INSIDE

TELLING IT AS IT IS
page Job expectation-
3 reality mismatch
stress

page Madani boost to

ON TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 12, 2023 4 birth rates
No. 8349 PP 2644/12/2012 (031195) www.thesundaily.my

GUNDAM MASTERPIECE ...

A visitor to the Bandai Hobby Exhibition at MyTown
Shopping Mall in Kuala Lumpur admiring one of
some 400 entries at the Gunpla Builders World Cup
that started on Sept 8 and ends on Sunday.
– AMIRUL SYAFIQ/THESUN

RM15b more for 12MP

K
UALA LUMPUR: The government
has raised the expenditure ceiling of
the 12th Malaysia Plan (12MP) by
RM15 billion, bringing the total
allocation to RM415 billion.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim
said the raise was to meet the increased need
to finance the people’s priority areas, in
addition to improving the quality of
management and retargeting subsidies to
meet the basic needs of the people.
“The 12MP will be realigned with the vision
of the Madani Economy, which aims to
empower and stimulate the national economy
for a period of 10 years.
“Thus, the government is committed to
spending at least RM90 billion per year for the
years 2023 to 2025,” he said in Parliament
yesterday when presenting the mid-term
o Govt committed to spend at least RM90b
annually from 2023 to 2025, says Anwar
review of the 12MP.
Anwar said the review will include policies,
strategies and targets, comprehensively taking
into account the development gap between
city and rural areas as well as the rich-poor
gap that still exists, swelling debt, limited fiscal
space and the slow transition of the economic
structure.
He said the 12MP allocated RM400 billion
to finance extension and new development
projects for a period of five years.
“For the first two years, the government
spent a total of 34%. In 2021, the total
development expenditure will only be as
much as RM64.3 billion while in 2022, the
amount will be as much as RM71.6 billion.”
Anwar said during the first half of 2023, the
country’s gross domestic product (GDP)
recorded an increase of 4.2%, supported by
private sector activities and good trade,
Bernama reported.
He said the performance of the labour
market was getting better, with a higher
productivity rate, which was 3.7% per year for
the period 2021 to 2022, while the
unemployment rate dropped to 3.5% in the
second quarter of 2023.
“The inflation rate in July 2023 has dropped
to 2%, the lowest recorded in 24 months.
“Gross national income per capita is
higher, namely at US$12,035 (RM52,968) in
2022 compared with US$10,191 (RM42,838)
in 2020.”
Anwar also said the well-being index of
Malaysians, which measures the level of
economic and social well-being of the
people, has increased by 1.3% per year.
He added that the income of
the people had also improved,
with the average monthly Turn to
household income increasing —
to RM8,479 in 2022 from page 2
RM7,901 in 2019.

Law on revising death penalty, life sentences takes effect

PUTRAJAYA: A total of 1,020 prisoners who have
been sentenced to death and life imprisonment
can now file an application in court to review
their sentences.
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department
(Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri
Azalina Othman Said said this follows the
Revision of Sentence of Death and
Imprisonment for Natural Life (Temporary
Jurisdiction of the Federal Court) Act 2023 (Act
847), which comes into force today.
This follows the enforcement of the Abolition
of Mandatory Death Penalty Act 2023 (Act 846)
on July 4.
Azalina said the Cabinet agreed on Aug 30
with the mechanism of court proceedings in
relation to the revision of mandatory death
sentences and life imprisonment as proposed
after an engagement with stakeholders.
They include the Attorney-General’s
Chambers, Federal Court Chief Registrar’s
Office, Prisons Department, National Legal Aid
Foundation (YBGK), Malaysian Bar Council,
Sabah Law Society, Advocates Association of
Sarawak and the Prime Minister’s Department’s
Legal Affairs Division.
“Priority for the implementation of this
mechanism includes factors such as prisoner’s
age, level of health and the period of
imprisonment.”
She said one of the agreed mechanisms is for
prisoners who are sentenced to death and are
unable to appoint a lawyer to represent them in
the sentence review process to seek legal
services through court-assigned lawyers,
Bernama reported.
For prisoners sentenced to life
imprisonment, they can get legal services from
YBGK, she said.
“These two legal aid services offered reflect
the government’s priority and stance in ensuring
justice is given to all Malaysians.”
Azalina also said the enforcement of Act 847
through the mechanism agreed by the Cabinet
reflected the government’s high commitment to
promoting and protecting universal human
rights.
“This proves that the principle of restorative
justice in the criminal justice system in Malaysia
is always maintained.
“This also proves the concern of the
government to give a second chance to
prisoners sentenced to death and life
imprisonment to return to society and their
family and continue with their life as ordinary
citizens,” she added.
 READ OUR HERE SCAN
2 theSUN ON TUESDAY | SEPTEMBER 12, 2023
NEWS WITHOUT BORDERS /thesundaily ME

Kembara convoy advances to Sibu

BINTULU: The Kembara Kenali
Borneo convoy led by the Yang di-
Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah
Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah
and the Raja Permaisuri Agong
Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah
Iskandariah entered its ninth day
yesterday as they proceeded to Sibu.
The convoy made a visit to two
locations in Bintulu, including the
Raymond Plen Longhouse in Ulu
Sebauh.
Several activities were organised to
welcome the royal entourage at the
longhouse, including cooking
demonstrations and lunch with the
local community, fishing activities and
presentation of aid to an asnaf group.
Also participating in the convoy in
Sarawak are Their Majesties’
children, namely the Regent of
Pahang Tengku Hassanal Ibrahim Al-Sultan
Alam Shah, Tengku Panglima Raja Abdullah fishing
Colonel Tengku Amir Nasser Ibrahim at Rumah
Shah and Tengku Ahmad Ismail Raymond Plen in
Mu’adzam Shah. Sebauh, Sarawak
The Kembara Kenali Borneo tour,
yesterday.
which aims to fulfil the dream of Al-
Sultan Abdullah and Tunku Azizah to – BERNAMAPIC
get closer to the people of Sabah and
Sarawak, set off on Sept 3 and ended
its Sabah leg last Thursday.
– Bernama

Move to curb dropouts

KUALA LUMPUR: The government
is concerned about the issue of
school dropouts and aims to resolve it
comprehensively through the
implementation of the Integrated
Dropouts Tracking System.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar
Ibrahim said special model schools
such as Comprehensive Special
Model School Year 9 (K9) and
Comprehensive Special Model
School Year 11 (K11) will be expanded
to provide opportunities to access
education for Orang Asli children as
well as those from remote and
isolated areas, Bernama reported.
“The Sekolah Bimbingan Jalinan
Kasih (SBJK) initiative for
marginalised and stateless children
will also be expanded,” he said when
tabling the 12th Malaysia Plan’s mid-
term review in the Dewan Rakyat
yesterday.
Anwar added that character
education supporting the concept of
human dignity would be introduced
through a systemic and holistic
approach, with the hope of
developing student identities towards
becoming global talents equipped
oSpecial school models to be expanded and
character education to be introduced through
holistic approach: PM
with knowledge, ethics and noble
morals.
The prime minister said the
Digital Education Policy (DPD)
would be launched to develop
digitally skilled students in the era of
the Fourth Industrial Revolution to
improve education in the country.
“The objective of DPD is to
produce digitally proficient and
competitive students through the
enhancement of knowledge, skills
and values,” he said.
The holistic education
development based on human values
will be supported through the
creation of knowledgeable and
skilled human capital in the fields of
science, technology, engineering and
mathematics.
Additionally, Form 6 education
will be strengthened through
rebranding as a pre-university
college.
“The government will continue to
ensure Bahasa Melayu, which is the
national language, is elevated within
the education system in line with its
position stipulated in the Federal
Constitution, and foreign languages
are improved as a means of building
civilisation.”
Anwar said the government is also
committed to strengthening
Technical and Vocational Education
and Training (TVET).
Teaching staff will be encouraged
to undergo skill training and
retraining, to ensure they possess
knowledge in line with emerging
technologies.
“To increase cooperation between
the government, government-linked
companies (GLC) and private
companies in TVET programme
transformation, efforts to engage
industries have been prioritised,” he
said.
Anwar added that as of July, 43
memoranda of understanding have
been signed between the
government, 14 GLC and 29 private
companies involving 12 ministries
related to TVET.
These partnerships cover areas
such as expertise contribution,
equipment, curriculum development
and training sponsorship.
The government has also
allocated RM40 million for the career
building programme, a skills
enhancement programme for non-
formal workers, including gig workers
with Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia-level
qualifications and below.
“The government believes that the
decision to review a salary increase
for TVET graduates could change the
public’s perception of TVET as a
career choice.
“Recognising that almost 50% of
SPM holders do not pursue higher
education, the government is offering
youths a chance to start their careers
early in the manufacturing sector as
skilled workers with competitive
salaries.
“Through the Academy in
Industry initiative, the government
will allocate a special fund of RM209
million, including placement
allowance. We aim to provide skilled
employment opportunities to 50,000
of our youths with the Malaysian
Skills Certificate by the end of 12MP,”
he said.

12MP projects to boost growth in Sabah, Sarawak Emulate Sarawak,

KUALA LUMPUR: The government
remains focused on developments in
Sabah and Sarawak through various
projects and new initiatives in the final
period of the 12th Malaysia Plan
(12MP).
When tabling the 12MP mid-term
review in the Dewan Rakyat yesterday,
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar
Ibrahim said to ensure Sabah’s
development, the government will
transfer electricity regulatory powers
to the state government.
He said through the transfer of
power, which is expected to be
finalised by January next year, the
Sabah government will have the
authority to regulate the supply of gas
and electricity based on the interests
of the state.
He added that the project to
develop the renewable energy system
and upgrade the electricity supply
system in the Gugusan Felda Sahabat
will also be implemented to improve
the reliability of the electricity supply
in the state.
“This project, costing RM195
million, will benefit the people in the
area and the Eastern Sabah Security
Command,” he said.
To improve the quality of the
education system in both regions,
Anwar said more projects to repair
dilapidated school buildings will be
implemented.
“Until now, a total of 64 projects are
being implemented in Sarawak and
another 43 projects in Sabah.”
Anwar added that a regional blood
centre will be established in Sabah,
while a public health laboratory and a
food safety and quality laboratory will
be built in Kuching, Sarawak.
He said Sabah and Sarawak will
also benefit from the development of a
sustainable and resilient transport
and logistics infrastructure with the
construction of the Sarawak-Sabah
Link Road II and the construction of
the Sabah Pan Borneo Highway Phase
1B. – Bernama
PM tells states
SIBU: Prime Minister Datuk Seri
Anwar Ibrahim has described Sarawak
as a shining example of a united and
progressive state.
He said the region has proven that
its people know one of the key
ingredients of moving forward is unity,
and in this context, urged people in
Peninsular Malaysia to learn from
Sarawak.
He added that this enabled Sarawak
to focus on developing its economy

Govt targeting economic growth of 5% per year

and look to the future, citing its bid to
create green energy from hydrogen as
an example of progress for others in the
The prime minister said the introduced to ensure success in on technology and digital, high- equivalent per year. country to follow.
unity government is preparing the achieving the targets, adding that value electrical and electronic He also said that a new National Local entrepreneur Dr Gregory Hii
country for phase two of the 12MP the government has targeted a industries, agricultural and agro- Mineral Policy will be drafted to Sui Cheng said it was not by accident
themed “Sustainable, jump in economic growth of at based industries and rare earth drive comprehensive development that Sarawak was reaping the rewards
Prosperous, High-Income” From least 5% per year during the industries. of the mineral industry based on of harmony and unity among the
with three main focus areas: front 12MP. Anwar said the National Energy the principles of sustainability and people of various races, cultures and
strengthening sustainability, page He said the government will Transition Roadmap has identified responsibility. religions.
developing a prosperous strengthen sectors and 10 strategic and high-impact “The government will also He said it took painstaking efforts by
society and progressing industries with high growth and flagship projects with an expected develop a policy of banning the the people and their forefathers to
towards becoming a high-income value in order to accelerate the investment of RM25 billion, export of rare earth raw materials to bring the state to where it is today,
nation. economic structure reforms creating 23,000 high-quality job avoid exploitation and loss of where tolerance and respect serve as a
Anwar said 12 measures and 71 covering industries based on opportunities and reducing 10,000 resources, thus guaranteeing key foundation for building a peaceful
key initiatives have been energy transition, industries based gigagrammes of carbon dioxide maximum returns for the country.” society. – Bernama

NEW CHAPTER ... Politeknik Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin graduates posing for photos after receiving their scrolls at the 20th convocation ceremony
in Dungun, Terengganu yesterday.– BERNAMAPIC
Job expectation-reality
mismatch stress
oNew hires bemoan being thrust into conditions unlike
job description presented during interview
█ BY SIVANISVARRY MORHAN
newsdesk@thesundaily.com
PETALING JAYA: Discrepancies between job
descriptions and actual work have left many
new hires frustrated and uncertain about
their career choices, with many claiming
“exploitation” due to the disconnect
between expectations and reality.
Nurul Natasya Kifli, a 24-year-old clinical
psychologist, shared her ordeal over the
mismatch between her job description and
what her employer expected of her when she
started working at a daycare centre for
children with autism in Subang.
She said the online job advertisement was
for a position that combined therapy and
psychology.
“The owner refused to have an interview
at the daycare centre, stating that the privacy
of the children was her main concern.
Instead, I had my interview at a coffee shop.
“The owner said the role would involve
conducting observations, assessments and
assisting children with autism in developing
behavioural plans.
“However in reality, I spent most of my
time preparing class activities, providing
basic care for autistic children, which
includes feeding, grooming, changing
Pahang allocates RM14.7m for educational aid
KUANTAN: The Pahang government has
allocated RM14.767 million for the
implementation of various assistance and
initiatives specifically for education, said
Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy
Wan Ismail.
The recipients of the aid, channelled
through the Bantuan Prihatin Pahang initiative,
include Year One pupils, Sijil Pelajaran
Malaysia and Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia
candidates, as well as those in institutions of
higher learning.
diapers and doing administrative work. I feel
very exploited.”
Nurul Natasya said she signed a one-year
contract, but the work expectation is not
what she originally agreed to, and it is
causing her a lot of stress.
Similarly, Tanisha Venkattesan, a software
engineer with five years experience,
recounted working for a technology startup
that negatively affected her well-being.
“The job description promised an
increment every six months, flexible hours
and work-life balance. So, I signed a two-year
contract with the company in Kajang.”
But the reality was quite the opposite.
“I consistently worked overtime due to a
shortage of staff. My supervisor would not let
me go for lunch with colleagues from other
departments as he insisted on us taking
turns. This forced me to have lunch after
hours.”
Presana Kalaiselvan, a human capital
management expert at a human resources
consultancy, said the disconnect often stems
from factors such as evolving job
requirements, lack of clear communication,
and an overuse of generic job titles.
“Organisations are constantly adapting to
market demands and technological
advancements, leading to a constant
Wan Rosdy said the state government, via
Pahang State Foundation, has also provided
educational assistance, including scholarships,
with RM1.4 billion spent since the foundation’s
establishment in 1982.
“The state government places great
emphasis on education to help build
knowledgeable and confident Pahang youths,”
Wan Rosdy said at the launch of a book titled
Budi Pujangga, and the Pahang Museum
Education Club at Sekolah Menengah
Kebangsaan (Perempuan) Methodist
evolution of job roles and responsibilities.
“This naturally creates confusion
between the initial job description and the
final scope of work.
“Many employers rely on generic job titles
that do not accurately convey the specific
tasks and responsibilities of the role. This
misalignment can produce unrealistic
expectations for employers and jobseekers,”
she said.
Presana also encouraged jobseekers to
conduct thorough research on potential
employers and seek clarification during the
interview process.
“Employees should carefully review the
terms and conditions of the employment
contract to understand the commitments
made by both parties.”
In cases of any violated or misrepresented
terms of the contract, she said employees
have the option to initiate a complaint with
the appropriate authorities, such as the
Labour Department or the Industrial
Relations Department.
“It is advisable to gather evidence that can
substantiate the claims, such as emails,
documents or individuals who can provide
testimonies regarding any deceitful conduct
or unfulfilled commitments by the employer.
“Employers should create accurate and
up-to-date job descriptions to avoid
confusion and promote transparency.
Jobseekers need to gather information about
the company’s culture and work
environment to have a better idea of what
to anticipate.”
here yesterday.
He added that for various types of
development, assistance as well as initiatives
have been planned and implemented so that
Pahang youths would not drop out of school.
Also present were the Pahang state assembly
speaker Datuk Seri Mohd Sharkar Shamsudin,
who previously served as the Pahang Museum
Corporation chairman, and corporation
director Datuk Ahmad Farid Abdul Jalal.
On the establishment of the Pahang
Museum Education Club, Wan Rosdy
3
theSUN ON TUESDAY | SEPTEMBER 12, 2023
NEWS WITHOUT BORDERS
RM75,000 raised
for children home
█ BY JOSHUA PURUSHOTMAN
newsdesk@thesundaily.com
SHAH ALAM: Pharmaceutical company
Roche recently raised RM75,000 for
disadvantaged children at Rumah
Perlindungan Safiyyah in Bandar Puncak
Alam.
Through its Roche Children’s Walk 2023
event, over 1,000 employees from its
Pharmaceutical, Diagnostics and Services
and Solutions division contributed to the
annual fundraiser.
Roche (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd general
manager (pharmaceutical division) Deepti
Saraf said the event was the company’s way of
giving back to communities to build a
healthier future for children facing adversity.
“The Roche Children’s Walk provides
multiple avenues for our employees to be
involved by making a monetary contribution
or volunteering in the fundraising activities.
“The past few months were dedicated to
various activities like bid4Charity auctions,
fun fairs, movie nights that also involved
children from the home, booth sales, as well
as Roche Children’s Walk T-shirts.”
Deepti said in light of the 20th global
anniversary of the Roche Children’s Walk,
employees also put in efforts to bring to life
the wishes of children at the home.
“Our initiative concluded with a successful
2km walk around the Sunway area. It involved
over 400 Roche employees.”
Speaking on behalf of the home, its
founder Mihyatul Hussnna Mat said he
appreciated the fundraising efforts by the
Roche team.
“The funds will help meet the needs of
running the home, such as provision of
nutritious meals and educational assistance,
among others.
“Apart from the RM75,000 cash donation,
Roche employees also sponsored essential
items such as food, toiletries, clothing and
stationery.
“Best of all, the children enjoyed an
evening out to watch the movie Mission
Impossible.
“They also played badminton and futsal
with Roche employees. All these brought
much joy and happiness to the children,”
she added.
New halal module
in pipeline
KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Islamic
Development Department (Jakim) is
developing a new international halal executive
module to produce more professionals in the
halal field.
Minister in the Prime Minister’s
Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Dr Mohd
Na’im Mokhtar said he was confident that
through the module, Malaysia would be able to
“export” more professionals in the halal field to
develop the halal industry internationally.
“The new developed module can provide
added value to new talents, both locally and
internationally,” he said after attending a
dinner in conjunction with the 13th
Convocation of the Halal Certificate
Presentation on Sunday.
Meanwhile, Jakim director-general Datuk
Hakimah Mohd Yusoff said the department
was convinced that the initiative to develop a
new module would enhance the halal
certification process in other countries.
– Bernama
expressed hope the club would help increase
appreciation of history.
“An interest in history needs to be cultivated
in students so that they would not forget the
state and the country’s historical heritage.”
Budi Pujangga is a collaboration between
the Pahang Museum Corporation and the state
Education Department. It comprises a
combination of Malay poetry namely pantun,
seloka and gurindam, that showcase the
heritage and culture of the people of Pahang.
– Bernama

4 theSUN ON TUESDAY | SEPTEMBER 12, 2023
NEWS WITHOUT BORDERS
Madani boost to birth rates
oGovt efforts in improving economy giving people
confidence, financial stability to expand family
█ BY LEE KIAN SENG
newsdesk@thesundaily.com
PETALING JAYA: Confidence in the
government’s Madani economic concept,
that offers a clearer direction for the country
and policy implementation plans at the
ministerial and department levels have had a
positive impact on birth rates.
According to the Statistics Department,
105,961 births were recorded in the second
quarter, a 13% increase compared with
93,799 during the same period last year.
Obstetrician and gynaecologist Dr Lee
Lin Ing said the rising birth rate may
not be significant enough to alleviate
the problems associated with the nation’s
ageing population.
“However, considering the statistics and
Malaysia’s strengthening economy, it is only
logical to assume that people are now more
confident and financially ready to start a
family or grow it compared with (during) the
NEW TACTIC ... Customs assistant director-general (enforcement) Ribuan Abdullah (second from right) showing a rubber hose filled with drugs
seized in Nilai yesterday. – BERNAMAPIC
Tahfiz case: Court upholds sentence on youth
PUTRAJAYA: The Court of Appeal yesterday
upheld a prison sentence on a 22-year-old
youth who was ordered to be detained at the
pleasure of the King, after he was convicted
of killing 23 individuals in a 2017 fire at the
Pusat Tahfiz Darul Quran Ittifaqiyah.
His appeal was unanimously dismissed by
a three-member bench comprising justices
Datuk Abu Bakar Jais, Datuk Che Mohd
Ruzima Ghazali and Datuk See Mun Chun,
after they concluded that the High Court
conviction should be upheld.
They also rejected the prosecution’s
appeal against the High Court verdict
to acquit and discharge another 22-year-old
youth without calling for his defence.
Covid-19 pandemic period.”
Lee said the currently more stable
economy had encouraged many of his
patients to plan for children.
Part-time businesswoman Armawati
Mohd Ali, who had her first baby in March,
said she and her husband’s financial stability
encouraged them to have a child within a
year of their marriage instead of waiting.
She said married couples should consider
many aspects before having children,
including their physical condition, mental
state and financial stability to provide for
a child.
“Nine months of pregnancy, labour
and the postpartum phase require a lot
of physical and mental strength and involves
financial expenditure for medical services,”
she added.
Armawati, 24, said one of the most
important factors she and her husband
considered was their financial position and
the country’s economic strength.
Che Mohd Ruzima said the court agreed
with the High Court judge who ruled that the
circumstantial evidence presented by the
prosecution was strong, that the youth and
another unidentified person had climbed
behind the school fence to start the fire.
She added that there was no reason for
them to question the verdict.
The youth, aged 16 at the time of the
incident, was appealing against the High
Court ruling on Aug 17, 2020 that ordered
him to be detained at the pleasure of the King
after finding him guilty of murder.
He and another person still at large were
accused of murdering and causing the death
of 23 individuals in the tahfiz centre at Jalan
FOLLOW
/thesuntelegram
“Our confidence in the Madani economy
and a more stable cost of living also factored
in our decision to have a child. Having one is
not cheap and I believe all parents want
to provide only the best for their offspring.
“The economy is far more stable under
the current government and we are not in
fear of losing our jobs anytime soon.
“From what I can see now, the economy is
strengthening. I have faith that our country
will forge ahead and this was a very
important consideration for my husband
and I.”
Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris Social
Communication student and new mother
Wong Hai Wei, 24, said she also decided
to have a child within a year of her
marriage as she was confident the country
would do better economically under the
unity government.
“I expect other women to also have
children soon after marriage. Of course,
some may want to postpone it by a year or
two just to enjoy their married life before the
children come.
“But considering the economic stability
we have today, I think more women
would choose to have children sooner rather
than later.”
Keramat Hujung, Kampung Datuk Keramat
in Wangsa Maju between 4.15am and 6.45am
on Sept 14, 2017.
The youth was charged with 23 counts
of murder, each framed under Section 302
of the Penal Code and read together with
Section 34, that provides the mandatory
death sentence.
However, Section 97(1) of the Child Act
2001 stipulates that a death sentence shall
not be pronounced or recorded against a
person convicted of an offence if the offender
is under 18, and in lieu of the death sentence
as provided under Section 97(2), the court
shall order the person to be detained at the
pleasure of the King. – Bernama
ON TELEGRAM SCAN
ME
Stretch of expressway
partially closed
KUALA LUMPUR: A landslip has resulted in
cracks along the westbound East Coast
Expressway Phase 1 from Km117.8 to Km118.2,
involving the emergency lane and part of the
left lane.
Malaysian Highway Authority (MHA)
director-general Sazali Harun said initial
inspections found the landslip occurred due
to the collapse of an embankment slope where
flood mitigation works were ongoing.
“The highway concessionaire informed us
there had been heavy rain at the location in the
past three days.
“To ensure the safety of highway users and
smooth traffic flow, MHA and ANIH Berhad
decided to close the entire westbound stretch,
and have activated a contra flow option since
4.15pm on Sunday.”
He added that the concession company
has instructed a contractor to cover the
affected area with sheets as a short-term
measure to control erosion.
Sazali said settlement markers will be
installed to monitor soil movement, while
comprehensive soil investigation was
conducted immediately.
He also said MHA’s eastern regional
office, highway concessionaire, consultants and
contractors have been instructed to be on site
for 24 hours to monitor the situation.
“A preliminary report has been submitted
to Works Minister (Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta
Linggi) and a full report is being prepared.”
He said although motorists could still use the
affected stretch, they are reminded to be
vigilant, obey traffic signs and use alternative
routes to avoid congestion. – Bernama
Trial of Umno leader
set for Oct 9
KUALA LUMPUR: The Sessions Court has
fixed Oct 9 to begin the trial of Umno
supreme council member Datuk Lokman
Noor Adam, who is facing two charges
of making and initiating offensive
communications against Datuk Seri Ismail
Sabri Yaakob and the government.
Judge N. Priscilla Hemamalini set 10 days
– Oct 9, 10, 11, 23 and 24 and Nov 21, 22, 27,
28 and 29 – for the hearing after Kuala Lumpur
prosecution director Datin Kalmizah Salleh
informed the court that instructions from the
Attorney-General’s Chambers were received for
the case to continue with a trial.
Kalmizah was assisted by DPP Nurilya Ellyna
Nor Azmal during case mention yesterday.
Lokman was charged with making
and initiating the transmission of offensive
communications against then prime minister
Ismail Sabri and the government on Sept 1 last
year. He pleaded not guilty to both charges.
The offences were allegedly made via the
“Lokman Noor Adam Official” Facebook page.
– Bernama
Cops seize drugs
worth RM3m
KOTA KINABALU: Sabah police busted a
drug trafficking syndicate last Thursday with
the arrest of three individuals and the seizure
of 50.25kg of methamphetamine valued at
RM3 million.
State police commissioner Datuk Jauteh
Dikun said yesterday the trio from Sarawak,
aged 27 to 38, were detained at about 12am
near the Kota Kinabalu International Airport.
He said police found several black
parcels containing smaller packs of drugs
suspected to be methamphetamine during
vehicle inspections.
“RM17,067 in foreign currency and some
jewellery were also seized.”
The syndicate is believed to have been
active in the last few months. One suspect
tested positive for methamphetamine and has a
record related to a drug offence.
Jauteh said they have been remanded until
Thursday to facilitate investigations under
Section 39B of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952.
– Bernama
theSUN ON TUESDAY | SEPTEMBER 12, 2023 5
 6 theSUN ON TUESDAY | SEPTEMBER 12, 2023
NEWS WITHOUT BORDERS
Biden: I do not want
to ‘contain’ Beijing
HANOI: US President Joe Biden
insisted on Sunday he does not want
to “contain” China, as the two powers
face deepening divisions on trade,
security and rights.
Biden said he had met Chinese
Premier Li Qiang at the G20 summit
in New Delhi – a meeting the White
House had not announced – and
discussed “stability”.
The president revealed the
encounter in Hanoi, where earlier in
the day he agreed a deal to deepen
ties with Vietnam as Washington
looks to bolster its network of allies
around Asia and the Pacific in the
face of Beijing’s rising influence.
Washington and Beijing are at
loggerheads on a range of global
Militants kidnap
six footballers
in Pakistan
ISLAMABAD: Security forces in
Pakistan’s restive southwest were
searching yesterday for six young
footballers kidnapped by regional
separatists at the weekend.
The local footballers, aged
between 17 and 20 according to a
local official, were abducted on
Saturday in the gasfield town of
Sui, in Dera Bugti district of
Balochistan province, on their way
to a tournament.
“Our family is profoundly
shaken,” Zakir Hussain, father of
20-year-old player Aamir Hussain,
told AFP.
“We have not received any
communication from him since he
was kidnapped and the abductors
have not made contact with us.
“While he is an exceptional
footballer, he is also innocent.
“Playing football is not a crime.”
Interior Minister Sarfraz Bugti
said in a statement late Sunday
“the entire area has been
cordoned off” and “all available
resources are being utilised for the
recovery of the hostages”.
He alleged the abductors
belonged to the Baloch Republican
Army, a militant group fighting for
greater autonomy of Balochistan.
“This is a very serious thing that
our six kids are in the custody of
terrorists.”
Eyewitnesses and relatives said
the youngsters were in a 16-strong
squad of footballers whose vehicle
was stopped at gunpoint, before
certain players were identified and
abducted. – AFP
Concern over ‘network of Chinese spies’ in Westminster
LONDON: UK security services have
sounded the alarm over a potential
network of Chinese spies operating in
Westminster, after the arrest of a
parliamentary researcher suspected
of spying for Beijing.
The revelation prompted Prime
Minister Rishi Sunak to confront his
China counterpart Li Qiang over
“unacceptable” interference in
Britian’s democracy at the G20
summit.
It came the year after MI5 issued a
rare security alert, warning MPs that a
suspected Chinese spy called
Christine Lee had engaged in
“political interference activities” on
behalf of China’s government.
oUS and Vietnam warn against ‘threat
or use of force’ in South China Sea
issues, and Biden accused China of
seeking to bend the international
order to its will.
“One of the things that is going on
now is China is beginning to change
some of the rules of the game, in
terms of trade and other issues,”
Biden told a news conference.
Washington has invested heavily
in building alliances as part of its
Indo-Pacific strategy, including the
Quad security dialogue with India,
Australia and Japan, and the Aukus
SOMBRE MEMORIES ... People visit the 9/11 Memorial and Museum at the Ground Zero site in New York as America
commemorates the 22nd anniversary of the Sept 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Centre and the Pentagon.
– AFPPIC
The Telegraph newspaper said
more security service interference
alerts have been issued in recent
months and intelligence services
were poised to unmask more
Chinese spies in the coming months.
It cited government sources
saying suspected foreign spies
working in the Parliament face being
detained under new espionage laws.
The director of the
Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on
China Luke de Pulford warned
Beijing only “wins twice” from people
demanding someone is fired.
“Yes, there should be
accountability if there have been
failings. But after due process,” he
pact with Britain and Australia.
But Biden insisted the US is not
seeking to box China in, but rather to
establish clear ground rules for
relations.
“I don’t want to contain China.
“I just want to make sure we have
a relationship with China that is on
the up and up, squared away,
everybody knows what it’s all about.”
Chinese President Xi Jinping
skipped the G20 as Beijing and Delhi
tussle over territorial issues.
wrote on X, formerly Twitter.
“We need an inquiry.”
It comes as furious Tory MPs
lashed out at security services for
keeping the arrest of the
parliamentary staffer a secret.
MPs who have been sanctioned by
Beijing for speaking out against the
government’s human rights record
said they should have been told
about the arrest.
The former private schoolboy, who
had worked for a Foreign Affairs
Committee member and had links to
senior Conservatives including a
security minister, worked in Parliament
for several years, but is believed to have
previously worked in China.
BRIEFS
Biden and Vietnam’s Communist
Party chief Nguyen Phu Trong later
said the competing claims on the
South China Sea must be settled
under international norms.
“The leaders underscored their
unwavering support for the peaceful
resolution of disputes in accordance
with international law, without the
threat or use of force,” they said in a
joint statement.
They also called for “freedom of
navigation and overflight and
unimpeded lawful commerce in the
South China Sea”.
Beijing claims almost the entire
sea and has ignored an international
court ruling that its assertion has no
legal basis. – AFP
Former Tory leader Iain Duncan
Smith, who has been sanctioned by
China, told The Times: “It’s a
remarkably dangerous situation.
“This is a guy who allegedly spies
on behalf of the Chinese government
in the place where decisions are made
and sensitive information is
transferred.
“It is vitally important that he is
named because many people who
came into contact with this individual
will be unaware that he has been
arrested on suspicion of espionage.”
Another sanctioned lawmaker said
they were “in a complete state of shock”
and that all sanctioned MPs should
have been told. – The Independent
SUPPORT SLUMPS
FOR REFERENDUM
CANBERRA: Australia’s historic
Indigenous rights referendum
is haemorrhaging support,
with a barrage of damning new
polls showing only a minority
in favour of the October vote. If
the referendum passes,
Indigenous Australians –
whose ancestors have lived on
the continent for around
60,000 years – will be
recognised in the constitution
for the first time. They would
also gain a constitutionally
enshrined right to be consulted
on laws that impact their
communities. One poll
yesterday showed 57% of
respondents were against the
referendum, known as the
Voice, versus 43% in favour.
Another at the weekend
showed an even wider split of
61% to 37%. – AFP
KIM REPORTEDLY
HEADING TO RUSSIA
SEOUL: North Korean leader
Kim Jong-un appears to have
departed for Russia for a
summit with President
Vladimir Putin, South Korean
broadcaster YTN reported
yesterday, citing an unnamed
senior government source. Kim
appears to be headed to North
Korea’s northeastern border on
a special train, with the summit
likely to be held as early as
today, according to the report.
Earlier in the day, Russian news
agency Interfax reported Kim
was expected to visit the Far
East “in the coming days”. The
trip, if confirmed, would be
Kim’s first visit abroad in
more than four years and the
first since the Covid-19
pandemic. – Reuters
Climber survives
600m plunge
on NZ mountain
WELLINGTON: A climber who
plunged 600m down the side of
one of New Zealand’s most
dangerous mountains was
“exceptionally lucky” to survive
after landing on snow, police said
yesterday.
The man was in a group of
climbers approaching the
snow-capped summit of Mount
Taranaki on New Zealand’s North
Island when he lost his footing and
slipped.
Senior constable Vaughan
Smith said the unidentified
climber had sustained minor
injuries during his fall on Saturday
afternoon.
“Thanks to recent spring
weather, the ice had softened, and
the snow caught the climber’s fall.
He is exceptionally lucky to be
alive,” Smith said in a statement.
“These are challenging areas
and when things go wrong there
are often serious consequences.”
The climber slipped in the
same area where two other
mountaineers fell to their deaths
in 2021.
A French climber died after
plummeting from the same peak
in 2016.
Climbing Mount Taranaki
demands “special skill and
preparation” due to the risk of
avalanche and the chilling
sub-zero temperatures, according
to New Zealand’s conservation
department.
The New Zealand Mountain
Safety Council describes Mount
Taranaki as challenging for
climbers all year round, warning of
its reputation as one of the country’s
“deadliest mountains”. – AFP
 7
theSUN ON TUESDAY | SEPTEMBER 12, 2023

NEWS WITHOUT BORDERS

‘Dystopian future already here’

oClimate change sparking human rights
emergencies in numerous countries: UN official
GENEVA: Climate change is sparking
human rights emergencies in
numerous countries, the United
Nations rights chief said yesterday,
decrying widespread misinformation
sowing chaos and confusion to deny
that reality.
Speaking before the UN Human
Rights Council, Volker Turk pointed
to recent examples of the
“environmental horror that is our
global planetary crisis”, including in
Basra, Iraq, where “drought, searing
heat, extreme pollution and
fast-depleting supplies of fresh water
are creating barren landscapes of
rubble and dust”.
“This spiralling damage is a
human rights emergency for Iraq,
and many other countries,” he said in
his address opening the 54th council
session in Geneva.
“Climate change is pushing
millions of people into famine.
“It is destroying hopes,
opportunities, homes and lives.
“In recent months, urgent
warnings have become lethal realities
again and again all around the world.
“We do not need more warnings.
“The dystopian future is already
here. We need urgent action now.”
He was speaking after the G20 at
the weekend backed the goal of
tripling renewable energy capacity by
2030, but failed to commit to a
phase-out of fossil fuels.
At a time when the ravages of
climate change are forcing more and
more people to leave their homes, the
UN High Commissioner for Human
Rights said he was “shocked by the
nonchalance” seen towards surging
numbers of migrant deaths.
“It is evident that far more
migrants and refugees are dying,
unnoticed.”
He highlighted the “2,300 people
reported dead or missing in the
Mediterranean this year, including
the loss of more than 600 lives in a
single shipwreck off Greece in June”.
He also pointed to migrant deaths
in the English Channel, the Bay of
Bengal, in the Caribbean, and along
the US-Mexican border.
Turk highlighted migrant deaths at
“the border of the Kingdom of Saudi
Arabia, where my office is seeking
urgent clarification about allegations
of killings and mistreatment”.
The New York-based group
Human Rights Watch last month said
Saudi border guards had fired “like
rain” on Ethiopians trying to reach
Saudi Arabia from Yemen.
Amid these towering problems
facing the world, Turk decried
“politics of deception”.
“Helped by new technologies, lies
and disinformation are
mass-produced to sow chaos, to
confuse, and ultimately to deny
reality and ensure no action will be
taken that could endanger the
interests of entrenched elites.
“The most apparent case of this is
climate change.” – AFP

Four hit and killed

by train in Spain
MADRID: Four people were killed and three
others injured when a commuter train hit them
as they crossed a railway line in Catalonia,
northeastern Spain on Sunday.
The accident happened when a group of
seven people attempted to cross the railway line
in Montmelo about 20km north of Barcelona,
Catalonia’s emergency services wrote on X,
formerly known as Twitter.
Spanish media said a music festival was held
nearby on Sunday night, the eve of a holiday in
Catalonia.
“We searched for other possible victims near
the train. We did not find any others. We also
helped evacuate the area and take the injured to
ambulances,” the regional firefighting force
wrote on X.
Emergency services dispatched nine
ambulances and a helicopter to the scene.
The roughly 170 people who were on board the
commuter train did not require medical attention.
Train services along part of the line were
suspended following the fatal accident.
Transport Minister Raquel Sanchez offered
her condolences to the families of the victims
and expressed her support on social media for
the emergency services workers dealing “with
this very difficult situation”.
The head of the regional government of
Catalonia, Pere Aragones, said he was
“completely distraught” by the tragedy.
“Emergency services are continuing to work
and offering support to the victims and their
families. Police are investigating the causes of
the accident.”– AFP
Volunteers digging in the rubble of collapsed houses in the village of Imi N’Tala in central Morocco. – AFPPIC

HELICOPTER GOES MISSING

Morocco quake rescuers race against time
BRIEFS

RABAT: Rescuers yesterday faced a growing
race against time to dig any survivors from the
rubble of devastated villages in Morocco’s
Atlas mountains, three days after the country’s
strongest-ever earthquake.
The 6.8-magnitude quake that struck on
Friday southwest of the city of Marrakesh has
claimed more than 2,100 lives and injured
over 2,400, many seriously, according to
official figures updated late on Sunday.
Rabat on Sunday announced it had
accepted aid offers from four foreign nations,
while many other countries have also said
they were willing to send assistance.
Authorities have responded favourably “at
this stage” to offers from Spain, Britain, Qatar
and the United Arab Emirates “to send search
and rescue teams”, the Interior Ministry said.
It noted the foreign teams were in contact
with Moroccan authorities to coordinate
efforts, and said only four offers had been
accepted because “a lack of coordination
could be counterproductive”.
A Qatari aid flight left from Al-Udeid Air
Base outside Doha on Sunday evening, an
AFP journalist said.
Spain has sent 86 rescuers and eight search
dogs to Morocco to “help in the search and
rescue of survivors of the devastating
earthquake suffered in our neighbouring
country”, said a Defence Ministry statement.
“We will send whatever is needed because
everyone knows that these first hours are key,
especially if there are people buried under
rubble,” Spanish Defence Minister Margarita
Robles told public television.
The earthquake wiped out entire villages
in the hills of the Atlas mountain range, where
civilian rescuers and members of Morocco’s
armed forces have searched for survivors and
the bodies of the dead.
Many houses in remote mountain villages
were built from mud bricks.
The remote village of Tafeghaghte, 60km
from Marrakesh in Al-Haouz province, was
almost entirely destroyed, an AFP team
reported, with very few buildings still
standing.
“Everyone is gone! My heart is broken. I am
inconsolable,” cried Zahra Benbrik, 62, who
said she had lost 18 relatives. – AFP
IN PANAMA
PANAMA CITY: A helicopter from Panama’s
National Aeronaval Service (Senan)
disappeared on Sunday while carrying out a
mission in the west of the Central American
country. Search efforts were under way to
locate the AW-139 and its crew of three, said
a statement from Senan, the branch of the
Panama Public Forces responsible for the
nation’s naval and maritime security. It said
the aircraft disappeared between Punta
Rincon on the Caribbean coast and Santiago
de Veraguas, further inland and 250km from
Panama City. The helicopter was carrying a
pilot, co-pilot and a technician. Four aircraft
have been dispatched to search for the
missing helicopter. – AFP
HAWAII’S KILAUEA VOLCANO
ERUPTS AGAIN
WASHINGTON: Hawaii’s Kilauea volcano,

Brazil president backtracks on pledge Putin will not be arrested
NEW DELHI: Brazil’s leader withdrew
yesterday his personal assurance that Russia
President Vladimir Putin would not be
arrested if he attends next year’s G20 summit
in Rio de Janeiro, saying it would be up to the
judiciary to decide.
Putin missed this year’s gathering in the
Indian capital New Delhi, avoiding possible
political opprobrium and any risk of criminal
detention under an International Criminal
Court (ICC) warrant.
Brazil is an ICC member but President Luiz
Inacio Lula da Silva raised eyebrows at the
weekend when he told Indian news network
Firstpost: “If I’m the president of Brazil and if
he comes to Brazil, there’s no way that he will
be arrested.”
He changed tack yesterday, telling
reporters: “I don’t know if Brazil’s justice will
detain him. It’s the judiciary that decides, it’s
not the government.”
Putin has skipped recent international
gatherings and sent his Foreign Minister
Sergei Lavrov to New Delhi instead for the
Sept 9 and 10 G20 meeting, even though India
is not an ICC signatory.
In March, the ICC announced an arrest
warrant for Putin over the war crime accusation
of unlawfully deporting Ukrainian children.
The Kremlin denies the accusations,
insisting the warrant against Putin is “void”.
On Saturday, the G20 nations adopted a
declaration that avoided condemning
Moscow for the war in Ukraine but called on
all states to refrain from using force to grab
territory. – AFP
one of the world’s most active, erupted
again on Sunday, spewing fountains of lava
24m high. Kilauea began erupting at
3.15pm local time, said the US Geological
Survey’s (USGS) Hawaiian Volcano
Observatory. “The eruption was preceded
by a period of strong seismicity and rapid
uplift of the summit,” it said. It is the third
time the volcano has erupted this year, after
bursting to life in January and June. A USGS
livestream from the rim of the caldera
showed fountains of lava erupting from
multiple fissures in the crater. The
observatory raised the volcano’s alert status
from “watch” to “warning”. – AFP

8 theSUN ON TUESDAY | SEPTEMBER 12, 2023
SPEAK UP
COMMENT by Sharifah Tahir, Yuenwah San and Dr Amar-Singh HSS
A
ROUND 8.7% of Malaysia’s
population aged 60 and above,
or 300,000 individuals,
currently live with dementia.
Malaysia does not have official data on
individuals who experience dementia at a
younger age, such as in their 30s, or even
during childhood. This misconception
has led to the false belief that dementia
only affects older adults, although it is
important to note that ageing is a risk
factor but not the sole cause of dementia.
Given that Malaysia is an ageing
nation, with a high prevalence of
dementia risk factors and the
neurological consequences of Long
Covid, we are facing a looming dementia-
related crisis, which will not only impact
the well-being of individuals but also
have significant repercussions on society,
economic productivity and healthcare
services.
However, strong evidence indicates
that as much as 40% of dementia cases
can be prevented or delayed with the
adoption of healthy lifestyles and the
creation of supportive environments at
various life stages.
Dementia is associated with 12
modifiable risk factors, including physical
inactivity, smoking, excessive alcohol
consumption, exposure to air pollution,
head injuries, limited social interactions,
lower levels of education, obesity,
hypertension, diabetes, depression and
hearing impairment. By proactively
addressing these factors, we can mitigate
these risks while promoting brain health
and overall well-being.
Dementia initially manifests as a
decline in high-level cognitive functions.
The concept of “cognitive reserve” refers
to the mental abilities we accumulate
over our lifetime, which act as a protective
buffer against cognitive decline resulting
from ageing, diseases or brain injuries.
Enhancing our resilience can provide us
with a greater cognitive reserve as we age.
The idea that our cumulative life
experiences contribute to building
cognitive reserve is derived from long-
term studies involving large populations.
These experiences can reduce the risk of
Alzheimer’s disease by approximately
35% to 40%.
Contributing factors
Individuals with less education are at a
higher risk of losing their cognitive
reserve. While the majority of children
and young individuals in Malaysia have
access to both formal and informal
education, 5% have never had formal
schooling, and 18% have discontinued
their education before completing
Form Five.
During middle age, the factors
Reducing risk of dementia
contributing to dementia include obesity,
hypertension, hearing impairment,
alcohol consumption and traumatic
brain injury. Obesity is prevalent among
adults, with one in two being overweight
or obese.
Obesity is linked to two dementia-
related risk factors: hypertension and
diabetes. Three in 10 adults, or 6.4
million Malaysians, have hypertension.
Negative attitudes and societal stigma
around weight issues can erode self-
esteem and confidence, leading to
depression and isolation. These factors
can increase the risk of dementia later
in years.
There are 7.6% of Malaysians with
hearing difficulties. Hearing loss
contributes to 8% of dementia cases
worldwide. Hearing loss can cause the
ageing brain to shrink faster. Verbal and
emotional information in speech is a
critical mediator of complex social
interactions. Less access to that mediator
can reduce the quality of social
interactions. Poor social interactions are
a risk factor for dementia.
Depression, especially in later life
(over 65), is linked to an increased risk of
dementia and is a contributing factor in
up to 4% of global dementia cases.
Dementia risk is higher for men than
women.
Excessive alcohol consumption can
also contribute to dementia risks.
Incidents of road crashes that result in
head injuries can elevate the likelihood
of developing dementia. Malaysia
records over 500,000 road traffic injuries
each year.
Physical attacks (14.8%), fights (16%)
and domestic physical abuse (7.5%) can
cause traumatic brain injury, affecting
mental health, causing depression and
be a risk factor for dementia in later life.
More than 90% of adolescents and
adults have unhealthy dietary patterns.
Diabetes, a risk factor associated with
dementia, is prevalent among one in five
Malaysians aged 18 and above, affecting
approximately 3.9 million individuals.
Malaysians are generally physically
inactive. Nearly 60% of individuals aged
75 and above maintain a sedentary
lifestyle.
Furthermore, one of four adults aged
16 and above, or 80%, are not actively
engaged in physical activities, and around
66% follow a sedentary lifestyle.
In all age groups, there is a worrying
prevalence of mental health issues. Before
the Covid-19 pandemic, approximately
FOLLOW ON INSTAGRAM
@thesundaily
half a million adults had depression and
“We can take one in 10 adults over 60 reported being
depressed.
Around 8% of children aged five to 15
action to have had mental health problems, and
one in four teenagers have experienced
prevent and depression.
In addition, 41% of youngsters have
delay cognitive experienced verbal abuse at home, and
8.6% have been victims of bullying. These
decline. These negative experiences often lead to social
isolation, a risk factor for developing
include dementia.
Globally, smoking is linked with
exercising dementia and an estimated 5% of
smokers have dementia. Thus, it is
regularly, worrying that around 4.8 million
Malaysians aged 15 and above are
eating a smokers.
Among adults aged 60 and above, 10%
healthy diet, are smokers. Smoking elevates the risk of
developing diabetes, thereby increasing
the likelihood of smokers having diabetes
consuming and dementia.
The significant rise in vaping by
alcohol in adolescents and youths in Malaysia adds
to this concern. In a study of over 18,000
moderation US high school students, adolescents
who smoked tobacco or used e-cigarettes
for those who reported higher levels of difficulty in
concentrating, remembering or making
do and decisions.
Malaysia has “moderate” pollution
refraining from levels that can cause respiratory and
cardiovascular diseases, leading to death.
smoking. The “moderate pollution levels” are no
cause for complacency: long-term
exposure to air pollution is linked with a
risk of developing dementia as
highlighted in a Lancet study.
SCAN
ME
Depression,
especially in later
life, is linked to an
increased risk of
dementia and is
a contributing
factor in up to
4% of global
dementia cases.
– REUTERSPIC
Proactive measures
We can take action to prevent and delay
cognitive decline. These include
exercising regularly, eating a healthy diet,
consuming alcohol in moderation for
those who do and refraining from
smoking.
Engaging in intellectually stimulating
activities, such as learning languages can
help maintain cognitive abilities and
promote brain health.
Participating in social activities with
family and friends, joining community
groups and having support networks are
crucial for brain and mental health.
At the policy level, we must ensure
that every child in Malaysia has access to
quality education. Lifelong learning, such
as the University of the Third Age
Malaysia, which facilitates and supports
older persons in learning for leisure that
benefits health and well-being, should
be expanded and made more affordable
and accessible.
It is time for health promotion
initiatives to integrate messages about a
healthy brain, for example, “what is good
for the heart is good for the brain”.
Sharifah Tahir, care partner, Teepa Snow
Positive Approach to Care© certified
independent consultant and trainer,
founder of UMI-UniquelyMeInitiatives,
Yuenwah San, co-founder-member, The
OKU Rights Matter Project, disability
rights activist-care partner and
Datuk Dr Amar-Singh HSS,
consultant paediatrician and
child-disability activist.
Comments: letters@thesundaily.com

Asean needs to raise global ambitions
COMMENT
by Collins Chong Yew Keat
T
THE 43rd Asean Summit and its
associated meetings in Jakarta
once more exemplify clear
power dynamics and a lack of
concerted action in addressing emerging
threats and pressing risks. This persistent
cycle is entangled with conflicting
individual and collective interests, as well
as strategic calculations, impeding
progress in enhancing conflict
prevention mechanisms.
Malaysia depends on Asean for
economic assurance as it remains the
most trusted, proven and geographically
reliable source of trade, security and
sustainability amid global headwinds.
Having a combined Gross Domestic
Product of nearly US$3 trillion (RM14
trillion), Asean is the fifth-largest
economy globally, projected to become
the fourth-largest economy by 2030.
Although intra-Asean trade has been
disappointing, which currently stands at
only 22.3%, and imbalances in state
economic prowess have been widening,
Asean remains the most assured
economic stabiliser and source of energy
and food security for most members and
Malaysia.
Asean is seen by Malaysia as the most
important economic and security
bulwark of assurance, especially in the
long term.
Malaysia is cognisant
overwhelming dependence on China
will not be sustainable, especially with
China’s decline in growth and
socioeconomic crisis. The slowdown in
China’s public demand
consumption and the deflation crisis
have also impacted Malaysia.
The risks of greater Chinese presence
in Myanmar in terms of security and
resources, including natural resources,
rare earth and gems, have caused
wariness among other players, with the
potential of greater returns for China in
gaining access to the Indian Ocean and
providing second front assurances of
bolstering its continental influence.
Malaysia’s strong stance on the
Myanmar dilemma is also seen as
stemming the tide of the growing
regional trend of authoritarianism.
However, the inefficacy of Asean in
dealing with the Myanmar crisis may
eventually fade the regional grouping
into oblivion. Regional players are
scrambling to preserve unity amid
growing discord and differences in facing
the crisis.
If left unchecked, the Myanmar crisis
will destabilise the region, serving as a
potential hotbed for extremism. It
remains the Achilles heel for Asean,
exposing deep-rooted limits and
implications of its slow decision-making
processes that are hampered by its
preservation and accommodation of the
diverse make-up of its members, ranging
from semi-democracy
authoritarianism.
Security returns
Asean is a vital platform for Malaysia
and other members as a soft landing in
standing up to China, to soften the tone
of direct official confrontation.
For the South China Sea, regional
members will want Asean to have a
greater collective voice to break China’s
divide-and-rule model.
Manila has been wanting Asean to
play a central role in reprimanding
China, and to elevate its security role
rather than the conventional and
habitual role of economic and
diplomatic enabler.
Asean is seen as weak by many in
the West to deter Chinese aggression.
For Asean to maintain its neutrality
and centrality, it will need assurances
from external forces.
Regional players, especially Manila,
Regional players know that they are unable to stand alone as different players provide different support tools, and strengthening Asean will provide greater collective
bargaining power and chip. – REUTERSPIC
that
Hanoi and Jakarta, realise the
importance of Asean as a buffer to
mitigate China’s assertiveness and as a
and
means to secure increased economic
and military support from Western
nations. They are aware that their
influence over China is limited.
Individually or collectively, the region
cannot achieve the status of dictating
China’s economic coercion or military
behaviour in the region as it depends
more on China for its survival than vice
versa, although this is beginning to tilt
in Asean’s favour in light of China’s
economic decline.
Nevertheless, China will want to avoid
a simultaneous four-pronged conflict –
Taiwan (which will involve Japan and
South Korea), the South China Sea
conflict, the Himalayan border clash with
India and potential future adversary with
Moscow (Washington’s potential strategy
to cut off Moscow-Beijing alliance).
Region’s lifeline to China
China depends on the region not to pivot
to the West, which will complicate its
military agenda in the South China Sea
and the region, as this could have
consequences for its overarching goal of
extending influence in the Pacific,
deterring Western support and securing
maritime trade routes as well as ensuring
energy and food security.
Once China can mitigate its Malacca
dilemma by utilising routes through
to Myanmar, Gwadar port in Pakistan and
future passages, such as the Northern
Sea Route in the Arctic as well as the
Lombok and Sunda Straits, the South
China Sea will become strategically
significant for Taiwan’s security.
It will also serve as a militarised
stronghold, enabling China to enhance
its ability to target US naval forces,
extending its reach as far as the
continental US and Alaska.
The oil and gas deposits and the rich
marine resources will be a bonus.
The Asean Summit provided China
with an opportunity to bolster its
economic initiatives and influence.
China has signed new agreements
with Asean on several key aspects,
including agriculture, which is being
hailed as the emerging catalyst in
China-Asean relations.
China needs assurances of food
security, and the region provides a vital
source of support to address its
9
theSUN ON TUESDAY | SEPTEMBER 12, 2023
SPEAK UP
escalating food insecurity as a result of of Western powers.
“Asean climate change that has disrupted its
domestic food production capacities
China has also repeatedly warned of a
new Cold War and warned Asean not to
knows that and in withstanding the potential
weaponisation of food resources that can
affect China’s capacity to feed its
fall for the West’s bloc mentality, to
ensure Asean remains neutral.
Asean has been in a perpetual state of
security is population.
Its food dependence can only be
limbo by the power projection in case of
a full-blown South China Sea or
the riskiest partially fulfilled by satellite states, such
as Cambodia and Laos, and the recent
Taiwanese conflict.
Although Asean is aware of this
area that will ban on white rice exports by India has
heightened China’s urgency in this
regard.
reality, it lacks the willpower and
overriding factors to break its long-held
mantra. Indonesia, as the host, adopted
be the acid China knows that the exodus of top
firms will benefit the region as these
yet another low-key and neutral
approach in omitting the issues of the
test for its firms eventually will target Vietnam,
Indonesia or Malaysia as their main
South China Sea and the new map
controversy from the summit.
future
destinations.
Fading into make-believe reality
Complementing factor Asean continues to hedge and balance,
relevance, Increased strategic economic deepening
of ties and presence in key sectors,
sticking to tried and proven methods.
Other subtle ways to gradually change its
and is including semiconductor and rare
earths, are critical for China in its
resilience and preparation for US
approach are now understood to be not
only urgent but critically defining.
This includes efforts to rope in more
working to economic ban and decoupling.
Asean is seen as a complementing
partners and strengthen ties with the
European Union, Canada, Japan, South
encourage factor for Beijing’s BRICS (Brazil,
Russia, India, China, and South Africa)
Korea and others – to send a message to
China that the future economic power
other powers and Global South agenda in extending
its hold on the looming role and future
of the perceived “rise of the middle
and dependence of Asean cannot be
with China alone. For the realisation of
the Asean Community Vision of 2045,
to play their powers”.
China realises that using the
Asean will need to look beyond China.
The region knows that Asean, as a
part and to economic coercion and overdependence
card will no longer work, and now the
common platform, can be used to lure
collective investment and overtures of
invest more
only option is hard power intimidation to security and economic spillover impact
drive home the key message that China is from other powers.
the inevitable neighbour. Regional players know that they are
in security China is also ramping up its defence
diplomacy in winning over the region
unable to stand alone, as different players
provide different support tools, and
and economy and projecting itself as a responsible
military and big power role and
strengthening Asean will provide greater
collective bargaining power and chip.
in the region,
provider. Asean knows that security is the
This is to force the region to realise riskiest area that will be the acid test for
that there is only one tangible and its future relevance, and is working to
but in a way credible path of long-term future
assurances with Beijing, to make the
encourage other powers to play their part
and to invest more in security and
not to invite symbiosis of China-Asean relations the
bedrock of regional stability and that the
future lies with China and not India or
economy in the region, but in a way not
to invite Chinese bellicosity.
Considering its present stance of
greater South Korea twin offering of economic
support and investments.
neutrality, offering passive lip service,
and adopting a strategy of enabling all
Chinese Through these actions, Beijing puts
forth the argument that its public
parties to reap benefits, Asean’s future
appears stuck in an ongoing cycle of
bellicosity. infrastructure, economic and investment
ventures and military efforts promote a
stance of supportive neighboring
perpetual caution.
The writer is a foreign affairs and
relations, in contrast to what it portrays as security strategist at Universiti Malaya.
the distant and agenda-driven intentions Comments: letters@thesundaily.com
 HEALTH & WELLNESS
10 theSun LYFE ON TUESDAY | SEPTEMBER 12, 2023

S
CIENTISTS have developed
human embryo-like
structures without using
sperm, an egg or fertilisation,
offering hope for research on
miscarriage and birth defects but
also raising fresh ethical concerns.
Earlier this year, several labs
around the world released pre-print
studies that had not been peer-
reviewed, describing their
development of early human
embryo-like structures.
But now one group’s research has
been published in the peer-reviewed
journal Nature, describing how they
coaxed human embryonic stem cells
to self-organise into a model
resembling an early embryo.
The research was welcomed by
some scientists as an “impressive”
advance that could help unlock
secrets about the precarious early
stages of pregnancy, when failure is
most common.
The work will, however, renew
debate on the need for clearer
ethical rules on the development of
lab-grown human embryo models.
The researchers, led by
Palestinian scientist Jacob Hanna at
the Weizmann Institute in Israel,
harnessed the power of embryonic Human embryo
stem cells, which can become any
kind of cell.
They produced embryo models
up to 14 days old, which is the legal
limit for human embryo lab research
in many countries and the point at

Lab-grown human ‘embryos’

which organs like the brain begin to
develop.
The researchers say their work
differs from that of other teams
because it uses chemically rather
than genetically modified

offer new research hope

embryonic stem cells and produces
models more like real human
embryos, complete with yolk sac and
amniotic cavity.
These similarities could make the
models more useful for research into
conditions like miscarriage, birth
defects and infertility, said James
Briscoe of Britain’s Francis Crick
o Research shows human embryonic stem cells self-organise into an early embryo model
Institute.
The model “seems to produce all Both the researchers and studies published earlier this year, development.” are formed artificially, they are not
of the different types of cells that scientists not involved in the work these embryo-like structures That highlights “that a robust explicitly covered by existing
form tissues at this early stage of emphasised that the models should contained most of the cell types regulatory framework is more regulations.
development,“ said Briscoe, not be considered human embryos. found in developing embryos,“ said needed than ever before”, he added. Still, most researchers have
principal group leader and associate The structure “highly resembles, Darius Widera, an expert in stem cell In Britain, Cambridge University adopted voluntary limits on their
research director at the biomedical but is not identical, to the in utero biology at the UK’s University of has begun developing the country’s work at this stage.
research charity. situation”, the research notes. Reading. first governance framework for stem The Weizmann Institute research
The research “is a step towards The success rate in generating the The research and other recent cell-based human embryo models. did not develop its models beyond
opening a window on the period of models was also low, with the stem work show “that models of human British law prohibits the culturing 14 days and did not involve
human development where many cells organising correctly just a small embryos are getting more of human embryos in labs beyond transferring the models into a
pregnancies fail and which has been percentage of the time. sophisticated and closer to events the 14-day mark, but because the human or animal womb. - ETX
really difficult to study up until now.” Still, “in contrast to similar that occur during normal structures derived from stem cells STUDIO

Three natural, affordable skincare solutions for acne

ACNE outbreaks are common after the
summer and are often attributed to the stress
of returning to work or school, even if they are
more often linked to UV exposure. Whatever
the reason, these sudden breakouts can be a
drain on confidence at this key time of year.
Fortunately, there are natural, inexpensive
solutions to help get rid of blackheads,
pimples and excess sebum, which affect far
more people than you might think.
Exposure to the sun, and more specifically
to ultraviolet rays, tends to dry out the skin
and make it thicker, resulting in a clear,
radiant complexion. In appearance, at least.
But it also leads to clogged pores and a build-
up of sebum, which runs off as the sun’s
effects start to wane.
This is when acne flare-ups occur, often
accompanied by blackheads and excess
sebum — not a pretty sight when you’re about
to head back to school or the office, even if
the phenomenon affects millions of people.
Thankfully, certain natural ingredients can
help combat this mild form of acne. However,
if it persists or worsens, you should seek the
advice of a health professional.
Tea to help reduce sebum secretion
You only have to visit the cosmetics aisle to
see just how many green tea-based anti-acne
products are out there. And that’s no
coincidence. White tea and especially green
tea are both natural solutions for people who
incidentally, dries up acne spots and
blemishes.
Tea and cider
vinegar contain Apple cider vinegar to fight blackheads
active ingredients Vinegar can be used to get rid of the
that can help blackheads that plague the lives of the young
reduce blemishes. and the not-so-young.
Rich in nutrients, organic acids and mineral
salts, apple cider vinegar is a powerful
antibacterial agent that cleanses the skin
thoroughly and removes pollution and other
impurities that build up throughout the day.
Even better, this wonder product helps
reduce the appearance of enlarged pores and
get rid of blackheads. Plus, it’s a natural
remedy that’s within everyone’s reach since it’s
cheap to buy.
Sweat can be an unexpected ally
We do everything to avoid it, in winter as well
as in summer, with products like deodorant
and talcum powder. However, perspiration is
not all bad. On the contrary, it can be useful in
getting rid of impurities, pimples and
blackheads, as long as you don’t sweat too
much and don’t let it fester.
Sweating is a natural process that results in
the evaporation of sweat through the pores of
the skin, ridding it of sebum and impurities at
are prone to acne thanks to their astringent the causes of acne. In the form of an oil, mask, the same time. Moreover, sweat contains an
properties. cream or serum, green tea can be one of the anti microbial peptide that naturally protects
Their main asset is reducing the secretion allies of problem skin. Note that it should not the skin from acne-causing agents. - ETX
of sebum, which, in excess, is precisely one of be confused with tea tree oil, which, STUDIO
 TUESDAY
S E C U R I T I E S S D N.
197201001092 (12738-U)
B H D.

A Participating Organisation of Bursa Malaysia Securities Berhad

SEPTEMBER 12, 2023
A Trading Participant of Bursa Malaysia Derivatives Berhad
Editorial Tel: 03-7784 6688
11/9/2023 Fax: 03-7785 2624/5
Participation Bought Sold Net Email: sunbiz@thesundaily.com
% RM m RM m RM m Advertising Tel: 03-7784 8888
Fax: 03-7784 4424
29.4 Retail 496.9 464.6 32.3 Email: advertise@thesundaily.com
38.8 Institutions 639.1 631.8 7.3
31.8 Foreign 501.1 540.7 -39.6
0.09 10.53 105.62 26.06 139.08 143.07 9.20 35.60
100.0 1637.1 1637.1 0
Preliminary stats (excluding trade amendments). For final data, please refer to www.bursamalaysia.com
KLCI STI HANG SENG SCI NIKKEI TSEC KOSPI S&P/ASX200
Source: Bursa Malaysia 1,455.04 3,218.28 18,096.45 3,142.78 32,467.76 16,432.95 2,556.88 7,192.30

INDICES
KL MARKET SUMMARY
September 11, 2023

CHANGE
Private investment to grow
average of RM301b a year
FBMEMAS 10,723.80 -3.09
FBMKLCI 1,455.04 +0.09
CONSUMER PRODUCTS 556.58 -1.15
INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTS 172.68 -0.06
CONSTRUCTION 177.20 -1.16
FINANCIAL SERVICES 16,442.60 +15.94
ENERGY 851.37 -4.10
TELECOMMUNICATIONS 581.33 -1.20 Economy yesterday. These projects include the opening of
HEALTH CARE
TRANSPORTATION
1,682.83
920.53
+2.50
-1.04
o Moves will be intensified Furthermore, the report noted that new high-tech industrial estates in Kimanis
existing investment initiatives will be and Kota Belud, Sabah and Chuping Valley
PROPERTY 1,682.83 +2.50 to promote high-growth, reviewed to attract quality investment, Industrial Area in Perlis, as well as the
PLANTATION 16,442.60 +15.94 which utilises frontier technologies and expansion of Samajaya High-Tech Park in
FBMSHA 10,884.10 -3.37 high-value industries : 12MP offers technology transfer. Sarawak and Tok Bali Industrial Park in
FBMACE 5,161.07 -27.76 It said the private sector will be Kelantan, besides the construction of
TECHNOLOGY 62.57 +0.17 mid-term review report encouraged to intensify green investment in Central Spine Road and implementation of
business operations and premises including Pelan Jalinan Digital Negara, the report
TURNOVER VALUE for the development and utilisation of RE said.
NOT AVAILABLE NOT AVAILABLE KUALA LUMPUR: Private investment is sources. Meanwhile, the federal government’s
expected to grow by 6.4% per annum or an Meanwhile, the government will revenue is seen at RM904.83 billion for the
average of RM301 billion per year in current facilitate greater involvement of higher remainder of the 12th Malaysia Plan (12MP)
5 MOSTSeptember
ACTIVES 11, 2023
prices, supported by faster implementation
of new and ongoing projects across key
learning institutions, research institutes and from 2023 to 2025, resulting in a deficit of
the private sector to accelerate research, RM257.93 billion.
economic sectors. development, commercialisation and For the whole of 2021-2025 period,
STOCK VOL CLSG (sen) +/– (sen) To attract higher-quality investment, innovation activities. revenue has been revised upwards to
KNM 3,142,700 11.0 -1.0 efforts will be intensified to promote Additionally, public investment is RM1.43 trillion as compared with RM1.22
MQTECH 6,872,900 2.0 UNCH technology-linked investment in high- projected to grow by 3.9% per annum or an trillion estimated earlier, the ministry
SCIB 4,550,000 45.0 UNCH growth, high-value (HGHV) industries average of RM83 billion per year in current said.
DGB 4,315,300 1.0 +0.5 including electrical and electronics, smart prices attributed to the federal government Quoting data from the Finance Ministry, it
EKOVEST 4,278,900 52.0 -1.0 farming and renewable energy (RE). development expenditure and capital said during the first two years of 12MP, federal
In addition, firms will be encouraged to expenditure by non-financial public government revenue was RM528.1 billion.
increase investment in machinery and enterprises. Gross development expenditure is
See
5 TOPSeptember
GAINERS 11, 2023
equipment (M&E) to expand capacity and
productivity, according to the mid-term
As such, the government will
continue to implement programmes also
set to be RM264.37 billion for 2023-
2025 and RM400.2 billion for 2021-
review of the 12th Malaysia Plan (2021- and projects to expand the productive page 12 2025, unchanged from its original
STOCK VOL CLSG (RM) +/– RM 2025) report released by the Ministry of capacity of the economy. target. – Bernama
HEIM 238,900 23.70 +0.30
NESTLE 65,800 130.30 +0.30
APOLLO
PETGAS
F&N
517,900
754,000
96,400
4.96
17.16
25.60
+0.26
+0.20
+0.16
Govt seeks mutifacet approaches to foster
5 TOPSeptember
LOSERS sustainable manufacturing: Tengku Zafrul
11, 2023 █ BY HAYATUN RAZAK
STOCK VOL CLSG (RM) +/– RM sunbiz@thesundaily.com
MPI 32,800 28.20 -0.20
PANAMY 9,800 19.74 -0.18 KUALA LUMPUR: The government is
UWC 795,700 3.29 -0.11 exploring multifaceted approaches to foster
ATECH 512,500 2.54 -0.10 the country’s sustainable manufacturing,
TECGUAN 2,000 1.58 -0.10 with focus on transparent, traceable and
transferable technology solutions,
according to Investment, Trade and
EXCHANGE RATES SEPTEMBER 11, 2023 Industry Minister (Miti) Tengku Datuk Seri
Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz.
Foreign currency Bank sell Bank buy Bank buy “Sustainable manufacturing is the
TT/OD TT OD creation of products through cost- and
1 US DOLLAR 4.7360 4.6030 4.5930
resource-efficient manufacturing processes
that minimise negative environmental
1 AUSTRALIAN DOLLAR 3.0460 2.9270 2.9110 impacts while also conserving energy.
1 BRUNEI DOLLAR 3.4720 3.3730 3.3650 Sustainable manufacturing also enhances
1 CANADIAN DOLLAR 3.4720 3.3810 3.3690 employee, community and product safety.
1 EURO 5.0850 4.9220 4.9020 “Combining this concept with smart From left: CIMB Islamic chairman Datuk Mohamed Ross Mohd Din, Tengku Zafrul, CIMB group
manufacturing, through NIMP 2030, we are chairman Datuk Mohd Nasir Ahmad and CEO Datuk Abdul Rahman Ahmad.
1 NEW ZEALAND DOLLAR 2.8080 2.7050 2.6890 seeking transparent, traceable and
1 SINGAPORE DOLLAR 3.4720 3.3730 3.3650 transferable technology solutions to drive right capacity” for support to ensure supply smart manufacturing to achieve our
1 STERLING POUND 5.9250 5.7410 5.7210 optimisation as well as resource-efficiency,” chain security and resiliency, without which sustainable manufacturing goals. Three,
1 SWISS FRANC 5.2960 5.1780 5.1630 he said in his address at CIMB’s The Cooler there will be no sustainable manufacturing. catalytic, smart public-private partnerships are
Earth Sustainability Summit. “Two, we also need your support on rapid key to execution and in moving the ESG needle
100 UAE DIRHAM 130.5400 123.8200 123.6200
Reiterating, he called for “those with the adoption of technology and digitisation in in sustainable manufacturing,” he added.
100 BANGLADESH TAKA 4.3990 4.1140 3.9140
100 CHINESE RENMINBI
100 HONGKONG DOLLAR
64.9700
61.0800
62.2400
58.0700
N/A
57.8700 CIMB increases sustainable finance target to RM100b by 2024
100 INDIAN RUPEE 5.8000 5.4500 5.2500
KUALA LUMPUR: CIMB Group Holdings “CIMB is strongly committed to play a He stated that the new RM100 billion
100 INDONESIAN RUPIAH 0.0320 0.0290 0.0240 Bhd has raised its sustainable finance target leading role in green and transition finance commitment was made because CIMB has
100 JAPANESE YEN 3.2310 3.1300 3.1200 to RM100 billion by 2024, in an aspiration to across the Asean region. In driving this already achieved its increased RM60 billion
100 NEW TAIWAN DOLLAR N/A N/A N/A be an Asean sustainability leader. commitment forward, we will continue to target announced in 2022 ahead of plan. To
This increased target falls under the introduce and promote innovative solutions date, the group has mobilised close to RM70
100 PAKISTAN RUPEE 1.5700 1.4700 1.2700
Group’s Green, Social, Sustainable Impact to support our clients’ goals and ambitions billion in sustainable finance since 2021.
100 PHILIPPINE PESO 8.4800 8.0000 7.8000 Products and Services Framework. in the transition towards a greener and more At the same time, he said that CIMB
100 QATAR RIYAL 131.4500 124.7900 124.5900 CIMB group chairman Datuk Mohd sustainable future,” he said at the opening of continues to make progress on its own
100 SAUDI RIYAL 127.7800 121.3100 121.1100 Nasir Ahmad said the higher sustainable CIMB’s flagship – The Cooler Earth transition roadmap, as it charts its emission
finance target of RM100 billion by 2024, is Sustainability Summit 2023 themed reduction plan towards achieving their
100 THAI BAHT 13.9200 12.3500 11.9500
more than triple its initial commitment ‘Sustainability in Action: Opportunities for a target of Net Zero by 2050, including Scope
Source: Malayan Banking Berhad/Bernama announced in 2021. Better Tomorrow’ yesterday. 3 financed emissions. – by Hayatun Razak

12 theSUN ON TUESDAY | SEPTEMBER 12, 2023
SUNBIZ
Moves to boost economic
potential of regions, states
oAims to attract quality investments by promoting
adoption of advanced technology in upstream and
downstream activities: 12MP Mid-Term Review report
KUALA LUMPUR: The economic potential
of the regions and states in Malaysia will be
strengthened to attract more quality
investments in niche areas by promoting the
adoption of advanced technology in the
upstream and downstream activities, said
the Ministry of Economy.
According to the ministry, federal and
state regional development agencies will be
encouraged to streamline development
priorities by leveraging uniqueness and
available resources in each state.
“Basic infrastructure provisions in less
developed states will be scaled up and talent
development programmes will be
intensified to ensure equal development
opportunities and improve regional
balance,” it said in the Mid-Term Review of
the 12th Malaysia Plan (12MP MTR) 2021-
2025 report released yesterday.
The ministry said priority will be given to
enhancing economic activities within the
subregions by providing better
infrastructure and facilities.
Measures will be undertaken to intensify
regional development in potential growth
areas and leverage federal and state
agencies’ cooperation.
“Emphasis will be given to accelerate
strategic development in the growth areas
and entice quality investments in boosting
regional growth within the remaining 12th
From left: FMM CEO Datuk Dr Yeoh Oon Tean, vice-presdent Datuk Goh Boon Kim, Soh, vice-president Tan Sri Saw Choo Boon, and vice-president
Datuk Dr Andy K.H. Seo during the press conference.
FMM urges govt to strengthen ringgit’s performance
█ BY GLORIA HARRY BEATTY
sunbiz@thesundaily.com
KUALA LUMPUR: The Federation of
Malaysian Manufacturers (FMM) yesterday
urged the government to strengthen the
ringgit’s performance to mitigate the cost
increases experienced by local manufacturers.
FMM president Tan Sri Soh Thian Lai
said the cost of doing business has been on
the uptrend due to the government’s
announcement on the minimum wage and
withdrawal of energy subsidies to industries.
“The electricity (subsidy) alone will take
up around 30% to 40% cost increase ...
increase in gas also around 60% to 80%, a big
impact to the industries.
“The government, especially Bank Negara
Malaysia, must strengthen our ringgit
because it is so weak and 55% of the
intermediate goods were imported for our
processing, are paid using US dollar. If the
USD is hovering between RM4.60 to RM4.70,
Malaysia Plan (12MP) period,” it said.
The business ecosystem will be further
enhanced to facilitate ease of doing business
and attract quality investment. Talent
development programmes will be
intensified to retain skilled workers from
talent migration.
These measures will foster economic
activities that contribute towards balanced
regional development, said the ministry.
According to the report, federal and state
regional development agencies will be
encouraged to streamline development
priorities by leveraging strengths,
uniqueness and available resources in each
region.
Efforts will continue to be undertaken in
promoting advanced technology in the
upstream and downstream activities.
Incentive packages will also be enhanced
to attract investment, particularly in the less
developed areas, and a special financial
zone will be established in Johor’s Iskandar
Malaysia to attract foreign investors and
skilled workers to reside in Malaysia, it said.
Regional economic corridor authorities
will continue to play an essential role in
accelerating investment in the region.
The ministry said by region, average
gross domestic product growth for the
Northern region is targeted to achieve 6%,
Central (5.6%), Southern (5.4%), Eastern
it’s very difficult for the manufacturers to
absorb the costs because of the weak ringgit,”
he said during a press conference when
releasing its ‘Business conditions survey for
the first half of 2023’ results.
To a certain degree, he added
manufacturers were willing to absorb the
costs incurred due to stiff competition in the
market. However, if the costs incurred gets
too much to bear, some manufacturers
would have no choice but to pass certain
“percentage of the cost increases to the
consumers”.
The survey found that most of the costs
increased by up to 20% in H1’23 – with
labour, machinery maintenance and raw
materials as among the top three cost
increases.
In view of the weak ringgit against the
greenback, companies have also explored
using alternative currencies for their
imports and exports to lessen dependency
on the US dollar.
FOLLOW
/theSunMedia
(6.1%), Sabah (4.3%) and Sarawak (5.1%) by
2025
Meanwhile, the ministry said the world
economy is projected to grow by 3.1%
annually in the remaining 12MP period of
2023-2025, driven by emerging markets and
developing economies, particularly China.
It added the emerging markets and
developing economies’ gross domestic
product would expand by 4.0% during the
period, while the advanced economies
would grow by 1.6%, led by the US.
“World trade is expected to moderate by
3.1% per annum, attributed to several
factors that have dampened global demand.
“High inflation and cost of living, tighter
monetary policy, global banking system
turmoil, geopolitical tensions, the
resurgence of Covid-19 cases and the
emergence of a new global health threat are
expected to weigh on world economic
outlook,” it said.
Additionally, the ministry expects the
world economy to grow by 3.8% annually in
the full period of the plan (2021-2025).
The emerging markets and developing
economies would likely record 4.6% annual
growth, while advanced economies would
grow by 2.6%.
During the review period (2021-2022),
the ministry said the world economy
recovered from the Covid-19 pandemic and
grew by 4.9% annually, with emerging
markets and developing economies
expanding by 5.4% yearly, while advanced
economies rose 4%.
World inflation increased by 6.7% per
annum following the prolonged Russia-
Ukraine conflict and high commodity
prices, it added. – Bernama
He said that China’s renminbi or yuan is
the foremost choice of most respondents as
an alternative currency to the greenback for
exports and imports, followed by European
euro and Japanese yen.
Respondents of the survey he added had
conveyed that the alternative selection of
currencies was due to requests from foreign
buyers and foreign sellers.
Commenting on the 12th Malaysia Plan
announced by the Prime Minister Datuk
Seri Anwar Ibrahim, whereby the
government increased the expenditure
ceiling by RM15 billion, bringing its total
allocation to RM415 billion, Soh opined that
the increased expenditure is “a good sign
and decision”.
However, he noted that the yearly budget
for the period should be executed and
implemented accordingly with “no wastage
or leakage”, Soh added that it has the
possibility to spur optimism for the
industries.
ON YOUTUBE SCAN
ME
IP policy to be reviewed
to enhance ecosystem
for commercialisation
KUALA LUMPUR: The policy on intellectual
property (IP) will be reviewed to enhance the
national commercialisation ecosystem that will
proliferate technology ownership, adoption,
and transfer.
Meanwhile, IP assets will be leveraged in the
assessment to secure funding to encourage
commercialisation and innovation activities,
according to the Mid-Term Review of the 12th
Malaysia Plan (2021-2025) report.
To generate maximum value-added from IP,
technology transfer offices (TTO) in
government research institutes and higher
education institutions will be leveraged to
strengthen capacity and capabilities in research
and commercialisation, the report said.
“TTOs will be supported by the specialised
talent in technology transfer, IP management
and IP valuation to accelerate commercialisation
activities,” it said.
On challenges in accelerating research,
development, commercialisation and
innovation (R&D and C&I), the report noted the
low commercialisation of IP in Malaysia, the
industry’s lack of preparedness to adopt new
technology, and high costs for developing and
adopting technology, among others.
In the remaining 12MP period, the
government aims to optimise the potential of
R&D and C&I and escalate the advancement of
technology to accelerate economic growth.
In this regard, two new strategies will be
implemented, namely scaling up R&D and C&I
activities and elevating the adoption of
advanced technologies.
“The implementation of these strategies is
essential in ensuring an exponential
progression to a high-technology and high-
income nation, which is characterised by higher
productivity and increased competitiveness,”
the report said.
It said selected niche areas for R&D and C&I
will be streamlined based on the 10-10
Malaysian Science, Technology, Innovation and
Economy framework for government funding
consideration.
Among the 12MP targets is to raise gross
R&D expenditure as a percentage of gross
domestic product to 2.5% by 2025 from only
0.95% in 2020. Meanwhile, the number of
patent applications by Malaysians is targeted to
hit 2,000 by 2025 from 936 last year. – Bernama
OCK sukuk issue to
raise up to RM700m
SHAH ALAM: OCK Group Bhd, Malaysia’s
largest telecommunications network solutions
provider, will undertake a corporate exercise
through the issuance of a Sukuk Murabahah
pursuant to its Islamic medium term notes
programme, which is expected to raise up to
RM700 million in nominal value over a tenure
of 30 years from the date of the first issuance.
Under the first tranche of the exercise to be
issued, the Sukuk Murabahah has already been
accredited by MARC Ratings Bhd with an initial
credit rating of AA- for up to RM400 million.
The proceeds raised from the Sukuk
Murabahah programme, will be used to finance
general working capital and capital expenditure
besides to restructure existing borrowings along
with other general corporate purposes.
United Overseas Bank (Malaysia) Bhd is the
principal adviser, lead arranger, and the lead
manager for the Sukuk Murabahah programme.
OCK group managing director Datuk Wira
Sam Ooi Chin Khoon said, “Given the nature of
OCK’s business in owning tower portfolio assets,
the group has always been actively managing its
exposure in terms of its borrowings. Bearing that
in mind, we believe that the issuance of our Sukuk
Murabahah strategically aligns with our long-
term goals as it will enable us to further pare down
our existing borrowings through the restructuring
of our loans, especially our USD borrowings.
In addition to that, it will provide us with
additional working capital to take on more heavy
capex projects that are in our pipeline and also
kickstart new projects, where we can further
extend our growth by capitalising on the potential
opportunities ahead amidst the ongoing 5G
rollout.”
 13
theSUN ON TUESDAY | SEPTEMBER 12, 2023

* SUNBIZ

Malaysia’s industrial
PETALING JAYA: The Industrial
Production Index (IPI) rebounded in
July on an annual basis, spurred by
the growth momentum in mining
and electricity sectors, the

production rebounds in July

Department of Statistics Malaysia
(DoSM) said yesterday.
Chief Statistician Datuk Seri Dr
Mohd Uzir Mahidin said, “The IPI
returned to positive territory in July
2023, recording a 0.7% year-on-year
growth as against negative 2.2%
recorded in the previous month. The
marginal increase in July 2023 was
backed by the expansion in mining
sector at 4.2% (June 2023: -6.4%) and
electricity sector by 1.5% (June 2023:
2.8%).”
Meanwhile, the manufacturing
sector continued to decline, albeit
with a smaller decrease of 0.2%
compared to the negative 1.6%
registered in June.
Month-on-month, the IPI fell by
1.8%, contrasting with the positive
growth of 2.2% in June
Mohd Uzir said the smaller
decrease in the manufacturing
oIndex up 0.7% from a year ago, lifted by
mining and electricity sectors
output in July 2023 was supported by
the expansion in the domestic-
oriented industries at 6.0% (June
2023: 4.1%).
“The growth was propelled mainly
by the double-digit growth of 11.9%
in the manufacture of motor vehicles,
trailers and semi-trailers. In addition,
the manufacture of fabricated metal
products, except machinery and
equipment; and the manufacture of
food processing products also
supported the growth at 6.9% and
7.0% respectively,” he said.
Export-oriented industries which
encompass about two-thirds of the
manufacturing output, remained on
a downward trend with a negative
2.7% (June 2023: -3.9%). The
contraction was primarily influenced
by the decline in the manufacture of
coke & refined petroleum products (-
10.1%); manufacture of computer,
electronics & optical products (-
9.0%); and the manufacture of rubber
products (-1.6%). This was in line with
the country’s export performance
which dropped by 13.1% in July 2023.
In comparison with the preceding
month, the production of the
manufacturing sector slipped by 4.3%.
Mohd Uzir said, “The output in
the mining sector turned upward to
4.2% in July 2023 as against negative
6.4% recorded in June 2023. The
increase was impelled by crude oil
and condensate which registered
double-digit growth of 11.8% (June
2023: -4.5%), while natural gas posted
a smaller decline of 0.8% (June 2023: -
7.8%) during the month. As
compared to June 2023, the mining
index accelerated by 8.0% in contrast
to the 7.7% drop registered in the
previous month.”
Nonetheless, the electricity output
rose by 1.5% in July 2023, following a
growth of 2.8% in the previous
month. In comparison to the
preceding month, the electricity
index grew 1.8%, after registering a
decline of 5.3% in June 2023.

Manufacturing sector sales hit RM1.03 trillion in January-July Foreign net

PETALING JAYA: The sales value of the
manufacturing sector rose 2.5% year-on-year
(y-o-y) to RM1.03 trillion for the first seven
months of 2023, the Department of Statistics
Malaysia said.
During this period, the number of
employees rose to 2.34 million while salaries
and wages grew to RM56.6 billion.
“Consequently, the sales value per employee
posted a marginal growth amounting to
RM441,255,” Chief Statistician Datuk Seri Mohd
Uzir Mahidin said in a statement.
On a monthly basis, the manufacturing
sector’s sales value was down by 3% to RM144
billion in July.
“The sales value of the manufacturing sector
fell for a second consecutive month in July 2023,
narrowing to negative 3% y-o-y from negative
4% in the preceding month,” he said.
The deterioration was primarily influenced
by the petroleum, chemical, rubber and plastic
sub-sector, which registered a continuous
decline, reaching negative 15.3% during the
month (June 2023: -12.4%) as well as to a
contraction in the food, beverages and tobacco
(-7.8%) and wood, furniture, paper products
and printing (-0.6%) sub-sectors.
“Compared to the previous month, the sales selling of
RM27.7m on
value decreased by 2.4% against June 2023’s
RM147.4 billion.
The sales value of export-oriented
industries, which represented 72.1% of total
sales, continued to decline by 7.0% in July 2023
(June 2023: -7.4%).
Bursa last week
“This is mainly attributed to a decrease in the KUALA LUMPUR: Foreign investors
manufacture of coke and refined petroleum remained net sellers of local stocks on
products (-25.6%); manufacture of vegetable and Bursa Malaysia last week, at RM27.7
animal oils and fats (-18.5%); and manufacture of million, marking a much slower net
rubber products (-10.8%),” he said. outflow compared to RM113.5 million
the week before, MIDF Research said
yesterday.
The net selling on Monday and
Tuesday last week could not reverse
the net buying thereafter, the research
house said in its fund flow report for
the week ended Sept 8.
“They net sold RM107.4 million on
Monday and RM58.3 million on
Tuesday before net buying RM95.5
million on Wednesday, RM11.8
million on Thursday and RM30.8
From left: Invest million on Friday.
Selangor Bhd CEO “The top three sectors that saw net
Datuk Hasan foreign inflows were utilities (RM211.6
Azhari Idris, Mohd million), property (RM40.4 million)
Fuad, MAG Airlines and energy (RM32.9 million),” MIDF
CEO Ahmad Research said.
Luqman Mohd The bottom three sectors with net
Azmi and Selangor foreign outflows for the week were
Investment, Trade financial products and services (-
and Mobility RM226 million), industrial products
Committee and services (-RM33.5 million) and
chairman Ng Sze consumer products and services (-
Han. RM30.2 million).
Year-to-date, foreigners have net
sold RM2.7 billion, the research firm

MAB Engineering to lease Hangar 4 at Subang Airport from IVP said.

PETALING JAYA: MAB Engineering Services, a
wholly owned subsidiary of Malaysia Aviation
Group (MAG), has signed a Letter of Offer and
Acceptance (LOA) with Impeccable Vintage
Properties (IVP), a wholly owned subsidiary of
Khazanah Nasional Bhd, for the lease of the
Hangar 4 airframe maintenance facility at
Complex A, Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport
(Subang Airport).
The signing of the LOA marks a significant
milestone in MAB Engineering’s continued
growth and commitment to providing
maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO)
services to the aviation community beyond
Malaysia and the region.
IVP, tasked by the Malaysian government to
revive and redevelop Complex A, will undertake
the reconditioning and refurbishment of Hangar
4’s MRO infrastructure and facilities. These
include the incorporation of sustainability
elements and a redesign of the hangar floor to
cater for a maximum of five production lines
capable of serving a variety of aircraft types
including propeller, narrowbody and widebody.
MAG Aviation Services CEO Mohd
Nadziruddin Mohd Basri said the decision to
secure Hangar 4 underscores its commitment
to maximising future potential in the global
MRO market and reinforces its position as a key
player in the aviation hub envisioned by MAG’s
LTBP 2.0 aspirations of becoming Asia’s leading
travel and aviation services group.
IVP CEO Mohd Fuad Sharuji said the
company’s investments in refurbishing the
MRO hangars at Subang Airport are part of its
strategic commitment to cement the growth of
Malaysia’s aviation sector, and attract leading
and global companies to establish its long-term
presence and operations at Complex A.
He added that the MRO ecosystem will
contribute to enhancing human capital through
upskilling and creation of highly skilled jobs.
Local institutions, however,
maintained their net buying pace for
the fourth consecutive week with an
amount of RM60.6 million last week.
“The net buying amounts of RM92.3
million on Monday and RM87.7 million
on Tuesday was sufficient to cushion
the outflows on Wednesday (RM79.6
million), Thursday (RM11.1 million)
and Friday (RM28.8 million).
“Year-to-date, local institutions
have net bought RM3.29 billion of
equities,” said MIDF.
It also said that local retail
investors continued to net sell, now
going into the ninth consecutive
week. The net selling amount came up
to RM33 million last week.

Matrade optimistic of reaching RM2.5b sales target at Mihas 2023
PETALING JAYA: Malaysia External Trade
Development Corporation (Matrade) is
optimistic of achieving sales of RM2.5 billion for
this year’s edition of the Malaysia International
Halal Showcase (Mihas).
CEO Datuk Mohd Mustafa Abdul Aziz said
the sales target is achievable after a strong sales
performance last year.
“For last year’s edition of Mihas, our sales
projection was RM1.9 billion but we exceeded
the target, hitting RM2.39 billion in total sales,
so we are optimistic about the new target this
year,” he said during Matrade’s International
Sourcing Programme (INSP) press conference,
in conjunction with Mihas 2023 here yesterday.
Meanwhile, for INSP, which is Matrade’s
flagship programme, the agency is targeting deals
worth RM800 million for Malaysian exporters this
year, up from RM745.20 million last year.
INSP is a significant part of Mihas 2023, the
world’s largest showcase dedicated to the halal
industry, hosted by the Ministry of Investment,
Trade and Industry and organised by Matrade.
Mihas 2023 opens today and ends on Friday.
“They net bought RM15.1 million
on Monday but were net sellers for the
rest of the week. Year-to-date, local
retailers have net sold RM583.6
million,” MIDF said.
In terms of participation, there was
a decline in average daily trading
volume across the board among
foreign investors (-51.1%), institutional
investors (-28.4%) and retail investors
(-26.6%), it added. – Bernama

14 theSUN ON TUESDAY | SEPTEMBER 12, 2023
SUNBIZ
Alibaba share price slides after ex-CEO abruptly quits cloud unit
HONG KONG: Alibaba’s stock lost
more than 4% in Hong Kong
yesterday after ex-group CEO Daniel
Zhang quit just two months after
concentrating his focus on cloud
computing, raising concern over the
unit’s spin-off plan and possibility of
discord at the top.
New group CEO Eddie Wu will
concurrently become acting CEO
and chairman of a unit grappling
with weak sales growth ahead of an
initial public offering (IPO) penned
for next year.
HSBC TO INCREASE
BRIEFS
MORTGAGE RATES
IN HK BY UP TO 50 BPS
HONG KONG: HSBC Holdings
will raise its mortgage rates in
Hong Kong by a maximum of
50 basis points, a
spokesperson for the bank
said yesterday, as it tries to
maintain its profit margin amid
higher interest rates. New
mortgage loans linked to the
Hong Kong Interbank Offered
Rate (Hibor) from HSBC will be
increased to as much as
4.125% from 3.625%, effective
Sept 18, according to the
spokesperson. Hong Kong
banks, including HSBC, last
raised mortgage rates by 25
basis points in December, after
Hong Kong’s central bank
hiked rates following the US
Federal Reserve. – Reuters
BMW TO INVEST
£600M TO MAKE
MINI ALL-ELECTRIC
LONDON: BMW said yesterday
it will invest £600 million
(RM3.5 billion) at its UK plants
to take its iconic Mini brand all-
electric by 2030. From 2026, the
German premium carmaker
will make two electric models
at its Mini plant in Oxford – the
Mini Cooper three-door and
the compact crossover Mini
Aceman. The plant will make
only electric models as of
2030. – Reuters
China’s central bank
steps up scrutiny of
bulk dollar purchases
BEIJING/SHANGHAI: China’s
central bank is tightening its
scrutiny of bulk dollar purchases by
domestic firms, three sources with
direct knowledge of the matter said
yesterday, at a time when the
Chinese currency faces mounting
depreciation pressure.
Companies that need to
purchase US$50 million (RM233.5
million) or more will now need
approval from the People’s Bank of
China (PBOC), which convened a
meeting with some commercial
banks over the weekend on the
matter, the sources said.
“The approval process will be
extended,” said one of the sources.
“The recent yuan depreciation
has indeed been too severe, and
many now expect the yuan to
weaken beyond 7.5 per dollar.”
The central bank has warned
some lenders of their huge dollar
purchases on behalf of their
corporate clients, according one of
the other sources.
The directive is being issued as
the Chinese yuan has declined by
about 6% against the US dollar so far
this year.
The PBOC said in a statement
yesterday it would crack down on
speculation that distorts the value of
the yuan. – Reuters, AFP
“We have mixed thoughts on this
news,” said Morningstar analyst
Chelsey Tam in a client note. “We
think this latest change was not
planned back in June and there are
concerns of disagreements among
Alibaba’s partners.”
In June, Alibaba said Zhang would
relinquish his group CEO role to
focus on the cloud unit, the firm’s
number two money spinner.
The Cloud Intelligence Group,
valued at US$41 billion to US$60
billion (RM191.5 billion to RM280.3
Pause or hike? ECB rate
decision on a knife edge
oEuropean Central Bank walking
tightrope between still-high inflation
and weakening economy
FRANKFURT: The European Central
Bank (ECB) is walking a tightrope
between still-high inflation and a
darkening eurozone outlook as it
decides whether to lift interest rates
again or finally pause its historic
hiking cycle.
Whether to raise borrowing costs
for a 10th straight time when they
meet on Thursday is shaping up to be
rate-setters’ trickiest decision since
the tightening campaign began.
The central bank for the 20
countries that use the euro has
already lifted rates by 4.25
percentage points since July last year
to combat runaway consumer prices.
But the Frankfurt institution now
finds itself in a “difficult spot”, HSBC
Tech, aviation deals unveiled as US, Vietnam firms talk business
HANOI: Executives at top US and
Vietnamese firms in the semiconductor,
tech and aviation sectors met
yesterday seeking to forge business
partnerships during US President
Joe Biden’s visit to Hanoi which has
seen new deals on planes and
artificial intelligence (AI).
Senior executives from Google,
Intel, Amkor, Marvell, GlobalFoundries
Centre row, from left: Blinken, Biden, Chinh and Dung at the Vietnam-US Innovation and Investment Summit in Hanoi
yesterday. – REUTERSPIC
FOLLOW
billion) earlier this year, is among five
units Alibaba is spinning off as part of
the biggest restructuring of its 24-year
history.
Alibaba said it will continue with its
plan to spin off the cloud unit under a
yet-to-be-appointed management
team. Earlier this year, it said it would
complete the process by May 2024.
Citi analyst Alicia Yap in a note
said Zhang’s departure could drag on
Alibaba stock until a successor is
named.
“Investors may be concerned that
said in a note, as officials struggle to
digest competing data.
Prospects for the single currency
area are looking bleaker, particularly
due to a poor performance in
Germany, which sank into a
recession over the winter and is
struggling to climb out of it.
Yesterday, the European Commision
cut its forecasts for the eurozone’s biggest
economy. Germany’s gross domestic
product is now forecast to shrink by
0.4% in 2023, compared to the 0.2%
growth projected previously.
Latest data showed eurozone
second-quarter growth reached just
0.1%, lower than previously estimated,
while a recent survey pointed to the
economy contracting at its fastest
and Boeing attended the Vietnam-US
Innovation & Investment Summit,
according to the meeting agenda.
From Vietnam, there were
executives from half a dozen
companies, including Nasdaq-listed
electric car maker VinFast, flag
carrier Vietnam Airlines, tech
company FPT, MoMo, the country’s
biggest e-wallet by users, as well as
ON TWITTER
@thesundaily
the timing and process of AliCloud’s
spin-off may be affected.”
Alibaba did not immediately
respond to a request for comment
over such concern. Its share price fell
as much as 4.4% to HK$86.85
(RM46.62), its lowest since Aug 23. It
closed at HK$88.05, down 3%.
Alibaba announced Zhang’s
decision to exit the cloud unit in a
staff letter on Sunday seen by Reuters,
without disclosing reasons, and said
he would set up a technology fund.
The same day, Zhang handed the
rate in three years as a manufacturing
slowdown spread to services.
The weak data has fuelled calls
for the ECB to pause the aggressive
hiking cycle for fear it could deepen
a downturn, and president
Christine Lagarde finally opened
the door to doing so at the bank’s
last meeting in July.
But consumer prices, which
began surging after Russia’s invasion
of Ukraine due to galloping energy
costs, continue to rise strongly. This
would support arguments for
another increase to borrowing costs,
with the aim of further depressing
demand and slowing inflation.
Consumer price rises came in
unchanged at 5.3% in August, way
above the ECB’s 2% target, although
closely watched core inflation –
excluding volatile energy and food
prices – eased a little.
While inflation has slowed since
last year as energy costs fall, officials
are now worried that other factors,
particularly wage increases in a tight
internet firm VNG, which filed in
August for a US IPO.
Biden reiterated at the meeting
that the two countries were
deepening cooperation in cloud
computing, semiconductors and AI,
and stressed Vietnam was crucial for
critical minerals supplies.
The country has the world’s
second-biggest estimated deposits
SCAN
ME
group CEO role to Wu and chairmanship
to co-founder Joseph Tsai, as scheduled.
The cloud unit is Alibaba’s second-
biggest revenue source after domestic
e-commerce and houses DingTalk
and the group’s generative artificial
intelligence model Tongyi Qianwen.
Zhang, who succeeded leading
co-founder Jack Ma as group CEO in
2015 and chairman in 2019, took
charge of the cloud unit in December
after an outage it described as its
“longest major-scale failure” in over a
decade. – Reuters
labour market, are keeping it elevated.
The data makes for a “very
complicated mixed bag”, said ING
economist Carsten Brzeski.
“We expect a very heated debate
with a close outcome.”
Brzeski said he expected the 26-
member governing council to opt
for one final increase, which would
take the closely-watched deposit
rate to a record high.
Other analysts, however, are
betting on a pause on Thursday,
although they also think the ECB
might then impose one final
increase at a later meeting.
ECB officials have insisted their
decision will depend on incoming
data, which has put the focus on
updated forecasts the central bank
is also due to release on Thursday.
In the run-up to the meeting,
they have mostly been cagey about
what will happen, a contrast to other
recent meetings where the decision
was usually well telegraphed in
advance. – AFP, Reuters
of rare earths, which are used in
electric vehicles and wind turbines.
Deals unveiled by the White
House during the trip include
Vietnam Airlines’ purchase of 50
Boeing 737 Max jets, in an
agreement that it said was worth
US$7.8 billion (RM36.4 billion), in
line with an earlier Reuters report.
The White House also announced
plans by Microsoft to make a
“generative AI-based solution tailored
for Vietnam and emerging markets”.
Nvidia will also partner with
Vietnam’s FPT, Viettel and Vingroup,
VinFast’s parent company, on AI in
the country, it said.
The White House also
highlighted the number of chip-
related investments by US firms in
Vietnam, including plans by Marvell
and Synopsys to build chip design
centres in the country.
A new US$1.6 billion Amkor
factory near Hanoi that will assemble,
package and test chips is due to start
operations in October, it added.
US conglomerate Honeywell will
cooperate with a Vietnamese partner
to launch a pilot project to develop
Vietnam’s first battery energy storage
system, the White House also said.
US State Secretary Antony
Blinken and Vietnam’s investment
minister Nguyen Chi Dung chaired
the meeting, which was followed by
discussions with Biden and
Vietnam’s Prime Minister Pham
Minh Chinh. – Reuters
 T U E S D AY
12 SEPTEMBER 2023

INSIDE:
Pirates on the hunt
for the legendary
‘One Piece’ treasure
come alive

The live-action adaptation of famous Japanese anime Freddie Mercury’s personal items go on sale at Sotheby’s
on page 16 on page 17
 ENTERTAINMENT
16 theSun LYFE ON TUESDAY | SEPTEMBER 12, 2023

Paul speaks
out on how
streaming
giants like
Netflix get
away with
One Piece wonder
not paying A NEW record has been set for Netflix by One
people a Piece, the live-action adaptation of a
fair wage. Japanese anime. Released last week, the first
– VARIETY season of the series has surpassed
Wednesday and Stranger Things in the first
few days of its release by becoming the
highest-ranking TV series in 84 different
countries.
This surpasses a milestone set by season
Disgruntled over one of the streamer’s Addams Family
adaptation Wednesday and season four of the

residuals sci-fi series Stranger Things.

AARON PAUL is frustrated with Netflix and like his
iconic Breaking Bad character Jesse Pinkman, he is
speaking his mind without a filter in place in
regards to the ongoing actors’ strike.
During a recent SAG-AFTRA picket line, the
Emmy-winning actor spoke to Entertainment
Tonight Canada about the current state of
Hollywood residuals, claiming that he “doesn’t get a
piece from Netflix on Breaking Bad”.
The actor’s comments came as he walked the
picket line in front of Sony Pictures Entertainment
Studios in California alongside his former co-stars
Bryan Cranston and Jesse Plemons.
“Shows live forever on these streamers and they
go through waves,“ Paul said.
“I just saw the other day that Breaking Bad was
Both shows ranked the highest in 83
territories over their first weekends of release.
One Piece is currently being hailed for
breaking the “curse” of live-action anime
adaptations, especially in regards to Netflix’s
previous endeavours with Cowboy Bebop
and Death Note, both of which flopped.
The series follows a ragtag crew of pirates
and their search for a lost treasure called
“One Piece”, and it stars Iñaki Godoy as the
series lead, Monkey D Luffy. The rest of the
pirate crew includes Roronoa Zoro
(Mackenyu), Nami (Emily Rudd), Usopp
(Jacob Romero) and Sanji (Taz Skylar).
Eiichiro Oda created the original manga,
upon which both the One Piece anime and
the new Netflix series were based.
The live-action anime adaptation has surpassed streaming views
for Wednesday and Stranger Things 4. – VARIETY
Ahead of the release of the new show, letter earlier this year.
which was developed by Matt Owens and “It took a lot of work. The efforts of the
Steven Maeda, Oda predicted that fans actors, the reconstruction of buildings and
would potentially push back against the new costumes, realising the situations so that they
live-action version. could only work in live action, the dialogues
“It’s absurd that the idea of adapting One and the commitment of so many people who
Piece to live action was conceived seven years worked together were already in itself
ago. How was it possible to transpose such a something beautiful.” – BY MARK MATHEN
world into reality?” Oda wrote in an open VICTOR

New dimension
trending on Netflix. I think a lot of these streamers
know that they have been getting away with not █ BY THASHINE SELVAKUMARAN

paying people a fair wage, and now it’s time to
pony up. And that’s just one of the things that we’re
fighting for.”
Cranston chimed in that the strikes are for “them
to see reality and fairness” and to be empathetic by
coming back to the discussion table.
Asked by Entertainment Weekly (EW) for a
comment on Paul’s remarks, Netflix declined.
In its article, EW explained that residuals are
complicated because they are the producer’s
responsibility; platforms like Netflix and Hulu
would merely pay the producer a licensing fee.
Paul’s speaking out on not receiving residuals
from Breaking Bad streaming on Netflix weighs
heavily due to the relationship the AMC show
has with the streaming platform, especially with
series creator Vince Gilligan crediting Netflix for
the show’s ability to find a large audience.
On top of it all, Netflix is the home of the
Breaking Bad spin-off movie El Camino, which
stars Paul in the leading role. – BY MARK
MATHEN VICTOR
Chalamet and Jenner take their
relationship public. – PEOPLE
G
ET ready for an interstellar journey
like no other as Phoenix: Eden17, the
highly anticipated Japanese anime,
makes its exclusive debut on
Disney+ Hotstar on tomorrow. In a
tantalising sneak peek, fans are treated to
o Phoenix: Eden17 boasts epic new adventure
fresh key art and an exciting first-look trailer.
Drawing inspiration from the
groundbreaking work of Osamu Tezuka, the
mastermind behind the world of manga,
Phoenix: Eden17 invites viewers to embark on
a cosmic adventure alongside Romi and her
partner George.
Witness as they leave Earth behind in
pursuit of a new beginning on Eden17.
Although the allure of a utopian future
beckons, their dreams shatter upon arrival,
revealing a barren wasteland incapable of
sustaining human life.
Stranded with no means of return and the
revelation of Romi’s pregnancy, the couple
must confront the harsh reality, striving to
secure water and cultivate meagre fields for
survival. Tragedy strikes when George meets
with a fatal accident, leaving Romi alone with
her newborn son, Cain.
Determined to ensure her son’s future,
Romi enters a hibernation pod, promising to
awaken in 13 years. However, fate takes a
cruel twist, and Romi awakens 1,300 years
later in a transformed Eden17.
In this futuristic paradise, Romi is hailed
as a queen by the inhabitants but grapples
with profound loneliness. Her heart yearns
for something more, compelling her to
embark on a mission to return to Earth, even

Kylie and Timothee as others believe the planet to be a distant

memory.

are official
THERE’S been a lot of buzz surrounding Kylie
Jenner, 26, and Dune actor Timothee Chalamet
being a couple, and after their recent public
date at Beyonce’s Renaissance World Tour in Los
Angeles, the rumours are confirmed.
Live footage and several TikTok videos
showed the two, along with Kylie’s sister Kendall
Jenner, in the VIP section chatting at SoFi
Stadium in Los Angeles.
Chalamet, 27, wearing a black cap, was seen
smoking and talking very closely with Jenner.
Of course, what everyone was fascinated
with was all the public displays of affection
exhibited by both Chalamet and Jenner, who
clearly do not care to keep their relationship a
secret any longer.
Rumours of them dating surfaced
somewhere in April this year, and Jenner was
seen leaving Chalamet’s house in June.
However, nothing was confirmed by both sets
of representatives at the time.
What was evident at their recent outing at
SoFi Stadium was that both parties couldn’t
keep their hands off each other and they
couldn’t care less about the rumours anymore.
– By S. TAMARAI CHELVI
Phoenix: Eden17 boasts a stellar cast,
including Rie Miyazawa as Romi, Yosuke
Kubozuka as George, Honoka Yoshida as
Com, Shintaro Asanuma as Makimura,
Ryohei Kimura as the older voice of Cain and
Issey Oagata as Zudarban, a space merchant.
The series is skillfully directed by Shojiro
Nishimi, produced by Studio4 , features
character design by chief animation director
Tatsuzou Nishita, art direction by Shinji
Kimura and an enchanting musical score
composed by Takatsugu Muramatsu.
Discussing his part in the upcoming
series, Asanuma expressed his deep
connection with the Phoenix narrative,
recalling his initial encounter with it at the
tender age of 11. He vividly remembers
immersing himself in the original manga and
being profoundly struck by its epic scope.
Fast forward 36 years, and Shintaro is
brimming with enthusiasm about his
involvement in bringing Tezuka’s Expect a score of amazing features such as formidable casting
masterpiece to a global audience through and design production with Phoenix: Eden17. – DISNEY+
streaming. He remains in awe of the
remarkable ensemble cast he’s privileged to emphasised that the Phoenix story holds and captivate audiences on a global scale.
work with and, as an ardent fan, eagerly legendary status, drawing fans from beyond Mark your calendars and prepare for an
anticipates the inaugural animated rendition the typical anime enthusiast circle. He extraordinary adventure. Stream Phoenix:
of Phoenix: Nostalgia. expressed his eager anticipation for the Eden17 exclusively on Disney+ Hotstar starting
Kimura, a fellow cast member, upcoming Phoenix series to reach new heights tomorrow.

One of the legend’s flamboyant kimono’s. – SOTHEBY’S
Everything but the kitchen sink
oThousands of Freddie Mercury’s
personal items go on sale
T
HOUSANDS of items
belonging to the charismatic
Queen frontman Freddie
Mercury, from manuscripts
of his band’s biggest hits to furniture,
paintings and knick-knacks were put
on auction in London last week.
Among the highlights of Sotheby’s
“evening sale”, which was followed by
two other live auctions and three
online sales, is Mercury’s piano.
The Yamaha quarter-tail piano
was bought by Mercury in 1975 and
was used to create almost all of his
greatest songs. It is expected to sell for
US$2.5 million - US$3.75 million
(RM11.68 million - RM17.52 million).
Also on sale is the original
manuscript for the epic hit Bohemian
Rhapsody, whose 15 pages of pencil
and ballpoint pen remarks reveal the
different directions Mercury
envisaged for the track.
It also reveals that it was originally
going to be called “Mongolian
Rhapsody”.
Paintings by Chagall, Dali and
Picasso that adorned Mercury’s
home, as well as the last painting he
bought a month before his death
from AIDS in 1991 – an oil on canvas
by James Jacques Joseph Tissot – will
also go under the hammer.
Auction fan
All the items for
sale are from
Mercury’s home,
Garden Lodge, in
w e s t
London.
T h e
property’s
g r e e n
d o o r ,
covered in
fan graffiti, is
one of the lots. The entire
collection is being offered
for sale by Mary Austin, a
close friend and one-time
fiancee of Mercury’s.
“Mary Austin has lived
with the collection and has
cared for the collection for
more than three decades,“
Gabriel Heaton, a books and
manuscripts specialist at
Sotheby’s, told AFP.
Mercury “was not interested
in having a museum of his life,
but he loved auctions”, to the point of
being a regular at Sotheby’s sales, said
Heaton. Austin believes the artist,
who was 45 when he died, would
The rockstar was devoted to his many beloved cats. – OPEN CULTURE
have “loved” this sale, he added.
Some 1,469 lots went under the
hammer at the famous London
auction house, whose facade was
decorated with a huge moustache for
the occasion.
Many reveal another side of
Mercury, including his passion for
cats and for Japan, as evidenced by
his collection of kimonos and prints.
Moustache comb
Mercury’s most flamboyant stage
costumes, Hawaiian shirt and
Superman tank top will also find new
homes, along with his personal
polaroids and legendary snapper
Mick Rock’s shots.
The finest bottles from his cellar,
such as Dom Perignon champagne,
will be up for grabs alongside
more intimate items, such as a
book of personally
annotated poetry and a
moustache comb.
Among the
more playful
items are a
set of
games, including travel Scrabble, at
which Mercury excelled.
Before the sale, the auction house
hosted the collection at a month-long
exhibition, open to the public free of
charge.
Sotheby’s estimated when the
auction was announced in April that
the lots would fetch at least £6 million
(RM35 million).
Part of the proceeds will be
donated to the Mercury Phoenix
Trust and the Elton John Aids
Foundation, two organisations
involved in the fight against AIDS.
Sotheby’s says it is the largest
collection, by volume, of a cultural
icon to go to auction since the Elton
John sale in 1988, when 2,000 lots
sold for a total of £4.8 million (RM28
million). – AFP
Mercury’s prized Yamaha
quarter-tail piano. – SOTHEBY’S
ENTERTAINMENT
theSun LYFE ON TUESDAY | SEPTEMBER 12, 2023 17
Mercury with former fiance Austin. – METRO
Apart from the movie being turned into a musical, there are other
unexpected twists in store. – KOIMOI
Joker 2 sings
█ BY HAZIQUE ZAIRILL follow-up film leans into its
musical elements sparked
JOKER 2, the sequel to 2019’s significant discussion among fans.
Joker, will be a musical, according They are curious about how this
to the film’s composer, even tonal shift from the first movie’s
though not much else is known darkness will be executed.
about the film. According to Zazie Beetz, who
Hildur Gunadottir, known for reprises her role as Sophie
her acclaimed score in the original Dumond in the sequel, there
Joker, which featured the haunting might still be some unexpected
use of cello, was an obvious choice twists in store.
to compose the music for Folie à She stated that the viewers may
Deux. During a recent interview be surprised by the musical
with ComicBook.com as part of elements. “I think people will be
the A Haunting in Venice publicity surprised. I don’t think it’s going to
tour, she dropped hints about the be what they expect, around it
musical direction for the sequel. being musical,” Beetz told Variety
“All I can say is that there is earlier this year. “We all sort of
going to be a lot of music. That’s all express ourselves musically and
I can give away,” she said. While dance in our lives day-to-day. I
this is not a huge reveal, it is think it’s going to work really well.”
interesting that the new film will The sequel to the 2019 film
feature a lot of music rather than Joker is still wrapped in secrecy,
just a few songs. but official images and numerous
The musical aspect of the captivating set photos have shed
upcoming movie has been some light on the
public knowledge since upcoming movie. It’s
Lady Gaga’s casting confirmed that
announcement in Gaga will portray
2022. Gunadottir had Harley Quinn,
previously discussed Arkham Asylum
it with Variety earlier will hold a
this year, stating, “It’s crucial role in
an interesting the storyline
decision. It’s both and the iconic
logical and also very stairs from the
surprising for me as original film
well as the will be revisited.
audience.” Joker 2 will be
H o w e v e r, released
how much on Oct
t h e 4.
Gaga, who plays Harley Quinn, simplifies Joker 2’s music.
 EDUCATION
18 theSun LYFE ON TUESDAY | SEPTEMBER 12, 2023
U
TAR Faculty of Science (FSc)
academics Dr Lam Ming Quan and
Dr Ee Kah Yaw analysed the
incidence of organic waste in
Malaysia, and considered the many ways in
which the problem could be resolved.
“In one of our discussions, we decided to
introduce a waste management-related project
as our final year project for undergraduate
students. Our students were taken on a field
study to BioLoop Sdn Bhd, a new type of
biotechnology company that cultivates insects
as the next generation of sustainable food
protein,” said Dr Lam and Dr Ee.
The two young owners of BioLoop, who had
returned from studying abroad, had now
settled in Teluk Intan, Perak, where they
decided to build their business by investing in
the future of biotechnology.
The big question “Was their focus on insects
and their link to the management of waste, the
foundation of a successful business
enterprise?” said both Dr Lam and Dr Ee.
Yes, both agreed it was viable, given the
nature of the Black Soldier Fly larvae, which
had shown that organic waste could be
converted to a protein, suitable for many
uses.
“Black soldier fly larvae are a type of insect
that consumes any organic waste. In
describing the insects as the bearers of great
ability is no exaggeration. They are the
connoisseurs of organic waste, digesting the
waste in their stomachs and then absorbing
them as nutrients to be reconstructed as
muscle. Such a process converts organic waste
into a new generation of food protein, which
could be utilised as raw material for food
production or animal and fish feed after
processing. The excretions by the larvae during
their growth can be turned into fertiliser with
the help of microorganisms to provide
nutrients for crops, thus realising the concept
of turning waste into gems once again. These
processes mark the engagement of different
fields of sciences as we strive for a zero-waste
future,” they said.
“Listening to the young owners’
explanation on the cultivation process of
larvae, coupled with the food sampling of
roasted larvae by the students, caused us a
great deal of excitement. These kinds of
practical experiences are indeed not available
in the classroom. They are extremely rare
experiences, especially for students after the
Resolving
organic waste
oUTAR explores new careers in waste
management with its science students
pandemic. The engaged students were from
different departments of FSc, including
students from Biotechnology, Food Science,
Microbiology, Agricultural Science
programmes.
“This visit made them realise the prospect
of studying in their respective programmes,
and at the same time made them think of their
The UTAR
students feeling
the final
product
produced by
the black
soldier fly larvae
at the BioLoop
factory. – UTAR
Lam and Dr Ee, was the importance of science
should never be disregarded. A country’s
prosperity is mainly dependent on the
sustainable incomes derived from new
inventions.
UTAR offers undergraduate and
postgraduate programmes in areas including
Accountancy, Actuarial Science, Applied
Mathematics, Arts, Chinese Studies, Malaysia
Studies, Business and Economics,
Biotechnology, Engineering and Build
Environment, Information and
Communication Technology, Life and Physical
Sciences, Medicine and Health Sciences,
Media and Journalism, Education and General
Studies, and Agriculture and Food Science.
The university also engages in the provision
and conduct of research, consultation,
future careers. The students fulfilled their management and leadership training, and
objectives during the visit, as they brought other related educational services at its Sungai
waste samples back from the company. They Long and Kampar campuses in Malaysia.
would subsequently conduct experiments on
the waste samples and strive to explore new For more information, please visit
possibilities in turning waste into gems,” said www.utar.edu.my or call 05-468 8888 (Kampar
Dr Lam and Dr Ee. Campus), 03-9086 0288 (Sungai Long
The final conclusion by both academics, Dr Campus).

Lee, a TAR UMT alumnus who has a successful career in the UK. – TAR UMT
Beyond education
oTAR UMT prepares
students for new
careers in technology
T
UNKU Abdul Rahman
University of Management
and Technology (TAR
UMT)’s “Beyond Education”
philosophy aims to provide students
with valuable experiences, industry
exposure and soft skills
development, in addition to
traditional academic learning.
TAR UMT’s Faculty of Engineering
and Technology (FOET) is no
exception to this approach, offering a
range of degree, master’s and PhD
programmes that are continuously
improved and expanded to align
with industry developments, thus
giving its graduates an edge in the
employment sector.
TAR UMT’s FOET graduate,
successful Chip Design Engineer
Samuel Lee works at NVIDIA, an
American technology company
based in the UK known for its
advances in gaming technology.
Although Lee’s journey began
with his undergraduate degree in
Electronics Engineering at TAR UMT,
what really prepared him for a future
career in chip design was the advice
of his final year project (FYP)
supervisor Dr Lim Li Li, current
Dean of FOET.
This advice had a profound
impact on his final career path,
which finally led to his present
success story as a Chip Design
Engineer.
Dr Lim’s guidance led Lee to
pursue a Master of Science in
Telecommunications in the UK,
which proved to be a wise decision as
it opened doors to a highly successful
career in the UK, developing the
latest in chip technology.
Lee’s fond memories of his
undergraduate FYP, which he
completed under Dr Lim’s
supervision, demonstrates the
quality of teaching and support he
received at TAR UMT.
“Dr Lim encouraged me to further
my postgraduate studies in the UK
and looking back, that proved to be a
valuable piece of advice, that helped
me gain a rewarding career in the UK
now,” he shared.
Even after graduating from the
then TAR College more than 10 years
ago, Lee made it a point to stay in
touch with Dr Lim.
“The initial idea for my FYP was to
use Field-Programmable Gate Array
(FPGA) to implement a micro mobile
communications network. Dr Lim
turned down my idea because using
FPGA was costly and as engineers, it
is important to be both innovative
and ensure the solutions provided
are cost-effective. She then bounced
off her idea of a FYP, based on
implementing a custom turbo
decoding algorithm.
“The project ideally would require
two students to complete, as the
work and effort for the project is
somewhat similar to a Master’s
degree project. However, after not
being able to find another student to
join me, I decided to take on Dr Lim’s
idea as my FYP on my own initiative,
and Dr Lim became my supervisor.”
“The project involved
mathematical equations broken
down into smaller functions and the
use of Very High-Speed Integrated
Circuit Hardware Description
Language (VHDL) for the
implementation of the algorithm. I
must admit that the project was
challenging but the knowledge I
gained made it worthwhile.
“In fact, my experience in VHDL
impressed my master’s degree
professor and he took me on as a
EDUCATION
theSun LYFE ON TUESDAY | SEPTEMBER 12, 2023 19
project student. And it is also through
this project that I developed an
interest in digital circuit design, and I
am grateful that I now have a career
in this very area,” Lee added.
When Lee recently returned to
Malaysia, he visited Dr Lim at TAR
UMT. “It was great to meet up with Dr
Lim after many years and I was
happy to note that she is now the
Dean of the faculty. I am confident
that like me, many future TARCians
will benefit from her leadership and
commitment towards students’
development.”
“I am also amazed that TAR UMT
has expanded its engineering
programmes to include degree,
master’s degree and PhD, as well as
continuing to improve and
strengthen its programmes to stay
relevant to industry developments.
For example, the Bachelor of
Electronics Engineering Technology
(Hons) which I am familiar with
consists of courses such as Data
Science, Cloud Computing and
Machine Learning which are very
relevant skills for the world of
engineering and technology today,
including the industry that I am in.
“I am also happy to know that the
Faculty maintains important
fundamentals like Principles of
Electrical and Electronic
Engineering, Circuit Theorem and
Digital/Analogue Electronics. These
subjects are key to helping
engineering students build a strong
foundation before they can move
forward to higher levels,” said Lee.
For more information about TAR
UMT’s engineering and technology
programmes, please call +6011-
10825613 and +6011-10597120 or log
on to www.tarc.edu.my for
information about TAR UMT and to
apply online. Various financial aid and
merit scholarships are available for
qualified students.
 EDUCATION
20 theSun LYFE ON TUESDAY | SEPTEMBER 12, 2023

Serving justice through science

oMSU successfully
champions forensic science
at international conference

M
ANAGEMENT and Science
University (MSU) hosted its fourth
International Conference for
Forensic Science, Forensic
Medicine and Criminology (INFOMEC) at its
campus in Shah Alam, themed “Serving Justice
Through Science: Challenges and Innovations.”
INFOMEC 2023 had the Approved Group
International CEO and chief forensic consultant,
Dr John Horswell as its keynote speaker for the
conference due to his extensive forensic
experience and expertise in the field.
Dr Horswell, who delivered his lecture
“Forensic Science for the Insurance Industry,”
also holds master’s degrees in Forensic Science,
Public Management and Fire Investigation.
Currently recognised as a Chartered Chemist,
while being a Fellow in the Royal Australian
Chemical Institute and the International
Association of Fire Investigators, Dr Horswell
has forensic investigative experience and
recognised professionalism in the field.
MSU president Professor Tan Sri Dato’ Wira
Dr Shukri Ab Yajid, who emphasised the role of
universities in fronting the progression of
knowledge, welcomed Dr Horswell at the MSU
Performing Arts Theatre (PAT) in Shah Alam.
For the Oral and Poster presentations, first
place went to Suvitraa Paramasivam of
Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia and Anita Zara
Where Knowledge is applied
(Fourth from left) MSU President Prof Tan Sri Dr Mohd and keynote speaker Dr John Horswell with other INFOMEC 4.0 speakers. – MSU
Weinheimer of MSU, whilst Professor Dr
Sohayla M. Attalla and Nashvinder Kaur
Jasivinder Singh, both of MSU, respectively were
placed second.
Angela Shalini Muneeswaran of C. S. Tang
Adjuster Sdn Bhd and Syahira Zuhayra Zaimi of
Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) won third
place in the same competition.
Other speakers at the fourth instalment of the
biennial International Conference for Forensic
Science, Forensic Medicine and Criminology by
MSU, were Professor T Nataraja Moorthy, Datuk
Dr Mohd Shah Mahmood and Inspector Puan
Siti Zulaikha Abu Bakar.
To complement the needs of highly skilled
and expert human capital in the forensic science
field, MSU offers the bachelor programme in
Forensic Science through its Faculty of Health &
Life Sciences (FHLS). The course is a four year
programme and is open to those who pass
STPM, matriculation, diploma or other
qualifications recognised by the MSU Senate.
MSU is a Quacquarelli Symonds (QS), global
multi-ranked institution focused on building
holistic human capital. While envisioning a
better, more sustainable future for all, MSU
champions equality by providing a level playing
field across extensive efforts in transforming
lives and enriching the future for its students.
As one of the top universities in Malaysia,
making an impact in Malaysia and Asia as well as
globally, MSU prioritises student development
to enhance graduate employability.
In blending technical vocational education
and training (TVET) with traditional academic
curricula, MSU enhances competencies with
industry internship, community and creative
entrepreneurship, as well as global exposure;
empowering MSU graduates with the well-
roundedness desired and sought after by
employers.
Extensive partnerships and collaborations
with more than 300 institutions in over 40
countries worldwide provide comprehensive
mobility opportunities for all MSU students,
enhancing their graduate employability through
global exposures by studies and internships
abroad.
Apart from forensic science, FHLS also offers
bachelors and diploma programmes in a variety
of fields. These include Biomedical Science,
Food Service Technology, Optometry, Nutrition,
Bioinformatics, Medical Laboratory Technology,
Occupational Safety and Health and Diagnostic
Imaging (Radiography).
For further information regarding programmes
offered by MSU, do contact the Engagement and
Enrolment department at +603-55216868.
Alternatively please click on www.msu.edu.my for
more information.

and dreams realised

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97

Universiti Kuala Lumpur DU011(W)

 theSUN ON TUESDAY | SEPTEMBER 12, 202321
SPORTS

SHORTS
“I had a few moments where I really
felt like I was losing but I wasn’t,” Lee
Lee beats Hull in playoff
said.
“I was just like, ‘Let’s just play ‘til the
end and see where it ends up,‘ so I
AUSTRALIA’S Minjee Lee birdied the didn’t give up.”
second playoff hole to defeat England’s “My goal for the rest of the season
Charley Hull yesterday and win the was to finish well,” Lee said. “I wanted to
LPGA Queen City Championship. reset my goals here, as this event is my
Lee blasted her approach from the last one in the States until Tampa. I just
left rough to within three feet of the wanted to finish off on a high and I got
hole on the decisive third playing of to win so that’s really nice.”
the par-4 18th, and, after Hull missed
her birdie putt, the Aussie tapped in for Williamson, Boult to
her ninth career LPGA triumph.
“I played every shot to the best I lead Black Caps
could and won the playoff so it feels KANE WILLIAMSON will lead New
nice,” Lee said. Zealand at next month’s one-day World
World No. 13 Lee fired a 1-under 71 Cup and Trent Boult will spearhead the
while ninth-ranked Hull charged late to pace attack but opener Finn Allen and
shoot 69, leaving both on 16-under fast bowler Adam Milne have missed
272 after 72 holes at Kenwood Country out on the squad for India.
Club in Cincinnati, Ohio. Will Young beat out Allen for the
opening batsman slot which has been
contested since Martin Guptill’s release
last year.
“We just felt that we looked
through what the potential game-plan
was looking like in India, looked at the
grounds, and also looked at the form of
the two players as well,” head coach
Gary Stead told reporters.
“We felt that Young was the right
guy to go with.”
Jimmy Neesham has also been
included, despite joining Boult in
opting out of his national contract last
year.
New Zealand squad: Kane
Williamson (capt), Trent Boult, Mark
Chapman, Devon Conway, Lockie
Ferguson, Matt Henry, Tom Latham,
Daryl Mitchell, Jimmy Neesham, Glenn
Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Mitch
Santner, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee, Will
Young.
Norrman wins Irish Open
as McIlroy implodes
VINCENT NORRMAN of Sweden
shot a 7-under 65 yesterday to
capture a one-stroke victory at the
inclement weather-delayed Irish
Open.
Norrman, who improved 20 spots
in the final 18 holes, shot a bogey-
free round and surged past
contenders to finish at 14-under 274
at The K Club in Straffan, County
Kildare.
His pursuers included third-round
leader Hurly Long of Germany – an
even-par 72 yesterday to finish at 13
under – and Northern Ireland’s Rory
McIlroy (74), who fell 13 spots down
the leaderboard to tie for 16th.
“It means everything,“ Norrman
said of his second DP World Tour title
in his 14th appearance. “Obviously,
such a cool event to play. The fans
have been incredible. I’ve really had a
fun week.”
Norrman, who won July’s
Barbasol Championship in a playoff
in a PGA Tour/DP Tour event in
Kentucky, made birdies at Nos. 7, 9,
10, 11, 13, 14 and 18 on Sunday.
“The front nine was huge,“ he
said. “I was playing so-so and then I
birdied the seventh and ninth to get
some momentum going into the
back. I think that was key today.
“Obviously if you win, you’re
doing something good. It’s a world-
class event, and honestly I can’t
believe it’s happened.” – Field Level
Media

322 Notices

Bank Repossessed bikes and cars for sale by auction. All auctions are conducted via
eBidding on Wednesday 13, 20, and 27 September at 9.30am (bikes) and 11.00am
Top of the world
(cars). All are invited to join our PUBLIC AUCTION. Viewing and inspection on every
Tuesday from 9.30am - 5.30pm. Download Pickles Auctions app to view all auction
listings or visit www.pickles.my
China’s Yin becomes women’s No. 1 player after finishing 3rd in Queen City

Item Reg No Make Model
1 VAL4765 2017 NISSAN ALMERA
2 CBL666 2013 NISSAN SERENA
3 PNA8583 2017 NISSAN GRAND LIVINA
4 VFT9841 2012 PROTON PREVE
5 VF5680 2016 NISSAN ALMERA
6 WYA6812 2013 BMW 520I LIMOUSINE
7 WA2311B 2013 MITSUBISHI LANCER
8 W3741H 2013 PROTON EXORA
9 VJG4075
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DALAM NEGERI JOHOR DARUL
TAKZIM, Malaysia PETISYEN
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JA-33-170-03/2023
ANTARA
SOON LY ER
(NO. K/P. : 930615-01-6158)
…PEMPETISYEN ISTERI
DAN
WONG ZHE MING (L)
(NO. K/P. : 900626-04-5206)
… RESPONDEN SUAMI
NOTIS
Dalam Perkara mengenai petisyen
penceraian yang difailkan pada
10-03-2023.
Kepada: WONG ZHE MING (L)
(NO. K/P. : 9006260405206)
yang No. 91, Jalan Seri Krubong 23,
Taman Sri Krubong, 75260 Melaka.
AMBIL PERHATIAN bahawa
suatu petisyen perceraian telah
dikemukakan terhadap kamu
di Mahkamah ini oleh SOON LY
ER yang beralamat di 35-02-01,
block A, Jalan Mewah Ria 5/1,
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Bahru, Johor, dan Mahkamah
telah memerintahkan bahawa
Petisyen Penceraian, Afidavit oleh
Pempetisyen sebagai sokongan
kepada Petisyen, Notis Prosiding,
Akuan Terima Serahan (selepas
ini dirujuk sebagai ‘Dokumen-
dokumen tersebut’) hendaklah
disampaikan kepada kamu
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berserta dengan sesalinan perintah
untuk penyampaian ganti di alamat
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91, Jalan Seri Krubong 23, Taman
Sri Krubong, 75260 Melaka dan
di papan notis Mahkamah ini dan
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sekali dalam akhbar tempatan
bernama The Sun dan bahawa
penampalan dan pengiklanan
itu hendaklah dianggap sebagai
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cukup akan petisyen kepada kamu
selepas TUJUH (7) hari dari tarikh
penampalan atau pengiklanan
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Bertarikh pada 21 Julai 2023
…………… T.T …………
Penolong Kanan Pendaftar
Mahkamah Tinggi Malaya
Johor Bahru
Notis ini difailkan oleh Peguamcara
Pempetisyen Isteri Tetuan Lim
Chambers, yang beralamat di
No.19A, Jalan Sutera Tanjung 8/2,
Sutera Utama Biz Centre, Taman
Sutera Utama, 81300 Skudai, Johor
[Ruj. Kami: LC-DV-92-SP-0822-
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C
Price
HINA’S Yin Ruoning became the “I’ve got goosebumps. World No. 1 is Sept 23 on home soil at Hangzhou.
29000
world No. 1 in women’s golf the big step on the way to chasing “I didn’t get a lot of chance to chat with
37000
yesterday by finishing Shanshan.” Shanshan,” Yin said. “But I’m looking
35000 third at the LPGA Yin will play forward to going back to China and play
9000 Queen City Championship. on a Chinese the Asian Games and spend more time
28000
The 20-year-old team with her, considering she’s the head coach
32000
became only the second coached by on our national team.”
Chinese woman to claim Feng in the Asian Yin, who needed a top-four result to
32000
the world No. 1 ranking Games, which overtake American Lilia Vu for the top
15000 after Feng Shanshan, open on spot, missed out by two strokes on a
55000 who reached the playoff for the Queen City title between
TBA summit from Australia’s Minjee Lee, who won the title
Scan QR to download
November 2017 with a birdie on the second extra hole, and
Pickles Auctions App to April 2018. England’s Charley Hull.
“It means a But Yin fired a final-round 5-under 67 to
lot. For me it’s finish third on 14-under 274 at Kenwood
like dream Country Club in Cincinnati, Ohio, and
come true,” become the fifth different player atop the
Yin said. rankings this year.
322 Notices
“It’s just amazing,” Yin said. “My mind is
blank right now.”
Second-ranked Yin won her first major
title in June at the Women’s PGA
Championship, two months after collecting
her first LPGA victory at the LA Open.
Others atop the rankings this year
included New Zealand’s Lydia Ko,
Americans Vu and Nelly Korda and South
Korea’s Ko Jin-young.
Vu’s three triumphs this year included
major wins at the Chevron
Championship in April and the Women’s
British Open in August.
Yin never managed to share the lead,
settling for her fourth third-place finish
in five events, but did what she needed
to leap to the top of the rankings.
“I’m pretty comfortable,” Yin said.
“Just every week I know I’m in good
spot and every week I can put myself
into that winning circle. It’s just
amazing to see I can play good, but
also consistent.
Advertise with us “Before this week, I know
& connect to our (depending on) what position I
urban readers. finish, I can be the world number
one,” Yin said. “I just keep that in my
Ruoning Yin plays her shot during mind.
KLANG VALLEY “Last hole I checked the
the Kroger Queen City
PENANG | KEDAH Championship. – AFPPIX leaderboard. I was like, ‘OK, another
PERAK | PERLIS week finishing third, but I’m assuming
PAHANG | KELANTAN I’ll be the world No. 1.’” – AFP
TERENGGANU
England beat New Zealand in 2nd ODI
MS. Shoba
TEL: 03-7784 8888
FAX: 03-7784 4424
LIAM LIVINGSTONE’S unbeaten and New Zealand were then and Ben Stokes. match Livingstone.
95 powered England to a 79-run dismissed for 147 as the hosts But Livingstone’s career-best “We pride ourselves on depth
MALACCA | win over New Zealand in the levelled the four-match series at 1- ODI innings, a tribute to his in our batting and getting out of
SEREMBAN second one-day international in 1 composure as much as his situations like today. I thought
MR. Rajah Southampton yesterday. Reece Topley, whose 3-27 celebrated hitting power, Sammy (Curran) batted really well.”
England, who begin the ended a wait of over a year for an bolstered the total and enhanced New Zealand skipper Tom
TEL: 012-628 2844 defence of their World Cup title ODI wicket, and fellow left-arm his prospects of selection for Latham added: “I think we’re
FAX: 06-764 2051 against New Zealand in quick David Willey (3-34) did the England’s final 15-man World Cup disappointed, we started
Ahmedabad on Oct 5, collapsed to damage with the ball. squad. outstandingly with Trent Boult
JOHOR BAHRU 8-3 in a match reduced by rain to New Zealand great Trent Boult Sam Curran (42) offered fellow back in the mix… Setting a score is
MS. Anne Lim 34 overs per side. had marked his 100th ODI – and all-rounder Livingstone excellent probably harder (in a 34-over
They were still struggling at 55- first in nearly a year – by taking the support in a sixth-wicket stand of match) than knowing what was
TEL: 013-770 6699 5 in the 13th over when first three England wickets wickets 112 in 77 balls. needed to do. It was a great
FAX: 07-355 5549 Livingstone came into bat. to fall, the veteran left-arm quick “I wouldn’t quite say it was a innings from Liam Livingstone,
But he took England to 226-7 removing Jonny Bairstow, Joe Root rescue mission,” said man-of-the- credit to him.” – AFP
22 theSUN ON TUESDAY | SEPTEMBER 12, 2023
SPORTS
LINEOUT
Reality check for Scots
SCOTLAND always faced a monumental
challenge to get out of a daunting World
Cup pool but, having lost to defending
champions South Africa yesterday, nothing
has really changed – they will just
probably need to beat the world’s No. 1
team to avoid an early exit.
The Scots arrived in France full of hope
and ambition that they could unseat one,
if not both of the pool favourites.
However, despite trailing only 6-3 at
halftime, they never looked able to make
the world champions uncomfortable and
slipped to a hugely disappointing 18-3
defeat while barely firing an attacking
shot.
Now, assuming they can negotiate their
way past Tonga and Romania, they will
almost certainly have to beat Ireland to
have a chance of progressing to the
quarterfinals.
“We have plenty of time to dust
ourselves off. It was a bit of a setback
today but all the hard work we have put in
over the last couple of months has not
gone away. It is one setback but we have
loads to play for,” said captain Jamie
Ritchie.
“Ireland was always going to be an
important game for us but all the games
are must-win now.”
Brave Blossoms too hot for Chile
JAPAN embraced the role of giants in the
Toulouse pressure cooker yesterday,
surviving an early strike by inspired Chile
to brush aside the World Cup debutants
42-12.
Chile fly-half Rodrigo Fernandez had
given the newcomers a dream start and a
shock sixth-minute lead.
But Amato Fakatava scored a brace of
tries as the Brave Blossoms’ pack
bludgeoned their inexperienced
opponents, scoring five of their six tries.
“Chile came with a really spirited
performance, really hearty, tackled like
demons, turned our ball over, really put us
under pressure,” said Japan coach Jamie
Joseph. “We had to deal with that.”
Chile started each half with an early
score but wilted in the 32°C heat.
“We were OK for 60 minutes but in the
last 20 minutes we missed a little bit the
control of the game and that was tough
for us. They made us run,” said Chile coach
Pablo Lemoine.
“Amazing day for Chile rugby, for our
rugby history and for the World Cup also
with a new country coming in,“ the former
Uruguay prop said. “The first game for
Chile rugby is the most important point
today.”
France under more scrutiny
after fan chaos
RUGBY WORLD CUP organisers have
apologised to fans caught up in the
chaotic scenes outside the Stade
Velodrome before England’s match against
Argentina on Saturday night.
Thousands of ticket holders missed the
start of the Pool D opener because of the
limited number of entry points and
turnstiles, insufficient staffing levels and
extensive security checks.
The weight of numbers led to crushes
outside the ground and while organisers
announced there were no incidents and all
63,118 seats were eventually taken, many
supporters were concerned for their safety
amid the potential for the situation to
escalate.
“Fans are the heartbeat of the
tournament and we would like to
apologise to fans impacted by yesterday’s
access challenges,” a statement read.
“We are working hard to enhance the
experience for all visiting Marseille for
Rugby World Cup 2023.”
Fans posting on social media blamed
the city’s tram system, which was
overloaded hours before kick-off and
could not cope with the volumes of
supporters trying to reach the stadium.
Gauff in very different scenario to Raducanu
COCO GAUFF now finds herself in a vastly
different situation to the one Emma Raducanu
did following her US Open victory two years ago.
Both tennis stars triumphed as teenagers at
Flushing Meadows but American Gauff has been
backed to end her career with double-figure
Grand Slams.
Martina Navratilova believes winning the US
Open meant so much to Gauff, evidenced by
her incredulous celebrations inside the
Arthur Ashe Stadium.
Her first Grand Slam success, the
19-year-old dropped to the floor
and was later seen emotionally
celebrating with her parents.
That is a contrasting situation to
Raducanu who, while passionately
celebrating her victory in 2021,
might not have had such strong
feelings for the competition as a
British player.
Novak Djokovic with
his winners trophy
after defeating Daniil
Medvedev (left)
during their Men’s
Singles US Open Final
match. – AFPPIX
Regrets? Daniil has a few
Medvedev rues 2nd set break point chance in US Open final
D
ANIIL MEDVEDEV conceded he will
leave Flushing Meadows full of regret
after the Russian third seed failed to
rise to the occasion in the US Open
final yesterday, going down 6-3, 7-6(5), 6-3 to
Novak Djokovic as the Serb won his 24th
Grand Slam title.
After a lopsided first set where everything
was working in Djokovic’s favour, Medvedev
had an excellent chance to level the match in
the second set but squandered a break point at
6-5.
“Regrets, for sure,” he told reporters.
“Second set was the best set I played and I
didn’t win it.
“So that’s why I kind of, I would say, it’s
normal that the match went that way, because
first and third he was kind of better and not
much to say. Second if I would win it maybe
could have been a different game.”
Medvedev endured a bumpy run-up to the
year’s final major, withdrawing from
Washington with an injury and going out in
Djokovic lucky to have had rivals like Federer, Nadal, says Ivanisevic
NOVAK DJOKOVIC has been fortunate to have
opponents like Roger Federer and Rafa Nadal to
push him during his career, his coach Goran
Ivanisevic said yesterday after the 36-year-old
claimed the US Open title for a 24th Grand Slam
crown.
The “Big Three” dominated men’s tennis over
the last two decades with a collective 66 Grand
Slam titles between them but Djokovic is now
clear of the retired Federer (20) and Nadal (22),
who is expected to call time on his career next
year.
“He’s a winner,” former Wimbledon champion
Ivanisevic told reporters. “He’s the guy who is
Lifting the Wimbledon title might have
meant more to the Bromley-based starlet, and
could have provided better momentum for
further Grand Slam success.
And so Gauff finds herself in a more
advantageous position than Raducanu did in
2021. Navratilova has backed the Florida-born
star to win “double-figure” Grand Slams.
“She will win double-figure majors if
she stays fit. We were talking (about)
the big three. Now it’s the big
four. It’s Iga Swiatek,
Aryna Sabalenka,
Elena Rybakina
and Coco
Gauff,” the
tennis icon
told Sky
Sports.
“She has
no pressure on
the third round in Cincinnati, and there was
little to suggest he could repeat his successful
2021 campaign at the US hardcourt Slam.
But he found his rhythm in New York,
battling through the draw before digging deep
to send top seed Carlos Alcaraz packing in the
semifinals.
The Russian told reporters yesterday he had
not felt in peak condition since a four-set grind
against Alex de Minaur in the fourth round.
“Sometimes in a Grand Slam you’re not
going to feel 100% and you may still win the
whole thing,” said Medvedev, who picked up
two Masters 1000 titles in 2023.
“For sure physically I would like to come
better to this match, but if you play Carlos in
the semifinals, you know that physically it’s
going to be a tough one.
“So there is no other choice and you still
want to win and just I had to be better
physically, mentally, and tennis-wise.”
Medvedev lavished praise on Djokovic and
revealed how the Serbian great had treated
motivating himself.
“He had luck to have guys like Nadal and
Federer, they came before him, so they pushed
each other.
“When you tell him he can’t do something,
it’s even worse. Then he’s going to show you that
he can do it. No excuses.
“He always tries to find a way to win, to fight,
even when he’s not feeling well, injured, not
injured.”
Ivanisevic, who has been coaching Djokovic
since 2019, said he considered the Serb’s US
Open triumph – which put him level with
Margaret Court with the most major singles
her now because now she’s won this one, so the
expectations have been met.
“I think the confidence that she’ll get from
this, she’s just getting started. Now she’s got
some time to get better.
“Neither player played their best tennis but
Coco played the best tennis when she needed to
get back into the match in the second set. In the
third set she played smart. She didn’t give
Sabalenka anything to hit.
“Just see how much it meant to her. You have
to trust yourself that you can put it together.
“She’s such a great role model for
young kids growing up who want to
play tennis or just achieve something
because she had a dream.
“Now she’s achieved it. She’s
one of those people that will make
a difference in the world in a
positive way.” – Express
Newspapers
him earlier in his career.
“When we first played I was probably 500th
in the world. And he was super kind to me,”
Medvedev said.
“Nothing special, but he treated me like a
normal person. And he still does. Nothing
changed: 24, 30, 12 Grand Slams? Nothing
changes.
“And I think that’s something great about a
person you can say.”
Medvedev said that beating Djokovic at the
US Open final was the greatest achievement of
his career to date.
“From one side I can say, and really I find
this amazing, that I beat Novak in a Grand
Slam final, which probably at this moment is
the pinnacle of my career,” he said.
“At the same time, maybe if he and Rafa
(Nadal) didn’t exist… I played five finals
against them and I only managed to win one. I
don’t know if it’s good or bad. But you know,
(Djokovic) pushes me to be better.” –
AFP/Reuters
titles – as “the biggest achievement in sporting
history”.
The 51-year-old added that he was not
surprised by Djokovic’s hunger.
“He’s just enjoying, he likes the challenges.
Like you ask me 25 (majors), yeah, if he wins 25
he’s going to think, ‘If I win 25, why not 26?’ It’s
always one more, something more,” Ivanisevic
said.
“He’s taking care of his body, he’s taking care
of everything, every single detail has to be
perfect, prepared. He’s never happy on the court.
“I don’t know if that’s good or bad, not good
for us,” he said smiling. – Reuters
 FOLLOW ON FACEBOOK
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SIDENETTING
S. Korea boss Klinsmann in trouble
after seven months
SOUTH KOREA face Saudi Arabia in a friendly at
Newcastle United’s St James’ Park tomorrow
(12.30am Malaysian time) with Jurgen Klinsmann
under severe pressure after a wretched start as
coach. The German legend was only appointed in
February but his South Korea side have failed to
win in the five games since, losing twice and
drawing three times. The latest disappointment
was a drab 0-0 stalemate away at an equally off-
colour Wales last week, after which skipper Son
Heung-min came to the defence of 59-year-old
Klinsmann. “I understand where fans come from…
I am not saying the coach is always right, but I
also don’t think fans are always right either,” Son
said. Klinsmann insists that the team is in
transition and his focus is on the Asian Cup, which
takes place in Qatar in January-February. “It’s a
growing process,” he said. “And I’m pleased overall
with what the players showed, and we’ll keep
growing game by game.”
Flick sacked after Japan
humiliation
GERMANY have sacked manager Hansi Flick after
the team’s 4-1 humiliation at the hands of Japan.
Die Mannschaft went into Saturday’s international
friendly at Wolfsburg’s Volkswagen Arena on the
back of two consecutive defeats and were
comprehensively beaten by the Samurai Blue. The
shock loss was the final straw for those in power,
with 58-year-old Flick winning just 12 of his 25
games in charge after being handed the job in
May 2021. “The committees agreed that the men’s
senior national team needs new impetus after the
recent disappointing results,” DFB president Bernd
Neuendorf said in an official statement. “For me
personally, it is one of the most difficult decisions
of my time in office so far. But sporting success is
the top priority for the DFB. So the decision was
inevitable.”
Weghorst keeps Oranjes on course
WOUT WEGHORST kept the Netherlands on
course for Euro 2024 as he came off the bench to
bag the decisive goal in his side’s 2-1 win against
the Republic of Ireland yesterday. Ronald
Koeman’s team suffered an early shock when
Adam Idah’s penalty put Ireland ahead in Dublin
in their Group B game. But Liverpool’s Cody
Gakpo netted a penalty soon after and the visitors
wrapped up the points thanks to Weghorst’s
second half strike. Currently on loan at German
side Hoffenheim from Premier League club
Burnley, the towering Weghorst’s introduction at
the interval proved a masterstroke by Koeman. A
third win from their four Group B matches lifted
the Netherlands into second place, six points
behind leaders France with a game in hand.
Beaten in four of their five matches, Stephen
Kenny’s hosts look certain to miss out on a place
at the Euros.
Juve owner denies possible sale
THE EXOR holding company that owns Juventus
has no plans to put the Serie A club up for sale, a
spokesman said yesterday, denying a report in
newspaper Il Giornale. The spokesman said in a
statement that the report was “groundless.” Exor,
which is controlled by the Agnelli family and
listed in the Netherlands, considers Juventus’s
recent financial results “no longer sustainable”
and has been embarrassed by its judicial
problems, the newspaper said. Exor believes that
after operations to clean up the accounts of
Italy’s most historically successful team it can put
it on sale for at least €1.5b (RM7.5b), Il Giornale
added.
RESULTS
EURO 2024 QUALIFIERS
Group B: Greece 5 (Pelkas 9, Mavropanos 23, 83,
Masouras 70, 90+1) Gibraltar 0, Republic of
Ireland 1 (Idah 5-pen) Netherlands 2 (Gakpo 19-
pen, Weghorst 56).
Group E: Faroe Islands 0 Moldova 1 (Rata 53),
Albania 2 (Asani 37, Daku 62) Poland 0.
Group G: Montenegro 2 (Savic 45+1, Jovetic 90+7)
Bulgaria 1 (Borukov 79), Lithuania 1 (Paulauskas
45) Serbia 3 (Mitrovic 21, 32, 43).
Group H: Kazakhstan 1 (Samorodov 27) Northern
Ireland 0, Finland 0 Denmark 1 (Hojbjerg 86), San
Marino 0 Slovenia 4 (Vipotnik 4, Mlakar 16, Lovric
61, Karnicnik 67).
SCAN
ME
█ MIGUEL DELANEY
H
ARRY KANE said that it “hurt” to
watch his England teammates
winning titles and going the
distance in the Champions League,
as he insists the Premier League goalscoring
record was never a motivation.
The new Bayern Munich signing said that
the fact that it was “the one thing missing”
from his career hung over him, and that was
ultimately why he left Tottenham Hotspur.
Kane said he is enjoying the pressure of
having to win every Bundesliga match
convincingly, compared to how two Spurs
games without winning “wasn’t a disaster”.
“As a competitor, when the boys are
playing the Champions League and I am just
sitting at home watching it, I would be lying if
I said there wasn’t a part of me that hurt,”
Kane said, as Kyle Walker’s incredible medal
record was put to him.
“Of course, I want them to do well – Kyle
and all those guys to win when they are in
competitions I am not in – but a part of me
wants to have those experiences.
“With the other players in the team having
done that, I am not sure jealous is the right
word, but it does motivate me to go on and
try to push myself towards some of those
trophies the guys have got.”
He also stressed the Premier League
record never factored into his thinking.
Northern Ireland’s Conor Washington (front, centre) in action against Kazakhstan during the
Euro 2024 qualifying Group H match at Astana Arena, Kazakhstan on Sunday. – REUTERSPIX
N. Ireland O’Neill feels like
Groundhog Day after another loss
█ IAN PARKER
MICHAEL O’NEILL admitted Northern
Ireland’s miserable Euro 2024 qualifying
campaign was starting to feel like
Groundhog Day as he urged fans to look at
the bigger picture while he tries to mould a
new team.
After last week’s 4-2 defeat to Slovenia, it
was back to the old familiar feeling of a 1-0
defeat in Kazakhstan yesterday – a fifth
consecutive defeat in this campaign and
the fourth 1-0 reverse during that run.
Maxim Samorodov’s 27th minute strike
settled it, but Northern Ireland missed a
golden first half chance when Kazakhstan’s
goalscorer tracked back to stop Conor
McMenamin prodding home when Matty
Kennedy’s mis-hit shot was rolling towards
the goal line.
Although they did not produce anything
like the attacking display they showed in
Ljubljana last Thursday, O’Neill’s side still
ended the game with more possession and
more shots than Kazakhstan, but on the
Kane comes clean
on Spurs exit
Striker admits it ‘hurt’ watching England peers win titles
“I think there was a lot of talk about it and
the fact I was getting closer to it but I have
never been anybody who has chased
individual honours ahead of team awards.
“I have said before in interviews,
ultimately it comes down to me to see how
good I can be and I felt like I had to be playing
Champions League football and competing
for titles each year. Bayern Munich definitely
gives me that.
“The record of course would be amazing
and it might be amazing if one day I do end
up breaking it. But it is not why I play football
and my move shows that.”
Kane has already been struck by how
exacting it is at Bayern, something he relishes.
“It’s definitely a different pressure
compared to what I felt at Spurs. Of course we
wrong side of the result.
“I think it followed quite a similar
pattern for us,” O’Neill said. “Obviously the
goal in the game is the only defining
moment.
“We started the game well, we were
dominating but our play in the final third
let us down, we’re lacking a little bit in that
area at the minute obviously.
“It has been a little bit (like Groundhog
Day),” O’Neill added. “This is our third time
together as a group in terms of my time
back in charge so there is a process we’re
having to go through a little bit, which
is painful.
“For a lot of those lads, it’s always
nicer to come into international
football for the first time and you’re
winning games, it’s always easier to
come into a team that’s doing well.
“Now we’re trying to introduce players
into a team when the results are not so
good so it’s more challenging
for the players.” – The
Independent
23
theSUN ON TUESDAY | SEPTEMBER 12, 2023
* SPORTS
wanted to win things at Spurs but if you went
a couple of games without winning then it
wasn’t a disaster.
“The feeling at Bayern is that you have to
win every game. We won the first two games
4-0 and 3-1 and there was still talk about not
being too happy about the way we played.
That’s part and parcel of being at one of the
biggest clubs in the world.
“But we’ve had a good start and I’m
enjoying feeling those different emotions and
that’s part of the reason that I wanted to go.
“And we start the Champions League
campaign when we get back, which they
expect to win – or have a good chance of
winning. So you’re going into those games
with maybe a different feeling to what I’ve had
in the past.” – The Independent
Rubiales resigns
as Spanish FA
president
█ JACK RATHBORN
LUIS RUBIALES has resigned as president of the
Spanish FA after kissing midfielder Jenni Hermoso
on the lips following Spain’s victory in the
Women’s World Cup final.
Rubiales was asked by the Spanish football
federation to step down and Hermoso, who
insisted the kiss was not consensual, filed a
complaint to the national prosecutor’s office last
Tuesday.
The prosecutor’s office said that under a
recently passed sexual consent law, Rubiales
could face a fine or even imprisonment if found
guilty of sexual assault.
Rubiales, a former player, had initially played
down the significance of the unsolicited kiss after
the team’s 1-0 victory over England in Sydney
almost a month ago. He called some of his critics
“idiots”.
Fifa provisionally suspended Rubiales for 90
days and opened up disciplinary proceedings
against him, but he has now released a statement
with his resignation to the federation’s acting
president Pedro Rocha.
“My resignation? Yes, I’m going to, I cannot
continue my work,” Rubiales told Piers Morgan
Uncensored for TalkTV.
“I love so much my daughters, and they love
me so much, I’m very happy and proud of them.
“My father, my daughters, I spoke with them,
they know it’s not a question about me.
“They say to me, ‘Luis, now you have to focus
on your dignity and continue your life, because
you will do damage to people you love.’
“When somebody is not thinking only about
themself, because I had to in these few weeks, it’s
not only a question of me. It can affect third
parties, it’s very important, this situation now, it’s
the thing I have to do.”
Rubiales’s statement read: “After the
quick suspension carried out by
Fifa, plus the rest of open
proceedings against me, it is
evident that I will not be able
to return to my position.
“Insisting on waiting and
holding on is not going
to contribute to anything
positive, neither to the
federation nor to Spanish
football.”
He confirmed that he
has also resigned as one of
UEFA’s vice presidents. –
The Independent
Rubiales
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TUESDAY • SEPTEMBER 12, 2023

Magnificent Novak
Djokovic wins US Open and record-equalling 24th grand slam title

N
OVAK DJOKOVIC secured year’s championships due to his living my childhood dream,” player who died in a helicopter
his 24th grand slam title vaccine status, wore a tracksuit top Djokovic said. crash in 2020.
and became the oldest US adorned with the No. 24 – which “To compete at the highest level “I thought about doing this t-
Open champion in the presumably would not have seen in the sport that gave me so much shirt a few days ago,” Djokovic
Open era after a gruelling victory the light of day had he lost – for after so much adversity, growing up explained. “I didn’t share it with
over Daniil Medvedev. the trophy presentation. in the 90s, a couple of wars. It was anybody. Kobe was a close friend of
The 36-year-old “I don’t know where to very expensive, not affordable. mine, we chatted a lot, about the
Serbian, who is start, it means the world to “It was quite a choice, incredible winner’s mentality.
back up to world me (to win 24 resilience, belief, all these “When I was struggling with an
No. 1, beat third titles), I’m years. My wife, my kids, injury and working my way back he
seed Medvedev 6-3, my team, this is your was one of the people I relied on the
7-6 (5), 6-3 for a trophy as much as most.
fourth Flushing mine. I love you. “He would always give me any
Meadows crown. “To make counsel, advice… his passing hurt
The match hinged on history in this sport me deeply.
a marathon second set is remarkable. It’s “I thought 24, the jersey he wore
lasting 104 minutes, which special. I had a to become a Lakers legend. It could
was longer than both players’ childhood dream at be a nice symbolic thing to do for
entire first-round matches. eight to win him.”
Djokovic won it after a tie-break Wimbledon and be A seemingly inevitable 25th
to move 2-0 up and finally break the best player in the Major title in Melbourne in January
Medvedev’s spirit, going on to gain world. – where he has already won 10
a measure of revenge after the “I never Australian Open titles – will see
Russian denied him the calendar imagined I’d be here Djokovic become statistically the
grand slam in the final here two talking about 24 greatest tennis player of all time.
years ago. slams. I didn’t know it Then it will be just a question of
The win also moved him level would be the reality. how long the 36-year-old will want
with Margaret Court’s record of But I thought I had a to carry on his career and make
major titles, although really that is a chance over the last few more history.
statistical irrelevance given the years, why not grab it?” “He is one of the most
obvious difference in the level and Djokovic also paid tribute remarkable athletes you will see in
depth of competition between now to Kobe Bryant by revealing a any sport in every way possible,”
and the 1960s. t-shirt in tribute to the said ESPN analyst John McEnroe.
Of more importance to Djokovic legendary basketball “The drive, the hunger, the will
is his record against his peers; he is he still has after all his
now two clear of Rafael Nadal’s 22 achievements is crazy. He is one in
grand slam crowns and four ahead a billion.” – The
of Roger Federer, who declared on Independent/Express Newspapers
20 last year.
Having already won in Australia
and Paris, Djokovic has picked up
three major titles in a year for the Serbia’s Novak Djokovic
fourth time in his career. Only the celebrates with the
five-set defeat by Carlos Alcaraz in trophy after defeating
the Wimbledon final blemished his Russia’s Daniil
2023 record. Medvedev during the
Now he has surpassed Ken US Open men’s singles
Rosewall, who was 35 when he final at the USTA Billie
won in 1970, and who did not Jean King National
have to contend with any sets Tennis Centre in New
lasting almost an hour and a York yesterday. –
quarter. AFPPIX
Djokovic, who missed last

Referee controversy, Wales brilliance denies Fiji in thriller

█ PAUL EDDISON
THE 2023 Rugby World Cup needed a match to
light the spark and in the final game of the
opening weekend, it just about got it.
Fiji are everyone’s second favourite team, and
they showed why in Bordeaux, led by inspirational
skipper Waisea Nayacalevu against Wales in a
game that was decided on the final play.
Had Semi Radradra held onto Josua Tuisova’s
wide pass, Fiji could have pulled off a remarkable
comeback. He could not and they had to settle for
two losing bonus points in a 32-26 defeat.
It keeps them right in the tournament but was
scant reward for their efforts where officiating
came under the spotlight.
Refereeing in rugby is incredibly hard, and
often used by coaches and supporters as an
excuse for their side’s deficiencies. On this
occasion, however, Matthew Carley will face
justifiable scrutiny for his lack of consistency.
In the second half, in particular, Wales were
able to infringe regularly on their own line,
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receiving warning after warning, while conceding
just one yellow card when it could easily have
been three or four.
When Fiji’s Lekima Tagitagivalu was the first
man carded, justifiably in his case, the outrage
from the crowd was palpable.
Their form in 2023 has seen Fiji overtake Wales
in the world rankings, but shaking that tier-two
tag is not easy and it felt that they were refereed
as such.
Coach Simon Raiwalui was diplomatic after the
game, congratulating Wales for their victory, but
also clearly a little frustrated at the inconsistency.
“It’s pretty tough to talk when you are hot after
the match,” he said. “I did think when we were
down in the corner, we had multiple penalties and
could have been multiple more and we didn’t get
a yellow card (given against Wales).
“The referees have got a tough job, I respect
what they do. As a coach, you are looking for that
consistency. There were a couple of occasions
where we thought we didn’t get the rub of the
green.”
That being said, Wales produced arguably their biters and we finally got one.
best performance of the second Warren Gatland Gatland said yesterday’s nerve-wracking
era. victory was “pretty significant” although he added
His sides have often been criticised for their he had been “pretty angry” at his side’s chaotic
conservative approach and the common end to the match.
consensus is that you do not beat Fiji by playing The New Zealander admitted there had been
them at their own game. And yet that is what some dumb decisions taken on the pitch by his
Wales did for large periods. players as Fiji stormed back from 32-14 to make it
As dangerous as Radradra and Nayacalevu an edge of the seat thriller.
were in attack, Wales’s duo of Nick Tompkins and “It is pretty significant for us as everyone
George North shook off some defensive slip-ups expected Fiji to win,” Gatland told reporters.
to find gaping holes at the heart of the Fijian “What I am pleased about is there is some
defence. really positive stuff and some really good
It was Wales who were the more clinical when learnings for young players which will build our
they got into position to score, picking up a confidence.
maximum five points as a result. “We had things under control and then
Just as crucially, this was the game that lit the unnecessarily made some dumb decisions and
fuse at the 2023 World Cup. The first seven games put ourselves under pressure.
of the competition had provided some “I was pretty frustrated and angry about last
entertaining fare, but each one was decided by at period of the game.
least 14 points. “However to me the sport is about being
While some one-sided scorelines were honest and make sure we learn from it.” – The
expected, these group stages need some nail- Independent/AFP