS)
Also delivered were two washing machines, kitchen items, and food. Chairman Datuk Edward Linggu and DVS Assistant Director of
The gas stations hoped to bring cheer to all the trainees. Administration and Management, Yusrinsyam Yusop.
Photo show Jeffrey (centre) with DVS officers getting ready to
distribute lambuk porridge.

HELP THE LESS FORTUNATE: The community is called to contribute and help the less
fortunate especially during the holy month of Ramadan.
Rural Development Minister Datuk Jahid Jahim said there are always individuals in
need of help and courtesy from the community.
“Therefore, take this golden opportunity to contribute and serve the community to
lighten their burden,” he said when officiating the Jalinan Insan Wahana Aspirasi (Jiwa)
program and breaking fast ceremony at the Ubudiyyah Mosque in Tamparuli Town on
Sunday.
Jahid said the needs of each community are always different. Therefore, through
such programmes at least a few of the underprivileged could be helped.
“Let’s also think about other ways we can contribute other than through programs
like this. But I hope that in the future more distribution programs will be able to continue,”
he added.
Also present were the Sabah Assistant Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment,
Datuk Joniston Bangkuai, Assistant Tamparuli Subistrict Officer, Herman Tunggiging,
Political Secretary of the Sabah Rural Development Ministry, Jilias Lintar, Tamparuli
Community Development Leader, Madin Anak, Tamparuli JHEAINS Administration Offi-
cer, Suffian Kundu, Tuaran District Information Officer, Malina Jamarin, representative
Director for JAKIM Sabah, Ustaz Hamsah Sulaiman, and Chairman of the Ubudiyyah
Mosque Tamparuli Town, Salgaring Wahit.
Photo shows Jahid (third left) handing out the assistance to one of the beneficiaries.
AID FOR THE NEEDY: A total of 60 orphans, madrasah students
and children with special needs received donations from the Sabah
Women Advisory Council’s (MPWS) Ziarah Kasih Ramadhan pro-
gramme in conjunction with the fasting month, on Friday.
MPWS Chairperson Datuk Dr Tarsiah TZ Taman said the recipi- PORRIDGE AND DATES: Two hundred packs of bean porridge
ents came from the Rumah Anak Yatim dan Asnaf As Sakinah in and dates were distributed at the Kinabatangan Farmers’ Market
Lok Kawi, Madrasah Darul Hadis DarSa Lil Banat in Putatan, and Site recently.
the Taman Didikan Kanak-Kanak Kurang Upaya in Sembulan. The programme was held in in conjunction with the Kin-
The Ziarah Kasih Ramadhan Programme is MPWS’ annual abatangan District Federal Agricultural Marketing Board’s (FAMA)
activity to assist those in need in conjunction with the fasting month. month of Ramadan in collaboration with the Kinabatangan Farm-
“MPWS is very pleased to be able to share the joy with orphans, ers’ Market Committee.
madrasah students and disabled children,” she said. FAMA Kinabatangan Officer Azmin Kumin, Chairman of the
Also present was MPWS Deputy Chairperson, Baiyah Ag. Mah- Kinabatangan Farmers Market Committee Tidalng Mirul, FAMA
mon, Sabah Women’s Affairs Department (Jhewa) Director Haslina staff and the Kinabatangan Farmers Market Committee distrib-
Ismail, Jhewa Deputy Director Salbiah Aman and MPWS Commit- uted the porridge and dates (pic). – Mardinah Jikur
tee Fauziahton Ag Samad, Eliza Goh and
Association Professor Dr MPuhammad
Idris.
Photo show Tarsiah (standing fourth from
right) and her team in a group photo with
some recipients.

BREAKING OF FAST WITH MEDIA: Petronas celebrated Sabah’s media fraternity in a breaking of fast at Magellan Sutera on Monday.
Petronas Group Strategic Communication and Senior General Manager Datin Anita Azrina Abdul Aziz said the event was hosted to
further build on existing relationships.
“All of you have been supporting us in our communication efforts. We are indeed blessed to be able to celebrate this holy month
together as we do during the many other festivities in the country in a true Malaysian spirit of unity and togetherness.
“We hope that the good relationship and cooperation between Petronas and the media will continue to be strengthened through various
joint activities.
“Without your support, it would be difficult for us to share information comprehensively with stakeholders, be it investors, business
partners, customers, and all industry players both domestically and internationally,” she said in her speech.
Photo show Petronas representatives pose with Kota Kinabalu-based media fraternity.
SURIA CAPITAL IFTAR: Suria Capital Holdings Berhad and subsidiaries (SuriaGroup)
held a Ramadan Iftar ceremony with stakeholders and the local communities as part of
the Group’s annual Ramadan outreach programme.
The Group hosted an iftar ceremony at subsidiary Sabah Ports Sdn Bhd’s Masjid Al-
Ikhwan at Sapangar Bay and at the Ports of Sandakan, Tawau and Lahad Datu.
SuriaGroup made a contribution to several charitable bodies from Kota Kinabalu which
included As-Sakinah Home, Maahad Tahfiz Darul Hadis Darsa and Maahad Tahfiz Mif-
tahul Ulum. Each organisation received RM3, 000 to assist with daily operational needs.
While at the east coast of Sabah, Sandakan Port had selected 4 organisations
as recipients of their Ramadhan donation namely, Pusat Jagaan Anak- Anak Yatim
& Miskin Rumah Al- Yakin, Sri Harapan Old Folks Home, Rumah Amal Selawat Nabi
and Ma’had Tahfiz Al-Quran Wassunnah Al-Yaakub. The port further provided food
packs to 90 asnaf families from Sandakan’s Kampung Air, Kampung Karamunting and
Kampung Bokara.
Photo shows presentation of Ramadan donations to orphanage home and Maahad
Tahfiz Centre (pic).
 Indonesians begin annual Eid exodus
8 Philippines and Indonesia
JAKARTA: On motorcycles, cars, buses,
planes or by boat, millions of Indonesians
are travelling to their hometowns in the
annual Eid holiday exodus that is expected
to peak by Thursday.
Major seaports and toll roads are
packed, while airports and bus terminals
are also full of travellers looking forward to
reuniting with their families.
This year marks the first “mudik”, as the
annual exodus is known, since Covid-19
restrictions were removed at the end of
2022 in the world’s most populous Muslim-
majority country.
Indonesia’s transport ministry has pre-
dicted up to 123 million people will travel
for Eid this year, up from 85 million esti-
mated to have made the trip last year.
Some 18 million people are forecast to
leave the Greater Jakarta area alone, endur-
ing hours of traffic or congested airports
Bongbong rules out rice crisis
MANILA: President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
said Wednesday he does not expect a rice
crisis to happen in the country in the com-
ing lean months, contrary to the warning
of a farmers group of a repeat of the prob-
lem five years ago.
“No. I don’t. There is a chance na ninipis
talaga ‘yung supply because nga nung
magkasabay-sabay ‘yan. So we are watch-
ing and waiting to see what the production
levels are going to be after the last planting
season before the harvest, for the upcom-
ing harvest and what will be… Basta’t nag-
harvest na tayo. Pagka-umani na tayo, wala
ng problema sa supply,” Marcos said in an
interview in Bulacan.
The Federation of Free Farmers earlier
said that the country could experience a
deficiency in the supply of rice during the
lean months of July to September.
“Basta’t things — all things remain in
equal, we are, we have enough supply and
that we’ll be able to keep the prices stable.”
The President, however, noted that
there may be a need to import rice to
ensure that there is enough supply of the
staple before the harvest season.
“It is in the dry part where we are wait-
ing for the last planting to be harvested. So
‘yun ang tinitingnan natin. We may have to
import. So that’s — we’re keeping that
option open,” he said.
Last April 17, the Department of Agricul-
ture (DA) confirmed that the National
Food Authority (NFA) will no longer
import rice for its buffer stock.
DA Undersecretary Mercedita Sombilla
told media that they advised the NFA to
instead source rice from local farmers.
Marcos said the government is looking
for ways to increase the country’s buffer
stock without affecting the market price of
rice.
He said that according to law, the NFA is
only allowed to buy stocks from local pro-
ducers.
“Ngayon, kung sasabay tayo sa harvest
season na bumili, ang NFA, tataas ang
P’pines to allow smuggled sugar sales
presyo ng bigas. Kaya’t ‘yun ang pinoprob-
lema ngayon namin. Paano natin gagawin
‘yun? Saan natin kukunin ‘yung pang-
MANILA: The Sugar Regulatory Adminis-
tration (SRA) has amended several rules
to authorise the donation of confiscated
smuggled sugar to Kadiwa stores and
allow its sale to the general public.
SRA Board Member Pablo Azcona said
the agency’s governing body, the SRA
Board, held a regular meeting this week
to discuss issues concerning the industry.
Filipino Covid cases back above 10,000
“Another thing that was urgently
taken up was amendments to some of the
MANILA: The Philippines’ tally of active
Covid-19 cases climbed back over 10,000
on Tuesday, with 287 new infections
reported by the Department of Health.
The caseload stood at 10,263, the DOH’s
Covid-19 Tracker showed.
Three years since the World Health
Panda on loan from China dies in Thailand aged 21
Organisation declared Covid-19 a pan-
demic, the Philippines has recorded
BANGKOK: A giant panda on loan from
China to Thailand who captivated animal
lovers through a 24-hour live broadcast of
her antics died on Wednesday aged 21,
said the zoo where she was housed.
Lin Hui was the last of three pandas in
Thailand and had lived in an air-condi-
tioned enclosure at Chiang Mai Zoo since
2003, but was due to return to China in
October.
The notoriously sex-shy bear and her
mate Chuang Chuang—who died of a
heart attack in 2019 — were part of Bei-
jing’s so-called “panda diplomacy” pro-
gramme.
Zoo director Wutthichai Muangman
said Lin Hui suffered a nosebleed on Tues-
day and was in a critical condition by the
evening, before dying in the early hours
of Wednesday.
and seaports to celebrate the end of the
Muslim holy month of Ramadan with fam-
ilies.
Authorities have temporarily made
some highways leaving the capital one way
to ease congestion.
“I’m happy to meet my parents after
quite a while and to be able to perform Eid
prayer together,” Muhammad Naufal Vad-
ina told AFP by phone on Wednesday.
He was taking a break during a trip that
involves driving more than 350 kilometres
(220 miles) from Tangerang on Jakarta’s
western outskirts to his wife’s hometown
in Central Java.
Some 500 travellers had a rare chance to
sail aboard an Indonesian Navy warship,
which left Jakarta on Tuesday on a trip that
included stops in Semarang in Central Java
and Surabaya in the island’s east.
“We found out on Instagram that the
A market vendor waits for customers in front of their rice
and grains store inside public market in Quezon City.
replenish doon sa NFA,” Marcos said.
“We have to have that buffer stock and
that’s the problem that we are wrestling
with now dahil talagang binabantayan
natin ang mga presyo ng mga agricultural
commodities. Siyempre, lalong-lalo na ang
bigas.”
Last April 13, Marcos said the country
has enough rice supply amid reports that
rice prices may increase by P5 per kilo.
Meanwhile, the construction of 1.2-M
housing units is underway.
President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. on
Wednesday said his administration is cur-
rently building 1.2 million housing units,
which are part of the Pambansang Pabahay
Para sa Pilipino Housing (4PH) program.
The 4PH program aims to build 1 mil-
lion housing units each year to address the
country’s housing backlog.
“Tintukso ko si Secretary Jerry [Acuzar].
Sabi ko sa kanya: O, sa susunod naman, dal-
hin mo kami doon sa mga —- may naitayo
na. Kasi baka sasabihin nila panay ribbon
cutting natin, tapos wala ng nangyari,”
Marcos said in a chance interview with
memorandum circulars of the SRA that
will involve the seized sugar. How to treat
the seized sugar because, in the SRA, the
treatment is either for sale through bid-
ding or destruction,” Azcona told
reporters in a Zoom interview on
Wednesday.
“We now amended it to allow dona-
tions to Kadiwa as well as the sale of these
by Kadiwa,” he said.
The SRA Board Member said that a
4,086,620 cases. The country’s first con-
firmed infection was recorded on Jan. 30,
2020. Majority or 98 percent have recov-
ered from Covid-19 while 66,443 have suc-
cumbed to the disease.
In a press briefing Tuesday, DOH officer-
in-charge Maria Rosario Vergeire noted
there was an uptick in the virus tally but
hospital utilisation remained manageable.
Two giant pandas on loan to
Thailand from China at
Chiang Mai Zoo in Chiang Mai.
“We helped her as much as we could
until Lin Hui left us,” Wutthichai told
reporters.
Dejboon Maprasert, chairman of the
Zoological Park Organisation of Thailand,
TH URS D AY, APRI L 2 0 , 2 0 2 3
Navy has a free ‘mudik’ programme using
a warship. It was our first time having such
a journey,” said 33-year-old passenger
Nurul Febryanti.
“It is enjoyable for us because we are
provided with a room as we brought our
children. The Navy officers are kind and
friendly,” Febryanti said.
Hours spent in traffic did not deter oth-
ers from making the annual trip because
they were looking forward to reuniting
with loved ones after the pandemic.
“For me, ‘mudik’ and the Eid al-Fitr is
why I work to earn money. So it feels less
meaningful if I don’t celebrate Eid in my
hometown,” said 29-year-old Rahayu Agus-
tini, who was travelling with her relatives
to her hometown in West Java.
“Although it is exhausting, I’m still
grateful as not all people can have the
chance to experience ‘mudik’.” –AFP
reporters.
“So sabi ko, that’s the next part. Pagka
nagsimula ng umaakyat, iinspeksyunin
natin para makita naman na talagang
gumagalaw,” he added.
The President said many Filipinos are
interested to get housing units, as suppos-
edly indicated by new members of Pag-
IBIG.
“All of these things are indicative na pat-
uloy talaga ang pag-supply ng bahay at
talagang may market. Tama nga na tinugu-
nan natin itong problemang housing na
ito,” he said.
Earlier in the day, Marcos launched sev-
eral housing projects in various towns in
Bulacan, starting in San Jose Del Monte.
The project involves 1,890 housing
units, he said.
“Sa 6 na bayan ng Bulacan, sabay-sabay
po nating sinisimulan ang construction ng
Pambansang Pabahay Para sa Pilipino
housing project ng pamahalaan... ‘Yung
iba, naka-livestream at nanonood sa atin,
may groundbreaking pinagsabay-sabay
natin,” Marcos said.
total of 4,000 metric tons of seized smug-
gled refined sugar is ready to be released
for sale at Kadiwa stores, which will be
sold at P70 per kilo.
In March, the Palace announced that
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. approved
the sale of the 4,000 metric tons of con-
fiscated sugar at Kadiwa stores.
The Department of Agriculture had
planned to begin the sale of sequestered
contraband sugar this month. –GMA
The WHO warned the pandemic was
still volatile, saying there could be further
trouble before the virus settles into a pre-
dictable pattern.
While the numbers are decreasing,
“that’s still a lot of people dying and that’s
still a lot of people getting sick”, WHO
emergencies director Michael Ryan told a
press conference Tuesday. –ABS-CBN
said Chinese and Thai experts would
jointly conduct an autopsy.
For years Lin Hui and Chuang Chuang
struggled to conceive and were even
shown “panda pornography” in an
attempt to spice up their sex life.
Following artificial insemination, Lin
Hui finally gave birth to Lin Ping in 2009,
sparking panda mania in Thailand.
Animal lovers in the country were
glued to a live 24-hour “Panda Channel”
broadcast between 2009 and 2012.
Fans took to social media Wednesday
to express sorrow over the animal’s death.
“I used to watch her on the TV all the
time. She was my motivation. RIP Lin
Hui,” one Twitter user wrote.
Srettha Thavisin, a prime ministerial
candidate for the country’s opposition
Pheu Thai Party, tweeted that the panda
Passengers prepare to board a train at Gubeng station in Surabaya
as people head to their hometowns ahead of the Eid al-Fitr holiday.
He also led the groundbreaking of a ver-
tical housing project in San Rafael.
“Sabay-sabay nating sinisimulan ang
pagpapatayo ng Pambansang Pabahay… sa
6 na bayan sa lalawigan ng Bulacan,” Mar-
cos said in his speech.
“Hindi na malayo ang posibilidad na
makamtan ang pangarap ng libu-libong
Bulakenyo para makamtan ang pagkaka-
roon ng maayos at disenteng pabahay,” he
said.
The soon-to-rise housing complex in
San Rafael is a 7-hectare property that will
be called San Rafael Heights Development
Project, the Department of Human Settle-
ments and Urban Development (DHSUD)
said in a statement.
At least 3,920 condominium units will
be built initially in Barangay Caingin, it
said.
“Napakalaking bagay na kasama sa
pabahay ay may ginagawa ring plano para
sa city planning,” Marcos told the resi-
dents.
“Hindi naman pupuwedeng magpap-
atayo tayo ng pabahay na wala namang
pagsisimbahan, walang eskuwelahan para
sa mga bata, walang palengke para sa
pagsha-shopping,” he said.
“Hindi magtatagal ay ito ay magiging
isang tunay na komunidad na magkaka-
roon ng mga pasilitasyon para sa
pangkalusugan, pangkabuhayan at iba
pa,” he added.
The five other 4PH sites in Bulacan will
be constructed in San Rafael, Pulilan,
Pandi, Guiguinto and Malolos, said Marcos.
There are already 20 localities covered
by the 4PH program, he said.
“Sana maging inspirasyon ito sa mga
nagsusumikap na maitaguyod ang kani-
lang pamilya,” the president said.
“Kung tayo ay magtutulungan — pama-
halaan at mamamayan — ito ay kayang
kaya natin.”
Marcos earlier said that his administra-
tion’s bid to construct millions of housing
units by the end of his term in 2028 is
meant to address the Philippines’ housing
backlog that is estimated at 6 million units.
Bank Indonesia records Rp4,944t
–ABS-CBN
in digital banking transactions
JAKARTA: Bank Indonesia (BI) recorded
that the value of digital banking transac-
tions in March 2023 increased by 9.88 per-
cent to Rp4,944.1 trillion compared to the
same period last year (year-on-year/yoy).
“Digital economic and financial trans-
actions have soared supported by a
smooth and reliable payment system,” BI
Governor Perry Warjiyo said in the
Announcement of the BI Board of Gover-
nors’ Meeting Results in Jakarta.
In addition, the value of electronic
money transactions last month grew by
11.39 percent (yoy) to Rp34.1 trillion. The
value of payment transactions using ATM
cards, debit cards, and credit cards also
skyrocketed by 0.45 percent (yoy) to
Rp707.1 trillion.
Perry forecasted that the increase in
digital economic and financial transac-
tions will continue in line with the hike in
community activities and the expansion
had brought much joy to Thais over the
years.
As Lin Hui’s health deteriorated, vets at
the Thai zoo consulted Chinese experts in
Chengdu on treatment options.
On Tuesday night the Chinese con-
sulate in Chiang Mai sent officials to the
facility.
“During her 20 years in Thailand, Lin
Hui was deeply loved by the Thai people
and became an envoy of friendly
exchanges between the people of China
and Thailand,” the consulate said in a
statement Wednesday.
Chinese foreign ministry spokesman
Wang Wenbin said the panda fell into a
coma on Tuesday night.
“It is very regrettable that her life could
not be saved,” Wang told reporters in Bei-
jing. – AFP
Indo
fishermen
survive
shipwreck
off Australia
SYDNEY: A group of Indonesian fishermen
are recovering after being shipwrecked on
a coral atoll off Australia’s west coast for
six days without food or supplies, author-
ities said Wednesday.
Ten men washed up on Bedwell Island,
about 300 kilometres (186 miles) west of
the resort town Broome, after their boat
was battered by a severe tropical cyclone
while fishing in the Indian Ocean.
An eleventh fisherman from a second
vessel also washed ashore after treading
water for 30 hours—but authorities fear
his nine crewmates drowned after their
boat sank in heavy seas.
Photos showed the castaways had fash-
ioned a makeshift camp on the narrow
spit of beach, salvaging what they could
from their small vessel, which lay beached
nearby.
Bedwell Island is remote, exposed and
inhospitable—little more than a bare
stretch of white sand with no natural shel-
ter or freshwater sources.
The castaways were winched off the
island by a rescue helicopter on Monday
evening after being spotted by an Aus-
tralian Border Force surveillance plane on
patrol.
They are now receiving medical treat-
ment on the Australian mainland and will
return to Indonesia once they have recov-
ered, officials said.
“Upon their arrival on the mainland,
the individuals were provided with the
appropriate care and medical support,”
the Australian Maritime Safety Authority
said in a statement.
Tropical Cyclone Ilsa made landfall in
Western Australia on Friday last week,
lashing coastal regions with some of the
strongest winds the country has ever
recorded. –AFP
and optimisation of the user ecosystem.
The Central Bank is determined to
strengthen the digitisation of the payment
system to boost transaction efficiency and
expand the Digital Economy and Finance
(EKD) ecosystem, including by imple-
menting the Indonesian-Malaysia inter-
state Quick Response code Indonesian
Standard (QRIS) and physical domestic
Government Credit Cards (KKP) in tandem
with the government and the Indonesian
Payment System Association (ASPI) in line
with the Indonesian Digital Economy and
Finance Festival (FEKDI) in early May 2023.
Bank Indonesia along with the Coordi-
nating Ministry for Economic Affairs and
related associations planned to hold
FEKDI 2023 on May 7-10 in Jakarta as part
of 2023 Indonesia’s Asean chairmanship,
which showcases various digital initiatives
and innovations in the archipelago. –
Mt Semeru erupts,
Tempo
JAKARTA: Mount Semeru, which is located
in Indonesia’s East Java province, erupted
16 times on Wednesday, launching hot
ashes as far as two km from the crater to
the southeast, according to the Semeru
Volcano Monitoring Post.
“The first eruption started at 7:10 am
and the second at 8:40 am, with a duration
of 82 to 110 seconds,” said Semeru Volcano
Monitoring Post Officer Sigit Rian Alfian
on Wednesday.
The mountain, as high as 3,676 metres
above sea level, is in the third danger level,
reported Xinhua.
Authorities asked people to remain vig-
ilant, and in particular avoid its southeast-
ern sector of 13 km and a five km radius
around the summit to avoid eruption. a
The eruption of Mount Semeru in
December 2021 caused tens of thousands
of people to flee home and claimed more
than 50 lives. –Bernama
 WORLD
India’s population to surpass China mid-year by three million
10 Join against blackmail of Western sanctions: Lavrov
NEW DELHI: India is set to overtake China
as the world’s most populous country by
the end of June, UN estimates showed
Wednesday, posing huge challenges to a
nation with creaking infrastructure and
insufficient jobs for millions of young peo-
ple.
The seismic shift will see India’s popu-
lation hit 1.4286 billion—almost three mil-
lion more than China’s 1.4257 billion—at
mid-year, the United Nations Population
Fund’s State of World Population report
forecast.
China has generally been regarded as
the world’s most populous country since
the fall of the Roman Empire but last year
its population shrank for the first time
since 1960, while India’s has continued to
rise.
The South Asian giant spreads from the
Himalayas to the beaches of Kerala, with
22 official languages, and nearly half its
inhabitants are under 25.
The country faces huge challenges pro-
viding electricity, food and housing for its
growing population, with many of its mas-
sive cities already struggling with water
shortages, air and water pollution, and
packed slums.
According to the Pew Research Centre,
Thousands flee as clashes
rage despite Sudan truce
KHARTOUM: Thousands of residents fled
Sudan’s capital Wednesday as fighting
between the army and paramilitaries, that
has killed around 200 people, raged for a
fifth day after a 24-hour truce collapsed.
The violence erupted on Saturday
between the forces of two generals who
seized power in a 2021 coup: army chief
Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and his deputy,
Mohamed Hamdan Daglo, who com-
mands the paramilitary Rapid Support
Forces (RSF).
It followed a bitter dispute between
Burhan and Daglo over the planned inte-
gration of the RSF into the regular army—
a key condition for a final deal aimed at
resuming Sudan’s democratic transition.
Loud explosions and heavy gunfire
were heard in the capital on Wednesday
morning, as witnesses said plumes of thick
black smoke emanated from buildings
around the army headquarters in central
Khartoum.
RSF fighters atop armoured vehicles
and pick-up trucks laden with heavy
weapons and ammunition swarmed the
streets, as the army’s fighter jets roared
overhead and fired on RSF targets, the wit-
nesses said.
Civilians huddled in their homes were
becoming increasingly desperate, with
dwindling food supplies, power outages,
and a lack of running water.
Their hopes of being evacuated were
dashed on Tuesday when a 24-hour
humanitarian ceasefire collapsed within
minutes of its proposed start at 1600 GMT.
On Wednesday morning, thousands of
Beijing hospital fire toll 29
people took matters into their own hands
and began leaving their homes in Khar-
BEIJING: Chinese authorities said on
Wednesday they had detained a dozen
people over a hospital fire in Beijing that
left at least 29 dead and forced desperate
survivors to jump out of windows to
escape.
The blaze, which broke out on Tuesday
afternoon at the Changfeng Hospital in
China’s capital, killed mostly patients, and
left scores of other people injured.
Dramatic footage posted to social
media showed people clinging to ropes
and jumping from the building, while oth-
ers perched on external air conditioning
units in a desperate bid to shelter from the
flames.
The Fengtai district’s deputy mayor
expressed his “deep condolences” over the
deaths of the 16 women and 13 men killed
in the inferno, the deadliest in Beijing in
over two decades.
“We feel deep remorse and guilt,” Li
Zongrong told journalists as he
announced the toll at a press conference
US Supreme Court to weigh in on abortion pill ban
on Wednesday.
“I hereby express our deep condolences
WASHINGTON: The US Supreme Court
will step into the divisive and emo-
tional battle over the abortion drug
mifepristone Wednesday, when it is
expected to rule on tough new court-
ordered restrictions on the widely used
pill.
It sets up the conservative-leaning
bench for its most significant interven-
tion on reproductive rights since a seis-
mic ruling 10 months ago that stripped
Y OU R LOCAL V OICE I TH URS D AY, APRI L 2 0 , 2 0 2 3
India’s population will be 1.4286 billion compared to China’s 1.4257 billion at mid-year.
the number of people in India has grown
by more than one billion since 1950, the
year the UN began gathering population
data.
China ended its strict “one-child pol-
icy”, imposed in the 1980s amid overpop-
ulation fears, in 2016 and started letting
couples have three children in 2021.
Many blame its falling birth rates on
the soaring cost of living, as well as the
growing number of women going into the
workforce and seeking higher education.
Civilians huddled in their homes were becoming increasingly desperate,
with dwindling food supplies, power outages, and a lack of running water.
toum, some in cars and others on foot,
including women and children.
They said the streets were littered with
dead bodies, the stench of which filled the
air.
Governments have starting planning to
evacuate thousands of foreigners, among
them many UN staff.
Japan said on Wednesday that its
defence ministry had begun the “necessary
preparations” to evacuate around 60 of its
nationals from Sudan, including embassy
staff.
After the truce collapsed, the army
accused the “rebel militia” of failing to
commit to it and of continuing “skir-
mishes around the army headquarters and
the airport”.
The RSF in turn accused the army of
“committing violations” and breaching
the ceasefire by launching “sporadic
for the victims, and express our sincere
respects to the victims’ families, the
injured and their relatives, and apologise
to the people of the whole city,” he said.
Twelve people, including the hospital’s
director, have been detained in connec-
tion with the fire, said Sun Haitao from
Beijing’s public security bureau, adding
that representatives from a company ren-
ovating the facility were among those
being held.
A preliminary probe revealed the blaze
had been caused by “sparks generated dur-
ing the internal renovation and construc-
tion of the inpatient department of the
hospital”, according to Zhao Yang from
the city fire brigade.
The sparks “ignited the volatile ele-
ments of the flammable paint on the site”,
Zhao said.
State broadcaster CCTV reported that
out of the dead, 26 were patients at the
hospital, two were hospital staff, and one
was a patient’s family member.
State-run People’s Daily reported that
as of Wednesday morning 39 people were
women in America of the constitutional
right to a termination.
Since then, anti-abortion groups
have refocused their efforts on banning
mifepristone, which was approved by
the Food and Drug Administration
(FDA) back in 2000 and currently
accounts for more than half of all abor-
tions in the United States.
Those efforts bore fruit earlier this
month when a federal judge said the
11 Fox News settles $1.6bil libel case
China said on Wednesday that it
“implements a national strategy to actively
respond to population ageing, promotes
the three-child birth policy and support-
ing measures, and actively responds to
changes in population development”.
“China’s demographic dividend has not
disappeared, the talent dividend is taking
shape, and development momentum
remains strong,” said foreign ministry
spokesman Wang Wenbin.
India has no recent official population
attacks” on its forces and bases around the
capital.
The fighting has left at least 185 people
dead and more than 1,800 injured, accord-
ing to the United Nations.
But the real figure is thought to be far
higher with many wounded unable to
reach hospitals, which are themselves
being shelled, according to the official
doctors’ union.
Deafening explosions rattled buildings,
windows and the nerves of many terrified
residents who hunkered down hoping for
an end to the violence.
Offices and residential buildings in the
city have been left with shattered windows
and facades riddled with bullets.
Electricity and water are out in many
parts of Khartoum, forcing residents to
sneak out during lulls in fighting to buy
food and supplies, witnesses said. – AFP
being treated in hospital with injuries, and
another three had been discharged.
Top city officials visited the hospital
shortly after the fire, which broke out at
around 1:00 pm on Tuesday and was extin-
guished half an hour later.
Beijing party secretary Yin Li vowed to
“quickly identify the cause of the accident
and hold the relevant responsible persons
accountable”, according to the Beijing
Daily.
AFP journalists on Wednesday saw
FDA approval was flawed and the drug
should be withdrawn.
An appeals court blocked any ban on
the pill, but imposed tough restrictions
on access, after which the baton was
handed to the Supreme Court which
has until midnight Wednesday to step
in.
The multi-level rulings and tempo-
rary stays have created a climate of legal
confusion and uncertainty that has only
data because it has not conducted a census
since 2011, with a follow-up in 2021
delayed by the Covid pandemic.
The initiative is now bogged down by
logistical hurdles, making it unlikely the
massive exercise will begin anytime soon.
Some accuse the government of deliber-
ately delaying the count until after
national elections next year.
The census will shine a spotlight
on how the Indian economy under
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is strug-
gling to provide jobs for the millions of
young people entering the job market
every year.
The new UN report also estimated that
the global population will have hit 8.045
billion by mid-2023, by which time almost
one in five people on the planet will be
Indian.
Other countries, mostly in Europe
and Asia, can expect a demographic
slump over the coming decades,
according to other UN figures published
last July.
In Africa, the continent’s population is
expected to rise from 1.4 to 3.9 billion
inhabitants by 2100, with about 38 percent
of Earth dwellers living there, compared to
around 18 percent today.
Kim orders launch of first spy satellite
SEOUL: North Korean leader Kim Jong Un
said the country has finished building its
first military spy satellite and gave the
green light for its launch, state media said
Wednesday.
The report of its completion comes
about a week after Pyongyang launched
what it said was a new solid-fuel intercon-
tinental ballistic missile, marking a major
breakthrough in its banned weapons pro-
grammes.
Analysts have said there is significant
technological overlap between the devel-
opment of ICBMs and space launch capa-
bilities.
Kim gave instructions on Tuesday to
“make sure that the military reconnais-
sance satellite No. 1 completed as of April
will be launched at the planned date,” the
official Korean Central News Agency
(KCNA) reported.
During a visit to North Korea’s National
Aerospace Development Administration
on Tuesday, he also called on staff to
“firmly establish the satellite intelligence-
gathering capability by deploying several
reconnaissance satellites on different
orbits in succession”.
State media images showed Kim tour-
ing the space agency with his daughter.
An investigator
inspects the
damage at the
Changfeng
Hospital in
Beijing.
dozens of people outside the entrance to
the hospital, where a large number of
police officers were stationed.
Some of the hospital’s windows
appeared blackened and at least one was
broken.
The facade of one of the hospital
buildings was completely blackened
by soot.
The hospital is located in the capital’s
western urban area, about 25 minutes by
car from Tiananmen Square. – AFP
heightened concerns and anxieties
among those who oppose what they
view as an all-out assault on women’s
reproductive rights.
Since the Supreme Court overturned
the landmark Roe v. Wade ruling that
had enshrined the constitutional right
to abortion for half a century, around
two dozen states have either banned or
severely restricted access to abortion. –
AFP
9
The population of the entire planet,
meanwhile, is only expected to decline in
the 2090s, after peaking at 10.4 billion,
according to the UN.
India is on the frontlines of the effects
of climate change, but generates most of
its electricity from coal and its efforts will
be vital in the global fight to reduce car-
bon emissions.
The nuclear-armed nation has started
to become more assertive on the world
stage, pushing for a permanent seat on the
UN Security Council.
Many Western countries are banking
on the world’s largest democracy, already
a member of the US-led Quad alliance,
becoming more of a geopolitical counter-
weight to China.
But it also co-founded the BRICS group-
ing with Brazil, Russia, China and South
Africa to challenge the dominant US- and
European-led global governance struc-
tures, and is a member of the Shanghai Co-
operation Organization alongside
Moscow and Beijing.
New Delhi has resisted Western pres-
sure to freeze out Moscow, opting instead
to strengthen trade ties with its long-
standing ally and ramping up imports of
Russian oil. – AFP
Kim (2nd
right) and his
daughter
Ju Ae (right)
inspect the
National
Aerospace
Development
Administra-
tion (NADA)
at an undis-
closed place
in North
Korea.
The items he was inspecting, as well as
charts and other wall displays in some of
the images were blurred out.
The development of a military recon-
naissance satellite was one of the key
defence projects outlined by Kim in 2021.
On Tuesday, he said gaining this recon-
naissance technology was a “primary task
to be indispensably fulfilled” because of
what he descibed as threats and aggression
from the United States and South Korea.
In December 2022, North Korea said it
had carried out an “important final-stage
test” for the development of a spy satellite,
which it said it would complete by April
this year.
At the time, experts in South Korea
quickly raised doubts about the results,
saying the quality of the black-and-white
images released by North Korea—purport-
edly taken from a satellite—was poor.
Pyongyang has not provided a launch
date, though on Tuesday, Kim said the
satellite would be sent up “at the planned
date”.
“It looks like the North will launch its
‘symbolic’ satellite for now, and upgrade it
gradually,” An Chan-il, a defector-turned-
researcher who runs the World Institute
Guatemalan
for North Korea Studies, told AFP. – AFP
President for
Taiwan trip
GUATEMALA CITY:
Guatemalan Presi-
dent Alejandro
Giammattei (pic)
will visit Taiwan this
weekend, he
announced, amid
tensions between
the island nation
and China that have
tested the loyalties of Latin American
nations.
Giammattei’s announcement came just
two weeks after he received Taiwan’s Pres-
ident Tsai Ing-wen for an official visit dur-
ing which she promised continued
assistance for “democratic partners.”
Tsai then travelled to neighbour
Belize—the only other Central American
country to retain diplomatic ties with Tai-
wan since Honduras shifted its allegiance
to China last month.
China considers self-ruled, democratic
Taiwan part of its territory to be retaken
one day, and does not allow other coun-
tries to recognise both Beijing and Taipei.
On Tsai’s return home from Belize, she
had stopped in the United States for a
meeting with House Speaker Kevin
McCarthy which irked China.
Beijing then staged war games around
Taiwan.
Giammattei, who reaffirmed
Guatemala’s “recognition of the sover-
eignty” of Taiwan, said the partner coun-
tries would sign an agreement to boost
exports of Guatemalan coffee, sugar and
other products. – AFP
 ‘Russia prevented sabotage in Crimea’
10 World
MOSCOW: Russia’s FSB domestic security
agency said Wednesday it had detained a
Russian-Ukrainian citizen suspected of
planning to “sabotage” an energy infra-
structure site in annexed Crimea.
Russian lawmakers this week tough-
ened penalties for “terrorism” and sabo-
tage as Moscow pursues its military
offensive against Ukraine.
The FSB in the city of Kerch “prevented
the preparation of sabotage at a facility of
the energy system of the peninsula,”
annexed from Ukraine in 2014, it said in a
statement.
“A citizen of Russia and Ukraine, born
in 1971, who was involved in the prepara-
tion of this crime, was detained,” the state-
ment said.
According to the FSB, the suspect was
being held for planning to commit “sabo-
Join against blackmail of
Western sanctions: Lavrov
CARACAS: Russian Foreign Minister Sergei
Lavrov called for like-minded countries to
“join forces” against the “blackmail” of
Western sanctions, as the longtime diplo-
mat continued his tour of Latin America.
Discussing Russia’s war on Ukraine
with counterpart Yvan Gil in Caracas,
Lavrov referred to allies Venezuela, Cuba
and Nicaragua as countries “that choose
their own path.”
All are, like Russia, the subject of dam-
aging economic sanctions, he said.
“It is necessary to join forces to counter
the attempts of blackmail and illegal uni-
lateral pressure of the West,” Lavrov said at
a joint press conference with Gil.
Russia’s top diplomat is on a week-long
Latin American tour that started in Brazil
and will also take him to Nicaragua and
Cuba—where the leftist governments have
hostile relations with the United States.
He spoke as Brazilian President Luiz
Inacio Lula da Silva, under fire from the
United States for “parroting Russian and
Chinese propaganda,” clearly condemned
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
The White House on Monday—the
same day that Lula met with Lavrov in
Brasilia—had criticised the Brazilian
leader for recently saying that Washington
was “encouraging the war” in Ukraine and
that Kyiv shared blame for the conflict.
On Tuesday, Lula insisted that while his
government “condemns the violation of
the territorial integrity of Ukraine” it also
defends “a negotiated political solution to
the conflict.”
On Russia’s war, Lavrov said: “We will
resolve the situation” by upholding the
principles of the United Nations’ founding
charter on the “sovereign equity of states,
Herders, farmers
on the principle of indivisibility of security.”
clashes in Chad
leave 22 dead
N’DJAMENA: Clashes between herders and
farmers in southern Chad have left at least
22 people dead, authorities said Wednes-
day accusing rebels based in neighbouring
Central African Republic of igniting the
trouble.
Farmers from the Kodo community on
Monday attacked Fulani herders camped
in the Monts de Lam department, Logon
Oriental provincial governor general
Ahmat Dari Bazine told AFP by telephone.
He said the Kodos are Chadian “rebels”
based over the border in the Central Africa
Republic (CAR).
“The Kodos killed two Fulani herdsmen
Monday in their camp and wounded six
others and lost two of theirs,” in the ensu-
ing clashes, the general added.
The Kodos then attacked another vil-
lage killing four people before gendarmes
gave chase.
The gendarmes killed 14 of the attack-
ers, he said, leaving a total of at least 22
dead.
Hassan Khalil, first deputy prosecutor
at Baibokum, capital of the Monts de Lam
department, confirmed the fighting and
the death toll to AFP.
Tension between semi-nomadic Arab
herders and sedentary indigenous farmers
is a longstanding problem in central and
southern Chad, but also in the east where
many people are armed.
Farmers accuse herders of pillaging
their land with their grazing animals.
Herders typically come from arid
regions of the Sahel in northern Chad,
seeking to settle on more fertile land for
breeding camels and sheep.
But this time, the governor accused the
Kodos of being Chadian rebels hiding in
CAR, a claim AFP could not independently
verify.
“This new strategy is deliberately set
up by the Kodos to create problems
between herders and farmers, between
Muslims and Christian,” general Dari
Bazine said.
Authorities in Chad and CAR regularly
trade accusations of running bases in each
other’s country for rebels who then cross
the porous border to stage attacks. – AFP
tage” and “possession of explosives or
explosive devices”.
The charges carry a possible life sen-
tence, the FSB said.
It also said the suspect was in contact
“with a representative of Ukraine’s security
services, who coordinated his criminal
activities”.
FSB chief Alexander Bortnikov this
month accused Ukraine and Western pow-
ers of inciting Russians to armed rebellion.
President Vladimir Putin also accused
Western security services of being involved
in “terrorist” attacks in Russia.
In early April, Russia detained a young
woman after an explosion killed a top mil-
itary blogger in Saint Petersburg, blaming
Ukraine and the opposition.
Hungary’s government widened its
temporary ban on the imports of Ukrain-
Lavrov (left) with Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro
at the Miraflores Presidential Palace in Caracas.
“Our task is to ensure that the UN char-
ter is fully implemented, that the right to
self-determination is not eliminated when
it suits the West,” he said, according to an
official translation.
Lavrov also met with Venezuelan Presi-
dent Nicolas Maduro, who afterward
tweeted that it was a “pleasant meeting
that strengthened bilateral relations.”
Venezuela has long been a key Moscow
ally, and Maduro has repeatedly expressed
his support for Russia and President
Vladimir Putin both before and after the
invasion of Ukraine.
Russia, for its part, has supported Cara-
cas in the face of sanctions imposed by the
United States.
Nigerian schoolgirls escape kidnappers
The opposition in Venezuela, backed by
KANO, Nigeria: Eight Nigerian school-
girls have escaped from kidnappers
in northwest Kaduna State two
weeks after they were abducted on their
way to school, a government official
said.
The students of Government Second-
ary School Awon in Kachia district
were seized on April 3 in the latest
abduction of pupils in the region,
Samuel Aruwan, Kaduna state internal
affairs commissioner said in a statement
late Tuesday.
Abductions for ransom and intercom-
munal attacks have been on the rise
again especially in northwest Nigeria
after a lull during elections in February
and March for the presidency and gover-
norship posts.
The government has recently also
lifted restrictions on cash bank notes put
Canadian public servants to
in place as part of a cash exchange policy
intended partly it said to curb ransom
stage massive strike over pay
OTTAWA: More than 155,000 Canadian
public servants will go on strike Wednes-
day to demand raises, with disruptions
expected to tax, immigration and pass-
port services, their union announced.
After months of negotiating with
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s govern-
ment, the Public Service Alliance of
Canada (PSAC) said they had failed to
reach an agreement over cost-of-living
raises to keep up with inflation.
Nearly one-third of Canadian public
servants are expected to hit picket lines at
more than 250 locations, according to
PSAC.
Canada last saw a strike of this size in
1991.
“We are at the beginning of a historic
strike (to reach) an agreement that takes
into account the cost of living,” Chris Ayl-
ward, PSAC president, told reporters on
Tuesday night.
Among other demands, the govern-
ment employees are seeking a 13.5 percent
wage increase over three years, or 4.5 per-
cent annually to keep up with inflation.
TH URS D AY, APRI L 2 0 , 2 0 2 3
ian agricultural products to include
honey, wine, bread, sugar, and a range of
meat and vegetable products.
The list of items to be banned were
revealed in a government decree, after
Budapest announced on Saturday a meas-
ure to halt the import of grain, oilseeds,
and several other products.
In recent days, Poland, Hungary and
Slovakia banned the import of grain and
other food items from war-hit Ukraine
after a slump in prices triggered protests
from local farmers.
Bulgaria is expected to make a similar
announcement on Wednesday.
In May 2022, the European Union
allowed Kyiv to export its grain stocks
through the bloc after the closure of the
Black Sea shipping lanes following Russia’s
invasion fuelled a global food crisis. – AFP
a large swathe of the international com-
munity, did not recognize Maduro’s re-
election in 2018 in a vote widely dismissed
as fraudulent.
At the bilateral level, Russia and
Venezuela announced that they have
signed agreements regarding oil and min-
ing.
Lavrov will later travel to Cuba, which is
facing a serious economic crisis.
Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel vis-
ited Russia at the end of November, where
he announced he had signed several
agreements concerning oil supplies to the
island. However, fuel shortages persist.
Lavrov is expected to make a final stop
in Managua, where he will meet with
Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega. – AFP
payment to kidnappers.
“The eight female students... have
escaped from the terrorists’
den,” Aruwan said, without giving their
ages.
Nigeria’s government last year
branded criminal militia gangs as terror-
ist organisations in part to facilitate mil-
itary action against them.
Aruwan had initially said 10 students
of the school which runs day classes
were taken before revising the number
to eight.
All the hostages escaped from “a thick
forest” on the border between Kaduna
and central Niger State and walked for
several days before reaching a location
where they were given shelter, said
Aruwan.
The students were taken for medical
checks before being reunited with their
families, while soldiers combed the for-
est for the abductors, he added. – AFP
The government has countered by offer-
ing nine percent spread over three years.
Canada’s inflation rate slowed to 4.3
percent year-on-year in March after peak-
ing at over 8 percent in June.
The union also wants more flexibility
over telecommuting.
After pandemic restrictions were rolled
back, public servants who had worked
remotely were expected to return to their
offices two or three days a week by March
31.
The labor dispute is expected to slow or
entirely shut down some federal services,
including the processing of immigration
and passport applications, PSAC said in a
statement.
With more than 35,000 striking work-
ers employed by the Canada Revenue
Agency, tax season could be brought to a
halt.
“As a result of the labour action, Cana-
dians should expect that some services of
the Government of Canada will be
delayed or unavailable,” the government
said in a statement. – AFP
On October 08, 2022, a truck exploded igniting a huge fire and damaging the
key Kerch bridge — built as Russia’s sole land link with annexed Crimea.
Drone attack on Ukraine’s Odesa
KYIV, Ukraine: Russia
launched a drone attack on
Ukraine’s southern port city
of Odesa early Wednesday
but there were no reports of
casualties, authorities said.
“At night, the enemy car-
ried out an attack by UAVs of
the Shahed-136 type on the
Odesa region,” Yuriy Kruk,
head of the Odesa district
military administration, said
in a statement on Telegram.
Kruk said Ukraine’s air
defences had destroyed most
of the attacking drones but some civilian
infrastructure had been hit.
“According to preliminary informa-
tion, there were no casualties. Measures
are being taken to contain the fire, units
of the State Emergency Service and other
structures are working on the spot.”
In an update on Telegram, General
Mykola Oleshchuk, commander of the
Ukrainian Air Force, said 10 out of 12
“kamikaze” drones had been destroyed by
the Odesa air defences.
Ukraine’s general staff said over the
past day Russia had launched four mis-
siles and 60 air strikes, along with 58
rocket attacks, causing injuries to civil-
ians.
The Shahed-136 is a small Iranian-
made, self-detonating drone that can be
programmed to fly automatically to a set
US to lose space, hypersonics races
to China if Beijing takes over Taiwan
WASHINGTON: If the United States loses
Taiwan to a full takeover by China, it will
lose its global leadership for the next cen-
tury because for at least the next decade
Washington desperately needs computer
microchips manufactured in Taiwan to
catch up with Beijing in the three crucial
technological areas of space, artificial
intelligence (AI) and hypersonic
weapons, Hadrian CEO Christopher
Power said on Tuesday.
“If we lose Taiwan, we lose global lead-
ership for at least 100 years,” Power told
the US House Foreign Affairs Committee.
“We lose the three major technological
races ... [of] space, AI and hypersonics.”
Power explained that it would take at
least another decade for US domestic
China to construct fifth Antarctic base
industry to build up the necessary base
WASHINGTON: Work by China to con-
struct a fifth research facility in Antarc-
tica has resumed after lying dormant for
years, reported dpa, quoting a Washing-
ton-based national security think tank.
Beijing’s “growing physical footprint”
in the southern polar region “serves to
advance China’s broader strategic and
military interests,” the Center for Strate-
gic and International Studies (CSIS) said
in a report released on Tuesday, based on
new satellite imagery.
Without making any territorial
claims, China has been expanding its
presence in the resource-rich region.
This has raised fears in the West that
Beijing may have economic and military
ambitions for the remote continent.
China’s newest facility is located on
Inexpressible Island, near the Ross Sea,
which should help “fill in a major gap in
China’s coverage of the continent’s
expansive coastline,” the report said.
Construction began in 2018 but for
years little work was carried out. Now, the
Construction began in 2018 but for years little work was carried out.
of GPS co-ordinates with a payload of
explosives.
Russia’s drone industry has been hit by
international sanctions and a number
have been shot down since the start of the
war—prompting Moscow to import
drones from Iran.
The Black Sea port of Odesa was a
favourite holiday destination for many
Ukrainians and Russians before President
Vladimir Putin sent troops into Ukraine in
February last year.
Since the start of the invasion, Odesa
has been bombed several times by Russian
forces. It was also hit by a drone attack two
weeks ago that caused some damage.
In January, the United Nations cultural
agency UNESCO designated the historic
centre of Odesa a World Heritage in Dan-
ger site. – AFP
to produce the microchips that it cur-
rently imports from Taiwan, reported
Sputnik.
“No one seems to have any viable
plans to catch up. The public is not aware
of it. ... Ninety-five percent of all factories
in the US high tech defense industrial
base are shutting down. America’s great-
est manufacturers are asking, ‘Where are
my parts?’” Power said.
The high-tech sector is in need of a
serious intervention by the US govern-
ment very quickly in the form of an
immediate infusion of millions of skilled
workers in metallurgy, engineering and
welding, especially from India and from
the allied “five eye” countries of the
United Kingdom, Australia, Canada and
New Zealand, Power added. – Bernama
satellite photos show “significant
progress” was recently been made.
“Once completed, the 5,000 square
meter station is expected to include a sci-
entific research and observation area, an
energy facility, a main building, a logis-
tics facility, and a wharf built for China’s
Xuelong icebreakers,” the CSIS report
said.
It will also have a satellite ground sta-
tion, which the think tank says would be
of service to both scientific endeavors
and the Chinese military’s expansive sur-
veillance operations.
Specifically, CSIS said the ground sta-
tion could intercept signals intelligence
from Australia and New Zealand.
About 30 countries, all signatories to
the Antarctic Treaty that sets the area
aside as a scientific preserve and bans
military activity, operate seasonal or
year-round research stations on the con-
tinent. China established its first Antarc-
tic base – the Great Wall Station on King
George’s Island – in 1985. – Bernama

Fox News settles $1.6bil libel case
WILMINGTON, United States: Fox News
reached a $787.5 million settlement in a
defamation case brought by voting tech-
nology company Dominion that alleged
the network knowingly aired false claims
linking its machines to a conspiracy to
undermine the 2020 US election.
The agreement to end the case avoided
what most experts suggested would have
been a damaging, high-profile trial for the
conservative channel in which owner
Rupert Murdoch would have been com-
pelled to testify in open court.
Judge Eric Davis announced the last-
minute agreement after the 12 jurors had
been selected and the Delaware Superior
Court was readying to hear opening argu-
ments.
Fox News said in a statement it was
“pleased” to have ended the dispute and
added: “We acknowledge the court’s rul-
ings finding certain claims about Domin-
ion to be false.”
Dominion CEO John Poulos told
reporters outside the court that Fox had
“admitted to telling lies about Dominion
that caused enormous damage to my com-
pany, our employees, and our customers.
Nothing can ever make up for that.”
The proceedings, trailed by the New
York Times as “the defamation trial of the
century,” had been due to test the limits of
free speech rights for media in America
when wilfully broadcasting misinforma-
tion.
Analysts had predicted it could be one
of the most consequential libel hearings in
US legal history.
The settlement, believed one of the
largest in a defamation case ever, means
star anchors, such as Tucker Carlson and
Cuba’s Diaz-Canel set for second
term in sewn up parliamentary vote
HAVANA: Cuba’s President Miguel Diaz-
Canel was all set to clinch a second five-
year term via a parliamentary vote
Wednesday as the sole candidate in a
country where political opposition is ille-
gal.
Diaz-Canel took over the reins in 2018
as Cuba’s first civilian leader after nearly
60 years of Castro brother hegemony, vow-
ing to “always defend the party” even as he
set out in pursuit of cautious economic lib-
eralisation.
In 2021, he also took over as first secre-
tary of the Communist Party of Cuba (PCC)
-- the country’s most powerful position,
long held by revolutionary leader Fidel
Castro and then his brother Raul.
Now 62, Diaz-Canel’s first term was
marked by the worst economic crisis in
three decades and a widely criticized
response to historic anti-government
protests, which triggered a tightening of
US sanctions.
He will be keen for another stab at
reform, recently telling the pan-Arab tele-
vision channel Al Mayadeen he was “dis-
satisfied” that his efforts at addressing
Cuba’s economic woes had not been
“more efficient, more effective.”
Under Diaz-Canel, an electronic engi-
US Black nationalists
charged with acting
for Russian agents
WASHINGTON: The US Justice Department
charged the founder and three members
of a half-century-old Black nationalist
group with working with Russian intelli-
gence to influence elections in the United
States.
Omali Yeshitela, the founder of the
African People’s Socialist Party (APSP) and
the Uhuru Movement, and two other party
members, Penny Joanne Hess and Jesse
Nevel, were charged with acting as unreg-
istered agents of Russia, which carries a
maximum five-year prison sentence.
All three, as well as another member
named Augustus Romain, have also been
charged with conspiring to act as agents
for Russia, which brings up to 10 years in
prison.
According to an indictment, the four
people took money and other support
from US-based Russian Alexandr Ionov
and Moscow-based officers of Russia’s FSB
intelligence agency who directed Ionov.
Ionov was charged last year for running
a political influence operation directed by
the FSB, but his US contacts were not
named, though APSP facilities were raided
by the FBI at the time.
Charges against Ionov, who is believed
to be back in Russia, were updated in Tues-
day’s indictment filed in Tampa, Florida.
Undercover as president of the
Moscow-based Anti-Globalization Move-
ment of Russia, Ionov used the APSP and
Uhuru movements, and Romain’s Georgia-
based spinoff Black Hammer, to promote
Russian views on politics, the Ukraine war
and other issues. Yeshitela traveled to Rus-
sia in 2015 where he entered a partnership
with Ionov’s group, according to the
indictment.
In 2016 Ionov funded a four-city protest
tour by APSP supporting a “Petition on
Crime of Genocide against African People
in the United States,” according to the Jus-
tice Department. – AFP
Dominion sued Fox for $1.6 billion in March 2021, alleging it promoted Trump’s (inset left)
baseless claim that its machines were used to rig the presidential election he lost to Biden.
Sean Hannity will also avoid appearing on
the witness stand.
US media reported that the agreement
does not require Fox hosts to apologise on-
air or admit spreading falsehoods.
Dominion sued Fox News for $1.6 bil-
lion in March 2021, alleging it promoted
Donald Trump’s baseless claim that its
machines were used to rig the presidential
election he lost to Joe Biden.
Dominion argued that Fox aired the lies
despite knowing they were untrue.
It said the network began endorsing
Trump’s conspiracy because the channel
was losing audience to smaller rivals after
it became the first television outlet to call
the southwestern state of Arizona for
Biden, effectively projecting the Democrat
would win the presidency.
Fox News denied defamation. It
claimed it was only reporting on Trump’s
neer by training, Cuba partly opened the
economy to small businesses in hundreds
of sectors previously under exclusive state
control.
Two years ago, he initiated a monetary
reform that ended artificial parity with the
US dollar but fueled inflation and sharply
devalued the local currency—another
blow to an ailing economy hard hit by US
sanctions in place since 1962 and a tourism
dip brought on by the coronavirus pan-
demic.
The reforms under Diaz-Canel “have
not meant a complete and comprehensive
transition to a mixed economy” as most
companies in Cuba are still state-con-
trolled, analyst Arturo Lopez-Levy, of the
Autonomous University of Madrid, told
AFP.
“Some economic changes have not
taken place, and others that have taken
place, have left much skepticism,” said
Lopez-Levy. Long-suffering Cubans face
daily shortages of food, medicine and fuel,
and since the arrival of mobile internet in
2018 they have increasingly taken to social
media to voice their dissatisfaction.
But in 2021, the largest protest since at
least the 1959 revolution was met with a
harsh response that left one dead, dozens
Top Mexican court limits army’s public security role
MEXICO CITY: Mexico’s top court limited
the army’s participation in public security
tasks, blocking a contentious move by
President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador
to put a civilian force under military con-
trol.
The National Guard plan, approved by
the ruling party-controlled Congress last
September, alarmed Lopez Obrador’s
opponents and human rights campaign-
ers, who said it handed too much power to
the armed forces.
By eight votes to three, the Supreme
Court annulled the legislative reform
granting the defence ministry operational
and administrative control of the National
Guard, concluding that it was unconstitu-
tional.
Before coming to power in 2018, Lopez
Obrador had vowed to send the military
back to the barracks.
But under his presidency, the armed
forces have kept their role in tackling car-
tel-related violence and even gained more
responsibility, including control of ports
and customs and major infrastructure
projects.
Lopez Obrador created the National
Guard in 2019 with a civilian command to
replace federal police accused of corrup-
tion and human rights violations. He has
since argued that the military is less likely
to be infiltrated by organised crime than
other branches of the security forces.
The United Nations Office of the High
Commissioner for Human Rights last year
Biden: Debt plan would harm millions of Americans
WASHINGTON: US President Joe Biden
slammed a congressional Republican plan
to limit federal spending in exchange for
raising the nation’s borrowing limit, saying
it would result in “huge cuts” to programs
serving millions of Americans.
The top Republican in the US House of
Representatives, Kevin McCarthy, officially
unveiled specifics of the plan earlier in the
day and urged members of his party to act
in concert as they go head to head with the
TH URS D AY, APRI L 2 0 , 2 0 2 3
allegations, not supporting them, and was
protected by free speech rights enshrined
in the First Amendment of the US Consti-
tution.
The protection makes it difficult for
plaintiffs to win defamation suits in the
United States.
In pre-trial hearings, Davis ruled that
there was no question Fox aired false state-
ments about Dominion.
For Dominion to have won however, it
would have been required to prove that
Fox News acted with actual malice—know-
ing the information was wrong or having
a “reckless disregard” for the truth.
The tough burden has been a bedrock
of US media law since 1964.
Dominion released a trove of internal
Fox News communications in which some
commentators and executives balked at
Trump’s claims and even expressed a dis-
Cuban First Secretary of the Communist Party Raul Castro (right),
greets Diaz Canel at the Havana Convention Center.
injured and more than 1,300 imprisoned, presidency on Wednesday, and another
according to rights observers.
Since then, Cuba has experienced an
unprecedented exodus, with more than will then hold a special sitting to approve
300,000 of its nationals leaving for other the selection and elect 21 members of its
shores in 2022 alone.
Cuba’s electoral authorities will offi-
cially announce the sole candidate for the no more than two successive terms. – AFP
Obrador (inset) has since argued that the military is less likely to be infiltrated
by organised crime than other branches of the security forces.
described the National Guard reform as a
“setback to public security grounded in
human rights.”
Nada Al-Nashif, then acting UN high
commissioner for human rights, said at
the time that the changes “effectively leave
Mexico without a federal civilian police
force, further cementing the already
prominent role of the armed forces in
public security in Mexico.”
president. The United States hit its $31.4
trillion borrowing limit in January,
prompting the Treasury to take “extraordi-
nary measures” that allow it to continue
financing the government’s activities.
But if the debt ceiling is not raised or
suspended by Congress before current
measures are exhausted, the US govern-
ment risks defaulting on payment obliga-
tions as early as July, with profound
implications for the economy.
like of the ex-president despite praising
him on air—evidence, it said, of malice.
A filing showed that Murdoch
described comments by former Trump
advisors Rudy Giuliani and Sidney Powell
pushing Trump’s claim that the election
was stolen from him as “really crazy stuff.
And damaging.”
Murdoch also admitted in a deposition
in the case that some on-air hosts had
“endorsed” the lie but he denied that the
network in its entirety had pushed it,
according to court documents filed by
Dominion.
Carlson told staff he couldn’t wait until
he could “ignore Trump most nights,”
adding: “I hate him passionately.”
Fox News accused Dominion of “cherry-
picking and taking quotes out of context.”
John Culhane, a professor at Delaware
Law School at Widener University, said
high-profile Fox names defending them-
selves in court would have been much
worse for the network than the settlement.
“The audio would have been replayed a
thousand times, forever,” he told AFP.
Fox News has overcome several crises in
recent years and was the most watched
cable news channel for a seventh year in a
row last year, well ahead of competitors
MSNBC and CNN.
It employs some traditional news
reporters, but the majority of its airtime is
given to conservative commentators,
including in prime-time shows.
“The network has been completely
exposed as a partisan propaganda outlet
that is willing to do anything for profit
and power,” said Media Matters advocacy
group president Angelo Carusone, react-
ing to the settlement. – AFP
for the vice-presidency.
The PCC-aligned National Assembly
own executive Council of State.
Under Cuban law, a president can serve
The military’s increased role had led to
more allegations of human rights viola-
tions by law enforcement and the armed
forces, and no sustainable reduction in
crime, she said.
More than 350,000 people have been
killed in a spiral of bloodshed since the
government of then-president Felipe
Calderon controversially deployed the
army to fight drug cartels in 2006. – AFP
House Republicans are vowing to only
raise the debt ceiling if federal spending
caps are implemented, in an attempt to
curb what they say is “reckless” spending
by Democrats.
Biden, however, accused the Republican
leader of proposing “huge cuts to impor-
tant programs” that “millions of Ameri-
cans count on,” and said their plan would
return the country to “the same old trickle-
down economic theories of the past.” – AFP
World 11
Toddler slips
through White
House fence
WASHINGTON: A toddler slipped through
the White House’s fence on the north side
of the US presidential residence and work-
place (pic).
Secret Service personnel “encountered
a curious young visitor along the White
House north fence line who briefly entered
White House grounds”, Xinhua quoted a
statement obtained by US media outlets.
“The White House security systems
instantly triggered Secret Service officers
and the toddler and parents were quickly
reunited,” said the statement attributed to
Secret Service spokesperson Anthony
Guglielmi.
Access to the complex was briefly
restricted while officers conducted the
reunification, according to The Associated
Press. Secret Service officers were also
reported to have briefly questioned the
parents before allowing them to continue
on their way. The US National Park Service
and the Secret Service have worked to con-
struct a new fence around the White
House since July 2019 after previous secu-
rity breaches. – Bernama
One dead in US
multi-storey
parking collapse
NEW YORK: At least one person died and
four were rushed to hospital after a multi-
story parking garage in New York City col-
lapsed , emergency responders said (pic).
Aerial video footage circulating on
social media showed cars piled on top of
one another in a jumble of cracked con-
crete in the financial district of Lower
Manhattan.
The building on Ann Street “pancaked,
collapsed, all the way to the cellar floor,”
the acting head of New York’s buildings
department, Kazimir Vilenchik, told a
press conference at the scene.
Its exterior remained standing, but offi-
cials said they feared further collapse.
The fire department’s chief of opera-
tions John Esposito said they had ordered
all their initial responders out of the build-
ing—but that a robotics unit had been able
to deploy a robot dog and fly drones inside
to conduct searches.
He said they believed there had been six
workers in the building when it collapsed.
“Four of them have been transported to
the hospital in stable condition. We have
one patient that has died,” he told the
news conference. The sixth person refused
medical treatment, he said. – AFP
US$579,514
income in Biden
tax returns
WASHINGTON: America’s first couple did-
n’t do too badly last year, earning $579,514,
although this was a good chunk less than
the previous year, according to Joe and Jill
Biden’s tax return, made public.
Biden has restored a custom designed
to demonstrate transparency at the White
House, the most notable exception to the
unwritten rule being his predecessor Don-
ald Trump who consistently refused to
release his annual income and tax report.
The president and first lady’s joint return
showed gross income of nearly $580,000 in
2022, which was $30,000 less than in the pre-
vious year’s filing. Most of that income came
from Biden’s standard presidential salary of
$400,000, which is set by Congress.
Jill Biden, who teaches at Northern Vir-
ginia Community College and is the first
presidential spouse to continue an outside
paid job, earned $82,335. They paid a fed-
eral tax rate of 23.8 percent, a notch down
from last year’s 24.6 percent, resulting in
$137,658 in federal income tax.
They also paid $29,023 in income tax in
their home state of Delaware, while the
first lady paid $3,139 in Virginia income
tax. – AFP
 BUSINESS
13 EU agrees plan to boost chip production
Trade surplus reached
RM26.06b for March
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia’s trade surplus
widened in March 2023 to RM26.69 billion
compared to March 2022, marking the 35th
consecutive month of trade surplus since
May 2020 and the highest trade surplus
ever recorded for March.
Trade fell slightly by 1.6 per cent to
RM232.72 billion in March 2023, while
exports declined 1.4 per cent to RM129.71
billion and imports were lower by 1.8 per
cent to RM103.01 billion year-on-year (y-o-
y).
The Ministry of Investment, Trade and
Industry (Miti) said trade, exports, imports
and trade surplus recorded double-digit
growth of 13.5 per cent, 15.5 per cent, 11.1
per cent and 36.4 per cent respectively
compared to February 2023.
Trade also grew by 3.2 per cent to
RM644.87 billion in the first quarter (1Q) of
2023 versus 1Q 2022, while exports
increased 2.8 per cent to RM354.63 billion
and imports expanded by 3.7 per cent to
RM290.24 billion, according to its state-
ment.
It said trade, exports and imports regis-
tered the highest value for the period.
However, the trade surplus edged down by
one per cent in the quarter to RM64.39 bil-
lion.
Miti said exports of manufactured
goods, which constituted 84 per cent or
RM108.96 billion of total exports in March
2023 decreased marginally by 0.4 per cent
y-o-y amid lower exports of electrical and
electronic (E&E) products, rubber prod-
ucts and wood products.
Exports of mining goods totalled eight
per cent of total trade or RM10.4 billion, a
decrease of 3.5 per cent y-o-y on lower
petroleum condensate and other petro-
leum oil demand, while agriculture goods
with 7.3 per cent share stood at RM9.43 bil-
lion, slipping 10.8 per cent y-o-y due to
lower exports of palm oil and palm oil-
based agriculture products.
An increase in exports was registered
for liquefied natural gas (LNG).
Miti said that in March 2023, trade with
Asean represented 27.9 per cent or
RM64.84 billion of Malaysia’s total trade,
declining by 1.4 per cent y-o-y.
Exports amounted to RM37.98 billion, a
Bursa ends lower for a third day
bursa closing report
KUALA LUMPUR: Bursa Malaysia closed
lower for the third consecutive day due
to profit-taking activities ahead of the
Hari Raya Aidilfitri holidays amidst
weaker regional market performances,
an analyst said.
At 5 pm, the FTSE Bursa Malaysia KLCI
(FBM KLCI) was 7.29 points or 0.5 per cent
lower to 1,425.07 from Tuesday’s close of
1,432.36.
The barometer index opened 0.79 of a
point weaker at 1,431.57 and moved
between 1,423.05 and 1,431.57 throughout
the trading session.
The market breadth was broadly neg-
ative as decliners outpaced gainers 597 to
265, while 374 counters were unchanged,
1,062 untraded and 11 others suspended.
Turnover narrowed to 3.14 billion
units valued at RM1.76 billion from 3.17
billion units worth RM1.85 billion on
Tuesday.
Rakuten Trade Sdn Bhd equity
research vice-president Thong Pak Leng
said key regional markets ended mostly
lower as investors were cautiously await-
ing earnings reports and possible moves
on interest rate hikes by central banks.
“On the domestic front, we expect
trading to be muted moving forward,” he
told Bernama.
He also foresees the FBM KLCI trend-
ing sideways within the range of 1,420-
1,430 towards the weekend.
Heavyweights Maybank and Public
Bank eased one sen to RM8.69 and
RM3.97, Petronas Chemicals lost 19 sen to
RM7.21, CIMB and CelcomDigi shed three
sen each to RM5.22 and RM4.43.
Among the actives, Fitters Diversified
was unchanged at five sen, Pharmaniaga
gained 1.5 sen to 39 sen and Vinvest Cap-
ital rose one sen to 20 sen, while Hong
Kenanga maintains its TIV forecast
Seng eased half sen to 12.5 sen and MY
KUALA LUMPUR: Kenanga Investment
Bank Bhd (Kenanga IB) has maintained
its calendar year 2023 (CY23) total indus-
try volume (TIV) forecast of 720,000
units, underpinned by strong consumer
confidence, supported by a stable econ-
omy and a healthy job market.
In a research note, the investment
bank said the projection was also based
on the affordability of motor vehicles on
the back of the recent pause in overnight
policy rate (OPR) hikes by Bank Negara
Malaysia (BNM).
drop of 3.4 per cent on lower exports of
E&E products.
However, increases in exports were
recorded for petroleum products, machin-
ery, equipment and parts as well as trans-
port equipment.
On the other hand, imports from Asean
expanded by 1.6 per cent to RM26.86 bil-
lion.
Exports to Asean major markets that
recorded increases were Singapore, which
grew by RM615.3 million and Indonesia,
which expanded by RM738.9 million on
account of robust exports of petroleum
products.
The ministry said trade with China,
which made up 16.3 per cent or RM37.84
billion of Malaysia’s total trade contracted
by three per cent y-o-y, as exports valued at
RM16.68 billion, shrank by 6.2 per cent as a
result of lower exports of E&E products.
An increase in exports, however, was
recorded for metalliferous ores and metal
scrap, chemicals and chemical products as
well as LNG. Imports from China slipped by
0.3 per cent to RM21.16 billion.
Trade with the United States (US) in
March with a share of 9.5 per cent of
Malaysia’s total trade was up by 5.2 per cent
y-o-y to RM22.05 billion. Exports expanded
E.G slipped two sen to 82 sen.
On the index board, the FBM Emas
Index weakened 64.68 points to
10,475.80, the FBMT 100 Index lost 62.18
points to 10,160.02 and the FBM Emas
Shariah Index slipped 83.56 points to
10,806.33.
The FBM ACE Index was 37.12 points
weaker at 5,352.59 and the FBM 70 index
dipped 125.95 points to 13,691.12.
Sector-wise, the Industrial Products
and Services Index eased 2.02 points to
172.37, the Plantation Index slipped 32.92
points to 6,851.72, the Financial Services
Index declined 40.89 points to 15,690.58
and the Energy Index fell 7.0 points to
860.19.
The Main Market volume widened to
2.12 billion units valued at RM1.45 billion
from 2.08 billion units valued at RM1.51
billion on Tuesday.
Warrant turnover rose to 367.83 mil-
lion units worth RM52.82 million against
277.52 million units worth RM45.34 mil-
lion previously.
The ACE Market volume shrank to
650.69 million shares worth RM258.92
million versus 804.49 million shares
worth RM288.37 million Tuesday.
Consumer products and services
counters accounted for 259.52 million
shares traded on the Main Market, indus-
trial products and services (742.58 mil-
lion); construction (57.92 million);
technology (309.76 million); SPAC (nil),
financial services (53.42 million); prop-
erty (198.06 million); plantation (23.62
million); REITs (11.32 million),
closed/fund (33,000); energy (55.99 mil-
lion); healthcare (203.95 million);
telecommunications and media (95.70
million); transportation and logistics
(44.55 million); and utilities (59.60 mil-
lion). –Bernama
Additionally, the attractive new car
models and stable new car prices (thanks
to the deferment of new excise duty reg-
ulations), as well as potentially cheaper
hire purchase costs with the introduction
of the reducing balance method in the
calculation of interest charges also con-
tributed to the forecast.
“The industry’s total booking backlogs
have held up at a fairly strong level of
300,000 units compared to bookings of
350,000 units three months ago despite
heavy deliveries. – Bernama
TH URS D AY, APRI L 2 0 , 2 0 2 3
14 Musk touts new policy to advertisers
by 7.5 per cent to RM14.59 billion and
imports from the US edged up by one per
cent to RM7.46 billion.
Trade with the European Union (EU)
took up 8.3 per cent of Malaysia’s total
trade in March 2023, expanding by 6.1 per
cent y-o-y to RM19.41 billion.
Exports amounted to RM10.98 billion,
declining by 5.3 per cent on lower exports
of E&E products, palm oil and palm oil-
based agriculture products as well as rub-
ber products. Imports from the EU jumped
25.9 per cent to RM8.43 billion.
Meanwhile, trade with Free Trade Agree-
ment (FTA) partners which contributed
67.5 per cent or RM157.18 billion to
Malaysia’s total trade, edged down margin-
ally by 0.9 per cent y-o-y.
Exports to FTA partners declined by 1.5
per cent to RM89.48 billion and imports
shrank by 0.1 per cent to RM67.7 billion,
Miti said.
As for imports, intermediate goods, val-
ued at RM53.81 billion or 52.2 per cent
share of total imports, decreased by 8.7 per
cent in March 2023 y-o-y; capital goods, val-
ued at RM9.77 billion (9.5 per cent),
increased by 3.5 per cent; and consumption
goods, valued at RM9.26 billion (nine per
Sunway Malls
cent), grew by 6.2 per cent. –Bernama
registers 19pc
sales growth
KUALA LUMPUR: Sunway Malls’ sales per-
formance has exceeded expectations after
registering a 19 per cent year-on-year (y-o-
y) growth in the first quarter (1Q) of 2023,
supported by a stronger festive quarter and
healthy demand for out-of-home dining.
The mall group operator recorded sales
growth of 12 per cent in January, 25 per
cent in February and 22 per cent in March.
“Sunway Malls is off to a good start,
with a strong 1Q providing a strong foot-
ing for the remaining quarters,” said HC
Chan, Sunway Malls and Theme Parks chief
executive officer.
In a statement, Chan said that the sales
growth was largely driven by high growth
from the travel-related, entertainment,
fashion, beauty, food and beverage (F&B),
health and personal care segments.
As international borders opened up,
pent-up demand and an uptick in travel
saw the travel-related category’s sales
growth skyrocketing by 178 per cent.
Large blockbusters, movie releases and
a healthy demand for leisure activities
boosted its entertainment segment by 52
per cent y-o-y, while the mall group’s
health and personal care segment
improved by 21 per cent y-o-y and fashion
by 24 per cent y-o-y. Additionally, the F&B
segment has emerged as one of the
group’s top 20 sales categories.
“This is in tandem with the growing
dominance of F&B categories in recent
times where it occupies 25-30 per cent of
the total net lettable area.
“This trend is expected to expand fur-
ther to 35-40 per cent in the near future,”
said Chan.
Meanwhile, the mall group operator
has recognised several prevailing key
headwind themes, including inflationary
pressure, labour market shortage, global
supply chain disruption, interest rate and
tariff hikes which continue to drive busi-
ness costs up and weigh heavily on margin
and profitability for the year.
However, it remains optimistic, given
its proven track record, strong branding
and network of retail partners, and had
continued its expansion mode with the
development of more retail space.
The group said that it would conduct
an Asset Enhancement Initiative exercise
in Sunway Pyramid and Sunway Carnival,
and revealed plans to build a mall with a
retail space of one million square feet in
Sunway City Ipoh, which is expected to be
completed by 2025. –Bernama
Optimism for trade improvement
KUALA LUMPUR: RHB Investment Bank
Bhd has maintained that the country’s
trade performance will likely improve by
the second half of 2023 (2H 2023), follow-
ing the anticipated recovery in the global
economy.
In a research note, RHB Investment
Bank said global growth would likely
rebound by 2H 2023 with the stabilisation
of financial conditions as most major
global central banks would have reached
their peak policy interest rate objectives,
and inflationary momentum would likely
ease on a sustained basis.
“Exports are unlikely to collapse in 1H
2023. Despite the contraction in the year-
on-year term for March, we expect a con-
tinuous stabilisation in momentum for
both exports and imports, suggesting that
the bottoming out process in the export
growth could ensue by early 2H 2023,” it
said.
Notwithstanding the slowdown in
external demand, RHB Investment opined
that the risks to Malaysia’s economic
growth would be limited.
“The domestic economy, which was
buoyed by robust labour market condi-
tions, continuation of large-scale infra-
structure projects and a pickup in tourism
activities, would continue to underpin the
economy’s momentum.
“Our detailed analysis suggests that the
domestic economy is becoming larger and
external dependency, particularly the
labour market, on global economic condi-
tions is falling,” it said.
Meanwhile, MIDF Research expects
Malaysia’s export growth to moderate to
6.2 per cent this year from a previous fore-
cast of 9.2 per cent.
The research firm opined that imports
MAHB records 6.7 million passengers
would grow at 6.4 per cent from a previous
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia’s total passen-
ger movements increased by 15 per cent to
6.7 million in March 2023 from the preced-
ing month, said Malaysia Airports Hold-
ings Bhd (MAHB).
In a statement, the airport operator
said the increment was due to the resump-
tion of various flight routes during the
month as travel demand in the region con-
tinues to rise.
Managing director Datuk Iskandar
Mizal Mahmood said the active resump-
tion of airline operations and routes at air-
ports nationwide continues to give
optimism on travel demand and he
expected more new airlines to fly to
Malaysia in the coming months.
“Indonesian low-cost carrier TransNusa
Airlines has recently made its debut inter-
national flight to Kuala Lumpur from
Jakarta this month, initially serving only
domestic routes in Indonesia.
“TransNusa is the ninth airline with
Paid Competitive Gaming growing
operations between Kuala Lumpur and
six times faster than overall market
KUALA LUMPUR: The Paid Competitive
Gaming (PCG) market is expected to reach
US$16 billion by 2024, according to a new
report titled “Global Paid Competitive
Gaming Report 2023”. (US$1=RM4.42)
With a compounded annual growth
rate (CAGR) of 31.9 per cent from 2021 to
2024, this new gaming segment is growing
six times faster than the overall global
mobile games market, which is forecast to
reach US$223 billion by 2024 at a 4.9 per
cent CAGR.
The gaming industry has undergone a
paradigm shift since the introduction of
the pay-to-play model in the 1970s and the
subsequent free-to-play model in the
2000s. Currently, there are four distinct
ways to monetise games: Subscription
Services, Rewarded Ads, Play & Earn and
PCG.
“This shift highlights that publishers
are embracing new and innovative mod-
els, while players are expecting new and
inventive forms of interaction with their
favourite games,” says Newzoo Head of
Consulting, Tony Habschmidt.
According to a statement, PCG repre-
sents a novel competitive experience for
everyday gamers, offering them myriad of
opportunities to compete in low to high
stakes skill-based games against other play-
Cahya Mata S’wak outlook to positive
ers worldwide, beyond traditional games.
KUALA LUMPUR: RAM Rating Services
Bhd (RAM Ratings) has revised the long-
term ratings outlook on Cahya Mata
Sarawak Bhd to positive from stable in
view of the group’s improving business
and financial profiles.
In a statement, RAM Ratings said the
company’s new phosphates manufactur-
ing division, Cahya Mata Phosphates
Industries Sdn Bhd, has started commis-
sioning production and would transition
to commercial operations by mid-2023.
“The division is anticipated to become
a significant earnings contributor from
fiscal 2024 and will diversify the group’s
current construction-focused business
profile and further strengthen its finan-
12
9.5 per cent forecast.
MIDF Research said the revision in the
export forecast reflected the assumption
that an anticipated boost from China’s eco-
nomic reopening would be delayed.
“We still expect recovering demand
from China to impact Malaysia’s trade later
this year positively.
“In general, we maintain a cautiously
optimistic view that trade will continue to
grow, but the outlook can be constrained
by elevated inflation, higher borrowing
costs, and factors affecting supply (such as
geo-political tension or trade disruptions)
that will result in even weaker global
demand,” it said.
MIDF Research said the positive growth
in imports indicates increased purchases of
foreign goods on the back of rising domes-
tic spending and investment activities.
Earlier, the Ministry of Investment,
Trade and Industry (Miti) announced that
Malaysia’s trade fell slightly by 1.6 per cent
to RM232.72 billion in March 2023, while
exports declined 1.4 per cent to RM129.71
billion and imports were lower by 1.8 per
cent to RM103.01 billion year-on-year (y-o-
y).
MIDF Research said the decline was
slightly sharper than its and the market
consensus as the firm predicted the high
base effect and limited upside support
from China’s economic recovery would
translate into weak year-on-year growth.
It said the decline was also attributable
to lower domestic exports (4.1 per cent y-o-
y), in contrast to sustained growth in re-
exports (10.3 per cent y-o-y).
“We foresee the relatively lower com-
modity prices will likely influence trade
performance in the next few months
before the effect diminishes in the second
half of 2023,” it added. –Bernama
Jakarta, proving the route’s popularity and
high demand,” he added.
MAHB said the international and
domestic passenger movements in
Malaysia continued to grow steadily in
March 2023, registering three million and
3.7 million passengers respectively.
Both sectors showed an increase in pas-
senger movements by more than ten per
cent each from the preceding month.
The March 2023 year-to-date total pas-
senger movements in Malaysia were 18.7
million, a 125 per cent increase from 8.3
million passengers during the same
period in 2022.
On its asset in Turkiye, MAHB said Istan-
bul Sabiha Gokcen International Airport
(SGIA) recorded 2.8 million passengers in
March, which was a ten per cent increase
over the previous month.
Total international passenger move-
ments registered 1.5 million, while domes-
tic passenger movements recorded 1.3
million passengers respectively. –Bernama
Real money prize pools allow players to
monetise their gaming abilities, and effec-
tive skill-matching ensures a fair and com-
petitive playing field for all participants.
Mobile is gaming’s biggest, fastest-
growing segment, by player numbers and
revenues. In 2021, the industry saw 2.8 bil-
lion mobile gamers contributing over 50
per cent of the global gaming revenue and
is forecasted to grow to US$113.0 billion by
2024 with 3.1 billion players.
PC gaming had 1.4 billion players in
2021, expected to rise to 1.5 billion by 2024,
and console gaming had 871 million play-
ers in 2021, projected to increase to 943
million in 2024.
The report also revealed that the United
States (US), India, Mexico, the United
Kingdom and Germany are forecast to be
the top markets for PCG with the US, cur-
rently the largest gaming market in the
world, is also leading the way in PCG, with
an estimated value of US$3 billion in 2021.
A collaborative effort between Mobile
Premier League (MPL), mobile eSports and
digital gaming platform and Newzoo,
leader in video game and gamer data, the
report is based on a consulting analysis by
Newzoo and a customised research con-
ducted by the company in 2022 on 24,562
respondents across 12 of the largest gam-
ing markets. –Bernama
cial profile with segmental contribution
potentially reaching half of the group’s
earnings,” it said.
Meanwhile, the credit rating agency
said it expect the group to be a direct
beneficiary of the rise in Sarawak’s con-
struction activity and its sturdy foothold
in Sarawak’s cement industry would
directly benefit from the state’s contin-
ued focus on infrastructure develop-
ment.
However, it said a lack of geographical
diversification and the group’s cyclical
core businesses are ratings moderators
but the rising prominence of Cahya Mata
Phosphates’ earnings will reduce the
exposure to these factors. – Bernama

LONDON: UK inflation slowed last month
but held above 10 percent on soaring food
prices, official data showed Wednesday,
further fuelling a cost-of-living crisis
despite a series of aggressive interest-rate
hikes.
The Consumer Prices Index rose by a
stronger-than-expected 10.1 percent in
March from 10.4 percent in February, the
Office for National Statistics (ONS) said in
a statement.
Inflation held in double figures on
surging food and housing costs, dashing
expectations for a drop below 10 percent
after the Bank of England sharply raised
borrowing costs.
The rate had zoomed to a 41-year peak
at 11.1 percent last October on sky-high
energy bills after key gas producer Russia
invaded Ukraine.
EU agrees plan to boost chip production
STRASBOURG (France): The European Par-
liament and EU member states reached an
agreement on a plan to boost the supply
of semiconductors in Europe, as the bloc
races to reduce its dependence on Asian
suppliers.
The European Union has prioritised
local chip production after the coron-
avirus pandemic triggered supply chain
shocks that led to significant shortages.
Asian industry, especially firms in
China and Taiwan, currently dominate the
manufacture and export of semiconduc-
tors.
EU chief Ursula von der Leyen said the
deal “will allow for a competitive chips
industry and build the foundation for a
global market share. It will power a clean
tech industry made in Europe and
strengthen our digital resilience and sov-
ereignty.”
Under the provisional political agree-
ment, the EU aims to double its current
global market share to 20 percent in 2030
and mobilise more than 43 billion euros
($47.2 billion) in public and private invest-
ments to feed Europe’s growing appetite
EasyJet hikes profit forecast on demand
LONDON: British airline EasyJet lifted its
annual profit forecast for the second time
this year as holidaymakers continue to
shrug off the uncertain economic climate.
EasyJet predicted in a trading update
that it will beat expectations of £260 mil-
lion ($322 million) for its financial year to
September, citing “network transforma-
tion, improved revenue capability and
strong demand” for travel.
“Whilst we remain mindful of the
uncertain macroeconomic outlook across
the globe, based on current high levels of
demand and strong bookings, EasyJet
anticipates exceeding current market
profit expectations,” it said, as it eyed
“strong” summer bookings.
The airline, based in Luton north of
London, had already upgraded its annual
Glencore mulls higher
Teck Resources bid
ZURICH: Swiss commodities giant Glencore
told Teck Resources shareholders on
Wednesday that it is willing to sweeten its
takeover offer after the Canadian miner’s
board rejected a previous proposal.
Glencore already added an $8.2 billion
cash component to its original $22.5 billion
all-share offer earlier this month, but it
failed to sway Teck’s board.
In a letter signed by Glencore chief exec-
utive Gary Nagle, the group said it was will-
ing to take the offer directly to shareholders
if the board would not engage.
“In fact, we believe that with engage-
ment, we could improve our proposal’s
terms and value, which would be in the best
interests of all Teck shareholders,” the letter
said.
Nagle wrote that Glencore was prepared
to meet with the Teck board anytime and
anywhere to discuss the proposal.
“We urge Teck shareholders to take
action to ensure that the Teck Board engage
in bona fide negotiations regarding Glen-
core’s proposal to see if this is a path for
Teck shareholders to maximise value from
their Teck shares,” he added.
Glencore, which is active in both com-
modity trading and mining, proposes to
buy Teck and then create two new compa-
nies specialised in metals and coal. – AFP
foreign closing report
HONG KONG: Markets were mixed on
Wednesday as traders tried to assess the
Federal Reserve’s next moves in the fight
against inflation, with some appearing to
adopt a “defensive” approach.
More or less flat results in New York
offered global investors little direction,
leaving them to scrutinise mixed earnings
reports for major US lenders.
Not even receding fears of a banking
crisis coupled with optimism for a recov-
ery in the world’s second-biggest economy
were enough to give a meaningful boost
to sentiment.
Stephen Innes, of SPI Asset Manage-
ment, suggested in a note that, with little
to go on, “global traders have seemingly
moved into defensive mode as the debate
goes on whether the Fed is at the top of its
UK inflation holds above 10pc on food prices
The UK’s Conservative government,
headed by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, had
last month unveiled a budget aimed at
tackling the cost-of-living crisis, which has
sparked strikes as wages drop in value.
“These figures reaffirm exactly why we
must continue with our efforts to drive
down inflation so we can ease pressure on
families and businesses,” said finance min-
ister Jeremy Hunt.
“We are on track to do this... and we’ll
continue supporting people with cost-of-
living support.”
Despite the efforts, official data this
week showed that pay continues to grow
more slowly than prices.
“Inflation eased slightly in March, but
Taiwan’s TSMC is the world’s biggest maker of computer chips. (Getty Images)
for chips.
Europe will need to quadruple its pro-
duction to meet this target.
Funding will come from existing EU
budget money and the deal will also
loosen state aid rules to spend money on
developing centres to produce the key
guidance in January.
Tuesday’s news sent its share price soar-
ing 1.6 percent to 519.2 pence.
“EasyJet is flying high, gliding out of
clouds of losses into profitable skies,”
noted Hargreaves Lansdown analyst
Susannah Streeter.
“Sun is shining on its summer
prospects with strong bookings already in
the bag.”
She added that consumers were clearly
prioritising travel and experiences over
buying more stuff, having been denied the
opportunity to vacation elsewhere during
the pandemic.
EasyJet added on Tuesday that it had
“significantly” improved its performance
in the first half of its financial year, when
it traditionally suffers a loss.
United Airlines reports Q1 loss
NEW YORK: United Airlines reported a
quarterly loss but offered a bullish summer
outlook in light of travel demand that it
said still shows no sign of ebbing.
The major US carrier reported a first-
quarter loss of $194 million, despite a 51.1
percent surge in revenues compared with
the year-ago period to $11.4 billion.
But results were hit by higher costs,
especially on salaries and for jet fuel.
Still, United Chief Executive Scott Kirby
echoed comments from rival Delta Air
Goldman Sachs results hit by
slowdown in corporate mergers
NEW YORK: A slowdown in corporate
transactions and weak trading results
weighed on Goldman Sachs’ first-quarter
results this week, sending shares lower.
The big investment bank pointed to a
“significant decline in industry-wide com-
pleted mergers and acquisitions transac-
tions” and much lower revenues for
currency and commodities trading as driv-
ers of the dip in profits. Net income came
in at $3.1 billion, down 19 percent from the
year-ago period on a five percent drop in
revenues to $12.2 billion,
The results came on the heels of a
stream of solid earnings reports by JPMor-
Markets mixed as traders enter ‘defensive mode’ with eyes on Fed
hiking cycle”.
That debate remained far from settled,
with some analysts warning that certain
investors’ apparent confidence in coming
rate cuts was misplaced.
Fed officials themselves seemed split on
the way forward, with Atlanta bank boss
Raphael Bostic happy for one more hike
before holding rates above five percent for
a time, and St. Louis counterpart James
Bullard favouring taking them as high as
5.5-5.75 percent.
Borrowing costs are currently at 4.75-5
percent.
Paul Mackel, global head of foreign-
exchange research at HSBC, urged
TH URS D AY, APRI L 2 0 , 2 0 2 3
remains at a high level,” said ONS chief
economist Grant Fitzner.
The main downward impact was from
falling motor fuel and heating oil costs,
while clothing, furniture and household
goods rose by less than one year ago.
Fitzner cautioned that this was “par-
tially offset by the cost of food, which is
still climbing steeply”.
Food price inflation rocketed in March
to 19.1 percent, hitting the highest level
since August 1977.
The food rate has hit a series of 45-year
peaks for several months.
There were record March gains for
bread and cereal, chocolate and confec-
tionery, other food products including
component.
The EU will also mobilise 3.3 billion
euros for research and development, and
the deal includes a system to monitor sup-
ply shortages to act in times of crisis.
The legislative text also forms part of
the bloc’s bid to produce more in Europe
Pre-tax losses are set to reach between
£405 million and £425 million in the six
months to March.
That would mark an improvement of
more than £120 million from its loss at the
same stage last year.
The carrier also revealed that first-half
revenues surged 80 percent to £2.69 bil-
lion, with passenger numbers swelling by
more than a third to 15.6 million.
EasyJet had already been expected to
rebound into the black as the industry
recovers from Covid fallout, having logged
three annual losses in a row.
The aviation sector is flying high after a
tumultuous period sparked by the deadly
coronavirus crisis, which erupted in early
2020 to ground flights, sparking huge
losses and job cuts. –AFP
Lines in touting a still-strong travel market
as it eyes a busy summer travel season.
“We are watching the macroeconomic
risks carefully, but demand remains strong,
especially internationally, where we are
growing at twice the domestic rate,” Kirby
said in an earnings press release.
United projected second-quarter profits
of $3.50 to $4.00 per share, in line with ana-
lyst estimates, and full-year profits above
analyst expectations. Shares rose 1.4 per-
cent to $43.66 in after-hours trading. –AFP
gan Chase, Citigroup and other large
banks that benefited from a rise in interest
rates that allowed them to charge more for
loans in their vast consumer banking busi-
nesses.
Goldman’s results included a $470 mil-
lion loss connected to a partial sale of the
loan portfolio of Marcus, a consumer
banking initiative Goldman launched in
2016 that has been largely phased down.
On the positive side, Goldman scored
higher revenues in asset and wealth man-
agement, thanks partly to the rise in pub-
lic equity investments during a quarter in
which US stocks rallied. – AFP
investors “not get too complacent” amid
the relative calm in markets.
“A couple more hikes and then the next
thing is, ‘Well, what’s next?’ Are we gonna
be facing a much bigger slowdown?” he
said on Bloomberg Television.
Investors are also weighing the outlook
for the Chinese economy, with data Tues-
day showing it expanded a forecast-bust-
ing 4.5 percent in January-March, the first
quarter it has been unencumbered by
growth-sapping zero-Covid restrictions.
The jump was helped by a surge in
retail sales in March, but while the read-
ings were healthy, other figures on indus-
trial output and fixed-asset investment
ready-meals and sauces, and hot bever-
ages, the ONS said.
“The cost of simply living has crept
insidiously higher and wage increases are
struggling to keep pace with such high
inflation,” noted AJ Bell analyst Danni
Hewson.
“UK consumers will be utterly fed up
with the situation and they’ll be angry that
other parts of the world seem to be bene-
fiting from inflation falling much faster.”
Hunt in March extended a subsidy on
energy bills for a further three months,
after the Ukraine conflict sent them surg-
ing—and fuelled runaway global inflation.
The government forecasts inflation will
sink to 2.9 percent by the end of this year.
to reduce its vulnerability to geopolitical
shocks like the war in Ukraine.
When Russia invaded Ukraine last year,
the EU scurried to find alternative energy
sources after years of relying upon Russian
fossil fuels.
“This will allow us to rebalance and
secure our supply chains, reducing our
collective dependence on Asia,” Thierry
Breton, the EU’s industry commissioner,
said in a statement after the parliament
and the European Council reached an
agreement.
Europe was under pressure to act fast.
In August, the United States approved
its own Chips and Science Act that
included around $52 billion to promote
production of microchips and tens of bil-
lions of dollars more for scientific research
and development.
Japan and South Korea have also vowed
to spend billions on developing their
countries’ semiconductor production.
Washington has leaned on allies
including Japan and the Netherlands this
year to curb exports on semiconductor
technology to China, much to Beijing’s
Volkswagen to invest $1.1b
into new centre in China
HEFEI:Volkswagen will invest around 1 bil-
lion euros (about US$ 1.1 billion) to estab-
lish a new development, innovation and
procurement centre in China, the Volkswa-
gen Group announced at the ongoing Auto
Shanghai 2023.
The new centre, with the project name
100 per centTechCo, will be set up in Hefei,
capital of east China’s Anhui Province,
reported Xinhua.
It will combine vehicles and compo-
nents research and development (R&D)
teams with purchasing, leverage synergies
in the development process and integrate
state-of-the-art local technologies into
product development at an early stage, the
company said.
The centre is expected to be launched in
early 2024 and will comprise more than
2,000 employees from procurement and
Thais bid for stronger
global F&B presence
CHIANG MAI: Informa Markets Thailand
has inked a memorandum of understand-
ing (MoU) with the Food Innovation and
Packaging Centre (FIN) to enhance the
kingdom’s food and beverage (F&B) indus-
try’s presence internationally.
Informa Markets is the world’s leading
exhibitions organiser and FIN is an organi-
sation that provides academic services,
research and food innovation development.
Informa Markets Thailand regional port-
folio director of Asean Rungphech Chi-
tanuwat said the MoU is aimed at
upgrading the F&B production and packag-
ing industries to make Thailand a regional
hub in Southeast Asia.
“The MoU is catered to attract entrepre-
neurs in northern Thailand to ProPak Asia
2023, the region’s top trade event for F&B,
pharmaceutical processing and packaging
technology, and also to the Food Ingredi-
ents Asia 2023 (Fi Asia 2023) trade show.
“ProPak Asia 2023 runs from June 14-17
and Fi Asia 2023 is from Sept 20-22. Both
events will be held in Bangkok,” she said
during the Food Technology Events by
Informa Markets press conference at Chi-
came in below par, pointing to an uneven
recovery, and weighing on most Asian
markets Tuesday.
“The market has been very biased to dis-
count good news in China, but we think
the improvement, mainly if inflation picks
up, will become harder to ignore over the
coming months,” Innes said, pointing to “a
continued reopening impulse, still-accom-
modative macro policies and a low base”
from the previous year.
Shanghai, Tokyo, Hong Kong, Taipei,
Bangkok, Manila and Mumbai were all
down Wednesday, while Sydney, Seoul,
Wellington, Jakarta and Singapore were
up.
Business 13
The Bank of England has ramped up
interest rates 11 times in a row since late
2021 in a bid to tame consumer prices.
The BoE’s key rate currently stands at
4.25 percent, the highest level since late
2008.
Yet inflation remains at more than five
times its official target of two percent.
The central bank’s next decision is due
in May.
“The (inflation) drop is too modest for
the (BoE) to stop raising rates; we now
look for a final 25 basis-point hike,” com-
mented Pantheon Macroeconomics ana-
lyst Samuel Tombs.
BoE governor Andrew Bailey recently
warned that policymakers needed to see
inflation come down sharply before end-
ing its current monetary-tightening cycle.
–AFP
chagrin.
French-Italian chipmaker STMicroelec-
tronics, US-based GlobalFoundries and US
tech giant Intel said last year they would
pour billions into new production sites in
France and Germany. They will now be
able to seek state subsidies for their proj-
ects.
Brussels is racing to protect the bloc’s
competitive edge in the face of threats
from China and the United States, which
have ploughed billions into green technol-
ogy.
Last month, the EU’s executive arm
published two proposals to push Europe
to produce more clean technology includ-
ing critical raw materials needed to man-
ufacture batteries for electric vehicles.
“Europe aims to become an industrial
powerhouse in the markets of the future—
the digital and clean technologies that will
allow us to remain a competitive export
force, generate quality jobs and ensure our
security of supply,” Breton said.
“Because there will be no green or digi-
tal transition without a strong manufac-
turing base,” he added. –AFP
R&D. It is expected to gradually shorten the
development time of new products and
technologies by around 30 per cent.
“By consistently bundling development
and procurement capacities as well as inte-
grating local suppliers at an early stage, we
will significantly accelerate our develop-
ment pace.
“This will also strengthen the efficiency
of cooperation for our joint venture and
increase our profitability,” said Ralf Brand-
staetter, chairman and CEO of Volkswagen
Group China. The establishment of 100 per
centTechCo is an important step of the
company’s “in China, for China” strategy,
according to Brandstaetter.
Based in Hefei, Volkswagen Anhui is
Volkswagen Group’s first joint venture in
China that focuses on the R&D and manu-
facturing of new energy vehicles. –Bernama
angmai University here. Also at the press
conference were the Federation of Thai
Industries (FTI) chairman of the food pro-
cessing industry club Charoen Kaewsuksai
and FIN director Dr Yuthana Phimolsiripol.
Rungphech said there are challenges to
bringing the entrepreneurs to the food
events and partners are needed to under-
stand the needs of the northern entrepre-
neurs and what technology they want to see
or use.
“This is why we are working with FIN as
they have a lot of social responsibility to
develop and help as well as to support
micro small and medium enterprises in F&B
development,” she said. At the same time,
Rungphech noted that the situation with
the Covid-19 outbreak has improved and it
allows Informa Markets to push forward in
terms of raising awareness with travelling
international groups.
“Therefore, this year, we are pushing and
supporting events that will help stimulate
the growth of the meetings, incentives, con-
ferences and exhibitions (Mice) industry, in
line with governmental policy,” she said. –
Bernama
London and Frankfurt were also down
in early trade, while Paris was flat.
The FTSE sank after the release of new
data showing UK inflation slowed less
than expected to remain stubbornly above
10 percent last month.
“Inflation falling to 10.1 percent in
March marks a bittersweet moment as
markets had anticipated inflation to dip
into the single digits for the first time since
last summer,” said Srijan Katyal, global
head of strategy and trading services at
international brokerage ADSS.
“However, the decline in inflation is
still welcome news for consumers across
the country.” –AFP
14 Business TH URS D AY, APRI L 2 0 , 2 0 2 3

n 10 MOST ACTIVE STOCKS

fITTERS-WC
fITTERS
TURNOVER

272,422,900
96,397,100
hIgh

3.0
5.0
LOW

1.0
4.5
L/dONE

1.5
5.0
UP/dOWN

UNCh
UNCh
Musk touts SAhAM AMANAh SAbAh
(MANAgER’S PRICES fOR APR 18)
PhARMA 80,564,100 43.0 39.0 39.0 +1.5
hONgSENg
MyEg
VINVEST
hSI-CLy
80,223,800
72,129,900
71,856,500
70,988,600
13.5
84.0
20.0
29.0
12.0
81.5
19.5
24.0
12.5
82.0
20.0
24.5
-0.5
-2.0
+1.0
-5.0
new policy to bUyINg:
SELLINg:
NAV:

n gold prices
0.2852
0.2852
0.2852

SNS 67,059,600 29.5 26.5 26.5 -1.5

SALUTE
hSI-CLN

n bURSA SCOREbOARd
65,105,300
50,777,900
168.0
4.5
116.0
2.0
116.0
2.0
-49.0
-3.0
advertisers
MIAMI: Twitter head Elon Musk this
THE physical price of gold as at 5pm stood at
RM272.91 per gramme, down RM3.37 from
RM276.28 at 5pm Tuesday. – Bernama

UP dOWN UNChANgEd TRAdEd week attempted to reassure wary adver- n CLOSINg INdICES
fbMEMAS 10,475.80 ( - 64.00 )
tisers by hyping up the site’s newly
CONSUMER PROd & SERV 37 91 49 177
fbMKLCI 1,425.07 ( - 7.29 )
introduced content moderation policy
INd-PROd & SERVICES 49 98 89 236
CONSTRUCTION 9 19 20 48
against hateful material. CONSUMER PROdUCTS 576.66 ( - 4.70 )
TEChNOLOgy 9 31 12 52 Speaking at a meeting in Florida, the INdUSTRIAL PROdUCTS 172.37 ( - 2.00 )
SPAC 0 0 0 0 controversial billionaire outlined new CONSTRUCTION 161.52 ( - 0.60 )
fINANCIAL SERVICES 7 19 3 29 rules, first announced Monday, to limit fINANCIAL SERVICES 15,690.50 ( - 40.00 )
PROPERTy 26 43 29 98 the reach of tweets that do not conform ENERgy 860.19 ( - 7.00 )
PLANTATION 5 19 12 36 to the platform’s guidelines. TELECOMMUNICATIONS619.94 ( - 9.30 )
REIT 3 8 8 19 hEALTh CARE 1,791.39 ( - 48.00 )
CLOSEd ENd fUNd 1 0 0 1
“If somebody has something hateful
TRANSPORTATION 925.53 ( - 4.30 )
ENERgy 7 14 13 34
to say, it doesn’t mean he should have a let’s account as “state-affiliated media,”
PROPERTy 699.22 ( - 4.00 )
hEALTh CARE 1 13 3 17 icrophone,” the self-described free- branding it the same way as media in
PLANTATION 6,851.72 ( - 32.00 )
TELECOMMUNICATIONS/MEdIA 3 8 8 19 speech absolutist told gathered journal- authoritarian countries such as Russia
fbMShA 10,806.30 ( - 83.00 )
TRANSPORTATION & LOgISTICS 7 13 10 30
fbMACE 5,352.59 ( - 37.00 )
ists. or China.
UTILITIES 4 6 3 13
TEChNOLOgy 62.16 ( - 0.10 )
“He still should be able to say it, but The tag was later amended to read
STRCWARR 55 135 39 229 it needs to be not them pushing it on “government-funded media,” which
ACE-MKT 37 73 72 182
bONd&LOAN 1 2 0 3
people,” he added. was also applied to Britain’s BBC.
ETf 3 4 2 9 Under the new policy, unveiled in a Following the row, Canada’s n INTERbANK RATES
LEAP-MKT 1 1 2 4 blog post titled “Freedom of Speech, CBC/Radio-Canada and Swedish public
KUALA LUMPUR INTERbANK
OffER RATES: APR 19
Not Reach,” Twitter will soon begin tag- radio Sveriges Radio (SR) also quit the
265 597 374 1,236 ging posts whose visibility has been lim- social network.
ited. The drama came against the back- 1M 2M 3M 6M 9M 12M
2.96 3.35 3.55 3.66 - 3.79
n bURSA dERIVATIVES ExChANgE The labels will “bring a new level of drop of the rollout of yet another con-
SIbOR (S$) SIbOR (US$) hIbOR (hK$)
transparency to enforcement actions,” tentious new policy, as Twitter has said
KUALA LUMPUR COMPOSITE INdEx fUTURES the blog post said. that starting April 20, it will only grant 1M – 2.86619
CONTRACT CLOSINg: APR 19 “Tweets with these labels will be its famous blue checkmark to accounts 2M – 3.28071
made less discoverable on the platform. that pay for its Twitter Blue service. 3M – 3.54714
CONTRACT VOLUME OPEN OPEN hIgh LOW LAST SETTLE
MONThS INTEREST TRAdEd PRC
Additionally, we will not place ads According to analyst Jasmine Enberg 6M – 4.01095
12M – 4.29006
adjacent to content that we label.” at market research firm Insider Intelli-
APR-23 4,921 34,044 1431.5 1432.5 1422.0 1422.5 1422.5 Since purchasing the so-called bird gence, Twitter’s revenue is set to drop 28
MAy-23 258 583 1433.0 1433.0 1423.0 1423.0 1423.0 app in a rollercoaster $44 billion deal percent this year, because “advertisers
JUN-23 37 790 1432.5 1433.0 1425.0 1425.0 1425.0 last year, Musk has sharply reined in don’t trust Musk.” n RINggIT WATCh
SEP-23 39 520 1420.5 1423.0 1415.0 1415.0 1415.0
content moderation on the platform, But for Musk, the ability to tinker
allowing the return of many users who with Twitter’s protocol might be worth ThE ringgit ended marginally lower against the
US dollar on Wednesday, and is seen trapped in
3-MONTh KLIbOR fUTURES CLOSINg: APR 19 had been banned for posting tweets the financial risk of spooking advertis-
a sideways channel, said bank Muamalat Malaysia
bhd chief economist Mohd Afzanizam Abdul
that incite hate or spread misinforma- ers.
MONTh OPEN hIgh LOW SETTLE VOL OPEN tion. “It’s totally cool to say that you want Rashid.
PRICE POSITION At the same time, he also reduced to have your advertisement appear in At 6pm, the local note depreciated to
APR-23 - - - 96.45 - - the company’s workforce from more certain places in Twitter and not in 4.4385/4435 against the greenback from Tuesday’s
closing rate of 4.4315/4360.
MAy-23 - - - 97.23 - -
than 7,500 to fewer than 2,000 employ- other places,” Musk said.
ees. “But it’s not cool to try to say what “There are not many supporting catalysts for
JUN-23 - - - 97.23 - - Last week, US public radio NPR said you can do or not do. And if that means the ringgit and at the same time, market senti-
SEPT-23 - - - 97.23 - - it was quitting Twitter after the site Twitter loses hundreds of thousands of ments are inclined towards the US dollar as it
seems to suggest that the federal Reserves (fed)
dEC-23 - - - 97.23 - -

More hikes may be appropriate: ECB

labeled the highly respected news out- dollars, we’ll lose it,” he said. –AFP
will deliver a 25 basis points hike in the fed fund
MAR-24 - - - 97.23 - - Rate during the federal Open Market Committee
JUN-24 - - - 97.23 - - meeting in May.
“This is expected to lift the value of the US
SEPT-24 - - - 97.23 - -
dollar in the immediate term,” he told bernama.
dEC-24 - - - 97.23 - - FRANKFURT (Germany): More eurozone extended period,” said Lane, according Meanwhile, the Ministry of Investment, Trade
MAR-24 - - - 97.23 - - interest rate increases will be appropri- to a speech posted on the ECB website. and Industry (Miti) announced that Malaysia’s
exports fell 1.4 per cent year-on-year in March
JUN-25 - - - 97.23 - - ate to tame high inflation if conditions Eurozone inflation skyrocketed after
after staging a strong growth of 9.8 per cent in
SEP-25 - - - 97.23 - - remain as expected, the European Cen- Russia invaded Ukraine in February last
the preceding month.
dEC-25 - - - 97.23 - - Mohd Afzanizam said this indicates that
tral Bank’s chief economist said year, and cut off key gas supplies to
Wednesday. Europe. Malaysia’s external sector is likely to remain soft
MAR-25 - - - 97.23 - - The ECB has hiked rates by 3.5 per- In March, consumer prices in the and the domestic demand would have to do the
JUN-26 - - - 97.23 - - centage points since July last year in an eurozone rose by 6.9 percent on an heavy lifting in order to ensure the overall growth
SEP-26 - - - 97.23 - - unprecedented campaign of monetary annual basis, down from 8.5 percent in to reach the targeted growth of four per cent to
dEC-26 - - - 97.23 - - tightening to bring soaring consumer February. five per cent this year.
Meanwhile, the ringgit was traded mixed
MAR-26 - - - 97.23 - -
prices under control. But that is still far above the ECB’s
The central bank holds its next meet- two-percent target, and policymakers against a basket of major currencies.
JUN-27 - - - 97.23 - - ing on May 4 and, with inflation in the have voiced concerns that core infla- It edged up vis-a-vis the euro to 4.8508/8563
SEP-27 - - - 97.23 - - 20-nation currency club slowing, all eyes tion—excluding volatile energy and from 4.8631/8681 on Tuesday, it rose against the
Japanese yen to 3.2919/2959 from 3.3046/3082 on
dEC-27 - - - 97.23 - - are on whether policymakers will imple- food costs—remains stubbornly high. Tuesday’s close and it was unchanged versus the
MAR-27 - - - 97.23 - - ment another hike, and by how much. At its last meeting in March, the ECB british pound at 5.5100/5162 from Tuesday’s
Chief economist Philip Lane said that lifted rates half a percentage point, as 5.5101/5157. The local note also traded mixed
TOTAL OPEN INTEREST : NIL CTRS TOTAL TURNOVER : NIL LOTS “it will be appropriate to raise rates fur- expected, despite calls to slow or pause against Asean currencies.
ther” if the “baseline scenario” underly- tightening in response to turmoil in the It strengthened against the Indonesian rupiah
ing the ECB’s most recent forecasts in banking sector. at 296.1/296.8 from 298.5/299.0 on Tuesday,
bURSA MALAySIA dERIVATIVES ExChANgE: APR 19 March holds. The collapse of three US regional appreciated versus the Thai baht to 12.8719/8917
ThE CRUdE PALM OIL fUTURES CLOSINg (ALL PRCS ARE IN RM/MT) Markets and surveys by the central lenders and the takeover of Credit Suisse from 12.9228/9416, unchanged against the Philip-
bank also expect that borrowing costs by Swiss rival UBS sparked turbulence pine peso at 7.89/7.91 from 7.89/7.90 and strength-
dEL OPEN hIgh LOW LAST SETTLE VOLUME OPEN “will rise further in the near term and on markets, but fears of a wider finan- ened against the Singapore dollar at 3.3190/3230
MONTh (RM) (RM) (RM) (RM) POSIITON will remain at elevated levels for an cial crisis have since eased. –AFP
from 3.3265/3301 Tuesday. – bernama

MAy-23 4132 4183 4073 4073 N/A 1991 12,920

JUN-23 3920 3974 3863 3885 N/A 8,301 44,267
n COCOA n ExChANgE RATES
JUL-23 3780 3820 3721 3730 N/A 30,183 81,559 dAILy dEALER PURChASE PRICE Of COCOA ExChANgE RATES ISSUEd by MALAyAN bANKINg bhd: APR 19
bEANS QUOTEd by ThE MALAySIAN COCOA
AUg-23 3712 3750 3650 3659 N/A 7,860 36,345 bOARd ON WEdNESdAy, APR 19 2023 SELLINg bUyINg bUyINg
TT/Od TT Od
SEP-23 3687 3705 3625 3638 N/A 8,769 32,342 SMC 1 SMC 2 SMC 3 1 US dollar 4.4940 4.3580 4.3620
hIgh LOW hIgh LOW hIgh LOW hIgh LOW
OCT-23 3667 3700 3615 3629 N/A 4,041 13,705 1 Australian dollar 3.0440 2.9220 2.9090
NOV-23 3667 3696 3613 3627 N/A 4279 19,382 TAWAU 175 175 8950 8950 8750 8750 – – 1 brunei dollar 3.3700 3.2720 3.2620
1 Canadian dollar 3.3520 3.2610 3.2500
dEC-23 3678 3678 3612 3627 N/A 3461 13,948 TENOM 170 170 8950 8950 8750 8750 – – 1 Euro 4.9380 4.7780 4.7600
JAN-24 3673 3673 3618 3634 N/A 1262 6,376 MUAR – – – – – – – – 1 New Zealand dollar 2.8040 2.6990 2.6740
1 Papua N guinea Kina N/A N/A N/A
TOTAL OPEN POSITION : 270,997 CTRS JERANTUT – – – – – – – –
1 Singapore dollar 3.3700 3.2720 3.2620
TOTAL TURN OVER : 71,352 LOTS RAUb – – 9050 9050 8850 8850 – – 1 Sterling Pound 5.5920 5.4130 5.4030
MARKET TONE : LOWER KUChINg – – 8450 8450 8250 8250 – – 1 Swiss franc 4.9990 4.8820 4.8740
100 UAE dirham 123.8000 117.3300 117.2200
SARIKEI – – 8450 8450 8250 8250 – –
MPOb PALM OIL PRICES (RM/MT): APR 19 NOTE : PRELIMINARy PRICES UP TO 4.30 P.M. NT – 100 bangladesh Taka 4.3050 4.0370 3.7850
APRIL MAy JUNE SIbU – – 8450 8450 8250 8250 – – 100 Chinese Renminbi 65.5000 62.9000 N/A
NO TRANSACTIONLOCAL MALAySIA CPO PRICE
CPO (LOCAL dELIVEREd) 4,273.00 4,300.00 NT TRAdEd fIRM dUE TO STRONgER SOybEAN OIL 100 danish Krone 67.9300 62.4900 62.0600
PK (Ex-MILL) NT 2,080.00 NT PRICES ON ChINA’S dALIAN COMMOdITy n RUbbER 100 hongkong dollar 57.8600 54.9600 54.7900
CPKO (LOCAL dELIVEREd) NT NT NT ExChANgE ALSO SUPPORTEd by WEAKER SMR CLOSINg PRICES (SEN/Kg): APR 19 100 Indian Rupee 5.5700 5.2200 5.0300
Rbd P. OIL (fOb) NT NT NT MALAySIAN RINggIT AgAINST ThE U.S. dOLLAR. TONE Of MARKET: QUIETLy STEAdy 100 Indonesian Rupiah 0.0313 0.0283 0.0234
Rbd P. OLEIN (fOb) NT NT NT CPO dELIVERy PRICES TRAdEd bETWEEN MAy SELLER’S OffER PRICE SEN/Kg US CENTS/Kg 100 Japanese yen 3.3550 3.2480 3.2390
Rbd P. STEARIN (fOb) NT NT NT RM4,200/TONNE ANd RM4,300/TONNE. – bERNAMA 100 New Taiwan dollar 15.8000 N/A N/A
SMR CV – 836.00 / 191.75
100 Norwegian Krone 44.0600 40.5100 40.2900
SMR L – 826.00 / 189.45
dAILy ffb REfERENCE PRICE SUMMARy 100 Pakistan Rupee 1.6100 1.5100 1.3100

by REgION (RM/TONNE) APR 19 SMR 5 – 616.50 / 141.40 100 Philippine Peso 8.1200 7.6500 7.4700
100 Qatar Riyal 124.5200 118.2100 118.0500
SMR 10 – 606.50 / 139.10
dATE NORTh SOUTh CENTRAL EAST COAST SAbAh* SARAWAK* 100 Saudi Riyal 121.1100 114.9700 114.8700
gRAdE gRAdE gRAdE gRAdE gRAdE gRAdE SMR 20 – 604.50 / 138.65 100 South Africa Rand 25.6700 23.1800 22.7800
RM/ 1% OER 43.86 44.41 44.28 43.94 39.86 40.47 100 Sri Lanka Rupee 1.4500 1.3200 1.1000
CENTRIfUgEd LATEx: LOCAL PRICE (ISO 2004) SEN/KILO
Note : OER - Oil Extraction Rate (Kadar Perahan Minyak) * Sandakan, Lahad datu and Tawau 100 Swedish Krona 44.9500 40.9200 40.5800
NT - No Trade ** Miri and bintulu. (WET): SELLERS LATEx IN bULK:489.50 100 Thai baht 13.6900 12.1400 11.6800
Ph - Public holiday
 PEOPLE & PLACES TH URS D AY, APRI L 2 0 , 2 0 2 3 15

Netflix subscribers at record high, password crackdown coming

16 ‘Time doesn’t heal’
SAN FRANCISCO: Netflix said that its num-
ber of subscribers hit a record high 232.5
million in the first quarter of the year and
that its nascent ad-supported tier was far-
ing well.
The streaming television giant reported
a quarterly profit of $1.3 billion, in line
with expectations, but said it had delayed
a broad crackdown on sharing of account
passwords “to improve the experience for
members.” Netflix said it expects to begin
rolling out its options for paid password
sharing this quarter instead.
“It’s clear that the company wants to
manage any fallout from the new strat-
Netflix has dabbled with “borrower” or
“shared” accounts in a few markets, but
plans to roll them out in the United States
and elsewhere this month, co-chief execu-
tive Greg Peters said in a streamed earn-
ings interview.
Netflix said it is taking time to make
sure subscribers have seamless access to
the service away from home or on various
devices such as tablets, TVs or smart-
phones. “We learned from this last set of
launches about some improvements we
And while a new ad-subsidized sub-
scription tier at Netflix is in its early days,
engagement is above initial expectations
and Netflix has seen “very little switching
from our standard and premium plans.”
Market tracker Insider Intelligence
forecast that Netflix will bring in $770 mil-
lion in ad revenue from the new tier this
year, and that revenue figure will top $1
billion next year.
As growth at Netflix cooled last year,
the Silicon Valley based streaming com-
alienating subscribers.
“This account sharing initiative helps
us have a larger base of potential paying
members and grow Netflix long term,”
said co-chief executive Ted Sarandos.
For the first time ever, US adults will
spend more time this year watching digi-
tal video on platforms such as Netflix, Tik-
Tok and YouTube than viewing traditional
television, Insider Intelligence has fore-
cast. The market tracker expects “linear
TV” to account for less than half of daily
on a connected TV or a viral clip on a
smartphone,” Insider Intelligence princi-
pal analyst Paul Verna said in a release.
Netflix and YouTube are “neck and
neck” leaders when it comes to digital
video audience attention, according to
Insider Intelligence.
Netflix planned to continue spending
about $17 billion annually on shows and
films, with that amount perhaps climbing
after next year. “Netflix subscriber growth
shows that the streaming wars are still on,”

Ostlund on jury duty and

egy,” said Third Bridge analyst Jamie Lum-
ley. That means some membership and
revenue benefits resulting from the move
were postponed, Netflix said in a letter to
shareholders.
can do,” Peters said.
“It was better to take a little bit of extra
time to incorporate those learnings and
make this transition as smooth as possible
for members.”
pany focused on creating a lower priced
subscription tier with advertising.
Netflix also set out to nudge people
watching for free with shared passwords
to begin paying for the service without
viewing for the first time ever.
“This milestone is driven by people
spending more and more time watching
video on their biggest and smallest
screens, whether it’s an immersive drama
said analyst Lumley.
“The company is ahead of where it was
this time last year but still clearly facing
the pressure from all the players in this
crowded space.” – AFP

next ‘history-making’ film

Koller auction
house director
Cyril Koller
gestures next
to the skull of
‘Trinity’ prior
to the sale of
the skeleton
P
ALMA (Spain): Swedish director sequence in “Triangle of Sadness”.
Ruben Ostlund vowed to keep his ego He shares the Cannes organisers’ devo- of the Tyran-
in check as jury head in Cannes, and tion to the theatrical experience – arguing nosaurus-Rex
by Koller auc-
also told AFP why his next film may cause that cinemas play an even more important
tion house in
the biggest walkout in the festival’s history. social role in the smartphone era.
Zurich.
Ostlund spoke to AFP in the garden of “You could say that the most important
his townhouse on the Spanish island of time of cinema is today because it’s one of
Majorca about his excitement over leading the few rooms where we are watching

Trinity the T-Rex claws in more than $6m

the jury at the world’s most prestigious things together. All other content, we con-
film festival next month. sume it by ourself in front of an individual
It comes just a year after he won its top screen,” he said. Ostlund takes on the role
prize Palme d’Or for a second time for his as jury chief exactly half a century after
biting class satire “Triangle of Sadness”. legendary fellow Swede Ingrid Bergman
Among the filmmakers he will be judg- had the honour. ZURICH (Switzerland): A composite Tyran- between 2008 and 2013 from the Hell
ing is another two-time winner – 86-year- The other members of the jury have yet to nosaurus rex skeleton called Trinity, made Creek and Lance Creek formations in Mon-
old Ken Loach – and Ostlund promised to be announced, but they will have a particu- up of bones from three different T-Rexes, tana and Wyoming.
be scrupulously democratic if the Brit’s lat- larly illustrious bunch of directors to judge, sold for 5.5 million Swiss francs ($6.1 mil- The sites are known for the discoveries
est, “The Old Oak”, seduces the jury. including other previous winners such as lion) in a rare auction on Tuesday. of two other significant T-Rex skeletons
“If it’s the best film we are going to give Japan’s Hirokazu Kore-eda, Germany’s Wim Estimated to be 65 to 67 million years that have gone to auction.
it the Palme,” he said, adding with a laugh: Wenders and Italy’s Nanni Moretti. old, the skeleton was sold at the Koller auc- “Sue” went under the hammer in 1997
“I will definitely work very hard to get over Cannes “is one of the few arenas where tion house in Zurich after being shipped for $8.4 million, before “Stan” took the
my own egoistic goals of being the first you feel – okay, money plays a role, but you from the United States in nine giant crates. world-record hammer price of $31.8 mil-
director with three Golden Palmes.” can’t buy your position in competition,” Trinity fetched a hammer price of 4.8 lion at Christie’s in 2020.
As soon as jury duty is over, the 49-year- Ostlund said. million Swiss francs, rising to 5.5 million On Trinity, vertebrate palaeontologist
old will be back to work on his next proj- “You can have, like, a small Iranian film with the buyer’s premium added on. Thomas Holtz – who is against the sale of
ect, “The Entertainment System is Down”, done by a 19-year-old director who is mak- The skeleton was put up for sale by an such specimens – told AFP it was “mislead-

Ostlund poses at his house in Campos,

about a group of plane passengers who ing a film on a (digital) camera next to anonymous US private individual and had ing” and “inappropriate... to combine mul-

on the Balearic island of Mallorca.

discover they have nothing to distract
them on a 17-hour flight.
“I actually have a goal with the film
which is that I’m going to create the
biggest walkout in the history of the
Cannes Film Festival,” he said, laughing.
The plan is to include an unbroken 10-
minute scene of a child having to wait for
his turn on an iPad.
“When they start to realise that this is a
going to be very, very frustrated,” he said,
still chuckling. “I want to create history.”
Ostlund lives for these awkward shared
moments. His films take an excruciating
but hilarious look at middle class foibles
as in his previous Palme winner about the
art world, 2017’s “The Square”, and whack
audiences with near-unbearable scenes
really, really big budget movies, and these
two films must be evaluated equally.”
Cannes is seen as favouring past win-
ners in its selection, but Ostlund remains
modest about his own prospects of return-
ing to the competition.
“They are going to pay respect to my
next film and definitely consider it... But if
it’s not a good film, it’s not going to be
competition,” he said. “I don’t think that
been expected to fetch between five and
eight million Swiss francs.
It was bought by a private European
collector of modern art and dinosaur
relics.
Auctioneer Cyril Koller said it was the
third T-Rex skeleton ever sold at auction,
and the first in Europe.
“It was a wonderful auction because we
showed Trinity for two-and-a-half weeks in
tiple real bones from different individuals
to create a single skeleton.”
Just over half of the bone material in
the skeleton comes from the three Tyran-
nosaurus specimens – above the 50 per
cent level needed for experts to consider
such a skeleton as high quality.
Holtz, of the University of Maryland,
remained sceptical, insisting that Trinity
“really isn’t a ‘specimen’ so much as it is an

Baldwin film ‘Rust’

the concert hall in Zurich. And so more art installation”.

AI-generated song imitating Drake

real-time shot, I think a lot of people are like the extended vomiting-and-pooping Cannes is loyal to anyone.” – AFP
than 30,000 visitors came and admired He also took issue with auctions of sig-

to resume filming
Trinity; a lot of children,” he told AFP. nificant dinosaur skeletons and other fos-

yanked from streaming services

MONTREAL: A new song created using
AI software to imitate Canadian singers
Drake and The Weeknd has been
removed from streaming services after
quickly racking up millions of listens
and sparking debate over the new tech-
nology.
Released last Friday, “Heart On My
Sleeve” was briefly available on plat-
forms including Spotify and Apple
Music before Universal Music Group
(UMG)
which publishes both artists through
its Republic Records subsidiary – said it
violates copyrights and asked for its
removal.
The song features artificial intelli-
gence (AI) simulating the voices of the
two artists trading verses about actor
and pop star Selena Gomez, who once
dated The Weeknd.
Its creator, known only as @ghost-
writer, claims to have used software that
was trained on their voices to make the
track, posting: “I used AI to make a
Drake song feat. The Weeknd.”
“This is just the beginning,” he added
on TikTok.
Universal Music Group, which con-
trols about one third of the global
music industry, is increasingly con-
cerned about AIs using its songs to pro-
duce music similar to that of popular
artists.
Training AI software without artists’
permission “begs the question as to
side of artists, fans and human creative
expression, or on the side of deep fakes,
fraud and denying artists their due
compensation,” the company said in an
email to AFP.
In March, UMG wrote to streaming
platforms, including Spotify and Apple,
asking them to block AI services from
extracting melodies and lyrics from
their copyrighted songs, according to
emails viewed by the Financial Times.
With streaming services moving
quickly to take down the most recent
viral song, UMG told AFP on Tuesday it
was “encouraged by the engagement of
our platform partners on these issues –
as they recognize they need to be part of
the solution.”
“These instances demonstrate why
platforms have a fundamental legal and
ethical responsibility to prevent the use
of their services in ways that harm
artists,” the statement added.
The use of AI in music is the subject
of debate in the industry, with some
denouncing copyright abuses and oth-
ers praising its prowess.
David Guetta recently used AI to add
a vocal in the style of rapper Eminem to
a song for a live show. But the French
producer said he won’t release it com-
mercially.
In an interview with the BBC, Guetta
compared AI to instruments such as the
electric guitar, bass synthesizer, drum
machine and sampler that led to musi-
Koller voiced optimism that although sils, which have raked in tens of millions
the skeleton had been sold to a private of dollars in recent years.
buyer, it would remain on public display. Experts have warned such trade could
“I’m 100 percent sure we will see Trinity be harmful to science by putting the spec-
LOS ANGELES: Filming will resume this in the future somewhere again,” he said. imens in private hands and out of the
week on Alec Baldwin’s “Rust,” producers The skeleton measures 3.9-metres high, reach of researchers.
11.6 metres long and 2.65 metres wide. But Christian Link of Koller stressed
said, some 18 months after it was halted by
the fatal on-set shooting of the movie’s As its name suggests, Trinity is made up that 95 per cent of known T-Rexes are cur-
of bones from three dinosaurs – excavated rently in museums. –AFP
cinematographer.
Hollywood star Baldwin was holding a
Colt .45 gun during rehearsals for the film
in the southwestern state of New Mexico
when it discharged, killing Halyna Hutchins
and wounding director Joel Souza.
Baldwin was charged with manslaugh-
ter, and has pleaded not guilty.
Principal photography will resume this
Thursday at a new location in the northern
US state of Montana.
“The production will continue to utilize
union crew members and will bar any use
of working weapons and any form of
ammunition,” said Melina Spadone, attor-
ney for Rust Movie Productions, in a state-
ment to AFP. “Live ammunition is – and
always was – prohibited on set.”
Producers announced in February that
the low-budget Western would resume
production this spring, with the deceased
cinematographer’s widower, Matthew
Hutchins, serving as an executive producer.
Baldwin agreed to terms with the New
Mexico court that will allow him to com-
plete filming of the movie, including a ban
on his using guns or drinking alcohol.
Director Souza, who is also returning,
said in a statement at the time: “Though
bittersweet, I am grateful that a brilliant
and dedicated new production team join-
ing former cast and crew are committed to Test your logic skills with the Su Do Ku puzzle. The rules are simple: each of the smaller
completing what Halyna and I started.” grids should contain the number 1 to 9, and in the large grid each row and column

QUOTABLE QUOTES
which side of history all stakeholders in cal revolutions including rock ‘n’ roll “My every effort on this film will be should contain the number 1 to 9. These puzzle vary in difficulty and this is an easy one.

(Solution below)

Man arrested after bathing in rhino pen

the music ecosystem want to be on: the and hip hop. – AFP devoted to honoring Halyna’s legacy and

‘Sincerity
making her proud. It is a privilege to see

solution
this through on her behalf.”
A documentary will also be made, cov-
ering Halyna Hutchins’s life and the com-

is moral
WELLINGTON: A man was arrested at a spokesperson said. pletion of the film.
New Zealand zoo on Wednesday after he The man was said to be in the water “for Both Baldwin – a co-producer as well as
broke into an enclosure and took a a number of minutes” before responding lead actor – and the film’s armorer Hannah

leisurely bath in a moat next to “startled”
rhinos and antelopes.
Social media footage of the incident in
Auckland Zoo showed the man floating on
his back, before washing his face and rins-
ing his hair.
The enclosure is home to rhinos and
nyalas, a breed of spiral-horned antelope.
The animals “were understandably star-
tled by the intruder”, an Auckland Zoo
to instructions by zoo staff to get out of the
moat and return to the visitor’s path.
He was escorted off the premises and
handed to the police. Zoo director Kevin
Buley said he was “very relieved” that there
were no injuries to the animals or visitors
of the zoo as a result of the incident.
“We hope that the man involved gets
the help and support that he very clearly
needs,” he added. – AFP
truth’
Gutierrez-Reed, who was responsible for
the weapon on set, are facing charges of
voluntary manslaughter.
If found guilty, they face up to 18
months in jail and a $5,000 fine. A weeks-
long preliminary hearing is set to begin in
early May. – george henry Lewes
Baldwin, 65, has repeatedly said he was
told by the crew that the gun was not
loaded. – AFP

16 People & Places
K
YIV (Ukraine): Olga Slyshyk
began to fear the worst in January
this year when her husband,
Mykhailo, a military engineer serving on
the front line in eastern Ukraine, didn’t
contact her on her birthday.
It wasn’t unusual for the 40-year-old
trained lawyer to be offline for days at a
time, but Slyshyk knew he would reach
out – one way or another – on January 14
if he was alive and well.
“I was sure he would call or find some
way to congratulate me. But I had had a
very bad dream and I already knew some-
thing was wrong,” she told AFP in Kyiv
wearing black and holding her two-year-
old son Viktor.
“On January 15, I found out he had
died.”
More than one year after Moscow
invaded, Slyshyk is among a growing
number of women widowed by Russian
forces and left to count the cost of
Ukraine’s determination to hold out and
push Moscow’s invasion back.
Neither side has disclosed the exact
figures of troops killed, though recently
leaked US intelligence documents sug-
gest as many as 17,500 Ukrainian service-
men have been lost.
Slyshyk said a social media group for
war widows she joined had more than
300 members after her husband was
killed defending Soledar in the eastern
Donetsk region, but it had doubled in
size since.
President Volodymyr Zelensky last
August hosted widows and their children
at an honours ceremony to reassure next
of kin their loved ones’ sacrifice had not
POPEYE
BLONDIE
AMAZING SPIDER-MAN
crossword
‘Time doesn’t heal’
TH URS D AY, APRI L 2 0 , 2 0 2 3
Ukraine’s war widows count the cost
Ukrainian Olga Slyshyk poses during an interview with AFP journalists in Kyiv.
been in vain. in Mariupol – a port city besieged and
“They will remain forever at battle. But captured by Russian forces last spring –
they live on in the memory of their rela- said she often evokes the memory of her
tives,” he said, greeting mourning killed husband.
women and their children one by one. “All the time. Both in my head and
Thirty-year-old Slyshyk, who was born aloud. I’ll be unable to open a tin can,
You’ve got a friend in Me
ACROSS
1.Went away
5.Versatile blackjack card
8. Apple throwaway
12.Tiptop
13.Place down
14. Yemen neighbor
15. *Catfish and carp (In this clue’s
answer, note letters 6-8)
18. “___ Lisa”
19. 52-Across, for Sylvester
20. Loch Ness Monster, e.g.
22. Opposite of sell
23. ___ memory (one’s first time eating
DOWN
1. Britain’s ___ Party
2. The seventh earl of Cardigan,
for the word “cardigan”
3. Cheese in a Greek salad
4. Alternative to .docx
5. Close (but not quite)
6. Spots to eat and study
7. Potato bud
8. Morse ___
9. Symbol for ohms
10. Penny worth much more than
a penny, perhaps
11. Catches in a trap
16. Helpful
17. Name that rhymes with Kelly
18. Deg. From Wharton
21. Really enjoys
23. Combined, like companies
24. Makes a blunder
27. Word after “wiggle” or
“escape”
{Time does not heal.
you just get used to it.
you accept it. you learn
to live with it. And that
pain just becomes
a part of you|
weeping from frustration, and I cry out:
‘Misha, I’m not even able to do this’ and
then suddenly, it opens.”
Daria Mazur, 41, said she learned of
her husband’s death in 2014 from
graphic pictures of his bloodied corpse
published on Russian media after fierce
fighting with Kremlin-backed sepa-
ratists.
He was killed while withdrawing from
Ilovaisk, an infamous and costly chapter
of the conflict for Ukraine that saw hun-
dreds killed that August as Kyiv troops
pulled back in the face of advancing pro-
Russian forces.
“Time does not heal. You just get used
to it. You accept it. You learn to live with
it. And that pain just becomes a part of
you,” she told AFP in her kitchen in Kyiv,
next to pictures showing her husband
smiling with their child in his arms.
They met on a beach in 2006, fell in
love and married in 2010 in the southern
region of Kherson, where Mazur fled
from when Russia invaded last February.
Her home town is currently occupied by
Russian forces.
She said her final conversations with
her husband, Pavlo, who was 30 when he
was killed, betrayed a sense of forebod-
ing. He knew the situation was precari-
ous.
“He told me: ‘please promise me that
no matter what happens to me, you will
be happy,’” she recounted to AFP.
“These guys are giving their lives so we
can live on,” she added, referring to
Ukrainian servicemen fighting now.
It was precisely this need to go on that
pushed Oksana Borkun, who also lost her
husband to the Russian invasion, to cre-
ate “We Have to Live,” an organisation
that supports widows – the same group
that Slyshyk joined.
Borkun said that while the govern-
ment offers financial and psychological
support, she wanted to go a step further.
“The girls face a huge amount of pain.
You can say it’s possible to go crazy from
it. Life is going on around you, and you
want to talk to those who understand.”
The organisation gathers money for
widows, offers logistical and moral sup-
port, too, but chiefly it provides a plat-
form – mainly online – for already nearly
one thousand widows country-wide to
share.
For Slyshyk, her husband’s family has
proven a stronger pillar of support than
her own.
Her mother, who is also a widow of
two years, lives in Donetsk, a pro-Russian
stronghold city captured by separatists
in 2014 and does not support Ukraine in
the war.
The fact they have both lost their hus-
bands has not brought them together,
she said.
Months after Mykhailo’s death,
Slyshyk is torn when weighing whether
his sacrifice was worth it.
“He said he was going there for me
and Viktor,” she recounted, explaining
her husband believed Ukraine had no
choice but to fight back and win.
“But if you want me to be safe, to be
ok, I need you by my side, not somewhere
else,” she added, swallowing back tears.
“For now, I’m emotionally conflicted”.
– AFP
42. Pat lightly
43. *Passageway for Santa (letters 4-6)
shellfish, say?) 47. Appear to be
25. Berry in a trendy bowl 49. Vine or Wall
26. *Seat separator (letters 3-5)
51. “___ you sure?”
28. Oil-drilling structure
52. Bird in “Looney Tunes”
30. URL ending for Wikipedia 54. World Cup chant
31. Mined over matter? 55. Obnoxious child
32. *Babies delivered early, for short (let- 56. *“This isn’t a joke!” (letters 2-4)
ters 5-7) 59. Accomplishment
34. Animal that “drinks” water through its skin 60. Bit of barbecue
36. “___ Miserables”
61. Australian pal
37. Basks in the sun 62. Loafing
38. *Easter Cadbury product (letters 4-6) 63. People pleaser’s word
40. CBS forensic franchise 64. Poke
solution to todaY’s
41. Brit. lexicon
crossword
29. Understands
32. Something to hang your hat on
33. Injure badly
34. Airport terminal perk
35. Cashed in
36. Community represented at a
pride parade
38. The price you pay
39. PE class, usually
40. Shout such as 54-Across
43. Those walking the red carpet,
informally
44. Bestselling manga series
45. Wiped clean
46. To this day
48. A gold one at the Olympics is
actually at least 92.5% silver
50. ___ the Riveter
53. Head, in French
55. Wild pig
57. Like some martinis
58. Little devil
aries Mar 20 - april 19
Happily, you’re receiving a range offers and
new ideas, and it’s likely to continue, well into
next week. However, these require a lot of
detailed thought and analysis. Tempting as it is
to ignore such matters, and hope things will
work out, they’ll only become more compli-
cated. The sooner you tackle these, the better.
taurus apr 20 - May 20
As a Taurus, you sometimes complain about
tricky situations or even difficult individuals, but
do nothing about them. While, mostly, it’s
because you’d rather keep things as they are,
you’re also stumped by certain persistent
issues. Discuss these frankly with those
involved. They may be struggling with exactly
the same concerns.
geMini May 21 - Jun 20
Others envy your ability, as a Gemini, to come
up with and find a clever solution for problems
as puzzling as they are unexpected. While these
are bound to make sense to you, certain indi-
viduals will need to know what you have in
mind and their role in your plans, and soon.
cancer June 21 - Jul 21
You sometimes complain about those who’re
amazingly practical, but who forget about sim-
ple, everyday, thoughtfulness. The real problem
is, while these matter to you, as a considerate
Cancerian, not everybody cares about them
and, in fact, some don’t even notice. Keep that
in mind. It will make life a lot easier.
leo Jul 22 - aug 22
Everybody has dreams about amazing offers
that appear from out of the blue. However, judg-
ing by the current stunning planetary setup,
that’s exactly what’s coming your way. While
certain of these won’t be anything new, a few
could be as unexpected as they are thrilling. Go
for them. You won’t regret it.
virgo aug 23 - sep 22
Understandably, you’re eager to say farewell to
certain increasingly troublesome arrangements.
The problem? In the past these weren’t just
meaningful, you and others accomplished a
great deal. You’d like to do that again. You can.
The secret? Be patient. Within weeks, if not
days, golden opportunities will appear, and out
of nowhere.
libra sep 23 - oct 22
Although every sign is influenced by Mercury’s
retrograde cycle, which begins on the 21st, the
fact it accents discussions with those closest
could lead to timely, if surprising, break-
throughs. The secret? If these becomes tense,
back off. Say you’re happy to wait. The lack of
pressure will improve others’ mood, and yours
as well.
scorpio oct 23 - nov 21
Over the past month or so, you sidestepped
even mentioning certain tricky matters. While
that seemed wise at the time, now you’re facing
a range of dilemmas, each of which needs
attention. Get others involved. While, initially,
you’ll be hesitant, within a short time you’ll be
impressed by their knowledge and suggestions.
sagitarius nov 22 - dec 20
Exciting, and fast-paced, as recent discussions
have been, they’ve only added to the confusion
about pivotal matters. However, this is a period
of ongoing and, often, exciting change. Know-
ing that, regard any plans you make as more
of an experiment than anything meant to be
lasting. It will make life a lot easier.
capricorn dec 21 - Jan 19
Usually you spot worthwhile changes immedi-
ately. However, at the moment, the line between
welcome changes versus those you’d be mak-
ing to keep others happy is unclear. The solu-
tion? Do something out of character, and make
tentative plans. This will enable you to ride out
the twists and turns coming your way.
aquaris Jan 20 - feb 17
Every New Moon brings a fresh perspective on
certain matters. The recent one was especially
timely, because it accented clashes regarding
tensions you’ve managed to live with, but never
resolved. Unappealing as the idea of discussing
them is, once you begin, you’ll realise what a
good idea it is.
pisces feb 18 - Mar 19
As a sensitive water sign, you’re able to inspire
others. However, you sometimes exchange that
uplifting perspective for a glum, if not negative,
view of life, now and in the future. The real prob-
lem is you often forget this is no more than a
mood, one that will vanish as swiftly as it
appeared.
Birthday Today
While every sign is influenced by the New
Moon, the fact it takes place on your birthday
marks this both as period when moments of
stillness can be amazingly illuminating, but
it’s also about acknowledging what must
change, and in certain cases, become part of
the past. Note, initially this is about recognis-
ing the need for those changes. This gives you
time to explore what comes your way and,
equally, ways they’ll become part of your life,
now and in the future.
 TH URS D AY, APRI L 2 0 , 2 0 2 3 Sport 17

Long list of players want VACANCY

LOCATION: KOLOMBONG AREA

An established newspaper seeking for:

to join LIV Golf: Norman

FEMALE TYPISTS

• Possess at least SPM or higher

ADELAIDE (Australia): LIV Golf
boss Greg Norman (pic) says “a
long list” of players want to join
the rebel tour, as Brooks Koepka
and Dustin Johnson on Wednes-
day conceded it would benefit
from more depth.
Norman, who is preparing
for the Saudi-backed circuit’s
first event in his Australian homeland this week,
said some of the names would “surprise” people.
“We’ve got a long list of players who want to
come in, we just don’t have the ability today because
players are under contract,” he told NewsCorp Aus-
tralia, without giving names.
“But we’ll get to a position where there will be a
relegation series and places will start opening up.
“It’s incredible the amount of players who want
to come on board,” he added.
“It would surprise you how good those names
are.”
Bankrolled by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment
Fund, LIV split the golf world last year by luring
away top stars from the US PGA Tour and DP World
Tour (formerly the European Tour) with lucrative
contracts to its 54-hole, no-cut experiment.
Now in its second season, it has faced resistance
from traditionalists and struggled for credibility in
the United States, in particular.
Campaigners accuse Saudi Arabia of “sports-
washing”—using sport to deflect from its human
rights record, including the murder and dismem-
bering of journalist Jamal Khashoggi in its Istanbul
consulate in 2018.
But LIV looks to have been embraced by some
Australians, with tickets selling out for this week’s
event in Adelaide.
Koepka, runner-up at the Masters two weeks ago,
and current British Open champion Cameron Smith
are among the top names who have defected to LIV.
They headline the action at The Grange Golf Club
this week.
Phil Mickelson, who tied for second with Koepka
at Augusta, and Dustin Johnson also jumped ship to
LIV, as did Patrick Reed, who finished fourth at the
Masters.
Koepka said he had not spoken to any players
about making the move to LIV because it was “not
my style”.
But he added: “I’m sure there’s a bunch of guys
• Able to work irregular hours and on certain public holidays
• Must be able to communicate and read English
• Fresh school leavers are welcome
who are still looking to come over, whether that be • Teamwork spirit a must
college players, younger players, to guys who have • Only those who are able to start immediately need apply.
• Priority for those with own transport, however accommodation can given to those
played on the PGA Tour and the DP Tour.
from outstation.
“And yes, you can always add depth to anything—
the stronger we get, the better we are.”
Those interested please call 019-8819036
Two-time major winner Johnson agreed that
more star power would be beneficial. for arrangement of interview from 2pm onwards.
“Obviously the better players we have playing the
stronger LIV gets and it’s better for the game,” he
said.
LIV currently has 12 teams of four players each
and Koepka said there was room for perhaps two or
three more teams.
But he did not want to see the number of LIV
events increase from its current 14.
Fellow American and major winner Bryson
DeChambeau said field sizes was “up for discus-
sion”, but more growth was inevitable.
“How big can the league be? As big as it can be.
We’re looking to make this the biggest league out
there, and I don’t say that softly, either,” he said.
“I think we all see the vision. We see the potential
with the teams and the franchises and all that.
“We think this could eventually be the norm for
the game of golf.” – AFP

Hall, Korda confident Hamlin resumes NFL activities

NEW YORK: Buffalo Bills safety Damar “He’s fully cleared,” Beane said. “He’s
as LPGA’s first Hamlin, who went into cardiac arrest after
making a tackle and was resuscitated on
here and he’s of the mindset—he’s in a great
headspace—to come back and make his

major moves to Texas the field, rejoined the team for a workout
on Tuesday as he began his NFL comeback.
“This event was life-changing, but it’s
WASHINGTON: World number two Nelly Korda and LPGA prize not the end of my story,” Hamlin said. “I
money leader Georgia Hall both said Tuesday they were confident plan on making a comeback to the NFL.
heading into the year’s first major tournament, the Chevron Cham- “I’ve been beating the statistics my
pionship. whole life so I like my chances.”
US standout Jennifer Kupcho defends crown she won last year Bills general manager Brandon Beane
on a much-different layout, as the event shifts this year from South- said Hamlin had been medically cleared to
ern California desert to the Jack Nicklaus Signature course at Carl- resume NFL activities despite his near-
ton Woods in suburban Houston, near the coast of the Gulf of death experience on an NFL field.
Mexico.
return.”
During the first quarter of a nationally
televised NFL game at Cincinnati in January,
Hamlin tackled Bengals wide receiver Tee
Higgins after a 13-yard reception.
Hamlin rose to his feet, then collapsed
backward onto the ground. The Bills said
his heartbeat was restored on the field by
medical technicians before he was trans-
ported to a nearby hospital for further
treatment. – AFP

Jobs
“I think the biggest thing is probably the length of the golf s
course. It’s really long,” Kupcho said. “We’re going to have a lot of NOTIS
long irons into the par-4s and the greens are definitely a lot trickier PERMOHONAN LESEN MENJUAL MINUMAN KERAS JOB VACANCY
versus in the desert. AIRCOND TECHNICIAN
“It’s going to be a lot windier. Texas is generally windy, though, Adalah dengan ini dimaklumkan bahawa DAVID WAN - With Experience

NOTICE OF 46TH ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

so you expect that. The humidity, the ball doesn’t quite go as far YOUNG YIN (SUNHILL VENTURES SDN BHD) No. Kad - Willing to outstation
here as in the desert, so that contributes to the length.” Pengenalan : 660220-12-5029 yang berniaga dengan Area Penampang
ON 22 telah membuat permohonan kepada Pengerusi
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN to members of the Sabah Golf & Country Club that the 46th
It promises a major challenge for England’s 10th-ranked Hall and 016-8105979
Lembaga Pelesenan Eksais Bahagian Pantai Barat Kota
Annual General Meeting will be held on Saturday, 20th May 2023 at 12:00 p.m. at the
US standout Korda, who each have four top-10 finishes in five LPGA -----------------------
Kinabalu, Dewan Bandaraya Kota Kinabalu, No. 1, Jalan
Albatross Hall, Sabah Golf & Country Club to transact the following businesses:
starts this year. JOB VACANCY
Bandaran, 88675 Kota Kinabalu bagi lesen menjual
WELDER MEN
AGENDA
Hall said she felt good. minuman keras RUMAH AWAM KELAS 1 di HYATT CEN-

1. To call the meeting to order.

TRIC HOTEL, NO. 18, JALAN HAJI SAMAN, 88000 KOTA - With experience 5 years above
“In the US, it’s definitely the most comfortable that I’ve felt,” she
2. To elect a General Committee for the ensuing year.
KINABALU, SABAH. RM1,800 to RM2,500
said.
3. To receive the General Committee’s report.
- Apprentice and below 5 years
“It’s the best I’ve been playing. I’m number one on the money
4. To confirm the Minutes of the 45th Annual General Meeting held on Saturday, 21st
Jika ada sebarang bantahan secara bertulis, sila mak- experience RM1,500 to RM1,800
list. I’ve never been this comfortable, I think, before a major.”
May 2022.
lumkan Pengerusi Lembaga Pelesenan Eksais Bahagian Penampang Area

5. To confirm the Minutes of the Extraordinary General Meeting held on 4th July 2022
Korda, who snuck in a visit to the final round of the Masters and Pantai Barat di alamat tersebut di atas dalam tempoh 14 Please Call

(Monday).
some practice time last week, said she feels like she’s playing well hari daripada tarikh notis ini dikeluarkan. Bantahan 016 8105979

General 6. To confirm the Minutes of the Extraordinary General Meeting held on 16th January
but not yet shown her best shotmaking. selepas tempoh berakhir tidak akan dilayan.
s
088-386555 2023 (Monday).
“It’s positive and negative that I’m playing well and I don’t think
7. To confirm the Minutes of the Extraordinary General Meeting held on 2nd March 2023
TARIKH IKLAN : 20.04.2023 & 21.04.2023
that I’ve had my best stuff yet,” Korda said.
(Thursday).
Formation Of
“So hopefully I can continue working on my game and peak in
8. To receive the audited Statement of Income and Expenditure and Balance Sheet for
New Sdn. Bhd.
the right moments.
the preceding financial year of 2022.
One-Stop Services

9. To appoint an Auditor, who shall not be a Member of the General Committee, for the
“When I’m really not hitting it well, then I’m putting and my Popular Management

ensuing year and fix his remuneration.

short game is pretty on point. I’ve been kind of lucky to miss in Tel: 219055/216576

10. To transact any other business of which due notice has been given.
areas where it’s better to miss.” B1201, 12th Flr,

11. Adjournment.
Reigning Olympic champion Korda, the 2021 Women’s PGA W.Merdeka Phase 2, KK

notice Please take note that to prevent overcrowding, the SGCC General Committee has decided
Championship winner, was fourth at the Tournament of Champi-
Teo Tuong Hoe @ to conduct the AGM as such:
ons, sixth at Thailand and a runner-up in Singapore before sharing
Peter
SABAH GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING (AGM)
fifth last month in
JOB VACANCY Ic No: 430718-12- DATE : 20th May 2023, Saturday
Los Angeles.
VENUE : Albatross Hall, Sabah Golf & Country Club, Kota Kinabalu.
We are established company, specializing in Heavy Truck Manufacturing look-
5153
“I practiced all of
ing for suitable candidate to fill the following position:-
ISO programmes Officer / Controller Can the above per- TIME
last week, just get-
son please contact 12:00 P.M.
ting into playing
Your Role:
• AGM Meeting (Establishment of quorum as per Clause 30.1 of the SGCC Rules and
To co-ordinate the activities of the integrated Quality Management System, i.e 0166702099 regard-
mode, tightening
ISO 9001 : 2015 within the company’s policies and work procedures. Constitution then meeting is adjourned for voting)
ing 12:15 P.M. - 05:00 P.M.
up some loose
Qualification Required & Experience:
car sa1067r • Registration by members.
ends,” Korda said.
• Tertiary education
VACANCY
• Has at least 3 years’ experience in an ISO 9001 organisation or document
• Allocation of Ballot Papers.
“Tried to get into
control
sofa renew • Members to cast their votes.
playing mode this
• Must demonstrate sound knowledge in Quality Management Systems (ISO
LOCATION: KOLOMBONG AREA
• Voting closes at 05:00 p.m.
- Full Leather, PU
9001 : 2015)
week.”
• Ability to communicate effectively and self-motivated • Members may come between 12:15 p.m. till 05:00 p.m. to cast their votes. Please
Leather, Super
Hall, the 2018
note that voting will close at 05:00 p.m. sharp and any extension will be at the discre-
An established newspaper seeking for:
• Good analytical thinking and great deal of attention to details and
• Team building skills
Leather, Fabric,
British Women’s
tion of the chief scrutineer.
Interested please call 088-424332 or email resume: to lcmsb@hotmail.com
06:30 P.M.
Open champion,
PVC
FEMALE TYPISTS

• AGM proper resumes

shared 10th at her
(Re-establishment of Quorum as per Clause 30.1 of the SGCC Rules and Constitu-
season debut in • Possess at least SPM or higher

tion.)
Thailand and 14th NOTIS • Able to work irregular hours and on certain public holidays

JERRY ONG CHEONG BENG

at Singapore and • Must be able to communicate and read English
Hon. Secretary
PERMOHONAN LESEN MENJUAL MINUMAN KERAS • Fresh school leavers are welcome
Date: 20th April 2023
was a runner-up
Pls Call or WhatsApp
• Teamwork spirit a must
twice last month at Adalah dengan ini dimaklumkan bahawa DAVID WAN
• Only those who are able to start immediately need apply.
Superstition YOUNG YIN (SUNHILL VENTURES SDN BHD) No. Kad
Pengenalan : 660220-12-5029 yang berniaga dengan • Priority for those with own transport, however accommodation can given to those
Mountain and the LOBBY LOUNGE telah membuat permohonan kepada from outstation.
Los Angeles Open Pengerusi Lembaga Pelesenan Eksais Bahagian Pantai
before sharing Barat Kota Kinabalu, Dewan Bandaraya Kota Kinabalu, Those interested please call 019-8819036
sixth last week in No. 1, Jalan Bandaran, 88675 Kota Kinabalu bagi lesen for arrangement of interview from 2pm onwards.
Hawaii. menjual minuman keras RUMAH AWAM KELAS 1 di
“I’ve never HYATT CENTRIC HOTEL, NO. 18, JALAN HAJI SAMAN,
88000 KOTA KINABALU, SABAH.
played well in Asia
since I’ve come out Jika ada sebarang bantahan secara bertulis, sila mak-
on tour. To me that lumkan Pengerusi Lembaga Pelesenan Eksais Bahagian
was a big, ‘Wow, Pantai Barat di alamat tersebut di atas dalam tempoh 14
OK, I’m playing bet- hari daripada tarikh notis ini dikeluarkan. Bantahan
selepas tempoh berakhir tidak akan dilayan.
ter than normal’,”
Hall said. TARIKH IKLAN : 20.04.2023 & 21.04.2023
“Then obviously
the first events in NOTIS
the US, being in
contention both PERMOHONAN LESEN MENJUAL MINUMAN KERAS
times, shooting 7-
under and 4-under Adalah dengan ini dimaklumkan bahawa DAVID WAN
YOUNG YIN (SUNHILL VENTURES SDN BHD) No. Kad
on the final Sun- Pengenalan : 660220-12-5029 yang berniaga dengan
day, gives me a lot ON 23 telah membuat permohonan kepada Pengerusi
of confidence that I Lembaga Pelesenan Eksais Bahagian Pantai Barat Kota
can push and shoot Kinabalu, Dewan Bandaraya Kota Kinabalu, No. 1, Jalan
a low score to win. Bandaran, 88675 Kota Kinabalu bagi lesen menjual
minuman keras RUMAH AWAM KELAS 1 di HYATT CEN-
“I think I’ve got a TRIC HOTEL, NO. 18, JALAN HAJI SAMAN, 88000 KOTA
lot of low rounds in KINABALU, SABAH.
me and hopefully
they can come out Jika ada sebarang bantahan secara bertulis, sila mak-
this week.” lumkan Pengerusi Lembaga Pelesenan Eksais Bahagian
Pantai Barat di alamat tersebut di atas dalam tempoh 14
Not having a vic- hari daripada tarikh notis ini dikeluarkan. Bantahan
tory is not a worry selepas tempoh berakhir tidak akan dilayan.
for Hall just yet. –
AFP TARIKH IKLAN : 20.04.2023 & 21.04.2023
18 Sport TH URS D AY, APRI L 2 0 , 2 0 2 3

OBITUARY
Suns rally past Clippers
LOS ANGELES: Devin Booker led a second-half rally as the
Phoenix Suns came from behind to defeat the Los Ange-
les Clippers 123-109 and level their Western Conference
playoff series 1-1 on Tuesday.
Booker scored 18 points in the third quarter before
finishing with a 38-point haul to complete a battling
comeback by Phoenix, who had trailed by 13 in the sec-
ond quarter against the Kawhi Leonard-inspired Clip-
pers.
The Clippers stunned Phoenix at home in game one
on Sunday and appeared to be well on their way to tak-
ing a commanding 2-0 series lead after surging into a
49-36 lead with just over five minutes remaining in the
second quarter. But Kevin Durant, veteran Chris Paul
and Booker sparked

RETURN THANKS
into life for Phoenix
in the closing min-
utes of the first half

SISTER MARY CARMEL HO

to erase the Clip-
In Loving Memory of the late
RAYNER JUIS @ JOHNNY BIN KUSAM
pers’ lead, and
Booker drained a 27-

31st October 1968 – 17th March 2023

foot three-pointer

Age: 54 Years
on the stroke of half-

Born: 22nd November 1924

time to make it a tie
We, the family of the late Rayner Juis @ Johnny Kusam who was called to Eternal rest by the Lord on 17th March 2023

Age: 98 years Old

game at 59-59 at the
would like to extend our heartfelt thanks, gratitude and sincere appreciation to: break.
Doctor and Nurses of Queen Caroline Hamid Irene Pilol Family Nazlin Jemandan
Elizabeth Hospital 1 Caroline Juachim Ivy Stephen Ng Vui Leong
Booker then took
Kota Kinabalu and Carvalia Jobit Jalina Nicolas Malambut

Was called home to the Lord at 8:30pm on the 18th april 2023
over with a flurry of
Palliative Care Nurse. Celestina Wong Jeffry koroh Nora Koyou scoring in the third
Ex-Classmates 4C/5C Sastera Chin Lee Lee Jessica Sipili Onjin Fong
(tuesday) at KPJ Sabah Specialist Hospital, Kota Kinabalu.
St Joseph Papar Christina John Kissol & Family
quarter to fire
Patricia Suzan Godwin
Ex Colleague STAR Christopher Onong
Johnson Chin Patrus Malambut
Phoenix into a 92-87
Tg Aru Hotel Cladius George
Jordan Lucian Paula Chu
lead heading into
Core of St Paul Dontozidon Clarenza Tongoi
Jossie Ansilmus Philip Yong
We are keeping the wake at Stella Maris Convent
Colleague Colourcoil Sdn Bhd Collete Ingkim
the final quarter.
Penampang Light House (PLE) Corina Jobit Jovinia Sitampat Philo Godwin
Julia Yap
Durant finished

(Senior Sisters), Tanjung Aru.

PiBG SMK Bahang Penampang Cyril Liew Rasalind Mudim
PiBG St Anthony Penampang Darrly A Samuel Kalung Sumping Ray Alasa
with 25 points while
YB Datuk Ewon Benedict Denis Joikol Lai Yuet Ping Richard F Bijiod
Paul chipped in with
YB Jannie Lasimbang Desmond Mijin Laini Ahing Robert’S Family
Latitah Chin
16 to help see

Requiem Mass will be held at 9:30am on 21st april 2023 (friday)

YB Kenny Chua Diana Kores Roger Linus
Datuk John Ambrose Dino Poisol Laurentius Bensing
Phoenix home as the
Roger Malven Jouty
Datuk Thomas Logijin Dolly Sayun Lena Wong
at Stella Maris Church, Tanjung Aru and thereafter
Roseline Liew
series heads to Los
Rev. Fr Johnny Raju Dr Mustafa Family Leopold Sipanil Rosemary Huang
Edmond Joseph Janggum
Angeles for game
Rev. Fr Justin Joanes Liew Ah Shun
the cortege will proceed to the Roman Catholic Cemetery, Rev. Fr Rusell Lawrine Roslin Julasim
Elizabeth Godwin Liew’s Family
three on Thursday.
Kategis Justin Sitampat Elsie Madin Rosmeh Tupit

Mile 4 ½ Jalan Penampang Lama for burial.

Linda Tsen
“We wanted to
Kategis Patrick John Elsie Sebastian Sai Siew Yun
Lucia Peter
KK Alexander Sekuat Shamlee Masulah
protect home court
Emily Wong Margaret Migiu
KK Daniel Edmund
Evelyn SD Sharily Johnny
Martina Joikol
in game two, we got
Sinakagon Veronica Motius & Sitin Nolodi
Lovingly missed and remembered by:
Eyei Sumping Masalina Juachim
one, and now we’re
Nicholas Motijun Suzie Godwin
Sinakagon Kusam Buantin Farrentina Merry Gampi
off to LA,” Booker
Faustinus Mibol Bolong Souni Saibin
Sinakagon Motimbul Lianjim
Felicia Moiji Stephen Alip
said afterwards.
Sinakagon Jipain Morline Tongoi
Stephen Masil
sr. M. frances Mani, (Mother general) and all fsic.
Flora S Jubilee Moureen Jubili
“It’s the playoffs,
Sinakagon Mojingol (PEKEMON)
Paganakan Francis Mojingol Florence Kandilis Mr & Mrs Vita Anthony Suzanie Jerinus it’s win at all costs—
M2 Services Frankie & Stenie Mr & Mrs Augustine Anthony Suzzanie Moiji
Tracy Josie
doesn’t matter what
Agnes George Gerald Lansing Mr & Mrs Geoffrey Pudin

MAY HER SOUL REST IN PEACE

Albanus Law Grace Yong Mr & Mrs Gilbert Jemandan Victoria Jawatin
happened these past
Aloysius Fong Helen kasimis Mr & Mrs Harolin Sitampat Voon Lee Ling
two games. You’ve
Aloysius Soluku Helen N Bolong Mr & Mrs Jimmy Duis Wences Molidu got to move on to
Bernard Logijin Hendry David Yong Mr & Mrs Rose Jemandan Wong Nyuk Lan
Bertha Severinus Imannuil Yap Miew Hiong
the next one—it’s a
Mr & Mrs Thomas Wong
Caroline Awi Irene Mojilik Yuan Jian Ming
Mr & Mrs Stephen Jimbangan
new assignment for
us.”

Jesus said: “I am the resurrection and the life,

All our beloved family, relatives, Friends and whom we are unable to mention individually for your kinds attendance, assistance,
donations, words of comfort, sympathy, prayers and companionship during our breavement.
Leonard led the

anyone who believes in Me, even though that person dies,

THANK YOU & GOD BLESS YOU ALL
scoring for the Clip-

A prayer to commemorate the 40th day will

pers with 31 points,

will live, and whoever lives and believes in Me will never die”.
Deeply missed and always be remembered by;
be held on SUNDAY 23rd April 2023 at 5.00
eight rebounds and
Wife: Doris Patricia James Mojingol

John 11:25
pm at our family residence at Kg. Nosoob
seven assists while
Children: Baru Penampang
Russell Westbrook
Aaron Samuel Johnny had 28 points.
Alvin Matthew Johnny

contact person: 017-8295841 (sr. lilian unsoh, fsic)

Andy Emmanuel Johnny ALL FRIENDS AND RELATIVES
Clippers coach
Adrian Noell Johnny ARE INVITED TO ATTEND
Tyronn Lue paid

013- 8753713 (sr. grace deosing fsic)

Arsean Clement Johnny tribute to the per-
Contact No Alvin 018 986 8898
formance of Suns
Parents: Kusam Bin Buantin (D) & Flora Kobit Binti Aloi
Parent in Law: James Mojingol & Sabina Nicholas Motijun Robert JM 013 865 2580 trio Booker, Durant
and Paul. – AFP
 THURSDAY, APRIL 20, 2023 Sport 19

Giroud seals Milan’s berth in CL semis

NAPLES (Italy): AC Milan reached the
semi-finals of the Champions League on
Tuesday after Olivier Giroud struck the
crucial goal in a 1-1 draw at Napoli which
completed a 2-1 aggregate victory over
their fellow Italians.
Giroud tapped in what turned out to
be the decisive goal two minutes before
the break after a blistering run from
Rafael Leao, who was once again key as
Milan beat Napoli for the third time this
month. The France striker’s 13th goal of the
season saved his blushes after he missed a
penalty midway through the first half.
Stefano Pioli’s side now have the
prospect of a local derby in the last four as
Inter Milan hold a two-goal lead ahead of
their second leg with Benfica on Wednes-
day night.
“I’m very proud of this team, with that
spirit we can dream of anything,” said
Giroud to Mediaset.
“In the next round there will be
another hard match whether it’s against
Inter or Benfica, but if we keep this spirit
we can go anywhere.”
After the match Mediaset showed Leao
a video of Ruud Gullit setting up a goal
with an almost identical run at Napoli in
1988.
“It’s the same,” said a shocked Leao.
“It’s what I try to do, go at players, it’s
how I can make difference. If I can’t score
I look for my teammates. I saw Giroud
Giroud (second right) on the ball during the match against Napoli.
Milan have not contested a Champions
League semi-final since they were
crowned kings of Europe for the seventh
and most recent time in 2007.
Victor Osimhen scored in stoppage
time but it was not enough for Napoli
who are creaking as they come towards
the end of what has been a phenomenal
season.
Luciano Spalletti’s once freewheeling
team are struggling for goals and Khvicha
with 10 minutes remaining, a miss which
condemned his team to defeat.
Napoli are on the verge of their first
league title since 1990, but after being
placed on the easier side of the draw Tues-
day’s exit was an underwhelming end to
their European adventure.
Their hardcore fans had agreed a truce
in an ideological battle with owner Aure-
lio De Laurentiis which had made the
atmosphere at home matches poisonous,
Maradona was initially in fine voice. after the break but struggled to create
Their team went straight at Milan, much, with Mathias Olivera’s header wide
dominating possession and pushing the from a 64th-minute corner the best chance
opposition back towards the vibrating until Fikayo Tomori handled Giovanni Di
stands. Lorenzo’s low cross as he put in a chal-
However, the best they could muster lenge in the penalty area.
was two long-distance efforts from Matteo Kvaratskhelia fluffed his own spot-kick
Politano which crept wide. On Milan’s first just like Giroud, meaning Osimhen’s bul-
serious attack Mario Rui clattered into let header in the 93rd minute meant noth-
Leao and handed Giroud the chance to ing for Napoli who will wonder what
give the away side a huge advantage from might have been after wasting so many
the penalty spot. chances in the first leg. – AFP
However Giroud’s weak effort was eas-
ily stopped by Alex Meret, whose save
unleashed a roar from the stands, a
colossal racket repeated when he pre-
vented Giroud netting a more than pre-
sentable chance shortly afterwards.
Napoli had scored at least three goals
in all of their previous Champions
League home games this season but
looked short on ideas against a well-
organised Milan defence which kept a
tight lid on Osimhen.
And as the hosts pushed to level the
scores on aggregate, Milan pounced at
the end of the first half.
Leao scooped up the ball after Tanguy
Ndombele’s sloppy control and charged
from deep his own half, breezed past
three Napoli players and rolled an
unmissable chance across to Giroud, who
fell to his knees in a mixture of joy and
relief.

Martial handed chance to salvage Chelsea’s

there.” Kvaratskhelia also had a penalty saved and on Tuesday a packed Stadio Napoli were again on the front foot

United career on Sevilla return limp CL exit

completes
19-04-23 5572/23 Perak
950

season
MANCHESTER: His time at Sevilla was even less fruitful. 607
320
Anthony Martial Having been pushed down the pecking

from hell
(pic) was shipped order by Cristiano Ronaldo’s return for a
out on loan to Sevilla second spell at United, Martial sought 4950
last season with his first-team football in Spain, but scored just 3607
Manchester United once in 12 appearances in the second half 4320
career seemingly at of last season.
LONDON: As Chelsea owner Toddy Boehly 050/23 19.04.23
an end, but the Ronaldo’s departure last year has given
surveyed the wreckage of his club’s season 8184 9868 4388 5712 4317
2930 4192 2139 3048 9053
Frenchman has Martial a final chance to rekindle his
returned to promi- career at Old Trafford. from hell after their Champions League
0111 4001 2173
exit on Tuesday, the American might have
8986 4541 8735 7215 6661
nence in time for a Europa League reunion But fitness problems have limited his
with the Spanish club. impact to just 19 appearances in United’s pondered just how long it will be before
An injury to Marcus Rashford means gruelling 51-match campaign to this point. they feature in the competition again. 4969 9239 0693 5722 8101
Martial will likely lead United’s attack on United boss ten Hag, though, has Chelsea are left with nothing but pride
9076 8198 6962 9736 1306
his return to the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan remained steadfast in his support as he to play for in the final weeks of a disas-
trous campaign after Real Madrid’s 2-0 vic-
861/23 19-04-2023 7113 9437 7478 7809 0431
on Thursday with a place in the Europa desperately seeks a firing number nine.
League semi-finals on the line. Rashford’s 28 goals - his best ever return tory in the quarter-final second leg at
Two late United own goals in the first in a single season - have papered over the Stamford Bridge completed a 4-0 aggre-
leg at Old Trafford have left the tie against cracks for United. gate success for the holders.
Appropriately, the troubled Premier 2238 2800 2457
7600 5883 4414 9658 2950
the Europa League specialists finely poised However, the England international
at 2-2. has spoken of his preference to start from League side once again paid the price for
8437 6712 1873 2857 8804
Martial played a major part as United a wide left position rather than through a lack of cutting edge as they wasted a host
of chances before succumbing to a pair of
6681 9169 2284 9601
shot into a 2-0 lead thanks to Marcel Sab- the middle.
clinical Real moves finished by Rodrygo.
5216 2202 5036 0695
itzer’s double inside the first 21 minutes. Ten Hag’s patience with Wout
But the Austrian midfielder could be Weghorst has also run out in recent weeks Since Boehly joined forces with co-
one of a number of players unavailable to after the Dutch international scored just owner Behdad Eghbali’s Clearlake Capital 4280 4289
to buy Chelsea last year, the west London
19-04-2023
Erik ten Hag for the return leg, putting twice in 22 games.
pressure on Martial to step up. “When he is fit our team plays better,” club have suffered one self-inflicted 5625/23
Sabitzer pulled up with an injury in the said Ten Hag on Martial’s impact. wound after another. 9952 3932 6973 9327
1178 0430 1619 7873
warm-up prior to Sunday’s 2-0 win at Not- “He’s an incredibly good player. He can They are languishing in 11th in the Pre-
0886 1116
mier League, will finish without a trophy
tingham Forest. link up, keeps the ball, also the pressing is
and are unlikely to even qualify for the 6485
6499
First-choice centre-backs Raphael good. He will score goals, he is capable of
Varane and Lisandro Martinez are also scoring goals. He can finish no doubt Europa Conference League, leaving Boehly
missing for the trip to Spain after picking about that.” and Eghbali facing a turbulent close-sea- 2606
up injuries in the first leg. Martial has netted seven times at a rate son as they try to repair Chelsea’s tar-
The biggest blow of all, though, could of a goal every 133 minutes under Ten Hag. nished reputation. 3691/23 19-04-2023 0898 1468 3176 9308
be the absence of Bruno Fernandes due to Yet, he has plenty to prove if United are In a sign of the turmoil enveloping 1112 5220 3540 7089
suspension. to be convinced of extending his contract Chelsea, former Blues striker Didier 5883 5179 8975 6125
Drogba ripped into Boehly on French tel- 9830 3701 9065 9489
8007 3644 1603 2024
Fernandes shone as he was reunited beyond the end of next season.
with Christan Eriksen and Casemiro in Ten Hag’s men face a huge week in their evision ahead of the Real game. 7362 4369 1602
midfield at the City Ground. quest for a hat-trick of trophies as the “I don’t recognise my club. It’s no
longer the same club. There is a new owner 3950 0514 8976 1557
7,468,403.23
In 17 matches where all three have League Cup winners face Brighton in the
started, United have won 15 and drawn FA Cup semi-finals on their return from and a new vision. A dressing room of over 4452 9600 6399 4069
30 players is difficult for a manager,” 2739 4865 6397 2360
two. Seville.
Drogba said. 3064 0758 6614 7033 6485 6499 6499 6485
Injury problems have also minimised Few would have imagined 12 months
The question is how much lower can 1165 6039 3793 0028 6485 2606 2606 6485
Martial’s impact this season and been the ago that the English giants would be rely-
Chelsea sink after suffering four successive 6499 2606 2606 6499
story of his United career. ing on Martial for goals at the business
The world’s most expensive teenager end of the campaign. defeats since Frank Lampard returned as 529,634.61
when he was signed from Monaco in 2015, But needs must for Ten Hag, offering manager until the end of the season fol- 6,847,457.77
the 27-year-old has never truly realised his the enigmatic Frenchman most likely his lowing Graham Potter’s sacking. 7362 4369 7362 4369
“Chelsea have had huge success for 20 7362 1602 7362 1602

Spanish refs ask Liga for ‘respect’

potential despite scoring 86 goals for the final chance to become a hero for the Red
club in 288 appearances. Devils. – AFP years, winning the Premier League, quali- 4369 1602 4369 1602 6485
61,959.08 6499
fying for the Champions League year after
year. Maybe this is the year where we aren’t
quite where we want to be,” Lampard said. 2606
“Manchester United and Arsenal have
MADRID (Spain): Spanish referees on and professionalism for the good of refer- spent time out of the Champions League. 448 231 198
Tuesday demanded “respect”, after a eeing.” Maybe some clubs are more stable than we
recent rise in complaints from top-flight “The leaders of La Liga cannot perma- are at the minute in terms of the squad.
clubs and from Liga officials about offici- nently lament a crisis of confidence in But we can set the building blocks now for 01 08 15 20 21 40 41
ating. Spanish soccer and at the same time col- where we want to get to.” 1,675,534.36 92134
“As the professional referees of Spanish laborate in generating it through violent Boehly’s chaotic influence has turned 5,895.47 2134
86571 134
football we want to convey our deep con- criticism of referees.” “That,” it added “only Chelsea into a laughing stock less than 12
47859
cern about the unfortunate situation that leads to the devaluation of our soccer.” months into his reign.
34
5 8 1 9 6 123,933.15
has been created,” the Technical Commit- “We ask La Liga and its leaders for The team that lifted the Champions
tee of Referees (CTA) said in a statement. respect and institutional responsibility in League trophy under Thomas Tuchel just 09
768740
7 6 6 7 8 04 22,534.95
“We regret the unceasing attacks by La the face of an unprecedented situation,” two years ago is already being broken up.

Burnley made to wait for title

76874 68740
Liga and its main leaders,” added the CTA said in the statement. – AFP – AFP
statement saying referees are the targets of 5 3 7 1 5 18 5,701.34 7687 8740
“a perfectly calculated and organised cam-
6 7 1 9 3 10 768 740
paign.” 7,633.83
The criticism has intensified since a 76 40
case involving Barcelona and the former LONDON: Burnley were made to wait for the Championship title after being held to 8 6 7 5 2 03 6,633.83
4 10 17 43 52 54
head of the CTA, Jose Maria Enriquez a 2-2 draw at Rotherham, while Sheffield United’s 1-0 win against Bristol City moved
Negreira. them a step closer to the Premier League on Tuesday.
Last month Spanish prosecutors Goals from Scott Twine and Manuel Benson either side of Vitinho’s own goal 6 2 4 2 21 21,251.69 9,115,695.30
charged the Catalan club with corruption pushed Vincent Kompany’s promoted side to the brink of clinching the second-tier
after payments of more than 7.3 million silverware. 2 8 6 2 21 10,553.95 13 14 21 32 36 52
euros ($7.8 million) to a company owned
by Negreira were uncovered earlier this
But Georgie Kelly equalised to earn the Millers a deserved point and with sec-
4 8 1 2 14 1,518.58 5,349,370.65
ond placed Sheffield United winning, it meant the champagne celebrations will
year.
Liga clubs will hold an extraordinary
have to wait until Saturday, where a win against QPR will secure top spot for the
9 0 8 0 26 3,347.06 19 29 35 37 42 45 28
Clarets.
meeting on Wednesday where Barcelona 3,122,676.87
president Joan Laporta is due to speak.
Sheffield United should join Burnley in the top-flight next season after substitute 2 0 9 4 24 2,170.70
Spanish media have reported that the
James McAtee’s second-half goal gave the Blades a win that moved them eight points 100,000.00
clubs will also consider making the CTA
clear of third placed Luton with four matches remaining. 8 0 0 6 14 1,223.45
Lukas Jutkiewicz’s first-half strike put a dent in fifth placed Millwall’s play-off push
4 3 9 1 01 1,038.95
independent of La Liga. as Birmingham claimed a 1-0 win at the Den.
The CTA said it already was independ- Blackpool slipped closer to relegation with a 2-0 defeat against West Bromwich
1 5 7 3 01 1,890.49
ent. Albion, who moved up to sixth place. – AFP
“Our profession works with autonomy

Y OU R LOCAL V OICE I TH URS D AY, APRI L 2 0 , 2 0 2 3
Real cruise
into semis
LONDON: Rodrygo scored twice as Real
Madrid cruised into the Champions
League semi-finals on Tuesday, completing
an emphatic 4-0 aggregate win against
Chelsea that ends a disastrous season for
the London club.
The home team, with Frank Lampard
back in the dugout for a second spell,
came into the match at Stamford Bridge
with form and history against them.
They started brightly but rued a num-
ber of huge missed chances that would
have heaped pressure on the defending
champions.
The Spanish giants made Chelsea pay
for their profligacy when Rodrygo scored
in the 58th minute after a speedy counter-
attack and he made it 2-0 with 10 minutes
to go.
“We suffered a lot and
helped us stay at 0-0 at the end
of the first half,” Real Madrid
boss Carlo Ancelotti told BT
Sport.
“Second half we were much
better and scored the two
goals. We are happy to have
qualified.”
Chelsea, the 2021 European
champions, have now lost all four of their
matches since Lampard returned to the
club as caretaker boss earlier this month
in place of the sacked Graham Potter.
Lampard, who also managed the club
from 2019 until early 2021, bemoaned his
team’s profligacy.
“We played really well for 60 minutes,”
he said. “We created chances but you have
to take them.”
The former Chelsea midfielder said his
men must find motivation from playing
for the club as they contemplate a bleak
final few weeks of the season.
“You’re playing for Chelsea,” he said.
“So regardless, every game you play you
have to give everything. I won’t let anyone
off the hook and we have to show. That
standard cannot drop.”
Ancelotti stuck with the same team that
won the first leg 2-0 last week while
Chelsea caretaker boss Lampard restored
Reece James, Mateo Kovacic and N’Golo
Kante to his line-up.
Roared on by an expectant crowd
Wendy eyes ticket to Paris Olympics and RTG slot
KUALA LUMPUR:
National diver Wendy
Ng (pic) aims to earn
her spot in the new
Road to Gold (RTG)
programme with a
strong performance
at the upcoming
World Champi-
onships in Fukuoka
(July).
The springboard specialist will likely
be accepted into RTG if she is able to
clinch qualification for next year’s Paris
Olympics at the world meet.
And Wendy, who turns 30 in July, is
Pearly had just resumed
full training. – BAM photo
Russia, Belarus denied entry to
Olympic men’s basketball qualifying
PARIS: The Russia and Belarus men’s bas-
ketball teams have been banned from the
second-chance qualification tournaments
for the 2024 Olympics, the International
Basketball Federation (Fiba) announced
Tuesday.
Athletes from Russia and Belarus have
faced sanctions from a multitude of sports
since Russia invaded Ukraine in February
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despite their current woes, the home side
made a good start against the 14-time win-
ners. They had a glorious chance to take
the lead but Kante skewed his left-foot
shot wide from about 12 yards.
The visitors, content to bide their time,
looked sharp on the break.
Midway through the opening period
Rodrygo created space for himself and
thumped an effort against the outside of
the post from an acute angle while Luka
Modric tested Kepa.
But Chelsea should have been ahead on
the stroke of half-time when James fizzed
a ball across the box from the right and it
fell to Marc Cucurella at the back post.
The defender took a touch and shot but
Thibaut Courtois came flying out of his
goal to save.
Kante had another golden
opportunity to take the lead
early in the second half but his
close-range effort hit Eder Mil-
itao and deflected away to
safety.
Real took the wind out of
Chelsea’s sails with just over
half an hour to go, when
Rodrygo scored from close
range after an assist by Vinicius Junior.
Lampard made a number of attacking
substitutions, bringing on Raheem Ster-
ling, Joao Felix and Mykhailo Mudryk in a
desperate bid to get back into the match.
But Rodrygo found the net again in the
80th minute, tapping home after a clever
assist from Federico Valverde.
Real Madrid will likely play Manchester
City in the semi-finals, with Pep Guardi-
ola’s team 3-0 up against Bayern Munich
after the first leg of their last-eight tie.
Former Chelsea boss Ancelotti is chas-
ing a record-extending fifth win as a coach
in the tournament.
But Chelsea, used to winning silverware
over the past two decades, are contemplat-
ing the final stretch of a horrendous cam-
paign despite a staggering spend of more
than £500 million ($621 million) in the
first year of the club’s new ownership.
Trophyless this season, they are lan-
guishing in 11th in the Premier League and
look unlikely to qualify for European foot-
ball next season. – AFP
hoping to book her spot in Paris as soon
as possible. She is on the comeback trail
after struggling with injuries in recent
seasons. “As athletes, we are always striv-
ing to achieve more and I hope we will be
in this programme (RTG),” said the affable
Wendy on Tuesday.
“I am hoping to qualify for Paris earlier
rather than later as this will give me more
time to prepare for the competition
(Olympics). “To secure qualification in
Fukuoka I will have to finish in the top-12
(3m springboard individual) so it will not
be easy. That is why we have spent a lot of
time and effort on preparing for the
World Championships.
Pearly withdraws from BAC due to illness
KUALA LUMPUR: Misfortune reared its
ugly head once again as national women’s
doubles player Pearly Tan withdrew from
next week’s Badminton Asia Champi-
onships (BAC) in Dubai.
The Academy Badminton Malaysia
(ABM) confirmed that Pearly, 23, will miss
the BAC due to illness.
It is a major blow to the national squad,
who are also gearing up for the Sudirman
Cup in Suzhou, China, on May 14-21.
ABM doubles coaching director Rexy
Mainaky did not see this coming, espe-
cially when Pearly had resumed full train-
ing after recovering from a viral infection
late last month. “She was doing great.
last year.
As Moscow’s assault on Ukraine
stretches into a second year, the Inter-
national Olympic Committee has rec-
ommended allowing athletes from
Russia and Moscow ally Belarus to com-
pete just as individual neutrals in
upcoming international competitions.
– AFP
o email: ads@dailyexpress.com.my (Advertising) l editorial@dailyexpress.com.my (News)
Real Madrid’s goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois saves a shot from Chelsea’s Marc Cucurella (right).
Pioli not thinking about CL Milan derby in semis
NAPLES (Italy): Stefano
Pioli (pic) said that he
isn’t thinking about a
potential Milan derby
in the Champions
League semi-finals
after his AC Milan team
got past Napoli in the
last eight on Tuesday.
Milan prevailed 2-1
on aggregate after a 1-1 draw in Naples
and are likely to face Inter Milan in the
next round as their local rivals are two
goals in the lead ahead of Wednesday’s
second leg with Benfica.
“We’re too happy to have overcome
such a good team... it’s a great feeling,”
Pioli said reporters.
“Let’s take it one step at a time, who-
ever we get, we get. Whoever we get it will
be a great derby and Champions League
France bans Basel football fans
PARIS: French authorities on Tuesday
banned Basel fans from the second leg of
the Europa Conference League quarter-
finals in Nice to avoid confrontations
between rival supporters.
The mayor of Nice, Christian Estrosi,
last week urged that fans of the Swiss club
be banned from Thursday’s game.
On Tuesday, the Ministry of the Interior
issued an official order, stating that Basel
away games are “frequently sources of dis-
turbance to the public order”. “Relations
between supporters of the two teams, who
“As you know, athletes all have differ-
ent kinds of injuries and this is something
I am also dealing with.
“It (shoulder) is getting better and I
can now at least perform simple dives but
there is still a long way to go before I will
be ready to compete in Fukuoka.”
Malaysia Swimming (MS) secretary-
general Mae Chen earlier this week said
that it is “highly possible” that Wendy can
make the list of athletes for RTG. RTG is
intended to provide cream-of-the-crop
athletes the support they need to chal-
lenge for gold in Paris as well as Los Ange-
les 2028. Currently only Pandelela Rinong
and Nur Dhabitah Sabri have been
Mentally, she was so fired up for the BAC.
“Everything seemed alright until Mon-
day. It was only on Tuesday when she was
shaking and complained of breathing dif-
ficulties.
“We have been told she is down with
the flu. We all wish her the best and hope
for a speedy recovery,” said Rexy.
ABM high-performance director Dr Tim
Jones also lamented the timing of the set-
back. “Bad flu is what we got from the
medical team. We expect Pearly to be okay
for the Sudirman Cup, but she needs a lot
of rest to get over it.
“Nothing serious, just very annoying
timing,” he said.
Ultra-marathon runner disqualified for going by car
LONDON: Scottish ultra-marathon runner
Joasia Zakrzewski has been disqualified from
a race — because she was found to have used
a car for part of the event.
The 47-year-old had finished third in the
50-mile (80-kilometre) GB Ultras Manchester
to Liverpool race on April 7.
But she is believed to have travelled 2.5
miles in a car after mapping data found she
covered a mile in one minute and 40 seconds.
Long list of
players want
to join LIV
golf:
Norman
semi-final.”
Milan are in the last four of the Cham-
pions League for the first time since they
were last crowned kings of Europe in
2007. They have overcome a post-World
Cup slump in recent weeks and Tuesday’s
performance was another statement dis-
play which gives them hope of reaching
the final.
“This gives us real faith in ourselves. We
already had belief but getting past Napoli
and Tottenham will help us grow,” added
Pioli.
“These are experiences which give you
the strength and ability to manage a cer-
tain type of pressure. For many of us it was
the first time that we were playing such an
important match...It’s another big step
forward.”
Napoli coach Luciano Spalletti
lamented that his team weren’t given a
share an opposing political ideology, are
marked by animosity,” the ministry said.
The first leg on April 13 ended 2-2.
The ministry said that ahead of that
game in Basel, “high-risk supporters of
both teams made contact and planned to
confront each other”.
On the day of the match, there was “a
massive use of pyrotechnic devices” and
“incidents and provocations were relayed
on social media, but without the planned
clashes taking place”, the statement read.
– AFP
included in RTG while the rest are athletes
from badminton and track cycling.
The diving squad will next head to
Montreal, Canada for the second leg of the
Diving World Cup on May 5-7 followed
possibly a one-month training stint in
China before the World Championships.
“Competing in Canada will be impor-
tant for me to gauge where I am currently
at in terms of performance,” said Wendy.
“It would also be good if we are able to go
to China where we can fully focus and also
learn from the Chinese divers.
“We usually go for a month but it is not
confirmed yet whether we are going this
year.” – New Straits Times
Pearly, who makes up the world No. 8
with her partner M. Thinaah, shared a
story on her Instagram page, indicating
that the Kedah-born is currently admitted
to a hospital and on drips.
Earlier this week, Timesport spoke to
Pearly about her recent dip in form and
how she overcame burnout. Both Pearly
and Thinaah were present at the upcom-
ing Malaysia Masters announcement
event, which was held on Monday in Bukit
Kiara.
Pearly-Thinaah were scheduled to play
world No. 10 Jonkolphan Kititharakul-
Rawinda Prajongjai of Thailand in the first
round of the BAC. – New Straits Times
Wayne Drinkwater, GB Ultras race direc-
tor, told the BBC the matter had been inves-
tigated.He said: “Having reviewed the data
from our race tracking system, GPX data,
statements provided from our event team,
other competitors and from the participant
herself, we can confirm that a runner has now
been disqualified from the event having
taken vehicle transport during part of the
route.”
giroud
seals
Milan’s
berth 20
in CL semis
penalty for Rafael Leao’s tackle on Hirving
Lozano six minutes before the Portugal
winger sped up the pitch to lay on Olivier
Giroud’s goal which would decide the tie.
Neither referee Szymon Marciniak nor
the VAR officials saw anything wrong with
Leao’s challenge, but Spalletti was angry
at his team not getting a spot-kick while
they were only a goal behind.
Spalletti was also annoyed that he had
to do without Andre-Frank Zambo
Anguissa and Kim Min-jae after they
received soft bookings during the first leg.
“In the 37th minute there was penalty, it’s
a clear penalty... he twisted his ankle,” said
Spalletti to reporters.
“We were punished by what happened
in the first game. The players with
strength and power were the ones which
were taken away from us, unjustly so.” –
AFP
Court confirms
8 to face trial
over Maradona
death
BUENOS AIRES: An Argentine appeals
court on Tuesday confirmed that eight
medical professionals accused of respon-
sibility in the death of football legend
Diego Maradona will indeed stand trial.
Neurosurgeon Leopoldo Luque, psy-
chiatrist Agustina Cosachov and six oth-
ers had appealed a 2022 decision to put
them on trial for homicide with potential
aggravating circumstances.
Maradona died in November 2020
aged 60 while recovering from brain sur-
gery for a blood clot, and after decades of
battles with cocaine and alcohol addic-
tions.
He was found dead in bed two weeks
after going under the knife, in a rented
house in an exclusive Buenos Aires neigh-
bourhood where he was brought after
being discharged from hospital.
He was found to have died of a heart
attack.
The eight defendants had appealed to
the court in San Isidro, northwest of
Buenos Aires, against the severity of the
charges, arguing that they should be
accused of involuntary homicide.
The initial accusation of homicide
with “dolus eventualis” holds a person
responsible for negligence while know-
ing that such conduct could lead to
death. Prosecutors accused the medical
professionals of being involved in “reck-
less” and “deficient” home treatment of a
patient.
A panel of 20 medical experts con-
vened by Argentina’s public prosecutor
concluded in 2021 that Maradona “would
have had a better chance of survival” with
adequate treatment in an appropriate
medical facility.
No trial date has yet been set.
Among those accused are a psycholo-
gist, a clinical doctor, a medical coordina-
tor, nursing coordinator and nurses. –
AFP
Zakrzewski finished 14th in the 2014 Com-
monwealth Games marathon in Scotland
and has set a number of records in ultra-
marathon running.
Third place has been awarded to another
competitor. Adrian Stott, a friend of the run-
ner, told the BBC she is “genuinely sorry” and
felt unwell. “The race didn’t go to plan. She
said she was feeling sick and tired on the race
and wanted to drop out,” he said. – AFP

415 banduan di Sabah,
Labuan dibebas > 2
Untuk menarik lebih banyak pelaburan asing, kata Anifah
Pamer lebih banyak potensi Sabah
Hayati Dzulkifli dan Jonathan
Nicholas
KOTA KINABALU: Invest Sabah Berhad
(ISB) memainkan peranan penting
dalam mempromosikan Sabah kepada
syarikat asing dan menarik mereka
untuk melabur.
Pengerusi ISB Senator Datuk Seri
Anifah Aman berkata fasilitator perni-
agaan milik kerajaan itu membuka
pintu untuk semua kementerian di
negara ini mempromosikan Sabah
kepada dunia.
“Perkongsian ini akan mem-
bolehkan kami memanfaatkan rangka-
ian dan sumber yang luas untuk
menarik lebih banyak pelaburan asing
ke Sabah.
“Sabah mempunyai banyak tawaran
kepada pelabur asing, daripada
lokasinya yang strategik kepada sum-
ber asli yang banyak dan ekonomi yang
pelbagai. Bagaimanapun, kita perlu
melakukan lebih banyak lagi untuk
mempamerkan potensi negeri kita dan
menarik pelabur yang tepat.
“ISB mesti berusaha untuk melam-
paui bidang pelaburan negeri lain di
Malaysia. Untuk mencapai matlamat
ini, kami perlu meningkatkan program
kami dan melibatkan diri dalam pro-
gram antarabangsa untuk menjalin
hubungan dengan syarikat berpotensi.
“Kita perlu proaktif dalam
mendekati pelabur berpotensi dan
mempamerkan apa yang Sabah
tawarkan,” kata bekas Menteri Luar itu.
Anifah berucap pada majlis iftar ISB
yang diadakan di Hotel Le Meridien
pada Selasa di mana anak-anak yatim
dan pelajar kurang berkemampuan
dari Madrasah Tahfiz Al Quran Nah-
datul Ilmiah di Taman Sempelang dan
Pusat Tahfiz Ash-Shabab Al-Mardiyah
di Tuaran disampaikan duit raya.
Turut hadir Timbalan Ketua Menteri
merangkap Menteri Kerajaan Tem-
patan dan Perumahan, Datuk Seri Dr
Joachim Gunsalam, Menteri Pemban-
gunan Masyarakat dan Kesejahteraan
Rakyat Negeri Datuk James Ratib, Ketua
Pegawai Eksekutif ISB Datuk Madiyem
Layapan dan Konsul Jeneral China di
Kota Kinabalu Huang Shifang.
Anifah berkata beliau mempunyai
visi besar untuk Sabah dan bagaimana
negeri ini, pintu masuk ke pasaran
Daftar Pemilih
Asean, boleh diletakkan sebagai faktor
Tambahan dibuka
untuk semakan
KUALA LUMPUR: Daftar Pemilih Tam-
bahan Bulan Mac Tahun 2023 (DPT
BLN3/2023) yang diperaku dan
diwartakan, dibuka untuk semakan
selama 30 hari mulai Rabu hingga 18
Mei depan.
Setiausaha Suruhanjaya Pilihan Raya
(SPR) Datuk Ikmalrudin Ishak dalam
kenyataan Rabu berkata DPT
BLN3/2023 mengandungi 39,604 nama
warganegara yang berumur 18 tahun
dan ke atas yang didaftarkan bagi tem-
poh 1 Mac 2023 hingga 31 Mac 2023.
“Ia turut mengandungi 13,534 pemilih
berdaftar yang bertukar bahagian pili-
han raya dan 3,229 pemilih bertukar sta-
tus/kategori pengundi,” katanya.
SPR menyediakan lima kaedah
semakan iaitu melalui portal SPR di
pautan https://www.spr.gov.my atau
https://mysprsemak.spr.gov.my dan portal
rasmi Pejabat-Pejabat Pilihan Raya
Negeri di pautan http://ppn.spr.gov.my.
Semakan juga boleh dibuat
menerusi aplikasi dalam talian di pau-
tan https://myspr.spr.gov.my, aplikasi
mudah alih MySPR Semak atau
menghubungi hotline Semakan
Pendaftaran Pemilih di talian 03-
88927218. – Bernama
KHaMis, 20 april, 2023 / 29 raMadan, 1444H
Masalah banjir di
Kg Bukau selesai > 3
penting dalam kepentingan geopolitik
Malaysia.
“Sabah mudah diakses melalui
udara, laut dan darat, dan terletak di
persimpangan rantau Asia-Pasifik dan
Timur Tengah.
“Lokasi strategik ini meletakkan
Sabah pada kedudukan yang ideal
untuk memanfaatkan peluang perda-
gangan dan pelaburan di rantau ini.
“Sabah juga mempunyai perseki-
taran politik yang stabil, dengan
tumpuan yang kukuh terhadap pem-
bangunan ekonomi dan menarik
pelaburan asing.
“Ia kaya dengan sumber asli, terma-
suk balak, minyak dan gas, mineral dan
tanah yang subur untuk pertanian dan
komited untuk mempromosikan
industri teknologi tinggi seperti pem-
buatan, teknologi dan tenaga boleh
diperbaharui,” katanya.
Beliau menegaskan bahawa pen-
duduk di Nusantara nanti, iaitu bakal
ibu kota baharu Indonesia tidak lama
lagi, akan jauh lebih besar daripada
Sabah.
“Inilah sebab ISB akan rancang dan
bekerjasama rapat dengan agensi
persekutuan dan negeri supaya kita
akan bersedia apabila ada peluang.
“Sektor pembuatan Sabah berkem-
bang pesat, dengan tumpuan kepada
industri nilai tambah tinggi seperti
aeroangkasa, peranti perubatan, dan
tenaga boleh diperbaharui. Dengan
tumpuan negeri untuk memban-
gunkan industri pembuatan, pelabur
boleh mengambil bahagian dalam sek-
tor yang semakin berkembang ini.
“Sektor minyak dan gas Sabah juga
merupakan pemacu utama ekonomi
negeri. Rizab minyak dan gas yang
besar, telah menarik pemain utama
dalam industri, memberikan peluang
kepada pelabur untuk mengambil
bahagian dalam sektor yang mengun-
tungkan ini.
“Kita kini bergantung kepada
minyak yang menjadi pemacu utama
negeri tetapi kita tidak boleh bergan-
tung sepenuhnya kepada sektor itu.
Rizab kami yang besar telah menarik
syarikat mega seperti Shell, Exxon dan
Hibiscus,” katanya.
Beliau menambah bahawa ISB akan
menerajui tarikan budaya dan semula
jadi Sabah, menyumbang kepada keku-
atan Malaysia dan kerjasama yang lebih
besar antara negara lain.
“Mari kita bekerjasama untuk mem-
pamerkan potensi Sabah kepada dunia
dan meletakkan Sabah sebagai faktor
penting dalam kepentingan geopolitik
Ada kebarangkalian gempa bumi berlaku di M’sia: NRECC
Malaysia,” katanya.
PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia mempunyai
kebarangkalian untuk berlaku gempa
bumi berdasarkan kepada bukti
empirikal, demikian menurut
Kementerian Sumber Asli, Alam Seki-
tar dan Perubahan Iklim (NRECC).
Sebagai langkah mitigasi jangka
panjang, NRECC memaklumkan
Jabatan Mineral dan Geosains
Malaysia (JMG) menjalankan program
libat urus dengan pihak berkuasa tem-
patan dan pihak berkepentingan
dalam aplikasi penggunaan peta
bahaya seismik.
“Program kesedaran awam juga
dilaksanakan kepada pihak berkuasa
negeri, penduduk tempatan dan seko-
lah yang terdedah kepada ancaman
risiko gempa bumi,” menurut
kementerian itu dalam satu kenyataan
Rabu berhubung risiko gempa bumi
di Malaysia.
NRECC turut menyarankan input
peta bahaya seismik dirujuk dalam
reka bentuk struktur bangunan di
Malaysia.
Gegaran gempa bumi kuat yang
Trafik sesak di lebuhraya keluar
Jakarta kerana mudik Hari Raya > 5
ANIFAH bertanyakan sesuatu dengan seorang pelajar tahfiz yang menerima
sumbangan, sambil diiringi Dr Joachim (kedua dari kanan) dan James (kanan).
‘Saya mahu
rehat dahulu’
PUTRAJAYA: Ketua
Pengarah Kesihatan
Tan Sri Dr Noor
Hisham Abdullah
yang akan bersara
wajib esok (Jumaat),
menyatakan beliau
mahu berehat
selepas 35 tahun berkhidmat dengan
Kementerian Kesihatan (KKM).
Dr Noor Hisham yang dianggap
‘panglima perang’ KKM ketika negara
berdepan pandemik Covid-19,
merupakan antara individu penting
yang menyampaikan perkembangan
terkini dan usaha kerajaan dalam
memerangi penularan wabak itu
dalam negara.
“Rehat dulu,” katanya ringkas ketika
ditemui media selepas mengimbas kad
perakam waktu pada pukul 4.17 petang
sebagai simbolik hari terakhir bertugas
di KKM, Rabu.
Beliau diiringi Menteri Kesihatan Dr
Zaliha Mustafa, Timbalan Menteri Kesi-
hatan Lukanisman Awang Sauni dan
warga KKM yang turut hadir mengu-
capkan selamat bersara kepadanya. –
Bernama
berpusat di Malaysia pernah berlaku
dengan kekuatan 6.0 hingga 6.3 skala
Richter di Sabah pada 1923, 1958, 1976
dan 2015, manakala gegaran terkuat di
Sarawak berlaku pada 1996 dengan 5.3
skala Richter.
Di Semenanjung Malaysia turut per-
nah berlaku beberapa gegaran gempa
bumi dengan pusat gempa tempatan
di Bukit Tinggi di Pahang, Empangan
Kenyir di Terengganu, Kuala Pilah di
Negeri Sembilan serta Manjung dan
Temenggor di Perak dengan julat
kekuatan antara 1.6 hingga 4.6 skala
Richter yang berlaku pada 1984, 1985,
1987, 2007, 2009, 2010 dan 2013.
Bagi memantau pergerakan sesar
aktif yang berpotensi menyebabkan
gempa bumi, NRECC memaklumkan
JMG telah memasang enam stesen
Penanda Aras Gempa Bumi (PAG) aktif
di Sabah dan 54 PAG pasif di enam
negeri meliputi 29 stesen PAG pasif di
Sabah, Pahang (13), Selangor (6), dan
masing-masing dua stesen di Perak,
Negeri Sembilan dan Sarawak serta
dipantau secara masa nyata.
RM685j dibelanja untuk
modal insan Sabah > 6
Janji tambang rendah manifesto
PH, sedang diusahakan: Ewon
KOTA KINABALU:
Menteri Pembangu-
nan Usahawan dan
Koperasi Datuk
Ewon Benedick
mempertahankan
janji pilihan raya
parlimennya untuk
tambang penerbangan RM199 antara
Kuala Lumpur dan di sini, mengatakan
ia berdasarkan manifesto Pakatan Hara-
pan (PH).
“Ini bukan manifesto saya sahaja, ia
manifesto dalam tawaran Pakatan Hara-
pan dan boleh dibaca dalam tawaran
Kita Boleh Pakatan Harapan,” katanya,
ketika diminta mengulas kritikan neti-
zen. Beliau berkata, rakyat mesti faham
bahawa kerajaan hari ini terdiri dari-
pada gabungan yang berbeza termasuk
BN, GRS, GPS, Warisan, serta parti bebas
yang menyokong pembentukan Kera-
jaan Perpaduan.
Katanya, beliau pasti Menteri Pen-
gangkutan sedang berbincang dengan
syarikat penerbangan untuk mengu-
rangkan tambang penerbangan pada
musim perayaan.
“Di peringkat kabinet, kami telah
JMG juga telah menerbitkan Peta
Bahaya Seismik Semenanjung
Malaysia, Sabah dan Sarawak pada
2019 yang mencirikan zon bahaya ben-
cana seismik berdasarkan ‘Peak
Ground Acceleration’ (PGA) yang
digunakan sebagai rujukan untuk
membuat reka bentuk bangunan yang
tahan gegaran gempa bumi.
Menurut NRECC, kejadian gempa
bumi kuat yang berlaku di Sumatera,
Indonesia berpotensi mengaktifkan
sesar-sesar kuno di Semenanjung
Malaysia dan kesan gegaran boleh
dirasai di beberapa lokasi di pantai
barat Semenanjung, dengan magnitud
gempa bumi yang boleh terhasil
adalah bergantung kepada saiz sesar
kuno yang diaktifkan.
“Bagi Sabah dan Sarawak, kejadian
gegaran gempa bumi adalah dise-
babkan oleh kombinasi pengaktifan
sesar kuno akibat daripada himpitan
oleh pergerakan tektonik Plat Filipina
dan Plat Eurasia serta pergerakan sesar
aktif tempatan,” menurut NRECC. –
Bernama
WAKTU SOLAT
Imsak Subuh Zohor Asar Maghrib Isyak
KK/Pantai Barat 4.49 4.59 12.18 3.30 6.25 7.36
Sandakan Timur 4.41 4.51 12.11 3.22 6.17 7.28
Sandakan Barat 4.45 4.55 12.15 3.26 6.21 7.32
Tawau Timur 4.39 4.49 12.08 3.19 6.14 7.25
Tawau Barat 4.43 4.53 12.11 3.24 6.17 7.28
Kudat 4.44 4.54 12.15 3.25 6.22 7.33
Pedalaman Atas 4.47 4.57 12.16 3.28 6.23 7.33
Pedalaman Bawah 4.50 5.00 12.19 3.31 6.26 7.36
bersetuju bahawa manifesto yang
ditawarkan oleh semua gabungan ini
perlu menjadi keutamaan untuk dilak-
sanakan sebagai manifesto bersama.
“Sebab itu, walaupun hanya Pakatan
Harapan yang membuat tawaran ini
dalam manifestonya, tetapi ia sedang
diambil tindakan oleh ahli-ahli majlis
menteri yang telah ditugaskan untuk
memastikan tindakan diambil terhadap
tawaran yang dibangkitkan.
“Tetapi perkara utama adalah kera-
jaan bersetuju menambah bilangan
penerbangan sepanjang musim cuti,
dan saya percaya ia telah mengu-
rangkan harga tiket sedikit sebanyak,
cuma ia masih tinggi sedikit,” katanya.
Tambang penerbangan dari Kuala
Lumpur ke Kota Kinabalu ditawarkan
oleh beberapa syarikat penerbangan
menjelang Hari Raya antara RM400 dan
RM1,200. Tiket ekonomi sehala dari Kota
Kinabalu ke Tawau, sebaliknya, hampir
Diskaun bayaran
RM600.
saman trafik
KUALA LUMPUR: Semua saman trafik
untuk kesalahan pada 2022 dan
sebelumnya layak menikmati Kadar
Khas Bayaran Saman RM50 kecuali
saman yang masih belum selesai per-
bicaraan mahkamah kerana ia meru-
pakan luar bidang kuasa Polis Diraja
Malaysia (PDRM).
Pengarah Jabatan Siasatan dan Pen-
guatkuasaan Trafik Bukit Aman Datuk
Seri Mat Kasim Karim berkata tawaran
yang diumumkan Perdana Menteri
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim pada Selasa
berbeza daripada tawaran diskaun
saman PDRM sehingga 60 peratus sem-
pena Peringatan Hari Polis ke-216 baru-
baru ini. Beliau berkata diskaun
sempena Hari Polis sebelum ini mem-
punyai beberapa jenis saman yang
tidak layak untuk diberikan diskaun
pengurangan antaranya kes kemalan-
gan, kesalahan tidak boleh kompaun,
tidak patuhi isyarat lampu merah dan
saman berstatus waran.
“Tetapi bagi Kadar Khas Bayaran
Saman yang diumumkan Perdana
Menteri semalam ia berbeza dan lebih
berbaloi daripada diskaun 60 peratus itu
kerana orang awam hanya perlu bayar
RM50 untuk satu saman. – Bernama
 2 Tempatan
Lagi cadangan
tangani harga
tambang
penerbangan
tinggi
Lagatah Toyos
TAWAU: Ahli Parlimen Kalabakan, Datuk
Andi Muhammad Suryady Bandy men-
cadangkan syarikat penerbangan mem-
perbanyakkan lagi kekerapan
penerbangan domestik dan luar di negeri
ini, serta mengambil kira perjalanan dua
hala.
Beliau percaya kaedah tersebut boleh
mengawal harga tiket daripada terus
melambung naik setiap kali musim per-
ayaan tiba di negara ini.
“Sekiranya masa penerbangan diper-
banyakkan, misalnya Kuala Lumpur -
Tawau - Kuala Lumpur, sudah pasti harga
tiket akan turun… Ketika ini penerbangan
kurang dan apabila (tempat duduk)
sudah penuh, harga tiket menjadi mahal,”
katanya.
Beliau berkata demikian bagi mengu-
las isu hangat berkaitan tiket penerban-
gan mahal untuk ke Sabah dan Sarawak,
sehingga mengundang rasa tidak puas
hati dalam kalangan anak-anak Borneo di
perantauan, khususnya yang bekerja di
Semenanjung Malaysia.
Dalam masa yang sama, Andi yang juga
Pembantu Menteri Pembangunan
Perindustrian dan Keusahawanan, mem-
inta campur tangan kerajaan dalam
menangani isu berulang pada setiap
musim perayaan itu.
“Kita harap campur tangan kerajaan
agar dapat memastikan harga tiket kapal
terbang adalah mampu milik mengikut
keadaan semasa dan ekonomi penduduk.
“Kita berharap Menteri Pengangkutan
tampil dengan inisiatif dan alternatif
khusus dalam memastikan isu harga tiekt
ini dapat dikawal dan mampu dibeli
rakyat yang mahu pulang berhari raya
dengan keluarga,” katanya lagi.
Andi berkata, isu tersebut sebenarnya
sudah disuarakan dalam sidang Parlimen
lepas tetapi mungkin berlaku beberapa
kekangan dalam Kementerian Pen-
gangkutan.
“Namun, antara tugas kementerian
dalam kerajaan Madani adalah untuk
membantu rakyat, apatah lagi dengan
harga barangan yang semakin tinggi
sedangkan pendapatan rakyat tidak mem-
berangsangkan,” katanya.
Katanya, ramai penduduk Tawau amat
terkesan dengan ‘harga emas’ tiket pener-
bangan yang ditawarkan kerana harga tiket
percutian ke luar negara jauh lebih murah.
“Anak-anak di perantauan hanya mahu
pulang ke kampung untuk bersama kelu-
arga tersayang. Kerajaan perlu mengambil
perhatian terhadap isu ini dengan
mengambil kira perjalanan dua hala pergi
dan balik,” tegasnya.
Sementara itu, Setiausaha Sulit kepada
Ahli Dewan Negara, Muhammad Faisal
Mohamad Mohidin berkata, Kerajaan
Sabah perlu bertindak tegas terhadap
syarikat penerbangan berhubung isu
harga tiket terlalu mahal dan melampau
ketika musim perayaan.
Menurutnya, Kerajaan Negeri perlu
mengambil kira faktor kesukaran golon-
gan B40 dan mahasiswa yang kini dalam
terdesak untuk pulang beraya, apatah lagi
perkara itu sudah berlarutan sejak sekian
lama dan kerap diutarakan di Dewan
Rakyat dan Dewan Negara.
“Sampai bila isu ini akan selesai dan
adakah Sabah memerlukan syarikat
penerbangannya sendiri atau mewujud-
kan skim kad diskaun khas untuk mereka
yang bermastautin di Semenanjung?
“Apabila tiba masa untuk pulang ke kam-
pung halaman, mereka dikenakan harga
tiket yang amat tidak munasabah,” katanya.
Katanya, masalah yang sudah sekian
lama itu terus menjadi beban kepada
hampir 400,000 rakyat Sabah yang
bermastautin di seluruh Semenanjung
Malaysia, khususnya golongan B40 yang
berpendapatan rendah.
Pelbagai media sebelum ini mela-
porkan harga tiket bagi penerbangan
domestik di negara ini yang lebih mahal
beberapa hari sebelum menjelang Hari
Raya Aidilfitri.
Penerbangan ke Sabah untuk laluan
sehala bagi kelas ekonomi mencecah
RM1,123 dari Kuala Lumpur ke Kota Kina-
balu bagi penerbangan yang dijadualkan
pada pukul 9.15 pagi dan pukul 10 malam.
Manakala, bagi penerbangan dari
Kuala Lumpur ke Kuching, Sarawak pula
berjumlah RM1,025 dan RM1,009.
ANTARA suspek yang ditangkap di kawasan kilang itu.
S U AR A TE MP ATAN AND A I KH AMI S , 2 0 APRI L, 2 0 2 3
Inisiatif OBB
415 banduan di Sabah, Labuan dibebas
Sherell Jeffrey
KOTA KINABALU: Seramai 415 banduan di
Sabah dan Labuan dibebaskan sebagai
sebahagian daripada inisiatif Orang Bebas
Berlesen (OBB) antara Januari dan Mac
tahun ini.
Setakat Januari hingga April tahun ini,
Sabah merupakan penyumbang terbesar
dalam bilangan banduan yang
dibebaskan di bawah OBB di seluruh
negara, diikuti Selangor.
Buat masa ini, seramai 200 banduan di
Sabah sedang menjalani program OBB.
Pada Rabu, 38 lagi banduan di Sabah
dibebaskan di bawah program OBB yang
diadakan serentak di seluruh negara buat
kali pertama.
Daripada 38 itu, seramai 15 adalah dari
Penjara Pusat Kota Kinabalu, seorang dari
Penjara Wanita Kota Kinabalu, 10 dari
Penjara Tawau, lima dari Penjara San-
dakan dan enam dari Pusat Koreksional
Labuan.
Sebahagian besar daripada mereka
sedang menjalani hukuman untuk kesala-
han berkaitan dadah dan telah memenuhi
syarat serta peringkat yang ditetapkan
oleh Jabatan Penjara untuk layak menyer-
tai program OBB.
Untuk rekod, seramai 1,436 banduan di
Sabah dan Labuan telah dibebaskan di
bawah program OBB sejak 2020 hingga
kini.
“Program OBB adalah sebahagian dari-
pada pendekatan yang diambil Jabatan
Banduan bersyukur, PBSL hadiah sambutan Aidilfitri
Penjara untuk memberi peluang kepada
KOTA KINABALU: Rasa syukur, terharu dan
gembira terpancar di wajah setiap lima
banduan beragama Islam apabila masing-
masing dibebaskan awal dari Penjara
Pusat Kota Kinabalu dan Penjara Wanita
Kota Kinabalu, Rabu.
Kesemua mereka merupakan sebaha-
gian daripada 16 banduan dibebaskan
melalui program Pelepasan Banduan
Secara Berlesen (PBSL) sempena Aidilfitri.
Selain dapat menyambut Syawal
bersama keluarga, kepulangan mereka
yang disambut oleh ibu bapa, isteri dan
ahli keluarga bagai memberi semangat
serta sinar baharu kehidupan dalam men-
corak masa depan lebih baik.
Seorang banduan wanita, yang hanya
ingin dikenali sebagai Siti, 24, berkata
pengalaman hidup di penjara banyak
Aidilfitri: LIGS agih bantuan kepada 86,617 pekebun kecil
memberi hikmah dan keinsafan
KOTA KINABALU: Lembaga Industri Getah
Sabah (LIGS) mengagihkan Bantuan Khas
Kewangan Aidilfitri (BKKA) kepada 86,617
pekebun kecil getah di negeri ini bermula
17 April.
Pengerusi LIGS Datuk Edward Linggu
berkata bantuan RM200 seorang itu akan
dinikmati semua pekebun kecil getah di
Sabah sebagai tambahan kepada Bantuan
Musim Tengkujuh (BMT) RM800 awal
tahun ini.
“Kita berharap bantuan yang secara
keseluruhannya berjumlah RM17.3 juta ini
mampu meringankan beban kewangan
para pekebun kecil getah, terutamanya
bagi merayakan Aidilfitri tahun ini,”
katanya.
Rumah musnah terbakar di Ranau, Sipitang
Linggu menegaskan, kerajaan sentiasa
prihatin kepada kebajikan pekebun kecil
Clarence Dol dan Ahmad Apong
RANAU: Sebuah rumah kampung jenis
tidak kekal musnah dalam kebakaran
dekat sini pagi Selasa, selepas pasukan
bomba tidak dapat mencapai lokasi dise-
babkan laluan sempit.
Ketua Balai Bomba dan Penyelamat
(BBP) Ranau, PPgB Ridwan Mohd Taib
berkata, kejadian berlaku di Kg Minihas,
Ranau kira-kira jam 7.50 pagi.
“Panggilan diterima melalui talian
balai pada jam 7.52 pagi dan sepasukan
enam anggota bomba diketuai Komander
Operasi, PBK II Wasli Saupin dikerahkan
ke lokasi.
“Setibanya di lokasi yang terletak 13
kilometer dari balai, pasukan mendapati
kebakaran membabitkan rumah semen-
tara berkeluasan 20x20 kaki yang musnah
100 peratus.
SALAH seorang banduan yang menerima OBB yang disampaikan oleh Kesumawati
(kedua dari kanan), sambil diperhatikan oleh Mohammad Sa’ad (ketiga dari kanan)
serta Ketua Bahagian Parol dan Khidmat Masyarakat Jomison Gondikit (kanan).
banduan menjalani proses pemulihan
bersama masyarakat, selain mengu-
rangkan perbelanjaan dan kesesakan di
penjara,” kata Pengarah Penjara Wanita
Kota Kinabalu Kesumawati Ilas semasa
program OBB, di sini, Rabu.
Beliau berkata pelaksanaan program
itu berkesan dan terbukti menerusi pen-
capaian kadar ulangan banduan yang
menjalani pemulihan dalam komuniti,
iaitu 0.24 peratus berbanding banduan
yang menjalani pemulihan penuh di pen-
jara iaitu 18.6 peratus pada tahun lepas.
Banduan yang layak untuk OBB mesti
menjalani hukuman penjara kurang dari-
pada setahun, telah menjalani satu pertiga
kepadanya kerana institusi itu banyak
mengajar beliau tentang disiplin serta
ilmu agama termasuk kewajipan
menunaikan solat dan berpuasa.
Dia yang dimasukkan ke dalam penjara
pada 3 Jan lepas atas kesalahan dadah itu
melihat ia sebagai hikmah dan pelajaran
terbesar yang diperolehinya sepanjang
berada di tirai besi.
“Sepanjang Ramadan ini, saya belajar
berpuasa, solat berjemaah dan mengaji
(al-Quran). Sebelum ini, saya tidak pernah
buat semua itu termasuk berpuasa. Di
penjara baharu saya belajar,” katanya
kepada pemberita selepas Progam PBSL
sempena Sambutan Hari Raya Aidilfitri
‘Kasih Keluarga Sepanjang Zaman’ 2023 di
Institusi Penjara Sabah dan Wilayah
Persekutuan Labuan, di sini.
“Saya bersyukur dan berterima kasih
getah di negeri ini, di mana bagi tahun ini,
Kerajaan melalui LIGS telah mengagihkan
BKKA dan BMT berjumlah RM1,000
kepada setiap pekebun kecil yang layak.
Linggu seterusnya menzahirkan
harapan agar pekebun kecil terus
menoreh dan meningkatkan lagi produk-
tiviti.
Beliau berkata demikian selepas meng-
hadiri Majlis Bubur Lambuk Badan Keba-
jikan Islam, Jabatan Perkhidmatan
Veterinar Sabah.
Majlis tersebut dilancarkan Timbalan
Ketua Menteri Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey G
Kitingan yang juga Menteri Pertanian,
Perikanan dan Industri Makanan. Hadir
sama Pengarah Veterinar Sabah Dr Hajah
Normah Yusop.
Pada awal tahun ini, LIGS telah men-
ANGGOTA bomba memadamkan
sisa kebakaran di Sipitang.
“Operasi pemadaman dilakukan meng-
gunakan satu aliran air sepanjang 100
kaki dari kolam berhampiran menggu-
nakan pam terapung,” katanya, menam-
bah jentera bomba mengalami kesukaran
5 suspek cuba curi kayu arang ditahan
untuk mencapai lokasi rumah kerana
TAWAU: Cubaan lima lelaki mencuri
arang batu di kawasan kilang di Tanjung
Batu Laut Logpond, gagal apabila perbu-
atan mereka disedari pengawal kesela-
matan bertugas dalam insiden pada Ahad
lepas.
Ketua Polis Daerah Tawau, ACP Jasmin
Hussin berkata, lima suspek terlibat beru-
sia antara 38 hingga 69 tahun itu ditahan
sekumpulan pengawal keselamatan bertu-
gas.
Menurutnya, pengawal keselamatan
yang menyedari tindak-tanduk lima lelaki
tersebut meminta bantuan rakan-rakan
setugas untuk menangkap mereka.
“Bertindak atas maklumat dan aduan,
sepasukan anggota Ronda Cegah Jenayah
daripada hukuman mereka di penjara,
telah menyelesaikan atau sedang menye-
lesaikan program pemulihan di penjara,
dan mempunyai jaminan daripada
majikan, keluarga, atau pertubuhan
bukan kerajaan untuk menyediakan tem-
pat tinggal serta pekerjaan.
Mereka yang dibebaskan di bawah pro-
gram OBB akan dipantau oleh Pegawai
Parol Daerah di kawasan mereka melalui
lawatan ke rumah, lawatan majikan atau
panggilan telefon.
Menurut Kesumawati, pada masa ini
terdapat 191 banduan wanita di Penjara
Wanita Kota Kinabalu, yang dapat
menampung sehingga 400 banduan pada
kepada pihak penjara. Saya tidak sangka
boleh beraya bersama keluarga. Ini adalah
hadiah. Pagi Hari Raya nanti, saya akan
menziarah kubur kedua ibu bapa saya dan
kemudian beraya bersama keluarga,”
katanya, yang ingin menyediakan juadah
kegemaran sekeluarga iaitu kari ayam dan
mi goreng, selain rendang serta ketupat.
Siti, yang sepatutnya dibebaskan pada
24 Julai ini, berjanji kepada dirinya sendiri
untuk tidak mengulangi kesalahan perta-
manya itu dengan menjauhi najis dadah
serta pengaruh rakan tidak baik.
Seorang lagi banduan lelaki berumur
35 tahun dari Sembulan turut bersyukur
kerana dibebaskan menerusi program
PBSL dan menyifatkan ia cukup bermakna
kerana dapat menyambut Aidilfitri
bersama keluarga apatah lagi dia sangat
merindukan masakan ibunya. – Bernama
gagihkan BMT dengan kadar RM800 seo-
rang kepada 86,617 pekebun kecil di
Sabah, melibatkan jumlah keseluruhan
RM69.3 juta.
“Ini telah menjadikan jumlah keselu-
ruhan bantuan yang telah diagihkan
kepada pekebun kecil di Sabah pada
tahun ini berjumlah RM86.6 juta,”
katanya.
Menurut Linggu, LIGS sentiasa peka
dan mengambil pendekatan yang berke-
san bagi membantu dan meningkatkan
taraf hidup para pekebun kecil di Sabah.
Katanya, LIGS sentiasa peka dan pri-
hatin terhadap isu-isu yang dihadapi oleh
para pekebun kecil dan sentiasa berusaha
menerokai pelbagai pendekatan sig-
nifikan untuk memajukan masyarakat
pekebun kecil getah di Sabah.
laluan sempit.
Tiada kemalangan jiwa dilaporkan dan
operasi dikawal pada jam 8.20 pagi
sebelum ditamatkan pada 8.39 pagi.
Di SIPITANG, sebuah rumah musnah
terbakar di Kg Hulu Lingkungan, di sini,
petang Isnin lepas.
Ketua Balai Bomba dan Penyelamat
Daerah Sipitang, Calvin Joe Jaefery berkata
bilik kawalan bomba menerima panggi-
lan kecemasan pada jam 1.02 petang dan
mengerahkan dua pasukan ke lokasi yang
terletak 18 kilometer dari sini.
“Setibanya bomba di tempat kejadian,
rumah jenis tidak kekal itu telah musnah
100 peratus,” katanya.
Tiada kecederaan dilaporkan dan
punca kejadian serta anggaran kerugian
masih dalam siasatan.
(RCJ) dari Balai Polis Tawau membuat
tangkapan terhadap lima suspek lelaki,”
katanya dalam kenyataan media, Rabu.
Jasmin berkata, pemeriksaan mendap-
ati empat daripada suspek berkenaan
tidak memiliki sebarang dokumen penge-
nalan diri yang sah dan dipercayai warga
asing.
“Polis turut merampas sebuah van yang
digunakan dalam kegiatan tersebut
bersama lapan karung guni kayu arang
yang dicuri,” katanya.
Tambahnya, kesemua tangkapan
dibawa ke Ibu Pejabat Polis Daerah (IPD)
Tawau untuk tindakan lanjut dan kes disi-
asat di bawah Seksyen 381 Kanun Kesek-
saan. – LT
harianekspres
satu masa.
Di Penjara Pusat Kota Kinabalu, sera-
mai 2,576 pesalah lelaki sedang menjalani
hukuman di fasiliti yang hanya mampu
menempatkan 1,329 banduan pada satu
masa.
“Kami berharap dengan adanya pro-
gram OBB ini, lebih ramai banduan dapat
menghabiskan baki masa penjara dan
pemulihan dalam masyarakat,” kata
Mohammad Sa’ad Bantalani, Timbalan
Pengarah Penjara Pusat Kota Kinabalu.
Sehari sebelum itu, Perdana Menteri
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim mengu-
mumkan skim Pelepasan Banduan Secara
Lesen (PBSL) Ihsan Madani, yang akan
menyaksikan lebih 1,000 banduan
dibebaskan secara lesen sepanjang
Ramadan dan Syawal.
Sementara itu, Sarah (bukan nama
sebenar) berasa lega kerana dapat pulang
ke rumah dan berhari raya bersama kelu-
arga.
Wanita berusia 24 tahun itu telah
dipenjarakan selama tiga bulan kerana
penyalahgunaan dadah.
Seorang lagi banduan, Noro (bukan
nama sebenar), bersyukur kerana diberi
peluang untuk berhari raya bersama kelu-
arga.
Lelaki berusia 36 tahun itu, yang sudah
tiga kali masuk keluar penjara, tidak
sabar-sabar untuk membuka lembaran
baharu kehidupan.
Jadual pungutan
Lagi berita di muka 3
sampah di Kunak
ditingkat
Ibrahim Tabir
KUNAK: Majlis Daerah Kunak (MDKNK)
akan meningkatkan kekerapan jadual
pungutan sampah dan sisa pepejal untuk
menangani peningkatan sisa setiap kali
musim perayaan.
Pegawai Eksekutifnya, Mohd Nazri Pin-
tal berkata sampah berlebihan dilihat
melimpah di luar tong-tong sampah
utama, sama ada di kawasan perumahan
atau perniagaan di sini, pada waktu ini.
“Pungutan sampah terus beroperasi
walaupun semasa cuti Hari Raya nanti,”
kata Nazri kepada Daily Express.
Menurutnya, ketika ini empat lori sam-
pah beroperasi untuk kerja-kerja pemu-
nggahan sampah ke tapak pelupusan
yang terletak di Pangkalan Madai.
“Empat lori itu termasuk dua lori kom-
paktor dan dua lori roro (roll-on roll-off),”
katanya. Pusat pelupusan sampah di
Pangkalan Madai terletak kira-kira 15 kilo-
meter dari Pekan Kunak.
Kekerapan pungutan ditambah kepada
tiga trip (perjalanan) sehari bagi lori kom-
paktor, dan enam trip sehari bagi lori roro.
Sementara itu, tinjauan Daily Express di
kawasan premis perniagaan Kunak Plaza
dan Bangunan Sapang mendapati
pekerja-pekerja pembersihan men-
jalankan operasi seperti biasa, dengan
memastikan sampah yang berada di luar
tong utama tidak bertaburan jauh atau
Lelaki hilang selepas
berterbangan di merata tempat.
dua bot bertembung
SEMPORNA: Seorang lelaki dilaporkan
hilang dalam tragedi bot karam selepas
dua bot bertembung di perairan Hotel
Seafest, sekitar jam 2 petang, Selasa.
Ketua Balai Bomba dan Penyelamat
(BBP) Atas Air Semporna, Abdul Kadir Ab
Halalan berkata, pihaknya hanya mener-
ima panggilan berhubung insiden itu
pada jam 11 pagi Rabu.
“Sepasukan empat pegawai dan
anggota bersama sebuah bot dikerah ke
lokasi kejadian untuk operasi mencari dan
menyelamat (SAR) kerana mangsa masih
belum ditemui sehingga Rabu,” katanya.
Menurutnya, pihaknya turut menerima
laporan dua bot bertembung sehingga
menyebabkan salah satu bot itu karam
dalam kejadian itu. Setakat ini, katanya,
SAR masih diteruskan dan mangsa belum
Polis putus sebahagian
ditemui. – LT
jari digigit penagih
dadah
KUALA LUMPUR: Seorang anggota polis
putus sebahagian jarinya apabila digigit
lelaki yang berada di bawah pengaruh
dadah di hadapan pos pengawal Balai
Polis Sungai Besi di sini, Isnin lepas.
Ketua Polis Daerah Cheras ACP Zam
Halim Jamaluddin berkata dalam keja-
dian pada 10.15 malam itu suspek berusia
34 tahun datang ke balai polis berkenaan
dan menjerit mahu menyimbah asid.
“Suspek kemudian bertindak agresif
menyimbah air ke badan dan muka seorang
daripada anggota polis yang bertugas di pos
berkenaan sebelum meluru masuk ke dalam
balai,” katanya dalam kenyataan , Rabu.
harianekspres S U AR A TE MP ATAN AND A I KH AMI S , 2 0 APRI L, 2 0 2 3 Tempatan 3

Masalah banjir di
Kg Bukau selesai
Iskandar Dzulkifli
BEAUFORT: Masalah banjir di Kampung
Bukau yang berlaku sekian lama kini sele-
sai sepenuhnya hasil kerja-kerja penye-
lengaraan di sungai Api-Api
membabitkan peruntukan kerajaan
persekutuan berjumlah RM500,000.
Wakil rakyat Lumadan, Datuk Ruslan
Muharam berkata, antara pelaksanaan
dibuat termasuk membersihkan sungai
berkenaan melibatkan dua fasa projek
pembersihan sejauh 8.5 kilometer (km).
Menurutnya, sungai Api-Api sejauh
10km itu dipenuhi semak samun yang
tebal hingga menghalang aliran air
keluar khususnya ketika hujan lebat
hingga menyebabkan banjir lambat
surut.
“Situasi dihadapi penduduk Kampung
Bukau ini menyebabkan air banjir
bertakung di kawasan itu hingga setahun
lamanya untuk surut namun sekarang
paling lama tiga hari sudah surut
sepenuhnya.
“Ini hasil perbincangan saya dengan
Jabatan Pengairan dan Saliran (JPS) Beau-
fort pada tahun 2020 lalu hingga kerja-
kerja pembersihan fasa pertama sejauh
3.5 km dimulakan manakala fasa kedua
sejauh 5 km pada tahun 2021 lalu.
“Manakala, projek fasa ketiga untuk
baki 2 km lagi sudah dimohon dan
dijangka dilaksanakan tahun ini,” katanya
ketika ditemui di Program Rahmat
Ramadan di Sekolah Menengah Agama
Negeri (SMAN) Beaufort, di sini, Selasa.
Hadir sama Ketua Penolong Pengarah
Pendidikan Jabatan Hal Ehwal Agama
Islam Negeri Sabah (Jheains), Abd Rah-
man Talipudin dan Pengetua SMAN,
Jaludin Kadir.
Ruslan berkata, penyelesaian banjir itu
Kenapa Hari memperingati orang
kurang upaya dipinggirkan
DALAM sambutan tahunan kita, kita
sememangnya mengingati dan menyam-
but Hari Kanak-kanak, Hari Pekerja dan
Hari Wanita tetapi bukan Hari Orang
Kurang Upaya Antarabangsa (IDPwD).
IDPwD diadakan setiap 3 Dis, bertujuan
untuk meningkatkan kesedaran orang
ramai, pemahaman dan penerimaan men-
genai orang kurang upaya serta meraikan
pencapaian dan sumbangan mereka.
RUSLAN (dua dari kanan) menyampaikan sumbangan. Namun, sejak ia disambut pada 1992,
membolehkan penduduk di Kampung “Punca kepada masalah ini adalah jarang sekali kita melihat sebarang
Bukau melaksanakan pelbagai aktiviti selain semak tebal hingga memenuhi dan sambutan besar-besaran atau menonjol
pertanian untuk menjana ekonomi yang menutupi sungai, bahagian muara sun- diadakan secara rasmi untuk menye-
sebelumnya tidak dapat dilakukan eko- gai Lumadan juga kecil serta cetek sekali- marakkan kesedaran tentang kesulitan
ran masalah tersebut. gus menghalang kelancaran aliran air dihadapi orang kurang upaya.
Beliau yang juga Pembantu Menteri keluar. Saya percaya bahawa Hari Orang
Kepada Ketua Menteri turut memak- “Pada tahun lalu, kerja-kerja pember- Kurang Upaya Antarabangsa sering tidak
lumkan isu sama juga berlaku di Kam- sihan dimulakan termasuk melaksanakan mendapat perhatian.
pung Lumadan sebelum ini namun telah pelebaran tebing dan mendalamkan Beberapa bulan lalu, kerajaan memer-
selesai melalui pelaksanaan projek sama muara sungai ini yang telah siap sepenuh- intah bercakap tentang meminda perun-
di Sungai Lumadan. nya tahun sama. tukan undang-undang untuk
Katanya, sekian lama kawasan itu “Ini antara penyelesaian masalah mencerminkan keperluan sosial kontem-
mudah dinaiki air banjir dalam tempoh rakyat yang diamanahkan kepada saya porari masyarakat.
singkat setiap kali hujan lebat berlaku sebaik dipilih sebagai wakil rakyat Oleh itu, sudah tiba masanya kerajaan
hingga melimpah merosakkan rumah Lumadan kerana isu-isu seumpama itu melihat keperluan meminda peruntukan
penduduk, sekolah, dewan dan banyak sudah berlaku lama dan perlu disele- untuk memberi manfaat kepada OKU.
lagi kemudahan. saikan segera,” tegasnya. Peruntukan undang-undang bukan
pengkategorian atau bukan pengelasan
membeza secara kategori kecacatan fizikal
bagi mereka yang didaftarkan sebagai
kurang upaya.
Sama ada mereka terlantar di atas katil,
dipotong tangan atau kaki, atau boleh
berjalan menggunakan tongkat, mereka
semua dikumpulkan bersama dan mener-
ima jumlah bantuan kewangan yang sama
rata daripada Jabatan Kebajikan
Masyarakat tanpa sebarang perbezaan
kadar pembayaran.
Oleh itu, hanya dengan klasifikasi
yang jelas tentang orang kurang upaya,
sama ada mereka cacat, terlantar atau
menggunakan tongkat, barulah asas
pengagihan geran bulanan boleh
diberikan secara adil.
Nampaknya, geran bulanan kira-kira
RM400 mungkin mencukupi untuk orang
cacat tetapi tidak untuk orang tua OKU
yang sentiasa perlu menukar lampin,
terutamanya untuk orang kurang upaya
dan cacat fizikal.
Diharapkan peminggiran dan ketidak-
samaan ke atas golongan OKU dapat diku-
rangkan secara beransur-ansur. Orang
kurang upaya mungkin terbukti produktif
secara positif jika diberi perhatian dan
bantuan yang sewajarnya.

Kiandee persoal penangguhan Gagasan Rakyat kumpulan orang kurang upaya perlu dis-
emak. Undang-undang sekarang tidak CHY

RUU anti lompat parti di Sabah Tambunan sumbang

Winnie Kasmir
SANDAKAN: Wakil rakyat tunggal Bersatu
Sabah, Datuk Seri Ronald Kiandee (gam-
bar), berkata Kerajaan Negeri perlu mem-
bentangkan rang undang-undang (RUU)
anti-lompat di Dewan Undangan Negeri
tanpa berlengah-lengah lagi.
Beliau berkata Kerajaan Negeri pimp-
inan Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor tidak ikhlas
menentang lompat parti.
“Jika Kerajaan Negeri ikhlas, ia sepatut-
nya menggubal undang-undang ini
sekarang. Jangan tunggu majoriti dua per-
tiga,” katanya.
Beliau berkata pembentangan undang-
undang anti lompat peringkat persekutuan
di Parlimen ketika Perikatan Nasional (PN)
mentadbir tidak menunggu sehingga ia
mendapat sokongan dua pertiga, dan
semua Ahli Parlimen – kerajaan dan pem-
bangkang – mengundinya.
“Kenapa Kerajaan Sabah perlu
menunggu?” kata Naib Presiden Bersatu
dan Ketua Bersatu Sabah itu semasa pro-
gram berbuka puasa bersama Bersatu baha-
gian Libaran, di sini.
Sementara itu, Kiandee berkata Bersatu
Sabah pulih lebih cepat daripada jangkaan
kerana menerima kira-kira 2,000 anggota
daripada Upko pada Ahad.
Beliau berkata Bersatu Sabah berjaya
membina semula 17 daripada 25 bahagian –
disusun mengikut kerusi parlimen – hanya
empat bulan selepas pemimpin Bersatu
Sabah keluar parti beramai-ramai untuk
menyertai Gagasan.
“Hari ini kami menerima ahli daripada
sebuah parti kerajaan, yang luar biasa;
selalunya orang pembangkang melompat
parti kerajaan, bukan sebaliknya.
“Ini menunjukkan rakyat melihat
Bersatu adalah parti yang akan menerajui
kerajaan pada masa hadapan. Keterbukaan
mereka menunjukkan Bersatu dan PN
berada di landasan politik yang betul. Kita
lihat pada pilihan raya negeri akan datang,”
katanya.
Daripada 2,000 ahli Upko Libaran itu, 24
adalah ketua cawangan di bawah parti
bahagian itu.
Kiandee berkata beliau percaya rakyat
kini boleh membuat perbandingan antara
kerajaan, dan akan menyedari bahawa ker-
ajaan PN berjaya mengurangkan impak
Covid-19 semasa tadbir urusnya dari 2020
hingga 2022.
Kini, katanya, rakyat Sabah bukan sahaja
mengalami kenaikan harga barang, malah
isu infrastrukturnya – jalan raya dan
bekalan air –semakin teruk dari hari ke hari.
Beliau juga berkata dalam pilihan raya
negeri yang akan datang, beliau yakin PN
bukan sahaja dapat mempertahankan tiga
negeri sedia ada, malah mampu merampas
tiga negeri lagi – Selangor, Pulau Pinang
dan Negeri Sembilan.
dana untuk sekolah
KOTA KINABALU: Parti Gagasan Rakyat
Sabah (Gagasan Rakyat) Tambunan akan
memberikan penekanan terhadap keba-
jikan dan kesejahteraan pelajar di daerah
itu.
Ketua Penaja Gagasan Rakyat Tam-
bunan, Datuk Victor P. Paut berkata, untuk
itu prasarana sekolah perlu lengkap bagi
membolehkan pelajar dapat belajar dengan
selesa.
“Manakala guru pula dapat memberikan
pengajaran dengan penuh tumpuan dan
ceria,” katanya pada penyerahan bantuan
dana kepada SM ST. Martin Tampasak, Tam-
bunan, di pejabatnya, di sini, Isnin lalu.
Sumbangan berkenaan diterima oleh
pengetua sekolah St. Martin Tampasak,
Tambunan Janius @Kow Rantisan.
SM ST Martin Tampasak ketika ini
memerlukan dana bagi menampung kos
pembelian kelengkapan bilik darjah iaitu
kerusi dan meja pelajar, meja pejabat UBK
dan sebagainya.
“Saya difahamkan bahawa sekolah SM
ST. Martin Tampasak menerima pendaf-
taran kemasukan pelajar baru yang agak
ramai dan tidak mampu menampungnya
dengan kapasiti bilik darjah yang sedia
ada.
“Justeru itu, saya tampil untuk mem-
bantu menyalurkan dana bagi
meringankan bebanan yang dihadapi seko-
lah ini,” katanya.
Pertimbang pembelajaran
hibrid di universiti
DATA terkini Kementerian Pendidikan
menunjukkan hanya separuh (50.3 per-
atus) daripada lepasan sekolah pada
2021 berminat untuk melanjutkan pela-
jaran ke peringkat tinggi.
Ketika perdebatan berterusan ten-
tang kenapa lebih ramai belia memilih
untuk bekerja dan bukannya melan-
jutkan ke pengajian tinggi,
bagaimanakah institusi pengajian
tinggi boleh bertindak balas dan kekal
relevan dalam zaman yang dinamik dan
disruptif ini di mana teknologi dan
perubahan sosial telah mengubah cara
belia berfikir, bekerja dan hidup?
Apakah yang perbezaan yang perlu
dilakukan oleh institusi pengajian
tinggi?
Memandangkan dunia pekerjaan
dan tingkah laku pelajar mengalami
anjakan seismik, dipercepatkan oleh
pandemik Covid-19, mungkin kita boleh
membayangkan semula model pen-
didikan gelung terbuka di mana pelajar
boleh beralih dengan lancar antara
belajar dan bekerja untuk melahirkan
pelajar sepanjang hayat yang mempun-
yai sikap ingin tahu, cergas dari segi
intelek dan tangkas.
Pelajar akan memasuki “gelung ter-
buka” beberapa kali semasa kehidupan
profesional mereka sambil mereka
berusaha untuk mendapatkan kemahi-
ran dan pengetahuan baharu.
Pengalaman sarjana muda tradi-
sional selama tiga atau empat tahun
juga boleh diubah, dengan pelajar
boleh menimba pengalaman di luar
bilik darjah.
Semasa di kampus, pelajar boleh
mendapatkan ijazah hibrid yang
menawarkan pembelajaran pelbagai
disiplin, kemudian lulus dengan pelba-
gai kelayakan dan kemahiran serta
kebolehan yang diperlukan untuk ber-
jaya di tempat kerja.
Di bawah program ijazah hibrid,
pelajar boleh belajar dengan teknologi
mendalam dan pembelajaran
berasaskan kerja.
Ini memastikan bahawa pengalaman
mereka dalam pendidikan memuaskan
dan mempunyai nilai yang berpanjan-
gan, berkhidmat dengan baik dalam
apa jua usaha yang mereka ceburi
dalam kehidupan.
Prof Dr Pradeep Nair
Timbalan Naib Canselor dan Ketua
Pegawai Akademik, Universiti Taylor

Lima banduan OBB nekad tidak mahu

terpilih untuk
PBSL di Sandakan
Mardinah Jikur
SANDAKAN: Seramai lima banduan di Pen-
jara Sandakan dibebaskan pada Rabu di
bawah Program Pelepasan Banduan Secara
Lesen Ihsan Madani (PBSL) Kepulangan
Yang Dinanti sempena Hari Raya Aidilfitri.
Pengarah Penjara Sandakan, Ab Nasif
Sarahan berkata, mereka adalah antara
lebih 1,000 banduan di seluruh negara yang
terpilih bagi pelepasan Orang Bebas
Berlesen (OBB) bermula Rabu.
“Kesemua OBB ini merupakan banduan
yang menjalani hukuman penjara di bawah
satu tahun atas kesalahan penggunaan
dadah dan kes gaduh.
“Penilaian dibuat sebelum OBB ini
dibenarkan pulang bertemu keluarga pada
hari raya ini.
“Mereka mempunyai beberapa tempoh
lagi sebelum selesai hukuman dan akan
dipantau oleh pihak Parol dan warden
bertugas,” katanya pada Rabu.
Sementara itu, dua daripada OBB berke-
naan sangat bersyukur kerana diberi pelu-
ang untuk bertemu keluarga pada musim
perayaan ini. Mereka masing-masing beru-
sia 44 dan 29 tahun.
Mereka berkata mereka nekad untuk
memperbaiki diri dan tidak akan terjebak
dengan kes jenayah lagi.
Perdana Menteri Datuk Seri Anwar
Ibrahim pada Selasa berkata sempena
Aidilfitri, Jabatan Penjara akan melak-
sanakan pelepasan OBB di bawah Program
PBSL Ihsan Madani (Kepulangan Yang
Dinanti).
keluar masuk penjara lagi
Lagatah Toyos
TAWAU: Selepas empat kali keluar masuk
penjara atas kesalahan menagih dadah
dalam tempoh tiga tahun, Rusdi Ismail, 32,
nekad untuk menutup buku lama dan ber-
janji tidak lagi mahu mengulangi kesilapan-
nya.
Bekas banduan dari Kunak itu berkata,
dia akan mencari pekerjaan dan melu-
angkan masa berharga bersama keluarganya
kerana terharu dengan penerimaan mereka
yang masih sudi menunggu kepulangannya.
“Saya akan tinggal bersama keluarga ibu
tiri saya di Kunak, mencari pekerjaan untuk
menampung hidup dan berusaha memper-
baiki diri,”kata anak ke-lapan dari 10 beradik
itu.
Turut dikenali dengan panggilan Wani,
lelaki itu mengakui banyak perkara baik dia
pelajari sepanjang berada di tirai besi Pen-
jara Tawau, termasuklah mendalami ilmu
Enam banduan dibebaskan dari penjara Labuan dapat beraya dengan keluarga
LABUAN: Enam banduan beragama Islam
pada Rabu dibebaskan dari Penjara Labuan
di bawah Program Pelepasan Banduan
Secara Lesen (PBSL) Ihsan Madani (Kepulan-
gan Yang Dinanti).
Timbalan Pengarah Pusat Koreksional
Labuan Supt. Richard Robin berkata seo-
rang daripada enam banduan yang
dibebaskan itu berasal dari Sipitang, Sabah,
manakala lima yang lain adalah warga
Labuan.
Beliau berkata mereka adalah antara
agama, mengenal erti tanggungjawab dan
menghargai orang lain.
“Semua pegawai melayan banduan den-
gan baik… tiada masalah dan pengalaman
buruk tapi saya tidak mahu masuk lagi.Saya
tidak mahu lagi berpisah dengan keluarga,”
katanya yang bekerja di restoran sebelum
ini.
Katanya, dia tidak menyangka akan
keluar dari penjara dua bulan lebih awal
daripada tarikh pembebasannya, namun,
amat bersyukur kerana doanya untuk keluar
penjara sebelum Hari Raya, dimakbulkan.
AJIDIN (kiri) dan Abd Rauf (kanan) menyaksikan proses dokumentasi pelepasan
Rusdi mula menjadi penghuni Penjara
Tawau pada 2020 (sekali), 2022 (dua kali) OBB oleh Kamarul Zaman (tengah-duduk) di hadapan keluarga dan OBB.
dan 2023 (sekali) atas kesalahan sama kerana 10 Orang Bebas Berlesen (OBB) dari Penjara Pengarah Penjara Tawau, Kamarul Zaman Ali
terpengaruh dengan kawan. Tawau pada Program Pelepasan Banduan Zaman dengan disaksikan Pengarah Baha-
“Selepas ini, saya akan lebih berhati-hati Secara Lesen (PBSL)Ihsan Madani (Kepulan- gian Pengurusan Banduan, Ibu Pejabat
dalam memilih kawan supaya tidak terjebak gan Yang Dinanti) sempena Hari Raya Aidil- Jabatan Penjara Malaysia, Ajidin Salleh dan
sekali lagi,” katanya. fitri, di sini, pada Rabu. Timbalan Pengarah Penjara Negeri Sabah
Dia merupakan salah seorang daripada Dokumen pelepasan OBB ditandatangani dan Labuan, Abd Rauf Lang Pasih.
lebih 1,000 banduan di seluruh negara yang bulan depan dan dua bulan lagi, dan terbuka bagi membolehkan mereka
terpilih bagi pelepasan Orang Bebas mereka telah menunjukkan kelakuan baik menebus kesilapan dan kembali hidup
Berlesen (OBB) bermula Rabu. serta patuh sepenuhnya dengan program seperti biasa,” katanya.
Katanya kesemua enam banduan yang pemulihan sepanjang dalam tahanan,” Perdana Menteri Datuk Seri Anwar
dibebaskan itu disambut isteri, anak dan katanya kepada pemberita selepas pembe- Ibrahim pada Selasa berkata sempena Aidil-
saudara-mara masing-masing. basan banduan terbabit di Penjara Labuan fitri, Jabatan Penjara akan melaksanakan
“Pelepasan OBB itu bertujuan memberi di Jalan Bukit Timbalai di sini, Rabu. pelepasan OBB di bawah Program PBSL
peluang kepada mereka menyambut Aidil- Richard berkata pembebasan OBB juga Ihsan Madani (Kepulangan Yang Dinanti).
fitri bersama keluarga tercinta sekali gus bertujuan mengurangkan jumlah pengu- Anwar berkata pelepasan OBB ini dilak-
mengeratkan semula hubungan kekeluar- lang laku jenayah dan kesesakan di penjara. sanakan di seluruh institusi penjara
gaan. “Kami berharap ahli keluarga menerima Malaysia melibatkan lebih 1,000 banduan
“Kesemua mereka dijadual dibebaskan kepulangan banduan tersebut dengan hati sepanjang Ramadan dan Syawal. – Bernama

4 Tempatan
Guru agama, 71,
didakwa lakukan
gangguan seksual
ke atas remaja
Cynthia D Baga
KOTA KINABALU: Seorang guru agama
berusia 71 tahun didakwa melakukan
gangguan seksual fizikal terhadap seo-
rang remaja perempuan berusia 13
tahun.
Lelaki itu mengaku tidak bersalah di
hadapan Hakim Mahkamah Sesyen
Ummu Khaltom Abd Samad, terhadap
pertuduhan yang dikenakan ke atasnya,
pada Rabu.
Dia didakwa melakukan kesalahan itu
dengan memeluk dan mencium gadis itu
serta membelai buah dadanya jam 8
malam, 3 Mac tahun ini di sebuah rumah
di Taman Nountun Juta, Inanam, dekat
sini.
Perbuatan di bawah Seksyen 14 (a)
Akta Kesalahan-Kesalahan Seksual Ter-
hadap Kanak-Kanak 2017 itu membawa
hukuman penjara sehingga 20 tahun,
dan sebatan jika sabit kesalahan.
Terdapat hukuman tambahan untuk
lelaki itu di bawah Seksyen 16(1) Akta
sama yang membawa hukuman penjara
sehingga lima tahun, dan sekurang-
kurangnya dua kali sebatan, jika sabit
kesalahan.
Mahkamah menetapkan 23 Mei tahun
ini untuk pengurusan kes praper-
bicaraan dan lelaki itu dibebaskan den-
PEGAWAI penguat kuasa Majlis Daerah bercakap dengan penghuni
rumah di Taman Delima mengenai kekotoran di luar premis itu bulan lepas.
Amaran kepada penghuni rumah: Alih
barang terbiar atau denda RM20,000
% PENGHUNI sebuah rumah di Penam-
pang berisiko didenda RM20,000, jika
mereka gagal mengalihkan pelbagai
barangan kitar semula yang diletakkan di
kawasan umum di luar halaman depan
rumah mereka.
Jurucakap Majlis Daerah berkata jum-
lah itu merupakan denda maksimum yang
boleh dikenakan di bawah Undang-
undang Kecil Uniform (Anti-Sampah)
2010, jika mereka didapati bersalah di
mahkamah.
“Sebagai alternatif, mereka juga
mungkin perlu menjalani hukuman pen-
jara sehingga satu tahun,” katanya.
“Dalam senario terburuk, kedua-dua
hukuman boleh dikenakan terhadap
mereka oleh majistret.”
Katanya, agensi itu secara amnya
mengambil tindakan untuk mengenakan
kompaun ke atas kutu sampah, jika ama-
ran awalnya tidak diendahkan.
“Pegawai penguat kuasa kami boleh
mengeluarkan kompaun sebanyak RM500
dalam kes sedemikian.
“Tindakan undang-undang boleh dim-
ulakan terhadap pesalah yang keras
kepala, sekiranya masalah berterusan
selepas ini.”
Jurucakap itu berkata notis amaran ini
telah disampaikan kepada mereka yang
tinggal di kediaman itu pada Selasa.
“Mereka diberikan tempoh tertentu
untuk membersihkan kekotoran di luar
premis mereka kerana ia disifatkan seba-
PEMERIKSA Kesihatan Majlis Daerah memeriksa
sama ada cecair bertakung di atas permukaan
mana-mana barang terbuang di bahu jalan ini.
S U AR A TE MP ATAN AND A I KH AMI S , 2 0 APRI L, 2 0 2 3
gan ikat jamin RM15,000 deposit
RM10,000 beserta dua orang penjamin
tempatan yang mempunyai alamat tetap.
Lelaki itu juga diperintah supaya
melaporkan diri di balai polis di sini
Isnin pertama dan ketiga setiap bulan
sehingga kesnya selesai.
Mahkamah turut memerintahkan
supaya sebarang dokumen perjalanan
dan pasport disita oleh mahkamah.
Mahkamah mengingatkan lelaki itu
bahawa sekiranya mahkamah menerima
sebarang laporan aduan rasmi daripada
mangsa atau mana-mana ahli keluarga
serta bakal saksi sama ada secara fizikal
atau melalui telefon, mahkamah tidak
akan teragak-agak untuk membatalkan
ikat jaminnya.
Gagal membayar ikat jamin, dia akan
direman mengikut Seksyen 259 Kanun
Tatacara Jenayah.
Timbalan Pendakwa Raya Siti Hajar
Mazlan melakukan pendakwaan man-
akala peguam Rizwandean M Borhan
mewakili lelaki itu.
gai gangguan awam.”
Tindakan itu dibuat Majlis Daerah susu-
lan maklum balas mengenai timbunan di
sepanjang satu bahagian di Taman Delima.
HOLLY dari Penampang berkata pelba-
gai jenis perabot dan perkakas rumah yang
dibuang, dan mungkin pelbagai jenis besi,
diletakkan di bahu jalan dan sebahagian
jalan perumahan di sana.
Katanya, terdapat dua kenderaan ter-
biar diletakkan di kedua-dua bahagian
pintu masuk ke kediaman di Lorong 9
berkenaan.
“Tempat itu merosakkan pemandan-
gan. Ia memberikan tanggapan buruk
mengenai kejiranan ini terutamanya
kepada pengunjung pertama kali,”
katanya.
“Ramai daripada mereka yang tidak
biasa dengan kawasan ini mempunyai
tanggapan bahawa rumah itu mungkin
terbiar kerana, dari luar, ia kelihatan
seperti sebuah gudang.
“Mereka terkejut apabila mengetahui
bahawa sebenarnya ada orang yang ting-
gal di sana.”
Dia berpendapat penghuni rumah itu
menunjukkan sikap tidak ambil peduli
secara terang-terangan terhadap kese-
jahteraan orang ramai di sana.
Pelbagai barangan tidak diingini yang
ditinggalkan di luar premis itu berkemu-
ngkinan memberi impak negatif kepada
kawasan perumahan berkenaan, menurut-
nya.
SEORANG lagi kakitangan Majlis Daerah
memeriksa sama ada air hujan menitis ke atas
barang-barang di dalam perkarangan.
Penjara dan denda kerana salah guna harta
Jo Ann Mool
KOTA KINABALU: Seorang lelaki bekerja
sendiri pada Rabu dipenjara lapan bulan
dan denda RM4,000 atau empat bulan pen-
jara kerana menyalahgunakan harta, dua
tahun lalu.
Norhasikin Laji, 36, mengaku tidak
bersalah di hadapan Majistret Jessica
Ombou Kakayun atas tuduhan secara tidak
jujur menyalahgunakan wang tunai
RM3,500 kepunyaan seseorang bernama
Safuan Willie Sodoi untuk dirinya sendiri,
jam 2.42 petang pada 27 Okt, 2021 di Inanam
Taipan, di sini. Pertuduhan di bawah
Seksyen 403 Kanun Keseksaan itu membawa
hukuman penjara antara enam bulan dan
lima tahun dan sebatan serta boleh didenda
jika sabit kesalahan.
Ketika membentangkan fakta kes,
pegawai pendakwa Albert Basiri, memak-
lumkan mahkamah bahawa pengadu meli-
hat iklan penjualan Toyota Hilux terpakai
semasa melayari ‘marketplace’ Facebook
pada September 2021 dan menghubungi
nombor telefon bimbit yang diberikan dan
bersetuju untuk membuat pembelian.
Safuan membuat pembayaran secara
berperingkat ke akaun Maybank atas nama
Norhasikin Laki bagi tujuan deposit dan
permohonan pinjaman kereta.
Keputusan kes rasuah bekas
Pengadu rasa tertipu apabila tidak
menerima kenderaan yang dibelinya dan
pegawai kanan KBS 12 Mei
KUALA LUMPUR: Mahkamah Sesyen mene-
tapkan tarikh baharu pada 12 Mei ini untuk
keputusan kes rasuah dan pengubahan
wang haram membabitkan bekas Seti-
ausaha Bahagian Kewangan, Kementerian
Belia dan Sukan (KBS) Otman Arsahd.
Peguam Muhammad Rafique Rashid Ali
yang mewakili Otman, 64, berkata tarikh
baharu ditetapkan selepas pihaknya
memaklumkan kepada mahkamah bahawa
SALAH seorang penghuni mengaku
menerima notis Majlis Daerah pada Selasa.
“Air bertakung di atas permukaan
beberapa objek ini, yang saya syak boleh
menjadi tempat pembiakan nyamuk
Aedes.
“Jika ini berlaku, kami mungkin
dijangkiti wabak denggi.
“Sebaliknya, sekiranya kebakaran
berlaku di dalam kawasan perkarangan,
rumah di sebelah juga boleh terbakar
sama.”
Holly ingin tahu sama ada pihak
berkuasa tempatan boleh bertanggung-
jawab atas kerosakan harta benda dan
kehilangan nyawa yang berpunca dari-
pada kebakaran itu.
Dia berkata salah seorang jirannya per-
nah menyuarakan kebimbangan ini
kepada Majlis Daerah beberapa tahun
lalu.
“Dia mendapati jumlah barang di seke-
liling rumah itu berkurangan, untuk
seketika selepas itu, tetapi kemudian
semakin banyak barang dibuang di situ.
“Saya tidak faham bagaimana agensi itu
boleh menutup mata terhadap masalah
ini.”
Jurucakap itu menafikan dakwaan keti-
adaan tindakan daripada pihak Majlis,
dengan mengatakan pentadbiran
sekarang hanya mengetahui tentang keja-
dian di Taman Delima itu bulan lepas.
“Pegawai penguat kuasa kami pergi ke
Lorong 9 pada 31 Mac dan mengesahkan
kehadiran sampah di jalan dan tanah rizab
di hadapan rumah berkenaan,” katanya
BARANG berselerak di jalan perumahan ini
disifatkan sebagai gangguan awam oleh agensi itu.
Norhasikin gagal dihubungi menyebabkan
pengadu membuat laporan polis untuk tin-
dakan lanjut, mahkamah diberitahu.
Peguam dilantik Lim Ming Zoong @
Lawrence yang mewakili Norhasikin mem-
ohon hukuman ringan. Dalam kes berasin-
gan, seorang pelayan berusia 41 tahun
didakwa mengedar 374.91g 3,4-Methylene-
dioxymethamphetamine (MDMA).
Woo Chee Ken didakwa melakukan
kesalahan itu antara jam 12.20 tengah
malam dan 2 pagi pada 8 April tahun ini di
Pavillion Bundusan, Penampang.
Bagaimanapun, tiada pengakuan diam-
bil daripada Woo selepas pertuduhan diba-
cakan kepadanya.
Pertuduhan mengikut Seksyen 39B(1)(a)
Akta Dadah Berbahaya 1952 itu membawa
hukuman sama ada hukuman mati atau
penjara seumur hidup dan minimum 15 kali
sebatan, jika sabit kesalahan.
Pendakwaan memohon tarikh sebutan
baharu sementara menunggu laporan ahli
kimia dan membantah ikat jamin untuk
Woo kerana pertuduhan terhadapnya tidak
memperuntukkan ikat jamin. Mahkamah
menetapkan 5 Mei untuk sebutan dan
memerintahkan Woo direman lanjut.
Sementara itu, seorang pekerja kedai
sewa kereta didakwa atas dua pertuduhan
pecah rumah dan mencuri barang.
Mohd Shameer Marican Ariffin mengaku
mereka memerlukan masa untuk mem-
failkan hujahan.
“Permohonan pembelaan untuk
menangguhkan tarikh keputusan hari ini
dibenarkan mahkamah. Sehubungan itu
berdasarkan tarikh yang dicadangkan pihak
pendakwaan, mahkamah menetapkan sem-
ula tarikh keputusan penuh pada 12 Mei ini
dan tarikh 19 April (Rabu) adalah dila-
pangkan,” katanya ketika dihubungi, Rabu.
pada 19 April.
“Mereka sempat bercakap dengan salah
seorang penghuni ketika itu, yang memak-
lumkan barang-barang ini hanya disim-
pan di luar buat sementara waktu.
“Dia dinasihatkan supaya
memindahkan kenderaan dan semua
objek lain dari kawasan perkarangan itu.”
Katanya, individu itu meminta kakitan-
gannya memberikannya tempoh dua
minggu untuk melakukan perkara ini.
Pasukan dari Bahagian Kesihatan agensi
berkenaan pergi ke kejiranan itu dua hari
lalu bagi menentusahkan sama ada terda-
pat mana-mana habitat nyamuk di antara
barang-barang yang dibuang di luar
premis itu.
“Pemeriksa kami mendapati banyak
barangan yang lebih besar di kawasan
umum telah ditutup dengan kepingan
kanvas.
“Ini termasuk kerusi urut, peti sejuk dan
dua kenderaan terbiar.”
Mereka tidak menemukan sebarang
cecair bertakung di antara helaian kanvas
atau antara objek lain di rizab jalan, menu-
rutnya.
“Semakan susulan akan dibuat kemu-
dian. Sebarang tadahan air yang mereka
temui akan diteliti.
“Sekiranya mereka mendapati terdapat
larva di atas mana-mana permukaan,
maka Pejabat Kesihatan Daerah akan
dimaklumkan untuk turun padang dan
mengambil sampel cecair ini.” (SS)
harianekspres
tidak bersalah menceroboh Keda Sup Ikan
Kudat di Lintas Jaya Uptownship di sini
pada jam 7.32 pagi, 3 April tahun ini
bersama seorang rakan sejenayah yang
masih bebas dan mencuri sebuah Ipad dan
sebuah bank simpanan milik seorang Sitti
Nazwahayati Alhabsi. Bagi pertuduhan
kedua, Shameer menafikan mempunyai
kotak komputer kereta curi milik seseorang
bernama Habib Idrus Habib Mohammad
pukul 8.55 malam pada 15 Julai 2020 di
Taman Seri Gaya di sini.
Pertuduhan pertama termaktub di
bawah Seksyen 457 Kanun Keseksaan man-
akala pertuduhan kedua di bawah Seksyen
411 Kanun sama.
Pendakwaan mencadangkan ikat jamin
sebanyak RM5,000 dan RM3,000, masing-
masing, untuk pertuduhan pertama dan
kedua. Peguam bertugas Carmen Khoo
yang mewakili Shameer memohon ikat
jamin lebih rendah kerana tertuduh sudah
berkahwin dengan tiga anak.
Mahkamah membebaskan tertuduh
dengan ikat jamin RM2,500 beserta dua
orang penjamin untuk pertuduhan per-
tama dan menetapkan 15 Mei untuk sebu-
tan dan menawarkan ikat jamin sebanyak
RM1,500 beserta dua orang penjamin bagi
pertuduhan kedua sementara menunggu
sebutan pada 25 Mei.
Keluarga Altantuya
merayu naikkan
ganti rugi RM5 juta
PUTRAJAYA: Keluarga model Mongolia,
mendiang Altantuya Shaariibuu merayu
untuk mendapatkan ganti rugi lebih
tinggi daripada RM5 juta yang dianuger-
ahkan kepada mereka oleh Mahkamah
Tinggi Shah Alam dalam saman yang
mereka failkan berhubung kematiannya
pada 2006.
Dalam notis rayuan yang difailkan
pada 16 Jan tahun ini, keluarga Altantuya
membuat rayuan balas terhadap sebaha-
gian daripada keputusan Mahkamah
Tinggi berhubung kuantum ganti rugi.
Pada 16 Dis tahun lepas, Hakim
Mahkamah Tinggi Datuk Vazeer Alam
Mydin Meera (kini hakim Mahkamah
Rayuan) membenarkan saman oleh kelu-
arga Altantuya dan memerintahkan bekas
anggota polis Azilah Hadri dan Sirul
Azhar Umar, penganalisis politik Abdul
Razak Baginda dan kerajaan untuk
bersama-sama membayar RM5 juta seba-
gai ganti rugi am, teruk dan teladan.
Beliau juga memberikan faedah lima
peratus setahun daripada jumlah peng-
hakiman dari tarikh pemfailan tuntutan
mahkamah sehingga penyelesaian penuh
amaun dan kos guaman sebanyak
RM25,000.
Pada 12 Jan lepas, kerajaan dan Abdul
Razak memfailkan rayuan mereka ter-
hadap keputusan Mahkamah Tinggi men-
genai liabiliti dan kuantum.
Pengurusan kes bagi rayuan keluarga
Altantuya diadakan di hadapan Timbalan
Pendaftar Mahkamah Rayuan Nadia Mohd
Kamal hari ini, yang kemudiannya mene-
tapkan tarikh pengurusan kes pada 13 Jun
untuk pihak-pihak terlibat mengemas
kini perkembangan status alasan rayuan
dan nota prosiding kepada mahkamah.
Rayuan oleh Abdul Razak dan kerajaan
juga ditetapkan untuk pengurusan kes
pada hari yang sama.
Ketika dihubungi Bernama, peguam
Simranjit Kaur Chhran yang mewakili
keluarga Altantuya, mengesahkan tarikh
Penghantar
pengurusan kes seterusnya itu. – Bernama
makanan didakwa
bakar motosikal,
skuter depan
Suria KLCC
KUALA LUMPUR: Seorang penghantar
makanan mengaku tidak bersalah di
Mahkamah Sesyen di sini pada Rabu atas
pertuduhan melakukan khianat dengan
membakar 11 motosikal dan empat skuter
elektrik di hadapan pusat beli-belah Suria
KLCC, minggu lepas.
Azril Kamarunzaman, 34, didakwa
melakukan perbuatan itu di ruang tempat
letak motosikal hadapan Suria KLCC di
Jalan Ampang di sini pada 3.30 petang, 13
April lepas.
Pertuduhan mengikut Seksyen 435
Kanun Keseksaan yang membawa huku-
man penjara maksimum 14 tahun dan
hendaklah dikenakan denda, jika sabit
kesalahan. Timbalan Pendakwa Raya Wan
Nurul Amalina Abu Hanifah menawarkan
jaminan RM12,000 dengan seorang pen-
jamin, namun peguam Muhamad Ridzuan
Umar, yang mewakili tertuduh memohon
jaminan dikurangkan atas alasan anak
guamnya perlu menanggung isteri dan
ibu bapanya yang uzur.
Hakim Datuk Nu’aman Mahmud
Zuhudi membenarkan tertuduh diikat
jamin RM5,000 dengan seorang penjamin
dan menetapkan 22 Mei depan untuk
sebutan semula kes.
Sebelum ini, media melaporkan lebih
10 motosikal dan empat skuter elektrik
terbakar di kawasan letak kenderaan
pusat beli-belah Suria KLCC, Jalan Ampang
di sini. – Bernama
harianekspres
270 terbunuh dalam konflik di
Sudan memasuki hari keempat
KHARTOUM (Sudan): Pertempuran antara
Tentera Sudan dan pasukan separa tentera
Rapid Support Forces (RSF) di Sudan telah
mengorbankan kira-kira 270 orang dan
mencederakan lebih 2,600 sehingga
Selasa, dengan tembakan dan letupan
masih kedengaran merentasi bandar itu.
Pertempuran ganas bersambung
semula pada pagi Selasa berhampiran kem
tentera Sudan, istana presiden, Lapangan
Terbang Antarabangsa Khartoum, dan di
beberapa kawasan di pangkalan RSF di
selatan ibu negara, menurut laporan
media.
Pada Selasa, RSF mengumumkan ia
menerima inisiatif antarabangsa untuk
gencatan senjata dengan tentera Sudan
selama 24 jam atas sebab kemanusiaan,
manakala tentera Sudan dalam satu
kenyataan mendakwa ia tidak mengetahui
sebarang koordinasi dengan pengantara
serta masyarakat antarabangsa mengenai
gencatan senjata itu.
Tentera Sudan mendakwa
pengumuman oleh RSF mengenai
gencatan senjata 24 jam itu bertujuan
menutup kekalahan dan kehancuran
pasukan itu dalam tempoh beberapa jam
lagi.
Anggota bantuan Pertubuhan Bangsa-
bangsa Bersatu (PBB) pada Selasa berkata
operasi kemanusiaan mereka terhad
Laporan PBB: India lebih ramai
disebabkan keadaan yang semakin buruk
penduduk daripada China
NEW DELHI: India kini mempunyai
bilangan penduduk yang lebih ramai
berbanding China berdasarkan data
terkini Pertubuhan Bangsa-Bangsa
Bersatu (PBB).
Penduduk India dianggarkan seramai
1,428.6 juta berbanding seramai 1,425.7
juta orang di China, perbezaan seramai
2.9 juta, menurut laporan Kedudukan
Penduduk Dunia 2023 yang dikeluarkan
Dana Penduduk Pertubuhan Bangsa-
Bangsa Bersatu (UNFPA) pada Rabu.
Penduduk dunia secara keseluruhan
seramai 8,045 juta dengan rantau Asia
Ketua tentera sangkal
dakwaan pemberontak
JAKARTA: Ketua tentera Indonesia pada
Rabu menafikan dakwaan kumpulan
pemisah bahawa mereka telah
membunuh lebih belasan anggota
tentera dalam misi mencari seorang
juruterbang warganegara New Zealand
yang dijadikan tebusan di wilayah Papua.
Laksamana Yudo Margono dan
pegawai atasan tentera terbang ke
wilayah tersebut Isnin lalu selepas
maklumat awal menyatakan penyerang
dari Tentera Pembebasan Papua Barat,
sayap bersenjata Pergerakan Papua
Merdeka, menyerang hendap 36 anggota
tentera di daerah Nduga di kawasan
pergunungan wilayah Papua
Pegunungan.
Jurucakap pihak pemberontak, Sebby
Sambom berkata dalam satu kenyataan
pada Isnin lalu bahawa kumpulan
pejuangnya telah menangkap 12 anggota
tentera, termasuk sembilan yang
dikatakan ‘ditangkap dan dibunuh’.
Pihak pemberontak tidak memberikan
sebarang bukti mengenai kenyataan
mereka.
Margono mengesahkan hanya satu
kematian dan empat lagi anggota tentera
Ekonomi sama rata Indonesia, Jerman
masih hilang. Selebihnya kembali ke
JAKARTA: Presiden Indonesia, Joko
Widodo (Jokowi) menekankan keperluan
untuk merealisasikan hubungan
ekonomi yang sama rata di antara
republik ini, Jerman serta dengan
Kesatuan Eropah (EU).
Menteri Luar Indonesia, Retno Marsudi
berkata, perkara tersebut disuarakan oleh
Jokowi dalam mesyuarat dua hala
bersama Canselor Jerman, Olaf Scholz.
Oleh itu, katanya, pelbagai peraturan
dikenakan oleh EU yang menghalang
kesejahteraan awam harus diperbaiki.
“Selain itu, Presiden Jokowi juga
meminta sokongan Jerman untuk
memuktamadkan rundingan Perjanjian
Kerjasama Ekonomi Komprehensif
(CEPA) Indonesia-EU,” katanya dalam
kenyataan sepertimana dilaporkan portal
Antara.
Mesyuarat dua hala itu diadakan di
Lower Saxony di Hannover, Jerman pada
Ahad lalu.
S U AR A TE MP ATAN AND A I KH AMI S , 2 0 APRI L, 2 0 2 3
ASAP kelihatan berkepul-kepul di belakang sebuah masjid di Khartoum
pada Rabu ketika pertempuran antara Tentera Sudan dan pasukan
separa tentera RSF terus berlanjutan. – Gambar AFP
di seluruh Sudan ekoran pertempuran
yang berlaku.
“Keupayaan terhad untuk
memindahkan kakitangan dan bekalan,”
kata Pejabat Penyelarasan Hal Ehwal
Kemanusiaan PBB.
“Rompakan premis kemanusiaan mesti
dihentikan. Serangan ke atas aset dan
kemudahan kemanusiaan akan
Pasifik dihuni 4,176 juta orang, menurut
laporan itu. Bilangan orang yang tinggal
di negara Arab seramai 468 juta
manakala di Amerika Latin dan
Caribbean seramai 661 juta.
Amerika Syarikat merupakan negara
ketiga paling ramai penduduk iaitu 340
juta diikuti Indonesia 277.5 juta, dan
Pakistan di tempat kelima dengan
populasi 240.5 juta.
UNFPA dalam satu kenyataan
memberi amaran terhadap “naratif yang
menimbulkan kebimbangan” mengenai
pertumbuhan penduduk. – Bernama
markas. Empat daripadanya mengalami
kecederaan dan berada dalam keadaan
stabil dan dibawa ke hospital di Timika,
bandar perlombongan di kejiranan
wilayah Tengah Papua.
“Saya berada di sini untuk mengetahui
secara langsung dan tepat daripada
anggota kami di lapangan mengenai
keadaan sebenar, agar kami dapat
membuat penilaian bagi misi
menyelamat juruterbang itu,” Margono
berkata semasa sidang media di Timika.
Sekumpulan anggota tentera terlibat
dalam misi mencari juruterbang
warganegara New Zealand, Phillip Mark
Mehrtens, yang bekerja untuk syarikat
penerbangan Indonesia, Susi Air, yang
diculik oleh pemberontak pada Februari
lalu. Margono berkata anggota tentera
yang selamat dalam serangan itu
memberitahunya bahawa pemberontak
menggunakan orang awam termasuk
wanita dan kanak-kanak sebagai perisai
manusia semasa serangan, menyebabkan
mereka teragak-agak untuk membalas
tembakan dan menyebabkan mereka
dikepung.
“Saya benar-benar kesal. Mereka
menggunakan kaedah yang tidak
Menurut Retno, semasa mesyuarat itu,
Jokowi turut mengalu-alukan kolaborasi
jawatankuasa bersama Indonesia-Jerman
mengenai ekonomi dan pelaburan.
Katanya, Jokowi memaklumkan
pelaburan Jerman di Indonesia harus
menumpukan kepada beberapa sektor
keutamaan.
“Pelaburan Jerman di republik ini
mesti memberi tumpuan kepada
keutamaan seperti sektor
berorientasikan eksport, tenaga boleh
diperbaharui dan hiliran,” katanya.
Tambah beliau, Jokowi turut
menekankan kepentingan pelaburan
Jerman dan pemindahan teknologi
semasa pertemuan dengan Scholz.
Sementara itu, Retno memaklumkan
beberapa perjanjian kerjasama antara
kerajaan dengan kerajaan (G-to-G) dan
perniagaan dengan perniagaan (B-to-B)
dimeterai semasa lawatan Jokowi ke
Jerman. – Agensi
menjejaskan keupayaan kami untuk
meneruskan operasi menyelamat nyawa,”
katanya.
Ketua Pengarah Pertubuhan Kesihatan
Sedunia (WHO) Tedros Adhanom
Ghebreyesus berkata terdapat laporan
bahawa beberapa kemudahan perubatan
Lebih 200 tan dadah dirampas di Amerika Latin
di Sudan dirompak atau digunakan untuk
tujuan ketenteraan, selain hospital di
BUENOS AIRES: Pihak berkuasa Amerika
Latin menahan 14,260 individu dan
merampas kira-kira 200 tan kokain sebagai
sebahagian daripada operasi besar-besaran
yang diketuai Interpol, lapor Agensi
Akhbar Jerman (dpa) memetik pertubuhan
Trauma akibat keganasan senjata api meningkat di AS
polis antarabangsa pada Selasa.
Antara 12 Mac dan 2 April, pihak
NEW YORK: Terdapat bukti bahawa trauma keganasan senjata api
di Amerika Syarikat telah menjejaskan kesihatan mental negara
secara kolektif, memandangkan semakin banyak mangsa kejadian
tembakan besar-besaran, lapor Xinhua memetik laporan CNN
Isnin.
“Penyelidikan yang diterbitkan tahun ini menunjukkan bahawa
kesan negatif yang boleh dialami mangsa terselamat dan komuniti
sepatutnya dilakukan dalam perang,”
katanya.
Sambom berkata dalam satu
kenyataan terdahulu bahawa
pemberontak melancarkan serangan
sebagai tindak balas terhadap ‘operasi
ketenteraan besar-besaran’ di Papua dan
pembunuhan dua pemberontak dalam
kejadian berbalas tembakan dengan
pasukan keselamatan bulan lalu.
Margono menolak dakwaan
pemberontak sebagai ‘berita palsu’ dan
berkata operasi tentera di Papua
dilancarkan dengan mengekalkan
jumlah korban di tahap minimum.
Walau bagaimanapun, dia berkata
bahawa pihak berkuasa akan
meningkatkan tekanan ke atas
pemberontak di beberapa buah kubu
Gunung
kuat mereka, termasuk di Nduga. – AP
Semeru
meletus
JAKARTA: Gunung Semeru yang terletak
di wilayah Jawa Timur, Indonesia meletus
sebanyak 16 kali pada Rabu dan
menghamburkan abu panas sejauh dua
kilometer, menurut Pos Pemantauan
Gunung Berapi Semeru.
“Letusan pertama bermula pada 7:10
pagi dan kedua pada 8:40 pagi, dengan
tempoh 82 hingga 110 saat,” kata Pegawai
Pos Pemantau Gunung Berapi Semeru
Sigit Rian Alfian pada Rabu.
Status berjaga-jaga Gunung Semeru
berada pada tahap ketiga tertinggi, lapor
Xinhua.
Pihak berkuasa meminta orang ramai
untuk terus berwaspada dan
mengelakkan diri daripada
menghampiri kawasan tenggara
sepanjang 13 km dan dalam radius lima
km di sekitar puncak untuk mengelakkan
bencana.
Letusan Gunung Semeru pada
Disember 2021 menyebabkan puluhan
ribu orang melarikan diri dan meragut
lebih 50 nyawa. – Bernama-Xinhua
negara itu mengalami kekurangan
kakitangan perubatan dan bekalan,
gangguan bekalan elektrik, air,
kekurangan bahan api untuk penjana
kuasa dan faktor lain yang menimbulkan
cabaran kepada pekerja kesihatan dan
ambulans yang meletakkan lebih banyak
nyawa dalam bahaya, lapor Xinhua.
“WHO menggesa semua pihak supaya
mematuhi kewajipan mereka mengikut
undang-undang antarabangsa.
Kemudahan penjagaan kesihatan dan
pekerja tidak boleh menjadi sasaran,
terutama dalam keadaan terdapat ribuan
orang awam memerlukan akses kepada
rawatan kecemasan,” katanya.
Kementerian Luar Sudan pada Selasa
menuduh RSF menyerang ibu pejabat misi
diplomatik di ibu negara
“Langkah terdesak oleh pemberontak
Rapid Support Forces menggunakan
kenderaan berperisai dan senjata berat di
kawasan kediaman dan tempat awam
meletakkan ibu pejabat dan kakitangan
misi diplomatik serta organisasi
antarabangsa dan serantau dalam bahaya,”
kata kementerian itu dalam satu
kenyataan.
Pertempuran antara Tentera Sudan dan
RSF meletus pada pagi Sabtu. Kedua-dua
pihak menggunakan kereta kebal, artileri,
jet pejuang dan senjata berat lain dalam
pertempuran mereka. – Bernama-Xinhua
berkuasa merampas 203 tan kokain dan
dadah lain – bernilai kira-kira AS$5.7 bilion
– dan 372 tan prekursor dadah sebagai
sebahagian daripada Operasi Trigger IX
yang dibiayai oleh EU.
Kira-kira 8,263 senjata api terlarang dan
kira-kira 305,000 butir peluru turut
dirampas dalam operasi yang diselaraskan
yang terjejas secara langsung terhadap kesihatan mental hasil
insiden tembakan besar-besaran,” menurut laporan itu.
Sebagai contoh, pada hari-hari selepas insiden tembakan di
sekolah di Uvalde, Texas pada bulan Mei, talian krisis kesihatan
mental menerima lonjakan mesej yang merujuk senjata api dan
istilah berkaitan senjata api lain yang berkaitan, menurut kajian
yang dibiayai oleh Pusat Penyakit Kawalan dan Pencegahan AS.
KEADAAN jalan raya yang sesak di Cikarang, Bekasi pada Rabu. – Gambar AFP
Trafik sesak di lebuhraya keluar
Jakarta kerana mudik Hari Raya
JAKARTA: Aliran trafik sesak mencapai
kemuncak di Pulau Jawa pada Rabu ketika
orang ramai mula ‘mudik’ atau balik
kampung menjelang sambutan Hari Raya
bermula Selasa.
Aliran trafik tinggi dilaporkan dari
Jakarta memasuki Lebuhraya Trans Jawa di
Tol Cikampek Utama, Jawa Barat
menghala Tol Probolinggo, Surabaya
meliputi jarak hampir 790 kilometer.
Kesesakan dijangka terus berlaku
sehingga Khamis apabila 18.3 juta orang
meninggalkan ibu kota tahun ini
berbanding hanya 14.3 juta orang pada
tahun 2022.
Pengguna Tol Cikampek Utama
berdepan kesesakan hampir dua jam
dengan 138,000 ribu kenderaan dijangka
meninggalkan ibu kota pada Rabu dan
ditambah bilangan kenderaan dari Pulau
Sumatera yang mahu ke Surabaya.
Pengendali lebuhraya PT Jasa Marga
memaklumkan akan memanjangkan
sistem ‘one way’ susulan peningkatan
drastik jumlah kenderaan meskipun
ramai yang telah pulang sejak 16 April.
Peningkatan jumlah kenderaan juga
dilaporkan terjadi di Lebuhraya Trans
Sumatera, Pulau Sumatera dari Banda
Aceh, Aceh sehingga Pelabuhan Bakauheni,
Lampung sejauh 2,508 kilometer.
Pengendali lebuhraya PT Hutama Karya
menjangkakan jumlah kendaraan
bertambah 35 peratus selari dengan trend
peningkatkan yang dialami setiap tahun.
Dunia 5
Angka kematian
kebakaran di
hospital Beijing
meningkat
kepada 29 orang
BEIJING: Angka kematian akibat
kebakaran di sebuah hospital di
Beijing pada Selasa meningkat kepada
29 orang, kata pihak berkuasa China
pada Rabu.
Dua belas orang, termasuk ketua
hospital dan dua pekerja syarikat
pembinaan, telah ditahan berikutan
kebakaran itu.
Timbalan ketua bomba bandar itu
berkata kerja pengubahsuaian
mungkin menjadi punca kebakaran di
Hospital Changfeng di Daerah
Fengtai, barat daya ibu negara China.
Berdasarkan penemuan awal,
percikan api dipercayai menyalakan
bahan mudah terbakar, lapor agensi
berita (dpa) Jerman.
Pasukan bomba menyelamatkan
142 pesakit dan memindahkan
mereka ke hospital lain, lapor media
kerajaan.
Kebanyakan yang maut terdiri
daripada pesakit warga emas yang
terlantar di katil. Beberapa doktor dan
jururawat juga melecur.
Berikutan kebakaran itu, pihak
berkuasa mengarahkan pemeriksaan
keselamatan di semua hospital di ibu
negara, lapor China Daily. – Bernama-
dpa
di 15 negara.
Secara keseluruhan, pihak berkuasa
berjaya menumpaskan aktiviti 20
kumpulan penjenayah, termasuk sindiket
jenayah Brazil Primeiro Comando da
Capital, kumpulan remaja Salvador Mara
Salvatrucha dan Kartel Balkan, yang juga
aktif di Amerika Selatan. – Bernama-dpa
Di seluruh Indonesia, sekitar 123.8 juta
orang dijangka akan mudik kali ini,
melonjak 47 peratus berbanding 85.5 juta
orang tahun lepas, menurut Kementerian
Pengangkutan.
Hampir 75 peratus pulang
menggunakan pengangkutan darat, laut
dan udara dan 80,792 orang menikmati
pengangkutan darat dan laut percuma
disediakan kementerian.
Seramai 149,000 anggota polis
dikerahkan dalam Operasi Ketupat untuk
mengawal lalu lintas, dan tentera seramai
2,758 anggota.
Pengendali feri sibuk mengawal
pergerakan kenderaan dan penumpang di
Pelabuhan Merak dan Ciwandan, Banten
yang menghubungkan Pulau Jawa dengan
Pulau Sumatera di Pelabuhan Bakauheni.
Agensi penyelamat Basarnas
menyediakan lima kapal di ketiga-tiga
pelabuhan bagi menghadapi sebarang
kemungkinan dan lima helikopter di
lokasi yang sering kemalangan.
Sebuah kapal perang Tentera Laut, KRI
Banjarmasin di sediakan untuk mereka
yang ingin pulang di laluan Tanjung Priok
di Jakarta Utara-Semarang-Surabaya
secara percuma.
Panglima Tentera Nasional Indonesia
Laksamana Yudo Margono berharap
masyarakat yang sangat memerlukan
pengangkutan tidak berat hati untuk
pulang menggunakan kapal perang. –
Bernama
 6 Tempatan
RM685j dibelanja untuk modal insan Sabah
KERAJAAN Sabah, melalui Kumpulan Yayasan
Sabah (YSG), membelanjakan RM685 juta untuk
biasiswa, dermasiswa dan pinjaman pendidikan
tinggi sejak 1967.
Seramai 43,665 pelajar di negeri ini, yang
mengambil pelbagai disiplin di institusi pengajian
tinggi tempatan dan antarabangsa, telah menda-
pat manfaat daripada bantuan itu, kata Ketua
Menteri Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.
Selain YSG, katanya, tajaan pendidikan tahunan
dalam bentuk biasiswa
atau dermasiswa turut
disediakan oleh Kementer-
ian Sains, Teknologi dan
Inovasi, Jabatan Perkhid-
matan Awam Negeri dan
Majlis Ugama Islam Sabah
(Muis) melalui Pusat Zakat
Sabah dan Yayasan Keba-
jikan Sabah.
Beliau berkata demikian pada majlis iftar, Pela-
jar Kolej Institusi Pengajian Tinggi bersama Ketua
Menteri Sabah, di Pusat Konvensyen Antarabangsa
Putrajaya, di Putrajaya, pada 10 April lalu.
“Tabung Pendidikan Negeri Sabah turut dilan-
carkan tahun lalu, bagi membantu lebih ramai
anak Sabah yang memerlukan tajaan pendidikan
untuk menyambung pengajian ke peringkat lebih
tinggi.
Hajiji menyifatkan semua pelajar sebagai hara-
pan masa depan, aset besar Negeri dan Negara,
serta pemimpin masa depan.
Tegasnya, dalam Rancangan Pembangunan
Sabah Maju Jaya, pembangunan modal insan
menjadi antara fokus utama.
Justeru, katanya, pelbagai bantuan pendidikan
telah diberikan bagi memastikan golongan muda
mampu menjadi pemimpin “sandaran” serba
boleh dan berdaya saing.
“Apabila pelajar tamat pengajian, Sabah dan
negara memerlukan penyertaan mereka untuk
SEBAHAGIAN produk PKS yang diperkenalkan di China.
Produk PKS Sabah diperkenalkan di China
PUSAT Sehenti Usahawan Global (Glopec)
akan memperkenalkan produk daripada
perusahaan kecil dan sederhana (PKS) Sabah
di China semasa misi promosinya ke bandar
Chengdu di wilayah Sichuan dan Lanzhou di
wilayah Gansu dari 12 hingga 16 April 2023.
Yayasan Sabah berkata misi perdagangan
itu akan menandakan satu peristiwa penting
bagi Glopec sebagai sebahagian daripada
visinya dalam merealisasikan produk PKS
Sabah memasuki pasaran China terutamanya
Chengdu dan Lanzhou.
“Misi ini juga diselaraskan secara strategik
untuk bertepatan dengan Pameran Makanan
dan Minuman China (CFDF) ke-108, Glopec
akan menjadi salah satu pempamer di Pavilion
Malaysia anjuran Perbadanan Pembangunan
Perdagangan Luar Malaysia (Matrade)
Chengdu.
“Pameran itu dijangka menarik lebih 3,000
peserta pameran dan 150,000 pembeli
berkumpul untuk menyaksikan dan mengam-
bil bahagian dalam platform bersejarah ini
yang menonjolkan ketersambungan globalnya
Naik taraf hospital Papar
untuk 100,000 penduduk
LEBIH 100,000 penduduk di daerah ini serta
kawasan sekitar bakal menikmati kemudahan
dan perkhidmatan kesihatan yang lebih baik dan
lebih selesa sebaik projek menaik taraf Hospital
Papar siap menjelang hujung tahun ini.
Menteri Kesihatan Dr Zaliha Mustafa berkata
projek biayaan Persekutuan bernilai RM98.5 juta
itu berada pada tahap kerja 62 peratus, agak ket-
inggalan di belakang jadual.
Beliau berkata projek itu yang bermula pada
Mei 2017 mengalami kelewatan disebabkan fak-
tor kekurangan tenaga kerja serta bahan pembi-
naan, selain pandemik Covid-19.
“Walaupun agak ketinggalan (dalam penyia-
pan) daripada jangkaan 70 peratus siap, kita akan
teruskan perbincangan dan pemantauan antara
Kementerian Kesihatan (KKM), Jabatan Kerja
Raya, kontraktor serta pihak lain untuk memacu
projek ini ke hadapan,” katanya kepada pem-
berita selepas mengadakan lawatan ke tapak pro-
jek di Hospital Papar di Papar pada 8 April.
Turut hadir Menteri di Jabatan Perdana
Menteri (Hal Ehwal Sabah, Sarawak dan Tugas-
Tugas Khas) Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali; Menteri
Pembangunan Masyarakat dan Kesejahteraan
Rakyat Sabah, Datuk James Ratib; dan Pengarah
Kesihatan Sabah, Datuk Dr Rose Nani Mudin.
Dr Zaliha berkata selain Hospital Papar, dua
lagi hospital – Hospital Beaufort dan Hospital
Sikuati, Kudat – telah dikategorikan sebagai ‘pro-
jek sakit’ di Sabah, dan sedang dalam proses
dinaik taraf.
Mengulas lanjut, Dr Zaliha berkata apabila
siap, Hospital Papar akan memberi manfaat
kepada lebih 100,000 penduduk di daerah Papar
serta daerah sekitar dari segi menerima rawatan
S U AR A TE MP ATAN AND A I KH AMI S , 2 0 APRI L, 2 0 2 3
membawa Negeri dan negara ke arah kemajuan.
“Pelajar akan menjadi pemimpin sandaran
serta sumber modal insan untuk masa hadapan,”
katanya.
Kerajaan Negeri menaruh harapan tinggi
kepada pelajar untuk sama-sama menyumbang
kepada pembangunan Sabah, katanya.
Walaupun bergelut dengan pandemik Covid-
19 sehingga tahun lepas, beliau berkata Kerajaan
Negeri Sabah telah meluluskan kemasukan
pelaburan langsung asing
dan domestik, termasuk
beberapa lagi projek
pelaburan yang sedang
dalam proses pelaksanaan
daripada sektor ekonomi
bernilai RM33.4 bilion.
“Pelaburan ini dijangka
menjana lebih 5,000 pelu-
ang pekerjaan,” kata Hajiji.
“Kerajaan juga secara rasmi telah mengambil
alih 50 peratus kepentingan dalam medan minyak
Samarang, di mana Sabah dijangka menerima 50
peratus kelayakan rakan kongsi daripada pengelu-
aran minyak dan gas.
“Dengan semua perkembangan ini, kerajaan
menuntut peranan daripada semua pelajar untuk
menyumbang kepada pembangunan di Sabah,”
tambahnya.
Sebagai generasi yang bakal menjadi peneraju
Sabah pada masa hadapan, beliau menggesa para
pelajar mempersiapkan diri dengan ilmu termasuk
duniawi dan rohani.
“Negeri Sabah amat memerlukan pemimpin
dan modal insan yang berkualiti, berilmu tinggi,
berkeperibadian teguh dan berakal budi.
“Tidak kira di mana dan apa jawatan yang
anda (pelajar) pegang, peranan anda masih
diperlukan untuk menjayakan misi pembangu-
nan negara seperti yang kita semua harapkan,”
kata Hajiji.
dalam industri makanan dan minuman,”
katanya.
Yayasan Sabah berkata selain CFDF, Glopec
juga akan mengambil inisiatif untuk men-
gadakan kunjungan hormat dan sesi rangkaian
dengan Jabatan Perdagangan Wilayah Gansu
dan Majlis China untuk Majlis Penggalakan
Perdagangan Antarabangsa Gansu untuk men-
eroka dan mengembangkan jangkauan perni-
agaannya di peringkat antarabangsa.
“Berdasarkan kepada potensi ini, Glopec
memberi tumpuan untuk mempamerkan pro-
duk PKS Sabah di China, mengembangkan
peluang perniagaannya dan mengadakan sesi
libat urus dengan pembeli, pengimport dan
pengedar tempatan,” kata kenyataan itu.
Glopec ialah platform yang ditubuhkan
melalui perkongsian strategik antara Kumpu-
lan Yayasan Sabah dan Unit Peneraju Agenda
Bumiputera (Teraju), Kementerian Ekonomi
untuk memudahkan PKS Sabah mengem-
bangkan perniagaan dan rangkaian mereka ke
pasaran yang lebih besar, pembekal global,
pengimport dan pengedar.
dan perkhidmatan kesihatan yang terbaik dan
selesa.
“Projek menaik taraf melibatkan pembinaan
wad dengan tambahan 84 katil merangkumi wad
pediatrik, wad wanita dan kanak-kanak.
“Selain itu, perkhidmatan yang disediakan
termasuk kecemasan dan trauma, X-ray, farmasi
satelit, dewan bedah, pejabat dan kemudahan
lain yang diperlukan oleh penduduk setempat.”
Di Klinik Kesihatan (KK) Luyang, beliau menin-
jau kawasan operasi dan keadaan kemudahan
perkhidmatan kesihatan yang disediakan untuk
penduduk sekitar, di mana didapati pelbagai isu
memerlukan perhatian serius dan tindakan lan-
jut. Antaranya ialah mendapan tanah yang
menyebabkan rekahan pada bangunan dan pagar
klinik, rekahan pada bidur apron, retakan dan
kebocoran pada bumbung rata, siling rosak aki-
bat air menitik dari bumbung rata dan isu pen-
dawaian elektrik.
Untuk rekod, Klinik Kesihatan Luyang adalah
yang pertama di Sabah mengamalkan konsep
“Pusat Sehenti” dan menerima kira-kira 800
pesakit setiap hari. Dr Zaliha kemudian melawat
Klinik Kesihatan Kinarut yang beroperasi sejak
1979 dan dinaik taraf dengan bangunan baharu
pada 2005 untuk menempatkan Unit Kesihatan
Ibu dan Anak, manakala Unit Pesakit Luar, Unit
Makmal dan Unit Farmasi dibina pada tahun-
tahun berikutnya.
Dr Zaliha mengakhiri lawatan kerjanya di Hos-
pital Wanita dan Kanak-Kanak Sabah (HWKKS),
hospital kerajaan pertama di Malaysia yang
memberi tumpuan kepada perkhidmatan
rawatan ginekologi dan pediatrik.
HAJIJI (tengah) bersama pelajar Sabah pada majlis iftar di Pusat Konvensyen Putrajaya.
Melahirkan rakyat Sabah berkebolehan antara matlamat SMJ
PELAJAR Sabah digesa merebut segala peluang
yang disediakan Kerajaan Negeri melalui pelba-
gai inisiatif untuk memperkasakan pembangu-
nan modal insan.
Ketua Menteri Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor berkata
ini kerana pembangunan modal insan meru-
pakan antara aspek yang ditekankan dalam Hala
Tuju Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ).
Justeru, beliau berkata Kumpulan Yayasan
Sabah telah menawarkan pelbagai jenis bia-
siswa, seperti Biasiswa Cemerlang Negeri Sabah,
Biasiswa Pelajar Luar Bandar Cemerlang, Bia-
siswa Institusi Pengajian Tinggi Awam/Swasta
dan pinjaman pelajaran.
“Saya harap anda semua akan merebut pel-
bagai inisiatif yang disediakan oleh Kerajaan.
Berazam untuk berbakti kepada masyarakat ker-
ana khidmat anda amat diperlukan untuk mem-
Pemimpin Umno
dan Warisan
Sandakan
keluar parti
BEBERAPA pemimpin Umno dan Warisan di
kawasan Sandakan dan Libaran mengumumkan
keluar parti masing-masing dan menyertai Parti
Gagasan Rakyat Sabah (Gagasan Rakyat) di bawah
pimpinan Ketua Menteri Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.
Pengumuman itu dibuat pada majlis yang
berlangsung di Ballroom Hotel Sandakan, San-
dakan, baru-baru ini.
Antaranya ialah bekas timbalan ketua Warisan
Sandakan Muktar Odin, bekas AJK Warisan San-
dakan Sahak Noh, bekas AJK Warisan Libaran
Rosly Aziz, bekas ketua penerangan Pemuda
Umno Libaran Hanif Ali dan PDM Warisan Sungai
Sibuga Mohd Raimi Said.
Mereka semua berkata keputusan itu dibuat
demi pembangunan berterusan rakyat dan
Negeri.
“Kami membuat keputusan ini dengan melihat
hala tuju pembangunan Negeri. Kami semua
bersedia menyokong kerajaan sedia ada di bawah
pimpinan Ketua Menteri,” kata mereka.
Ketua Protem Gagasan Rakyat Sungai Sibuga
Datuk Amirshah Yaakub mengalu-alukan sokon-
gan mereka kepada Hajiji dan beliau, serta
Gagasan Rakyat sebagai parti tempatan.
Beliau berharap semua hasrat yang disuarakan
dapat direalisasikan dan rakyat dapat menikmati
pembangunan terbaik.
Amirshah yang diberi mandat sebagai Ketua
Protem Gagasan Rakyat Sungai Sibuga pada 6
April lalu, melahirkan penghargaan atas keper-
cayaan yang diberikan kepadanya.
Amirshah yang aktif dalam arena politik per-
nah menyertai Umno sebelum berehat sebentar
pada 2016, dan meneruskan kerjayanya dalam
politik selepas melihat suasana politik yang kucar-
kacir.
l Jangan ketinggalan berita-
berita terdahulu dengan
mengimbas kod bar ini.
bangunkan Negeri tercinta,” katanya pada majlis
berbuka puasa bersama kira-kira 500 pelajar
Sabah di Taman Tamadun Islam Kuala Tereng-
ganu pada 12 April lalu.
Ucapan beliau dibacakan Menteri Sains,
Teknologi dan Inovasi negeri Datuk Dr Mohd
Arifin Mohd Arif.
Hajiji yang juga Pengerusi Lembaga
Pemegang Amanah Yayasan Sabah berkata, Ker-
ajaan Negeri turut menyediakan pelbagai plat-
form untuk pelajar menyuarakan pandangan
termasuk melalui Persidangan Majlis Perundin-
gan Pelajar Sabah (MPPS) yang julung kali
diadakan pada Mei 2022.
“MPPS mengumpulkan pemimpin pelajar
Sabah daripada institusi pengajian tinggi (IPT)
awam dan swasta, IPG (Institut Pendidikan
Guru), institut latihan dan Tingkatan Enam. Ker-
Mengambil langkah pelonjakan industri
KEMENTERIAN Pembangunan Perindustrian dan
Keusahawanan negeri telah memulakan pelbagai
usaha termasuk mengguna pakai strategi lonjakan
untuk memacu pembangunan sektor perindus-
trian dan keusahawanan Sabah.
Menterinya Phoong Jin Zhe berkata strategi
lonjakan adalah penting untuk meletakkan Sabah
sebagai negeri perindustrian, dengan menyasarkan
industri berimpak tinggi dan teknologi hijau, antara
lain, yang dijangka mewujudkan lebih banyak pelu-
ang pekerjaan berpendapatan tinggi dan
berkemahiran tinggi.
Beliau berkata lebih 2,500 peluang pekerjaan
telah diwujudkan melalui pelaburan dalam kilang
pembuatan kerajang tembaga oleh SK Nexilis (M)
Sdn Bhd Korea Selatan dan kilang pembuatan kaca
solar oleh Kumpulan Kibing China.
“Kedua-dua fasiliti yang sedang dibangunkan
di Taman Perindustrian Kota Kinabalu (KKIP) itu
akan mula beroperasi pada suku keempat tahun
ini. Selain itu, Kementerian telah berkoordinasi
dengan kedua-dua pelabur untuk menghantar
lebih 135 jurutera tempatan ke Korea Selatan dan
China untuk latihan kemahiran dan menimba ilmu
teknologi tinggi,” katanya ketika menyampaikan
kad laporan 100 hari di pejabatnya di Wisma
Kewangan, Kota Kinabalu. Phoong, yang juga Adun
Luyang, menerajui Kementerian pada 11 Jan.
Beliau memberi jaminan akan mengadakan
mesyuarat berterusan dengan SK Nexilis dan
Kumpulan Kibing bagi memastikan kejayaan projek
itu, sambil menambah beliau menggalakkan
kedua-dua pelabur bagi memastikan 80 peratus
peluang pekerjaan diberikan kepada rakyat Sabah.
Mengenai keperluan infrastruktur di taman
perindustrian, Phoong berkata Kabinet telah melu-
luskan projek jalan raya KKIP bagi mengelak
kesesakan, manakala pasukan petugas ditubuhkan
untuk mengkaji, merancang dan menarik pelabur
untuk membangunkan sistem rel di KKIP dan Kota
Kinabalu.
Perkembangan lain termasuk pengisytiharan
POIC Lahad Datu sebagai Zon Perdagangan Bebas
(FTZ), yang diluluskan secara prinsip oleh
Kementerian Kewangan pada Mac.
“Pembangunan FTZ adalah pemangkin yang
diperlukan untuk pertumbuhan dalam sektor
perindustrian Sabah. POIC Lahad Datu dijangka
menarik lebih banyak pelaburan dan mewujudkan
lebih banyak peluang pekerjaan melalui FTZ,”
katanya.
Phoong juga mempertahankan prinsip profe-
sionalisme dan ketelusan dengan mengamalkan
dasar Kerajaan kepada Kerajaan (G2G) dan Go To
Genuine Investor (G2GI) untuk menarik lebih
banyak pelaburan tulen dan mengurangkan
budaya orang tengah.
Selain itu, katanya, Kementerian bersama
Majlis Penasihat Ekonomi Sabah (Seac) mengambil
inisiatif untuk meneroka potensi kerjasama
ekonomi dengan kerajaan wilayah Jilin di China
dan membuat lawatan ke sana pada Februari
2023.
“Dianggarkan seramai 31 anggota delegasi ker-
ajaan wilayah Jilin terdiri daripada pegawai kera-
jaan dan industri akan membuat lawatan balas ke
Sabah pada 12 hingga 14 April ini bagi membin-
cangkan kerjasama lanjut dalam pelbagai sektor
harianekspres
ajaan Negeri juga telah menubuhkan Sekretariat
Mahasiswa Sabah Malaysia (Semesta) sebagai
pengiktirafan kepada golongan muda khususnya
pelajar,” katanya.
Menurut Hajiji, Kerajaan Negeri membelan-
jakan RM45 juta tahun lalu untuk menyediakan
bantuan Budi bagi pendaftaran IPT, Bantuan
Ihsan Komputer (Baik) dan bantuan kepada
Semesta iaitu bantuan kewangan untuk persat-
uan dan kelab pelajar Sabah yang berdaftar.
Beliau berkata, Kerajaan Negeri turut mem-
peruntukkan RM16.2 juta dalam Belanjawan
Negeri tahun ini untuk melaksanakan program
belia bagi melahirkan pemimpin berkualiti.
“Harapan kami agar dapat melahirkan pela-
jar yang bukan sahaja berjaya dalam bidang
akademik malah dalam masa yang sama mem-
punyai sahsiah yang baik,” katanya.
ekonomi termasuk sektor perindustrian.
“Selain Wilayah Jilin, China, saya juga telah
menjawab jemputan melawat Taman Perindus-
trian Malaysia-China di Kuantan (MCKIP), projek
antara Kerajaan Guangxi, China dan Kerajaan
Pahang,” katanya.
Beliau berkata kerjasama itu mewujudkan
perdagangan dan pelaburan ‘point-to-point’ yang
saling menguntungkan bagi kedua-dua kerajaan,
sambil menambah, beliau telah berbincang den-
gan pegawai China untuk meneroka potensi
mewujudkan taman perindustrian serupa di
Sabah.
Phoong berkata Kementerian sentiasa komited
terhadap pembangunan usahawan dan menjena-
makan semula Kementerian dengan menambah
perkataan “Keusahawanan” pada namanya.
“Penjenamaan semula ini penting dan selari
dengan Kementerian Pembangunan Usahawan
dan Koperasi (Kuskop) di bawah kepimpinan Datuk
Ewon Benedick.
“Kementerian saya juga berjaya mendapat
mandat dan peruntukan yang lebih besar dalam
menguruskan hal ehwal keusahawanan, selaras
dengan pengumuman Timbalan Perdana Menteri
baru-baru ini,” katanya.
Beliau menambah ia selaras dengan aspirasinya
untuk membangunkan keusahawanan Sabah, di
mana 98 peratus daripadanya terdiri daripada
perusahaan kecil dan sederhana (PKS) yang hanya
memfokuskan kepada pasaran tempatan.
“Hanya dua peratus dieksport ke Semenanjung
Malaysia dan pasaran antarabangsa. Defisit perda-
gangan ini adalah salah satu faktor yang menyum-
bang kepada kos sara hidup rakyat Sabah yang
lebih tinggi berbanding mereka yang tinggal di
semenanjung,” katanya.
Oleh itu, bagi mengurangkan pergantungan
kepada produk import, Phoong berkata Kemente-
riannya dan Jabatan Pembangunan Perindustrian
dan Penyelidikan (DIDR) menubuhkan tujuh Pusat
Produk PKS.
Ia terdapat di Wisma Tun Fuad Stephens, Beau-
fort, Ranau, Papar, Tuaran, Pasaraya Oceanus dan
Kota Marudu, manakala tiga lagi akan ditubuhkan
tidak lama lagi di Lahad Datu, Tawau dan Penam-
pang.
Phoong menambah sebuah Pusat Produk PKS
juga ditubuhkan di semenanjung, yang digelar
“Authentic Sabah Mart”, terletak di GM Klang
Wholesale City, Selangor.
Beliau berkata, Kementerian juga mengambil
inisiatif bagi menambah peruntukan untuk beber-
apa program keusahawanan seperti program PKS-
UP daripada RM10 juta kepada RM15 juta.
“Saya juga sedang mewujudkan Skim Penjena-
maan Semula, Reka Bentuk dan Pembungkusan,
dan akan memperkenalkan Sabah Authentic Holo-
gram. Saya juga menubuhkan tabung keusa-
hawanan iaitu Sabah Entrepreneurship Aspiration
Fund (SEAF) yang mana RM1 juta telah diluluskan.
Saya juga sedang menunggu kelulusan Kuskop
untuk geran sepadan sebanyak RM1 juta lagi untuk
membantu program dan aktiviti keusahawanan.
“Tujuan tabung khas ini adalah untuk usa-
hawan menjalankan program upscaling, per-
tandingan pitching dan juga untuk membantu
mewujudkan kebolehan mengeksport,” katanya.
 Rumah terbuka boleh burukkan
harianekspres S U AR A TE MP ATAN AND A I KH AMI S , 2 0 APRI L, 2 0 2 3 Rencana 7

lagi isu pembaziran makanan

I
SU pembaziran makanan sepanjang
Ramadan kali ini yang
diketengahkan oleh operator
pelupusan sisa pepejal di Lembah Klang
baru-baru ini, dikhuatiri akan
berterusan hingga akhir Syawal nanti
menerusi penganjuran rumah terbuka
bersempena dengan Aidilfitri.
Selepas hampir tiga tahun
“berperang” dengan Covid-19, trend
rumah terbuka Aidilfitri kali ini
dijangka lebih meriah berbanding
tahun lepas dengan pelbagai pihak,
baik individu, komuniti perumahan,
pemimpin kerajaan, agensi kerajaan
atau swasta, dilihat akan mengambil
peluang menganjurkan acara itu bagi
mengeratkan silaturahim dan
mengukuhkan lagi perpaduan rakyat
berbilang bangsa.
Akan tetapi, kata Naib Presiden II
Pertubuhan Pemuda Gema Malaysia
Mohammad Amar Masuri, matlamat
yang murni itu berpotensi
memburukkan lagi isu pembaziran
makanan.
“Rakyat Malaysia sangat pemurah,
terutama pada bulan Ramadan dan
Syawal, apabila masing-masing
berlumba-lumba memberi makan
kepada orang ramai. Oleh sebab itulah
selepas Ramadan, bulan Syawal berada
Perbadanan Pengurusan Sisa Pepejal penganjur merancang menu serta
dan Pembersihan Awam (SWCorp) pada jumlah tetamu selain menyajikan
2020, didapati 38.7 peratus responden makanan yang telah siap dibungkus
yang ditemu bual tidak ada keinginan agar senang dibawa pulang.
makan juadah yang disediakan, 31.3 Selain itu, penganjur juga disaran
peratus menyatakan makanan rosak, membungkus lebihan makanan untuk
21.1 peratus pula membeli terlalu diagihkan di kawasan yang telah
banyak makanan, 8.3 peratus berkata dikenal pasti.
makanan sudah melebihi tarikh luput Pensyarah kanan di Akademi
dan 0.6 peratus makanan tidak Pengajian Islam Kontemporari
memenuhi selera. Universiti Teknologi Mara Dr Mohd Ali
Menurut operator pelupusan sisa Muhamad Don pula menegaskan
pepejal itu lagi, secara purata, sebuah kepentingan mengenal pasti lokasi
keluarga yang mempunyai empat orang agihan makanan supaya tidak berlaku
ahli akan membazirkan 500 hingga 800 lambakan makanan kepada golongan
gram makanan setiap hari yang disasarkan.
menyebabkan kerugian sebanyak Katanya, jika diteliti, sumbangan
RM210 sebulan dan RM2,600 setahun. makanan biasanya ditumpukan di
Data SWCorp juga menunjukkan lokaliti tertentu seperti kawasan bandar
secara keseluruhan, jumlah sisa pepejal dan kejiranan terpilih yang menjadi

pada tangga kedua dalam konteks
pembaziran makanan.
“Berdasarkan pemerhatian, tuan
rumah biasanya akan memasak lebih
untuk memastikan makanan cukup
untuk tetamu. Namun dalam
kebanyakan kes, makanan ini tidak
habis dan berisiko tinggi dibuang
begitu sahaja,” katanya kepada
Bernama.
Menurutnya, sepanjang Ramadan,
Pemuda Gema Malaysia menerusi
Program MySaveFood, mengumpul
lebihan makanan di bazar Ramadan
untuk diagih kepada golongan
memerlukan, bagi mengurangkan
pembaziran makanan.
Namun, program itu belum
dipanjangkan ke bulan Syawal
disebabkan oleh kekangan petugas,
jelasnya.
Peningkatan pembaziran makanan
Dalam tempoh tiga minggu pertama
Ramadan kali ini,
MySaveFood@Ramadan 2023 berjaya
“menyelamatkan” keseluruhan
18,276.89 kilogram (kg) makanan dan
minuman berbanding hanya 7,795 kg
dalam tempoh sama pada tahun lepas.
Berdasarkan satu kajian bagi
mengenal pasti punca pembaziran
makanan yang dijalankan oleh
yang dilupuskan sepanjang bulan
Ramadan meningkat sebanyak 21
peratus bagi tempoh 2019 hingga 2022.
Berdasarkan data pelupusan di 23
tapak pelupusan di tujuh buah negeri
yang menerima guna Akta Pengurusan
Sisa Pepejal dan Pembersihan Awam
2007, didapati pada 2019 jumlah sisa
pepejal yang dilupuskan pada bulan
Ramadan ialah sebanyak 208,143.38 tan;
2020 (208,745.51 tan); 2021 (239,988.91)
dan 2022 (252,521.35 tan).
Ketua Pegawai Eksekutif SWCorp
Ismail Mokhtar berkata pembaziran
makanan yang merupakan
penyumbang terbesar sisa di tapak
pelupusan sampah, tidak hanya berlaku
pada bulan Ramadan dan Syawal tetapi
pada setiap musim perayaan.
“Data yang dikeluarkan Program
Alam Sekitar Pertubuhan Bangsa-
Bangsa Bersatu 2021 menunjukkan
Malaysia menghasilkan jumlah
penjanaan sisa makanan per kapita
tertinggi di Asia Tenggara iaitu 91 kg
setahun.
“Di Malaysia, sisa makanan
merangkumi 44.5 peratus daripada sisa
pepejal lain yang dilupuskan di tapak
pelupusan sampah,” katanya.
Kesan alam sekitar
Mengulas tentang perkara itu, Ketua
Gambar hiasan.
Laboratori Belia Dalam Kepimpinan,
Politik dan Kewarganegaraan Institut
Pengajian Sosial, Universiti Putra
Malaysia Prof Madya Dr Haliza Abdul
Rahman berkata jika keadaan tersebut
berterusan, Malaysia mungkin
berdepan masalah penyediaan tapak
pelupusan.
Menurutnya, hal ini disebabkan
jangka hayat tapak sedia ada semakin
kritikal dengan Johor dan Melaka
menghadapi situasi paling serius akibat
peningkatan sisa makanan yang
mencecah lebih 16,000 tan sehari.
Tapak pelupusan di Pekan Nanas,
Pontian dan Jemaluang di Mersing,
Johor misalnya, sudah menjangkau usia
lebih 25 tahun dan dijangka mampu
bertahan selama tiga tahun sahaja lagi.
Situasi sama turut berlaku di tapak
pelupusan sampah Sungai Udang,
Melaka, sementara jangka hayat tapak
di Bukit Tagar, Selangor pula dijangka
boleh bertahan selama 50 tahun lagi.
Menurut Haliza, isu sisa makanan
bukan sahaja menekan tapak
pelupusan sampah tetapi turut
meningkatkan ancaman kepada alam
sekitar menerusi pelepasan gas metana,
iaitu sejenis gas rumah hijau yang
memberikan kesan lebih teruk
terhadap pemanasan bumi berbanding
karbon dioksida.
“Tapak pelupusan menghasilkan gas
metana rumah hijau yang 21 kali lebih
kuat daripada karbon dioksida, dan
tujuh peratus gas rumah hijau yang
terhasil di seluruh dunia adalah
disebabkan oleh sisa makanan.
“Situasi berkenaan mengancam
alam sekitar, menyebabkan
pencemaran, meningkatkan suhu
dunia, mitigasi perubahan iklim dan
mengganggu pola cuaca seperti hujan
yang akhirnya menyumbang kepada
peningkatan bencana seperti banjir,”
katanya.
Ujar beliau, kempen menerusi media
tradisional dan media sosial semata-
mata tidak cukup bagi menangani isu
tersebut, sebaliknya pihak berwajib dan
berkepentingan perlu turun padang
dan menjalankan program dengan
lebih agresif.
Kenal pasti lokasi agihan makanan
Dalam pada itu, Mohammad Amar
ketika mengulas lanjut tentang risiko
pembaziran makanan semasa acara
rumah terbuka, menyarankan agar
tumpuan golongan seperti
gelandangan, menyebabkan berlaku
lambakan makanan yang akhirnya
turut terbuang begitu sahaja.
“Bagi menangani isu pembaziran,
saya berpendapat adalah sebaiknya
penyumbang menyelidik dahulu
keperluan makanan di sesuatu tempat
agar tidak berlaku pertindihan (dengan
program serupa pihak lain) selain
memastikan lebih ramai yang
mendapat manfaat daripada
sumbangan tersebut.
“Kawasan kampung dan pedalaman
dilihat seolah-olah terpinggir dari segi
agihan bantuan makanan ketika
Ramadan, sedangkan ada antara
mereka yang masih lagi hidup di bawah
paras garis kemiskinan,” katanya.
Beliau turut menegur sikap
sebahagian umat Islam sendiri yang
lebih suka bersedekah makanan
sepanjang Ramadan bagi meraih
ganjaran pahala berganda, sedangkan
ada amal ibadat lain yang boleh
dilakukan.
“Ruang bersedekah itu luas,
contohnya terdapat sekolah dan
madrasah tahfiz yang memerlukan
dana untuk pembangunan dan operasi
bagi pendidikan ummah, jadi rebutlah
peluang tersebut pada Ramadan ini,”
katanya. – Bernama

Sukan
bola sepaK – liga super 2023
Selangor belasah Terengganu, catat
kemenangan keempat berturut-turut
KUALA LUMPUR: Selangor merakam kemenangan Liga
Super keempat berturut-turut sambil menghadiahkan
kekalahan terbesar buat Terengganu selepas berpesta gol
meraih kemenangan 5-1 pada aksi di Stadium Majlis
Bandaraya Petaling Jaya (MBPJ), malam Selasa lalu.
Terengganu bermula baik seawal 10 minit pertama
dengan penyerang import, Jordan Mintah hampir
meletakkan pasukan pelawat bimbingan Tomislav
Steinbruckner di hadapan, namun sepakan percumanya
pada minit ke-11 tepat ke palang gol.
Pertahanan kurang kemas skuad Penyu mengundang
padah apabila Selangor berjaya meledak dua gol dalam
tempoh kurang daripada lima minit masing-masing
menerusi penyerang, Ayron Del Valle, pada minit ke-17 dan
bekas pemain sayap Terengganu, Mohamad Faisal Abdul
Halim pada minit ke-21.
Skuad Gergasi Merah terus melebarkan penguasaan, kali
ini giliran pemain pertahanan muda Harith Haiqal Adam
Afkar mencetak nama sebagai penjaring selepas beliau
yang tidak dikawal bijak menyambar bola sepakan penjuru
rakan sepasukan pada minit ke-40.
Ketinggalan 0-3, Terengganu berjaya mengurangkan
defisit gol pada minit ke-61 menerusi tandukan penyerang
gantian Ivan Mamut, namun Ayron terus menghukum
kepincangan barisan pertahanan lawan apabila mudah
melepasi perangkap ofsaid untuk menjaringkan gol
keempat Selangor pada minit ke-70.
Pemain tengah gantian Aliff Haiqal Lokman Hakim Lau
memastikan kejayaan manis skuad kendalian Tan Cheng
Hoe dengan gol kelima pada minit ke-84 selepas
melepaskan rembatan leret yang deras dari jarak dekat.
Selangor kini di posisi kedua dengan mengumpul 22 mata
selepas sembilan perlawanan dan dibezakan dua mata
dengan pendahulu yang juga juara bertahan Johor Darul
Ta’zim (JDT), yang akan berdepan PDRM, di sini, malam
esok, sementara Sri Pahang ketiga mengutip 19 mata.
Sementara itu, Kedah Darul Aman (KDA) gagal
PEMAIN Selangor FC Muhammad Mukhairi Ajmal Mahadi diasak pemain Terengganu FC pada
perlawanan Liga Super 2023 di StadiumMBPJ Petaling Jaya malam Selasa lalu. – fotoBERNAMA
Alor Setar. Pasukan tuan rumah bangkit daripada
ketinggalan dengan meledak dua gol masing-masing
menerusi Jonathan Boareto Dos Reis pada minit ke-25 dan
tandukan Bojan Ciger lima minit kemudian sekali gus
menafikan gol pembukaan KL City hasil penyudah Paulo
Josua pada minit ke-11.
Bagaimanapun, babak kedua menyaksikan kebangkitan
skuad bimbingan Bojan Hodak selepas Romel Morales
menyamakan kedudukan tiga minit selepas rehat sebelum
Herlison Caion meledak jaringan kemenangan skuad The
Penang mencatat kemenangan kedua berturut-turut
selepas mengatasi Kelantan United 2-0 sekali gus
menyaksikan pasukan pelawat terus buntu menemui
kemenangan pertama musim ini.
Dua gol skuad bimbingan Manzoor Azwira Abd Wahid
masing-masing disumbangkan Nik Akif Syahiran Nik Mat
pada minit ke-48 dan kapten Rafael Vitor pada minit ke-58.
Dalam pada itu, jaringan tunggal perlawanan pemain
tengah Muhamad Nor Azam Abdul Azih pada minit ke-57
membantu Sri Pahang membawa pulang tiga mata
Bakar suar nampak
hebat dari
sudut gambar
– CEO MFL
KUALA LUMPUR: Ketua Pegawai Eksekutif
(CEO) Liga Bolasepak Malaysia (MFL) Stuart
Ramalingam melihat tindakan pembakar-
an suar di stadium mungkin menghasilkan
suasana dan gambaran yang hebat.
Bagaimanapun, beliau berkata perkara
itu tetap melibatkan aspek tatatertib di
bawah bidang kuasa Persatuan Bolasepak
Malaysia (FAM).
“Saya rasa dari gambar ia kelihatan
hebat dan memukau, tetapi ini bukan soal
gambar ini adalah soal tatatertib, biar
pihak berkuasa yang bertindak,” katanya
ketika ditemui pada Majlis Berbuka Puasa
Jalinan Kasih bersama Aeon Big x MFL di
Aeon Big Wangsa Maju di sini Selasa lalu.
Beliau berkata demikian ketika ditanya
mengenai imej saingan Liga Super selepas
terdapat beberapa insiden membakar suar
di Stadium Sultan Ibrahim, Iskandar Puteri
di Johor musim ini.
Sebelum ini, sebanyak tiga kali
sekumpulan penyokong Johor Darul Ta’zim
(JDT) membakar suar selepas perlawanan
sekali gus melanggar peraturan Artikel 70.1
Kod Tataterbit FAM yang melarang
penyokong membawa masuk barang
larangan ke dalam stadium.
Tindakan membakar suar itu dilakukan
ketika Harimau Selatan menang dua
perlawanan Liga Super masing-masing ke
atas Sabah FC pada 31 Mac dan Kedah Darul
Aman (KDA) FC (9 April) dan aksi Piala FA
berdepan PDRM FC 14 April lepas.
Mengulas lanjut, Stuart berkata undang-
undang ataupun larangan melibatkan suar
adalah untuk memastikan keselamatan di
stadium, selain mengulangi pendiriannya
untuk tidak menyentuh dari aspek

Sukan SEA: Skuad pelayaran optimis bangkit, sasar dua emas di Kemboja
memanfaatkan aksi di laman sendiri selepas tumpas 2-3 di City Boys pada minit ke-75. berharga selepas menewaskan Kuching City 1-0 di Stadium hukuman memandangkan ia di bawah
tangan Kuala Lumpur (KL) City di Stadium Darul Aman, Di Stadium Bandaraya, Georgetown, Pulau Pinang, Negeri, Kuching. – Bernama bidang kuasa FAM. – Bernama

KUALA LUMPUR: Skuad pelayaran negara
menyasarkan dua pingat emas sekali gus
memperbaiki pencapaian lepas di Sukan
SEA 2023 di Kemboja pada 5 hingga 17
Mei depan.
Persatuan Pelayaran Malaysia (MSA)
dalam kenyataan Selasa lalu yakin
pasukan yang dibarisi sembilan atlet
masing-masing tujuh lelaki dan dua
wanita itu akan mempamerkan aksi
cemerlang di temasya dwitahunan
berkenaan.
Bagi memastikan pasukan dapat
menyesuaikan diri dengan keadaan laut
yang berbeza berbanding di Pusat
Latihan Kebangsaan, Langkawi, skuad
pelayaran berlepas ke Kemboja hari ini
bagi membuat persediaan rapi di
gelanggang pertandingan di
Sihanoukville, Preah Sihanouk.
“Keadaan yang berbeza ini perlu
diadaptasikan secepatnya oleh para atlet
kita bagi memastikan mereka dapat tidak dipertandingkan di Hanoi, negara cemerlang mengumpul tujuh
mempamerkan persembahan terbaik Vietnam tahun lepas. emas ketika Malaysia menjadi tuan
semasa hari pertandingan nanti,” Pasukan pelayaran negara akan rumah pada edisi 2017.
menurut kenyataan itu. mengambil bahagian dalam tujuh acara “Dengan persiapan rapi yang
Dalam kenyataan sama, Pengurus daripada keseluruhan sembilan yang telah dijalankan sama ada di pusat
pasukan Muhammad Fariz Idham Mat dipertandingkan pada edisi kali ini. latihan bersama pihak Majlis Sukan
Zaki berkata walaupun perlu Pada edisi 2019 di Filipina yang juga Negara (MSN) dan Institut Sukan Negara
menyambut Aidilfitri di luar negara, edisi terakhir pelayaran (ISN), pasukan yakin kegemilangan
skuad negara amat komited dan kekal dipertandingkan, pasukan pelayaran pasukan pelayaran negara akan kembali
fokus dalam misi memperbaiki negara menyumbang dua pingat perak. kali ini,” menurut kenyataan itu. –
pencapaian edisi lepas kerana pelayaran Sebelum itu, pasukan pelayaran Bernama
 SUKAN
BOLA SEPAK – Liga Juara-Juara
Real Madrid ke separuh akhir
LONDON: Rodrygo menjaringkan dua gol
bagi membantu Real Madrid mara ke sep-
aruh akhir Liga Juara-Juara pada awal pagi
Rabu, melengkapkan kemenangan agregat
4-0 ke atas Chelsea yang menamatkan
musim yang buruk buat kelab London itu.
Pasukan tuan rumah, dengan Frank
Lampard kembali sebagai jurulatih buat
kali kedua, beraksi di Stamford Bridge den-
gan prestasi yang tidak memihak mereka.
Chelsea bermula garang tetapi
melepaskan beberapa peluang yang sepa-
tutnya dapat memberi tekanan ke atas
juara bertahan itu.
Gergasi Sepanyol itu menghukum
ketumpulan penyudah Chelsea apabila
Rodrygo menjaringkan gol pada minit ke-
58 hasil serangan balas pantas dan men-
jadikan kedudukan 2-0 sepuluh minit
selepas itu.
“Kami diasak namun bernasib baik
kekal 0-0 pada babak pertama. Babak
kedua kami bertambah baik dan menda-
pat dua gol. Kami gembira mara ke sepa-
ruh akhir,” kata pengurus Real Madrid,
Carlo Ancelotti kepada BT Sport.
Chelsea, juara Eropah 2021, kini tewas
semua empat perlawanan sejak Lampard
kembali ke kelab itu awal bulan ini bagi
menggantikan Graham Potter yang
dipecat.
Lampard yang pernah mengendalikan
kelab itu pada 2019 sehingga awal 2021
kecewa dengan kegagalan pemainnya
menjaringkan gol.
“Kami beraksi dengan sangat baik
dalam tempoh 60 minit. Kami mencipta
peluang tetapi anda perlu memanfaatkan-
nya,” katanya.
Bekas pemain tengah Chelsea itu
berkata, skuadnya perlu mencari motivasi
beraksi untuk kelab itu ketika mereka
berusaha menamatkan musim dengan
prestasi yang lebih baik.
“Anda bermain untuk Chelsea. Jadi
dalam setiap perlawanan anda perlu mem-
berikan segalanya. Anda tidak boleh mem-
biarkan sesiapa dalam masalah dan kami
perlu tunjukkan. Standard itu tidak boleh
turun,” katanya.
Pengendali Real Madrid, Carlo Ancelotti
mengekalkan skuad yang memenangi aksi
suku akhir pertama minggu lalu, man-
Peluang Martial untuk jadi wira Manchester United
akala Lampard menyenaraikan Reece
James, Mateo Kovacic dan N’Golo Kane
MANCHESTER:
Anthony Martial
(gambar) dipin-
jamkan ke Sevilla
musim lalu den-
gan kariernya di
Manchester
United seakan
sudah berada di
penghujung,
tetapi pemain Perancis itu kembali
menyinar tepat pada masanya untuk
pertembungan Liga Europa menen-
tang bekas pasukannya itu.
Kecederaan Marcus Rashford mem-
berikan peluang kepada Martial untuk
menerajui jentera serangan United
pada aksi di Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan
awal pagi esok, yang akan menentukan
pasukan mana layak ke separuh akhir.
Dua gol sendiri United pada aksi
pertama di Old Trafford menyaksikan
Sevilla kini mempunyai kelebihan
beraksi di laman sendiri selepas
kedudukan terikat 2-2.
Martial memainkan peranan pent-
ing ketika United mendahului 2-0
hasil dua jaringan Marcel Sabitzer
dalam tempoh 21 minit.
BAC: Pearly
tarik diri akibat
masalah kesihatan
KUALA LUMPUR: Hasrat untuk melihat
gandingan beregu wanita utama negara
Pearly Tan-M. Thinaah mencipta sensasi
pada Kejohanan Badminton Asia (BAC)
2023 bulan ini tidak kesampaian selepas
Pearly terpaksa menarik diri susulan
masalah kesihatan.
Perkembangan itu dimaklumkan
Persatuan Badminton Malaysia (BAM)
menerusi hantaran di Instagram, petang
Rabu.
“Pearly Tan menarik diri daripada
Kejohanan Badminton Asia 2023 kerana
masalah kesihatan,” menurut hantaran
itu.
BAC 2023 akan berlangsung di Dubai,
Emiriah Arab Bersatu (UAE) dari 25 hingga
30 April ini.
Pada edisi lalu di Filipina, Pearly-
Thinaah, pasangan ranking kelapan dunia
dan juara Terbuka Perancis 2022 berjaya
mara sehingga ke suku akhir. – Bernama
harianekspres
S U AR A TE MP ATAN AND A I KH AMI S , 2 0 APRI L, 2 0 2 3
dalam kesebelasan utamanya kali ini.
Mendapat sokongan penyokong
walaupun mengharungi musim yang
bermasalah, pasukan tuan rumah bermula
dengan baik menentang juara 14 kali itu.
Mereka mempunyai peluang keemasan
untuk mendahului namun percubaan
Kante dengan kaki kirinya tersasar dari
jarak 12 ela.
Pasukan pelawat kelihatan tajam
sebelum waktu rehat. Pada pertengahan
babak pertama Rodrygo mencipta ruang
untuk dirinya sendiri dan melakukan per-
cubaan namun terkena tiang, sementara
Luka Modric turut menguji Kepa.
Namun Chelsea sepatutnya boleh men-
dahului pada penghujung separuh masa
pertama apabila James melakukan han-
taran lintang dari kanan dan ia menemui
Marc Cucurella. Pemain pertahanan itu
berjaya melepaskan rembatan namun
Thibaut Courtois beraksi cemerlang
menyelamatkan keadaan.
Kante mempunyai satu lagi peluang
keemasan pada awal babak kedua namun
percubaan jarak dekatnya terkena Eder
Militao dan terpantul ke kawasan sela-
mat.
Real menghukum Chelsea ketika per-
lawanan berbaki setengah jam apabila
Rodrygo menjaringkan gol jarak dekat
selepas menerima umpanan Vinicius Jun-
ior.
Lampard melakukan beberapa per-
tukaran, membawa masuk Raheem Ster-
ling, Joao Felix dan Mykhailo Mudryk,
dalam usaha untuk kembali ke dalam sain-
gan.
Tetapi Rodrygo menemui jaring sekali
lagi pada minit ke-80 selepas menerima
bantuan Federico Valverde.
Real Madrid dijangka akan berde-
pan Manchester City di separuh akhir
selepas skuad Pep Guardiola meraih
kelebihan 3-0 ke atas Bayern Munich
susulan kemenangan pada aksi suku
akhir pertama.
Bekas bos Chelsea, Ancelotti memburu
rekod kejayaan kelima sebagai seorang
jurulatih dalam kejohanan itu.
Namun Chelsea gagal meraih sebarang
trofi musim ini, menduduki tangga ke-11
dalam carta Liga Perdana Inggeris dan
tampak sukar layak ke saingan Eropah
musim depan. – AFP
Bagaimanapun pemain tengah Aus-
tria itu mungkin tidak dapat beraksi
untuk skuad kendalian Erik ten Hag di
Seville, sekali gus menambah tekanan
ke atas Martial.
Sabitzer cedera ketika memanaskan
badan sebelum kemenangan 2-0 di
Nottingham Forest pada Ahad lalu.
Pertahanan tengah pilihan utama,
Raphael Varane dan Lisandro Martinez
juga terlepas aksi timbal balik di Sep-
anyol selepas cedera pada perlawanan
suku akhir pertama. Namun yang pal-
ing memberi kesan ialah ketiadaan
Bruno Fernandes kerana digantung
perlawanan.
Fernandes menyinar selepa digand-
ingkan dengan Christan Eriksen dan
Casemiro di bahagian tengah dan
dalam 17 perlawanan yang menyak-
sikan trio terbabit diturunkan, United
menang 15 kali dan seri dua kali.
Masalah kecederaan turut memini-
mumkan impak Martial bersama
United musim ini dan telah menjadi
kisah kariernya di United.
Menjadi pemain remaja paling
mahal di dunia ketika ditandatangani
Hamidin janji selesaikan isu penerjun RTG
dari Monaco pada 2015, pemain beru-
KUALA LUMPUR: Ketua Kontinjen
(CDM) Malaysia ke Sukan Olimpik Paris
2024, Datuk Hamidin Mohd Amin,
berjanji akan menyelesaikan beberapa
isu dikongsikan oleh penerjun yang
berada dalam Program ‘Road to Gold’
(RTG) dalam masa terdekat.
Beliau dan timbalannya Datuk Nicol
David, yang mengadakan
perbincangan secara tertutup bersama
Datuk Pandelela Rinong dan Nur
Dhabitah Sabri, ketika lawatan ke sesi
latihan skuad terjun, di Pusat Akuatik
Nasional, di sini, yakin perkara itu
dapat diselesaikan.
“Ada beberapa perkara, insya-Allah
kita dapat selesaikan, kalau tak dapat
saya akan jumpa Menteri Belia dan
Sukan (Hannah Yeoh) untuk
selesaikan. Kebanyakannya isu semasa
yang perlu dikemaskan, sebagai CDM
boleh selesaikan dengan
cepat,mungkin selepas Raya.
“Ia tidak perlu tunggu sehingga
mesyuarat Jawatankuasa RTG yang
seterusnya, walaupun libatkan banyak
PENYERANG Real Madrid, Karim Benzema (kedua dari kiri) menanduk bola keluar dari
Giroud pastikan AC Milan teruskan kemaraan
kawasan bahaya semasa satu sepakan sudut Chelsea semasa perlawanan tersebut. – Gambar AFP
NAPLES: AC Milan mara ke separuh akhir
Liga Juara-Juara Eropah selepas Olivier
Giroud meledak gol penting ketika seri
1-1 di Napoli untuk melengkapkan
kemenangan agregat 2-1 pada awal pagi
Rabu.
Giroud menemui sasaran dua minit
sebelum rehat selepas larian bijak Rafael
Leao, yang sekali lagi menjadi tonggak
penting dalam kemenangan ketiga Milan
ke atas Napoli bulan ini.
Gol ke-13 penyerang Perancis itu
musim ini menebus kekecewaannya
selepas gagal menyempurnakan sepakan
penalti pada pertengahan babak pertama.
mur 27 tahun itu tidak pernah
menyedari potensi sebenarnya
walaupun menjaringkan 86 gol dalam
288 penampilan untuk kelab itu.
Tempohnya di Sevilla juga kurang
membuahkan hasil. Selepas
kedudukannya dalam pasukan teran-
cam susulan kepulangan Ronaldo ke
United, Martial berhijrah ke Sepanyol
dalam usaha mendapatkan tempat
dalam kesebelasan utama, namun
hanya menjaringkan satu gol dalam 12
penampilan pada separuh masa kedua
musim lalu.
Pemergian Ronaldo tahun lalu
memberikan Martial peluang terakhir
untuk menghidupkan semula kari-
ernya di Old Trafford. Namun masalah
kecergasan membataskan impaknya
kepada hanya 19 penampilan dalam 51
perlawanan United setakat ini musim
ini.
Bos United, Ten Hag, bagaimana-
pun, tetap menaruh keyakinan dan
memberinya peluang mempamerkan
kemampuan sebenar.
“Ketika dia cergas, pasukan kami
beraksi dengan baik,” kata Ten Hag
mengenai impak Martial.
pihak,” katanya kepada pemberita, di
sini, Selasa lalu.
Namun, Hamidin enggan
mendedahkan isu atau permintaan
yang diutarakan oleh dua penerjun
berkenaan.
Dengan kebanyakan atlet dalam RTG
sebelum ini dilaporkan mahu
sokongan sains sukan, Hamidin
berkata pihaknya akan berusaha untuk
memastikan semua atlet dalam
program itu mendapat sokongan yang
secukupnya untuk mencipta kejayaan
di Paris tahun depan.
“Bukan hanya terjun, tetapi
badminton dan sukan lain pun
(perlukan sokongan sains sukan).
Kalau ISN (Institut Sukan Negara)
punya (staf) tak cukup kita ambil
kepakaran dari luar.
“Ini, sebab kita memburu pingat
emas, perak dan gangsa di peringkat
dunia. Jadi kita tak nak hanya laungkan
nak menang emas, tapi tidak melihat
perkara itu dengan lebih dekat,”
katanya.
Selangor belasah
Terengganu, catat
kemenangan keempat
berturut-turut
Skuad kendalian Stefano Pioli itu kini
mempunyai peluang bertemu jiran
mereka, Inter, di separuh akhir selepas
pesaingnya itu membawa bekalan dua gol
untuk aksi timbal balik berdepan Benfica.
“Saya sangat bangga dengan pasukan
ini, dengan semangat itu kami mampu
mengimpikan apa saja,” kata Giroud
kepada Mediaset.
“Pada pusingan seterusnya akan ada
satu lagi perlawanan sukar bertemu Inter
atau Benfica, tetapi dengan semangat ini
kami mampu pergi ke mana saja.”
Selepas perlawanan, Leao ditunjukkan
video Ruud Gullit melakukan larian
“Dia pemain berwibawa. Dia boleh
menjadi penghubung, memegang
bola dan juga menekan lawan. Dia
akan menjaringkan gol dan mampu
mendapatkan gol. Saya tidak ragui
kemampuannya.”
Martial meledak tujuh jaringan
dengan purata satu gol setiap 133
minit di bawah kendalian Ten Hag.
Namun dia masih perlu membuk-
tikan kemampuannya jika mahu
meyakinkan United melanjutkan kon-
traknya yang tamat hujung musim
depan.
Skuad bimbingan Ten Hag berde-
pan minggu penting dalam usaha
memburu tiga kejuaraan musim ini.
Juara Piala Liga itu akan berdepan
Brighton pada separuh akhir Piala FA
sekembalinya mereka dari Seville.
Tidak ramai yang membayangkan
12 bulan lalu bahawa gergasi Inggeris
itu akan bergantung kepada Martial
untuk memburu gol pada penghujung
kempen.
Namun kini Ten Hag perlu mem-
berikan kepada pemain Perancis itu
peluang terakhirnya untuk menjadi
wira Red Devils. – AFP
Beliau berkata skuad terjun negara
akan menjalani kem latihan lebih
kurang sebulan di China,
sebelum menghadapi Kejohanan
Akuatik Dunia di Fukuoka, Jepun,
bermula 14-30 Julai, yang juga
merupakan salah satu kejohanan
kelayakan ke Olimpik Paris.
Sementara itu, Setiausaha
Persekutuan Renang Malaysia (MS),
Mae Chen, berkata pihaknya
meletakkan harapan ke atas Wendy Ng
Yan Yee untuk melayakkan diri dalam
acara 3m papan anjal wanita, selain
Pandelela dan Nur Dhabitah.
“Tetepi barisan penerjun lelaki agak
sukar untuk layak kerana belum
sampai standard di peringkat tringgi,”
katanya.
Bagi sukan renang pula, beliau
berharap empat perenang - Bryan
Leong, Steve Khiew Hoe Yean, Andrew
Goh Zheng Yen dan Phee Jinq En - yang
telah melayakan diri ke Kejohanan
Dunia menerusi Kategori B turut dapat
melayakkan diri ke Paris. – Bernama
8
serupa untuk membantu jaringan di
Napoli pada 1998.
“Ia sama,” kata Leao yang agak terkejut.
“Itu yang saya cuba lakukan, menuju ke
arah pemain, begitu cara saya memainkan
peranan. Jika saya tidak menjaringkan gol,
saya membantu rakan sepasukan. Saya
lihat Giroud di sana.”
Milan tidak pernah mara ke separuh
akhir Liga Juara-Juara Eropah sejak dino-
batkan juara buat kali ketujuh pada 2007.
Victor Osimhen menjaringkan gol
dalam masa kecederaan namun ia tidak
Nasihat
cukup untuk Napoli meneruskan kempen
cemerlang mereka kali ini. – AFP
Ronaldo
bantu
Jota akhiri
kemarau gol
LONDON: Diogo Jota
( g a m b a r )
menjaringkan gol
Liga Perdana Inggeris
pertamanya musim
ini ketika menentang
Leeds United dan ia
mengingatkannya
kepada nasihat
diberikan Cristiano Ronaldo.
Jota menemui sasaran pada minit ke-
52 dalam kemenangan 6-1 Liverpool ke
atas Leeds, dan menambah jaringan
pada minit ke-73.
Pemain 26 tahun Portugal itu
gembira kerana berjaya meledak dua
gol pada perlawanan itu selepas
bergelut mencari jaringan sepanjang
musim ini.
Jota turut dibelenggu masalah
kecergasaan, bagaimanapun kata-kata
semangat Ronaldo membantunya
menamatkan kemarau jaringan untuk
Liverpool sejak April 2022.
Rakan sepasukan di Portugal itu
berkata, menjaringkan gol adalah
seperti ‘membuka botol sos tomato,
apabila titisan pertama keluar, yang
lain akan mengalir keluar’.
“Sebaris ayat Ronaldo itu melekat di
ingatan saya. Saya rasa bola
sepak adalah sesuatu yang di luar
jangkaan, itu yang kami suka tentang
sukan ini. Ia boleh berubah sekelip
mata,” kata Jota.
Ronaldo sendiri menggunakan
analogi itu pada tahun 2010 apabila dia
sukar menjaringkan gol di peringkat
antarabangsa.
Penyerang itu mengharungi 16 bulan
tanpa gol sebelum Piala Dunia di
Afrika Selatan. Bagaimanapun dia
berjaya menjaringkan gol ketika
bertemu Korea Utara dan ia semakin
mudah buatnya.
Jota kini sudah menjaringkang 36
gol dalam 105 penampilan untuk
Liverpool dan berharap ketajamannya
berterusan dalam usaha memburu
tempat dalam kelompok empat teratas.
– Agensi