24 August 2011

Wednesday 24 AUGUST, 2011

PP423/01/2012(029578)

ForTheRecord With Yushaimi Yahaya

Taking blessings for granted WORLD

Caught in the middle

100,000 copies daily

The Malay Mail

Journalists trapped in Tripoli’s ‘hot spot’ hotel close to stubborn Gaddafi stronghold

>> pg12 LOCAL

Rough ride MIC’s Vell Paari-owned Aussie 4WD auto plant clearing internal ‘mess’

>> pg3

Lethal biz talk Deal gone sour ends with Japanese jeweller’s hotel room death

>> pg2

Wiley ‘warung lawyer’ Conman relieves snack sellers of cash, valuables with palace ‘order’ ruse

>> pg4

Transit tangle Misinformed Canada-bound family leaves behind luggage

>> pg8

FREE

40 sen for delivery per copy

@malaymail

http://www.mmail.com.my

Cart before the horse

PETALING JAYA

Poser over Tourism Ministry tender for glamour London flower show TOURISM Malaysia is in the centre of a storm for controversially “announcing” it has awarded a RM3 million contract for the show garden designer for the prestigious Chelsea Flower Show 2012.

Questions have been raised over Tourism Malaysia’s alleged practice of putting the cart before the horse when it announced tenders to design the Malaysian Garden at the show in London next year.

This is because on June 6 this year, Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen Yen was reported as saying Sarawak-born James Wong would be designing the Malaysian Garden at next year’s edition of the international event.

This came after Amphibian Designs and its founder, Wong, won a consecutive gold medal at the show for designing the Malaysian exhibit. It won the same medal for

By TERENCE FERNANDEZ terence@mmail.com.my Malaysia’s entry last year.

Following criticisms, the ministry threw tender procedures out the window in its haste to award the £600,000 (RM3 million) contract to Wong and his partner, David Cubero, Tourism Malaysia recently announced a “tender” for the Show Garden Designer for next year’s Chelsea Flower Show.

The announcement (below right) was made in various UK dailies — including The Evening Standard — on Aug 10, where it called for interested parties to submit a proposal

to design, construct, supply, deliver and dismantle the Tourism Malaysia Show Garden.

The ministry’s sincerity in adhering to this tender exercise is in question as the tenders closed at noon on Aug 17.

But here is where it gets interesting: Tender documents sighted by The Malay Mail reveal the Tender Committee has to decide on the winning bid the same day tenders closed as the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS), which organises the Chelsea Flower Show, requires the stand design to be submitted on Aug 18!

So the question is: “Whose name

SPORTS

Let Andy be Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish warns doubting Thomases that striker Andy Carroll (inset) will have last laugh

>> pg31

Reflecting on life after a friend’s passing and two inspiring tales of people who make things happen despite life dealing them a bad hand... >> pg6

TOURIST MAGNET: This year’s Chelsea Flower Show in London — Getty Images

was submitted to the RHS?” Botanists and designers in Malaysia and London were skeptical one could put together a comprehensive value-for-money proposal within eight days.

“For something as big as the Chelsea Flower Show, we would need about two months to present a decent proposal that is within budget,” said a London designer contacted by The Malay Mail.

He said Wong’s winning “aquatic courtyard garden” at this year’s show would have taken him about a month to conceptualise and another month to execute.

• Continued on pg2

2

news

"He (Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah) did not order the Selangor mentri besar to form the syura council. That is why the Sultan is shocked and angry." — Sultan of Selangor private secretary Datuk Mohamad Munir Bani

Buka Puasa/Imsak Times

AMPANG

Deadly deal

Imsak Ramadan 24, Maghrib 1432H (today) (tomorrow)

wilayah persekutuan Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya

7:24pm

5:42am

Selangor Zone I: Daerah Gombak, Petaling Jaya/ Shah Alam, Hulu Selangor, Hulu Langat and Sepang Zone II: Daerah Klang, Kuala Langat, Kuala Selangor, and Sabak Bernam

7:24pm

7:26pm

5:44am

Raya date to be set on Monday SIGHTINGS for the Syawal moon to determine the Hari Raya Aidilfitri date will be on Aug 29, the Office of the Keeper of the Rulers' Seal announced yesterday. The Conference of Rulers has agreed that determining the Aidilfitri date would be based on "rukyah" (sighting of the new moon) and "hisab" (astronomical calculations), with the announcement to be made the same night over the radio and television. In Selangor, the locations for the sighting of the moon include Bukit Melawati, Pulau Angsa, Bukit Jugra and Balai Cerap Selangor while in the Buka Puasa/Imsak Times Federal Territory are Kuala Ramadan 23, MAGHRIB IMSAK 1432H and Putrajaya Lumpur Tower (TODAY) (TOMORROW) WILAYAH PERSEKUTUAN International Convention Kuala Lumpur Centre. and 7:24pm 5:43am Putrajaya

2

news

SELANGOR

Pos Malaysia to assist 6P programme Zone I: Daerah Gombak, Petaling Jaya/ Shah Alam, Hulu Selangor, Hulu Langat and Sepang

Zone II: Daerah Klang, Kuala Langat, Kuala Selangor, and Sabak Bernam

7:24pm

7:26pm

5:43am

5:44am

SEVEN Pos Malaysia outlets in Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, Johor and Pahang were States selectedThr for ee the registration of illegalma foreign workers y fac e under the amnesty wat er shortage and legalisation (6P) CONSUMERS in some areas programme from yesterday in Selang or, Kuala Lumpur and Putraja ya will face a water until Sunday.

The selected supply crisis if the Pahangoutlets Selang are the General or Raw Water Transfer Project and the construction Pos Office in KL and post of the Air Langat 2 Water Treatm offices in Shah Alam, Port ent Plant are still not ready by 2014, said Syarikat Klang, Bandar Bangi, Bekalan Air Baru Selangor (Syabas) chief operationsand Officer Rawang, Pontian Datuk Lee Miang Koi. He said Pusat Bandar Jengka.

Posa currently, they were having water supply deficit of 4.2 per Malaysia is working with cent or 186 million litres a day Financial Link Bhd,edato and that thisSdn was expect further worsen by 14 per cent company authorised by the or 668 million litres a day by 2014. He saidtoSyaba Home Ministry register s is facing difficulties in increasing water illegals.

Employers can levels at reserve reservoirs in water-stressethe also purchase Foreign d areas and it takes 24 hours to bring things Workerback Insurance Scheme to normal if there is a supply disrup tion. He at the water selected outlets.

We are analysing the hotel's closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage to determine the movements of the suspects

Hotel room business talks gone awry may have led to Japanese guest's death

5:42am

— Amiruddin Jamaluddin

By Aizat Sharif A JEWELLERY deal gone mmnews@mmail.com.my bad could have led to the rob-and-murder of a Japanese merchant at a hotel after midnight on Sunday. forced entry into the room room in Jalan Ampang on "The Africans knocked on or weapons.

Monday.

Ampang Jaya district the door and when it was A police source said the opened, they stormed in police chief ACP Amiruddin victim, in his 50s, and and ferociously attacked the Jamaluddin said an autophis injured countryman two Japanese, then bound sy at the Hospital Kuala were believed to have been and gagged the duo," said Lumpur (HKL) on Monday involved in a negotiation the source. found the deceased, who with three African nationals Both victims were appar- had a heart condition, died in the room on Sunday. ently unconscious as the sus- due to head trauma caused The Japanese men were pects ransacked the room, by a blunt object. badly beaten by the suspects, and took the merchants' "The surviving Japanese, then bound and gagged. belongings, including jew- who is warded at HKL, Their situation only came ellery, cash and business managed to give us a parto light at 12.30pm on papers. tial statement on what had One of t he Jap anes e happened," he said, adding Monday.

"Initially, there were three died while still bound and statements were also taken Japanese men in the room gagged, while his country- from the hotel staff and on the ninth floor, together man regained consciousness several guests. with three African men," about 12 hours later, and “We are analysing the said the source. "When the managed to untie himself to hotel's closed-circuit televideal did not materialise, alert the hotel management. sion (CCTV) footage to The room was registered determine the movements the Africans and one of the Japanese left the room and under the name of the sur- of the suspects. Several finviving Japanese who checked gerprints were lifted inside the hotel."

It is, however, believed in on Sunday while the vic- the room. The case has been Yayasanreturned Terengganuto timinwho was notpart regis- classified under Section the Africans students Cairodied , Egyp t, who icipated in demonstrations by Bersih 9, other will be Japanese issued show tered on withrsthe hotel. meet theJuly two of the Penal Code for cause lette — Tere ngganu Menteri302 Besar Datuk Seri Ahmad Said Police found no sign of murder." merchants just before or just SUBANG JAYA

Japanese duo gagged in hotel room, on

A JAPANESE man, bound and gagged, was found dead in his four-star hotel room here yesterday.

Beside him was his countryman who was also similarly tied-up but alive. Both are believed to be victims of

FLASHBACK: Our report

a robbery.

This bizarre discovery was made at 12.30pm yesterday by the hotel's staff who then alerted the police.

The victim, in his 50s, was believed to have suffocated to death. His countryman, also in yesterday

SUBANG JAYA

e dies

his 50s, sustained minor injuries closed -circuit television (CCTV) on his mouth and hands. footage to identify the suspects,” Ampang Jaya district police said Amiru ddin. chief ACP Amiruddin Jamaluddin "The two victims, who are on (pic) said both men were believed vacati on here, had checked into to have been robbed at 1am on the hotel on Sunday afternoon."

Monday.

So far no arrest has been “We have taken the hotel' s made.

Hotels should also have closed-circuit television (CCTV) on every floor and security personnel patrolling the floors on a regular basis — Datuk Mohd Ilyas Zainol Abidin

Balancing guest security with privacy HOTEL guest safety and security are top priority, says Malaysia Association of Hotels (MAH) president Datuk Mohd Ilyas Zainol Abidin.

"Besides strict procedures on access cards to hotel The Malay Mail registered rooms, those not Tuesday with the23hotel are not allowed AUGUST, 2011 to roam the hotel room floors, especially after midnight," he said.

"Hotels should also have closed-circuit television (CCTV) on every floor and security personnel patrolling the floors on a regular basis."

He said while hotels were

Tourism tender process questioned DeaMalaysia dly

thunderbolt!

cally say that James Wong has at promoting Malaysia as "a not been awarded the contract. destination that offers beautiSix IndoneAsiaMalaysian ns killeddesigner by lighintninButg, who ful sights and natural beauty eventual winning fivetheoth ers inju red WITHIN a span of five minutes through its parks and gardens, bid goes to will be decided by Kuala Lumpur also said it By G. PRAK ASH and AIZAT SHARIF of heavy thunderstorm in the Ampuan office."

Rahimah in Klang time particularly mmne to nature enthuwould bews@m a waste of ytime to our London mail.com.m being.

Klang Valley yesterday afterfor treatment, along with the "Wesiasts will move the Ong said he was unable to and horticulturists", worke noon, six Indonesian workers bid.

"Bona fide designers would rs' rema ins of their dead col- quarters atriots suffered Surady, 31, and Hazar to a safer place," she were killed by lightning while of their comp in,comment 29, leaguefurther s. on the details and had identified 22 parks not waste their time on this. bodily injuri es. said. while the injured were Dasyir, another five, also Indonesians, The Malay and Mail learnt Then at 2.45p all six to In the of the tender respond and gardens in Malaysia to m at Sunga Coming up iwith something in Sunga i Choh 28, Rosi, incide were injured in two separate nt, 25, and Surady's wife, started working at the Choh in Rawang, three veg- Som, housing the five farm workers, aged incidents.

20.

20 as tourist the issues as he did not be promoted to eight days for a major event project raised three weeks ago. etable farm worke Police to 30, were in close proximity rs died upon "During the thunderstorm, have classified In the first tragedy at 2.40pm interfering like thisg is beyond the best want to be seentheascase as sud- at the attractions. lightin time. while mosteven at the site of a high-end hous- being struck by const ructio n work ers den death. two of their comp Hulu Selang atriot s sur- went inside the workers' quarWong has tyet to respond to with the tender exercise. or distric designers." ing project at Persiaran Kerjaya police When contacted, Glenmarie chief Supt Norel vived with injuri es.

Azmi Yahya ters nearbyTourism in Jalan Rektor, Glenmarie, except for the six"It Prope would emails although sources say he When contacted, rties be groupinappropriate direct Shah or for Alam police Affen chief, di said: ACP "The who were stand ing outsid e property, asset victim s' Shah Alam, three construction and constr uc- at for me to say anything more threw a celebration party after Ministry Secretary General the dead in under a roofin workers were struck dead by Zahedi Ayob said g," said Zahedi. tion, Siti Mariam Mohd Desa, employer said the five were busy being incident Dr work were Ong ing at the TheHong a lightning bolt, while three the GlenmarieDatuk farm the contract this point." "awarded" three injur Peng ed were said construction works on the identified as Mohd Nasir, 46, rushe although it was raining heavto Hosp t will be halted a statement to for coincide (pic) said Wong dhad yetitaltoTengkuIn projec the ily." for next year's event. with the flower show in May, Ng, who is currently in be officially appointed as the SUNGAI BULOH Tourism Malaysia had said Russia, was unreachable for designer.

"If you ask me, I can categori- its participation was aimed comments. ● From pg1

No Raya break The Malay Mail is published fobyr firefiEDITORIAL ghters

said three schemes which were approved by the government for additional water supply totalling 320 million litres a day, which was expected to be completed at the end of the year, could only meet Malay Mail Sdndeman Bhd,d for Lottwo2A, Jalan 13/2, Tel : 03-74951288 Fax : 03-74951229 years, MOST of the Fire and Rescue based on the Jaya expected increase

By ANDREW SAGAYAM 46200, inPetaling Email : mmnews@mmail.com.my Depar tment Malaysia persondemand. andrew@mmail.com.my nel will be

on duty throughout the festive week

ADVERTISING SALES Tel : 03-74951273 (Classifieds) / 03-74951262 (Display) Fax : 03-74951228 Email : ad@mmail.com.my

The Malay Mail Wednesday 24 AUGUST, 2011

strict with security, they could not simply bar, detain or question visitors as it was normal for guests to entertain friends, relatives and clients in their room.

"We have to balance security with privacy as hotel guests will get upset if they feel their freedom to move about and meet whom they please are being restricted.

"In the particular case on Monday, it was correct for the surviving victim to immediately alert the hotel management and the hotel also responded accordingly by bringing in the police without delay."

News Alert CELCOM subscribers! Be the first to get The Malay Mail's news updates via SMS! You will get a minimum of five SMSes daily by following these simple steps: Weekly subscription: Type ON<space>MMAILW and send to 23999 Monthly subscription: Type ON<space>MMAIL and send to 23999 ● Weekly: RM1.50, Monthly: RM5.00

Weather Update PLANNING a day out? Don't get caught out.

Keeping up-to-date with the latest weather conditions is vital.

Subscribe to receive the daily weather forecast for Klang Valley areas direct to your mobile phone via SMS! All you need to do is just type: ON<space>MM<space>WEATHER and send to 33333 Sample: ON MM WEATHER ● RM0.50/SMS. Normal telco charges apply.

TO CONTACT US: Newsdesk : 03-74951015 & 03-74951017 Classifieds : 03-74951273/03-74951282 General line : 03-74951288 Circulation : 03-74951068 Fax : 03-74951226

About 8,000 policemen will be on duty in the city during the Hari Raya celebrations this year — Kuala Lumpur police chief Datuk Mohmad Salleh

The Malay Mail Wednesday 24 AUGUST, 2011

news

3

PETALING JAYA

Vell Paari’s Aussie firm crisis Claims of misappropriation of funds, missing files, non-payment of salaries

AN internal financial crackdown of MIC central working committee member S. Vell Paari’s Western Australia-based 4WD auto company is underway following allegations of misappropriation of millions of ringgit, missing accounting files and "stolen" intellectual property manuals.

Three Australian authorities, in the meantime, are investigating his company for non-payment of staff salaries, unpaid superannuation — a retirement and pensions programme — and alleged violation of investment procedures.

Vell Paari told The Malay Mail international audit firm KPMG was conducting forensic examination on the finances of OKA Motor Co., the trading name of Reymer Pty Ltd, that Vell Paari controls.

The audit is also to protect the company's intellectual property in the form of manuals to manu-

GOMBAK

By Frankie D’Cruz frankie@mmail.com.my

facture all-terrain trucks and tour buses.

The manuals, valued at RM80 million, were discovered missing recently, he said.

Vell Paari said millions in company funds have also been siphoned out of Australia into a private account in Europe.

In the case of the manuals, he said, sabotage was suspected.

“The manuals that were stored in a computer server are currently being rebuilt.”

On the missing accounting files, he said except for those over the past two years, files from previous years had gone missing.

The son of former MIC president Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu was speaking to The Malay Mail on claims his auto company had collapsed.

“The company has not col-

vell paari: Company has not collapsed

lapsed. Matters have come to a standstill until we have cleared this mess,” he declared.

He said: “Majority of the employees have now been paid their salaries except for those whose claims have to be verified by the auditors.

“Payments to certain creditors

are also disputable and I suspect their accounts are shady. We are putting everything in order and are co-operating with the authorities to get to the root of the problems.”

He said the irregularities came to light in an internal investigation into complaints of nonpayment of staff salaries over the past two-and-a-half-months.

Vell Paari said an email sent to him by an employee raising concerns over non-payment of salaries triggered the internal action.

“I suspected irregularities as we had money from sales of allterrain vehicles while the company was still focused on research and development on a new range of vehicles.

“It was then we discovered millions have been siphoned out of Australia into a private account.”

He claimed OKA chief

Woman in love triangle rescued from kidnappers

A WOMAN was held captive for five days by her lover's estranged wife and her four accomplices until police rescued her yesterday.

During her captivity at a house in Cheras, the victim, 31-year-old V. Mariammah, was beaten on the face and body and her hair cut short by her captors.

Her ordeal ended after her lover lodged a police report and police arrested the lover's wife and brother-

By AIZAT SHARIF aizat@mmail.com.my

in-law, a married couple who provided the house in Cheras, and the wife's male Sri Lankan friend.

Gombak district police chief ACP Abdul Rahim Abdullah said the five suspects were arrested at two separate locations in Taman Subang Mewah and Taman Saga in Ampang.

"Mariammah went missing on Aug 19 and her lover

filed a police report on Aug 21 that his 'girlfriend' was kidnapped," said Abdul Rahim.

"The lover did this after he contacted his estranged wife and she refused to release Ma r i a m m a h . We t h e n tracked down the suspects at the house in Cheras."

The incident began when the wife confronted Mariammah, an odd-job worker, at her house in Gombak on Aug 19.

During their argument, the

wife snatched Mariammah's handphone and talked to her husband. Mariammah was then beaten and taken away by the suspects.

From then until Aug 21, the husband received threatening calls from his wife who demanded RM5,000 for Mariammah's release. That prompted the husband to file a police report.

The five suspects, aged 28 to 36, are under remand at the Gombak district police headquarters.

financial officer Tom Ksserkas had owned up to the auditors that he had misappropriated company funds.

The chief executive officer, Arthur Gold, resigned soon after the forensics audit was commissioned, he added.

He accused both men for the current state of affairs. “I was not responsible for the unpaid wages.

“I might be company chairman and have other ventures in Australia but I don’t get involved in daily operations as I spend most of my time in Kuala Lumpur. Further, I don’t have a working visa there.”

Vell Paari said he expected a full report from the auditors soon after which he would make police reports against those responsible.

In the meantime, he said, operations at the plant in Bibra Lake have ground to a

KUALA LUMPUR

Snatch thieves nabbed SWIFT action by a van driver who witnessed a snatch theft led police to arrest two suspects within two hours after the incident at Pantai Baru here last Tuesday.

The van driver, upon seeing a 44-year-old woman's handbag snatched by two men on a motorcycle, quickly drove his vehicle and knocked the motorcycle, forcing the two suspects to fall.

"The suspects, a Form Four student and an unemployed 31-year-old, fled on foot, leaving their Yamaha RXZ bike," said Brickfields police chief ACP Wan Abdul Bari Wan Abdul Khalid.

Police arrived minutes later,

KUALA LUMPUR

Cybercafes easy targets for robbers, say cops

ROBBERIES at Internet cafés have been on the rise and police say this is mainly because of lack of security at such outlets which are also cash cows.

Brickfields police chief ACP Wan Abdul Bari Wan Abdul Khalid (pic) urged cybercafe operators to invest in security or risk being robbed frequently.

"Installing closed-circuit television could act as a deterrent and the cybercafe operators should also hire security guards," he said.

"Robbers are attracted to

By G. Prakash prakash@mmail.com.my

cybercafes because there is constant cash flow and they can also easily intimidate the female staff there."

Wan Bari also urged the cybercafe operators to co-operate with the police.

"Last Wednesday at 4pm, we received a tip-off on parangwielding robbers at a cybercafe at Jalan Lazat in Sri Petaling," he said.

"When our officers arrived, the

three robbers were still inside.

We surrounded all the entrances and the robbers had no choice but to surrender."

During the incident, the robbers ordered the outlet assistant, a 17-year-old boy, to stuff the cash into a bag. There were some customers at the time but they could not do anything.

"After questioning the three suspects, we arrested another two suspects a few hours later, also in Sri Petaling, and seized a Proton Satria. We believe this gang was responsible for up to 20

robberies at cybercafes and other outlets in Brickfields and other areas under our jurisdiction."

All five suspects, aged between 20 to 35 years, were from Subang, and their leader and mastermind was the 35-year-old who was found to have seven previous criminal records, including for armed robbery, causing grievious hurt, snatch thefts and drugs.

"We are looking for a sixth suspect connected to this gang," said Wan Bari.

Last Sunday morning, two robbers struck at a cybercafe

halt to facilitate investigations.

At least 20 workers have been retrenched.

He said he was liaising with Fair Work Ombudsman that is looking into allegations of unpaid salaries.

“I am aware the workers had also lodged a claim with the Australian Taxation office for unpaid superannuation.

“A complaint has also been filed with the Australian Securities and Investments Commission and I am in touch with the authorities.”

Vell Paari said moves were in progress to relocate the manufacturing plant to Malaysia.

He said he has hired a new COO, an Indian national with expertise in armoured and non-armoured vehicles for Indonesian military, to head the operations in Malaysia from October.

in Jalan Besar, Kampung Baru Sungai Buloh. Using a Glock pistol and sickle, they stormed the cashier but they were in for a shock as there were two police officers conducting a raid there.

The robbers refused to surrender and the Glock-carrying gunman fired several shots.

Police returned fire, killing one suspect (an army staff sergeant) and injured his accomplice (a Ranger). Subsequently, police arrested three more suspects who turned out to be army personnel as well.

seized the motorcycle and traced the owner by checking the registration number. Both suspects were picked up at a house in Pantai Dalam.

"The suspects are not related to each other," said Wan Bari.

The victim, a nurse working at a nearby private hospital in Jalan Bukit Pantai, lodged a report at the Pantai police station.

Wan Bari said the victim had identified the two suspects during an identification parade at Brickfields police headquarters in Sri Petaling.

After interrogating the suspects, police believe they were involved in at least 15 theft cases in the district.

4

news

A RM15 million loan under the Special Loan Scheme for Chinese New Village Residents has been set aside this year for eligible applicants — Housing and Local Government Minister Datuk Chor Chee Heung

The Malay Mail Wednesday 24 AUGUST, 2011

KUALA LUMPUR

'Royal' curry puff scam

'Warung lawyer' dupes hawkers into parting with RM200,000 in cash, jewellery AT first glance, the lives of the makcik selling kuih in Taman Wahyu and the "lawyer" from Istana Negara could not be more different.

The 44-year-old snack seller scrapes by on RM15 a day, her money spent on food and precious little else.

The lifestyle enjoyed by the 28-year-old suave "lawyer" was in stark contrast. He appeared to be a young royal who led a cushy life with his wife.

So, what is the link between the two? The answer is simple: The palace "lawyer" is a serial fraudster and the makcik one of his 44 victims.

It turns out the man was actually a "warung lawyer" who ensnared 31 small food stall holders in Brickfields and another 13 food operators from other parts of the Klang Valley in his web of deceit promising the victims a channel to the hallowed halls of Istana Negara.

Brickfields police chief ACP Wan Abdul Bari Wan Abdul

By G.PRAKASH prakash@mmail.com.my

Khalid yesterday gave the lowdown on the activities of the man now in police custody.

Wan Abdul Bari said the man from Batu Pahat was unemployed, posed as a lawyer and went by many names including "Tengku Razali". He has seven criminal records.

He said the man’s wife was also believed to have been involved in several cases and is still at large.

Since May, his slick talk convinced the food operators, mostly women, into parting with cash, jewellery and handphones for a chance to supply their curry puffs and other delicacies to Istana Negara employees.

Wan Abdul Bari said the man’s plan was simple: Fullysuited, he would park his Proton Perdana, bearing government and Bar Council badges, in front of a food stall.

CON MAN'S LOOT: Wan Abdul Bari showing items seized from the suspect

He would then buy some delicacies and shower glowing praises of the food. Next, he would offer the operator a contract to cater the delicacies to palace officials, saying he was a lawyer with Istana Negara.

The operator is sold on the opportunity, more so because the man did not require pay-

ments upfront or commission.

A date would then be fixed for the operator to go to the palace. The victim is told to wear as much jewellery as possible as they would be meeting top palace officials.

The man would then pick up the operator from the stall and

KUALA LUMPUR

Over 2,000 saved from human trafficking since 2008

By ANDREW SAGAYAM andrew@mmail.com.my

SINCE the Council for AntiTrafficking in Persons and AntiSmuggling of Migrants (MAPO) was activated by the Home Ministry in February 2008, authorities have rescued 2,114 people from 20 countries from human trafficking syndicates.

Of the total, 799 were identified as "actual" victims subjected to abuse, sexual exploitation and forced labour, and these were mostly women.

In addition to saving foreigners trafficked into Malaysia, authorities also arrested 492 locals and foreigners for their involvement in human trafficking.

"Of the 799 deemed actual victims, 217 were sexually exploited or bound for the sex trade," MAPO secretary-general Nasirrahman Saad Khiruddin said at a seminar on human trade and smuggling of migrants at Citrus Hotel yesterday.

"Of the 492 arrested for human trafficking, 347 were charged in court, some under the Anti-Trafficking in Persons

SAVING LIVES: (From left) Malaysian Council for Child Welfare vice-president Datuk Dr Raj Abdul Karim, Nassirahman and Pan Pacific & Southeast Asia Women's Association president Datuk Rahmah Hamid

Act 2007."

Of those rescued, the mostaffected migrants were from Indonesia with 551, followed

by Sri Lanka (327), China (320), the Philippines (222) and Vietnam (154).

Nasirrahman said the syndicates usually targetted those from poor families with minimal education and low opportunities for income.

"The victims come from backward communities or rural

areas. When the syndicates go there and offer jobs opportunities to the girls and young women, their families would accept the offer. To further convince the families, the syndicates usually paid the families.

head for the palace. When they arrive outside the palace gates, the man would fake a phone call to a palace official.

He would then tell his victim the palace official insists she remove her jewellery.

Said Wan Abdul Bari: “He would ask the victim to hand over the jewellery to him for

safe-keeping.

“He would then tell the victim to wait outside the palace gates while he parks his car.”

He disappears and the victim is left waiting for hours.

His haul since May: About RM200,000 in cash, jewellery and belongings.

The suspect was arrested on Aug 18 in Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman. Police believe he was wearing the same attire used to convince his victims he was a lawyer.

Police later recovered the government and Bar Council insignias from the suspect’s car and a talisman from the backseat, among other items.

He said a handphone seller, second hand goods buyer and a pawn shop owner, all from Batu Pahat, aged between 40 and 55, were later arrested on suspicion of buying stolen items from him.

Wan Abdul Bari said the suspect was also being investigated for five unrelated cheating cases since 2006.

What MAPO is about UNDER the provisions of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act 2007, the Home Ministry activated the Council for AntiTrafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants (MAPO) on Feb 28, 2008.

MAPO is chaired by Home Ministry secretary-general Datuk Seri Mahmood Adam. Its main responsibilities are to co-ordinate the implementation of the Act and formulate policies and programmes to prevent and combat trafficking in persons and smuggling of migrants.

MAPO is assisted by five committees, each carrying out tasks assigned to them according to their respective This approach makes it hard for the poor families to turn them down," he said.

"Once brought here, the victims are forced to work in entertainment outlets, spas, massage parlours and karaoke outlets. In some cases, the women, including teenagers, are forced to become mail-order brides."

On why human trafficking syndicates target Asian women, Nasirrahman said syndicates believed their customers find

jurisdiction. The five committees are as follows: ● Legislation Committee, headed by the AttorneyGeneral’s Chambers; ● Enforcement Committee, headed by the Royal Malaysian Police; ● Victim Protection and Rehabilitation Committee, headed by the Women, Family and Community Development Ministry; ● Media and Publicity committee, headed by the Information, C ommunications and Culture Ministry and; ● Special Committee to Study the Issues of Labour Trafficking, headed by the Human Res ources Ministry.

Asian women more desirable.

"Asian women are particularly susceptible due to their 'fragile' nature, and are usually earmarked for the flesh trade. The women who fetch the highest prices are virgins, especially those below 21," said Nasirrahman.

He urged the public with information on victims of human trafficking to call 999 or the MAPO secretariat at 03-88863149.

The 31 shop lots near Jalan Sultan will not be demolished for construction of the Klang Valley MRT project -- MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek

The Malay Mail Wednesday 24 August, 2011

Shortlisted MRT contractors to be named after Raya THE shortlisting of contractors for underground tunneling works for the MY Rapid Transit (MRT) project will be announced next month.

"We have received 15 submissions from local and international contractors and those shortlisted will be revealed early next month," said Abdul Malik Azman (pic) who heads the MRT procurement management department of Syarikat Prasarana Negara Berhad (Prasarana) which is in charge of the project.

The underground tunnel will cover seven MRT stations, stretching for 9.4km from Semantan to Maluri.

“The tunnel and underground stations will be considered as one package and awarded to one contractor,” said Abdul Malik at a Press conference yesterday.

He said construction of the multi-billion rail transit project will begin when the first two tenders are awarded in January or February and the MRT line will be operational by 2016.

The Viaduct Package 6 from Phoenix Plaza to Bandar Tun Hussein Onn is for Bumiputera contractors while the Viaduct Package 5 from Maluri to Phoenix Plaza is an open tender. These two will be open to pre-qualified contractors on Sept 5 and 6, respectively.

Prasarana has shortlisted 28 individual and joint-venture (JV) companies eligible to bid for the tender packages.

The packages are divided into three categories: Elevated civil works (eight packages), station construction (eight packages) and depot construction (two packages).

Prasarana will also set a ceiling price for segmented box girders (SBG), noise barriers and steel bars with suppliers through an open tender.

“This means prices for the three supplies will remain the same throughout the whole project allowing consistent pricing for all contractors," said Abdul Malik.

“But for steel bars, it will be slightly different.

We will offer tenders frequently because we cannot buy steel bars for the entire period. We need to buy steel bars on a short-term basis, as price fluctuates quite a lot."

KUALA LUMPUR

Reason to smile Hope for Kg Sungai Balak residents fearful of losing land to MRT project

THERE is some cheer for residents of Kampung Sungai Balak in Kajang, coming days before Raya festivities next week.

This follows the decision by Syarikat Prasarana Negara Berhad (Prasarana), which is in charge of the MY Rapid Transit (MRT) project, to reduce their village land acquisition by about 50 per cent.

The villagers were upset because this is the third time in a decade that some of them will be forced to move out, dating back to 2000 when their village was first cut down in size to accommodate a highway development project.

When it was announced earlier this year that the MRT line would stretch from Sungai Buloh to Kajang, many residents of Kampung Sungai Balak were unhappy their homes were earmarked for a depot for MRT trains.

“We are reviewing the land acquisition at Kampung Sungai Balak and are definitely looking at reducing the land acquisition by 50 per cent," a Prasarana spokesman told The Malay Mail.

"Once we have completed our review, we will present our new plans to residents there."

The project's consultant, ERE Consulting Group, had, in an environmental assessment report, provided this advice on land acquisition: "Critical areas include Taman Tun Dr Ismail, Taman Suntex, Kampung Sungai Sekamat and Kampung Sungai Balak. Special attention needs to be paid to residents of Kampung Sungai Balak since they would have been affected by land acquisition for the third time."

The report also pointed out Kam-

By Asrol hadi abdullah sani asrol@mmail.com.my

REVAMP: Kampung Sungai Balak residents feel a sense of reprieve with news that MRT will minimise land acquisition by 50 per cent

pung Sungai Sekamat and Kampung Sungai Balak are Malay Reserve Land.

Kampung Sungai Balak residents first learned of the possibility of relocation during a meeting with Prasarana on Jan 15.

When The Paper That Cares visited Kampung Sungai Balak in February, its Village Development and Security Committee (JKKK) chairman Ahzan Saad said residents were upset with the MRT plans as those remaining were still traumatised by the previous two land acquisitions – first in 2000 to make way for the Cheras-Kajang Expressway, and then in 2006 to accommodate the SILK Highway (Kajang Dispersal Link Highway).

However, the Prasarana spokesman stressed the MRT project will go on as scheduled despite unresolved public complaints.

“We are still in discussions with affected stakeholders, but everything, including the alignment, has already been finalised. We admit there are still complaints but we are trying to iron it all out," he said.

“We have also briefed the contractors and everything is on schedule.”

Yesterday, MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Chua Soi Lek told reporters the government was reversing its decision to demolish shop lots in KL's Chinatown for the construction of the MRT project.

A total of 31 shoplots were to be demolished to make way for the underground MRT tunneling works in Jalan Sultan.

The RM36.6 billion MRT line will start from the Sungai Buloh KTM station and make its way through Kuala Lumpur and four other municipalities before ending at the Kajang KTM station.

PETALING JAYA

Consumerists: Revamp public transport for better road safety THE Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations (Fomca) and the National Consumer Complaints Centre (NCCC) have sent a joint memorandum to the Transport Ministry, calling for revamps of the Road Transport Act 1967, Land Public Transport Act 2010 and the Land Public Transport Commission Act 2010.

At a joint Press conference yesterday, Fomca chief executive officer Datuk Paul Selvaraj said: "Those three Acts affecting public transport should be revamped because the number of road accidents are increasing and there is a

By CECILIA VICTOR cecilia@mmail.com.my

REASON TO REJOICE: Selvaraj (left) and Matheevani display a copy of the memorandum at the Press conference

need to put in place more effective measures in order for the public to have more trust in road safety, especially when

it comes to express buses.

"From our study, we attribute four main causes of fatal bus accidents to reckless

driving, faulty vehicles, heavy traffic, especially during festive seasons, and insufficient enforcement on safety aspects."

He said Fomca and NCCC hope their joint memorandum will receive serious consideration by the Transport Ministry, including their calls for revamp of the three acts.

"Road accidents can be reduced if there are more stringent measures. For instance, the vehicle safety checks by Puspakom takes four minutes on the average and this is not good enough. We are also dissatisfied with the performances of the Malay-

sian Institute of Road Safety Research (MIROS) and the Land Public Transport Commission (SPAD)."

Also present at the Press conference at the Fomca headquarters in Sungai Way here was NCCC senior manager M. Matheevani who said: "In the memorandum, Fomca also suggested NCCC become a secretariat supported

by SPAD so that we can work alongside with SPAD to improve public transport.

"We also recommend more buses for the benefit and convenience of passengers, and also the need for buses to depart and arrive on time."

news

5

Decision on cop in Aminulrasyid hearing THE Shah Alam Sessions Court yesterday set Sept 15 to decide on the fate of Corporal Jenain Subi, the policeman charged with causing the death of Aminulrasyid Amzah, 15, in April last year. Judge Latifah Mohd Tahar fixed the date after hearing submissions by both parties at the end of the defence case. The prosecution comprised deputy public prosecutors Idham Abd Ghani, Mohd Dusuki Mokhtar and Adilla Ahmad, while Jenain was represented by lawyers M. Athimulan, Salim Bashir and Halim Ashgar Mohd Hilmi.

In his submission, Salim said the defence had succeeded in raising reasonable doubts, among them, that Jenain had no intention to inflict injury that would cause the boy's death. Meanwhile, Mohd Dusuki submitted the defence

by Jenain was a mere denial.

Jenain, 48, had been ordered to enter his defence to causing Aminulrasyid's death between 1.10am and 2am in Jalan Tarian 11/2 on April 26, 2010.

Malacca Zoo by night during Raya MALACCA ZOO will be open at night for four days from Aug 31 at 8pm to 11pm in conjunction with Aidilfitri celebrations. Visitors will be able to watch wild animals at night on foot or by tram in the Night Zoo and could participate in other activities.

Fishing enthusiasts would be charged an entrance fee of RM30 per fishing rod which entitles the person to free bait and visitors would be able take back their catch. Other interesting sites at the Night Zoo included the Zoology Gallery, the seven-storey high watchtower, mousedeer park and a mini safari park.

Helping hands in 'Ops Bantu' THE Civil Defence Department will continue to offer help and assistance to accident victims and those facing difficulties on the road during Hari Raya through its operation 'Ops Bantu'. Department directorgeneral Datuk Abdul Halim Abdul Hamid said the concept of "patrol and assist" would be adopted during the operation, which is the third in its series.

The operation will be carried out from tomorrow to Sept 4.

6

news

1,051,427 job vacancies listed by eight ministries and related agencies to be filled by Malaysians before illegal immigrants given the 6P amnesty — Home Ministry deputy secretary-general Datuk Alwi Ibrahim

The Malay Mail Wednesday 24 AUGUST, 2011

A brother's passing ADMIT it. We all take things for granted.

There are so many things we are blessed with, and yet, these are the very same blessings we do not pay attention to, or care for.

Human nature is such that we couldn’t be bothered about the good things we have, until they are gone.

I lost a friend a few days ago. Amir Sharifudin Bahari was my schoolmate, and he passed away in Jakarta on Saturday after experiencing breathing difficulties while breaking fast.

Amir was just 43, and an all-round good guy. His death came as a shock as Amir, arguably one of the best footballing centrebacks MCKK has ever produced, was highly fit.

Nobody spoke of him suffering from any kind of ailment prior to his passing.

My friend, Isey, wrote in his Facebook posting the day after Amir’s passing, that he felt such intense sadness. And that he missed Amir.

We all miss Amir as much as his family would. We are, after all, family, too, having spent not just those crazy years consuming the (in)famous nasi kawah together, but also retaining that bond of brotherhood after leaving school.

Some are better at keeping that bond going. Some are not.

I fear that in Amir’s case, I was

SUBANG JAYA

FOR the third consecutive year, Nestlé Products Sdn Bhd teamed up with Mydin Mohamed Holdings Berhad to host a Majlis Berbuka Puasa and Maggi® Bubur Lambuk giveaway as part of their corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative.

The event saw 200 orphans from all over the Klang Valley along with staff from Mydin and Subang Jaya Municipal Council breaking their fast recently at Mydin Mall USJ, Subang Jaya, with dishes made with Nestlé products.

The orphans later received duit raya from Mydin and goodie bags from Nestlé, which totalled RM20,000. The guests at the event were also entertained by popular nasyid group, In-Team.

“Ramadan is an important time for Muslims to reflect and learn to appreciate and be thankful for what they have. The act of willingly abstaining from food and drink is practised to

the latter. I wish I could have been a better friend.

Amir's passing got me reflecting on my own life.

It also has my batch-mates reflecting on theirs, judging by the many e-mails, Facebook and BlackBerry postings they have put up.

While death is inevitable, and one cannot possibly run away from its finality, it sets you thinking if you have done enough things of "real importance" — and just amassing materials doesn't quite qualify — before Death comes knocking at your door.

Why aren't we grateful enough when we are blessed with so many good things?

That's also the question I ask myself when I chanced upon several YouTube clips on an Aussie named Nick Vujicic.

He was born without arms and legs and only has two toes on one foot.

He struggled as a child, was subjected to ridicule, bullying and even a gross act of prejudice when he was barred from attending a mainstream school because of his physical disability. He eventually got into one when the laws were changed.

Nick even contemplated suicide. At the age of 10, he tried to drown himself in four inches of water, but couldn't go through with it out of love for his parents. Still, he went

ForTheRecord With Yushaimi Yahaya

ON WEDNESDAY through a harrowing life after that. He wished for the impossible. So desperate was he that he prayed for arms and legs to grow.

His life changed when his mother showed a newspaper report on a man dealing with severe disability as well. Nick realised he wasn't alone, and embraced his disability.

Nick began to live life. He started to write using the two toes on his left foot, learned to type on the computer using the "toe and heel" method, threw tennis balls, play drum pedals, comb his hair, shave and get himself a glass of water.

At 17, he started giving talks, and eventually started a non-profit organisation called Life Without Limbs. He raises funds for charity, and is relentless in his pursuit to inspire as many people possible with his story.

Nick now leads a full life. He even surfs.

Let's not go there. I don't even lead a healthy life — exercise-wise — anymore. And yet, I have full use of all my limbs, unlike Nick. So, what's

my excuse?

There is another inspirational story in 22-year-old Choi Sung-Bong, South Korea's manual worker-turned-international singing sensation.

He ended up second in the Korea's Got Talent finals on Aug 20, but his story is one that again reminds us there are so many others out there who are nowhere close to being as blessed as we are.

Choi was aband o n e d at a n orphanage when he was three, ran away because he was beaten up at just five years old.

He l i v e d on the streets and slept in public toilets and at staircases for 10 years after that, "selling VUJICIC: Inspiring many with his story

CHOI: Self-taught classical singer

gums and energy drinks" to survive, before making it big on TV. His amazing story is also on YouTube.

It is hard to contain your emotions when you watch him sing for the first time.

Set aside the Kleenex moments.

It is truly inspiring how Choi had learned to never give up, and his commitment to achieving his goals is just exemplary.

While out on the streets, he studied on his own to sit for a test so he could attend high school.

It was also on the streets that he saw one classical singer "who sang so sincerely, I wanted to sing as well". He then learned to sing on his own, mastering the difficult art of classical singing – because he wanted to.

Most of us do not have that tragic a tale to tell. Definitely, we are blessed a lot more than Nick and Choi.

Stop whining. Quit making excuses. Get down to doing not just the good things you've always wanted to do, but also those you have to do to make others and yourself feel good about.

It can be anything from going home to see your mother more often, to making it a point to tell your wife, daughter and son — anyone close to you — that you love them everyday.

To Amir, Al Fatihah. Rest in peace, brother...

YUSHAIMI YAHAYA is editor-in-chief of The Malay Mail. He wishes readers Selamat Hari Raya and have a safe balik kampung journey. He also wishes his only daughter, Iman, a very Sweet 16th Happy Birthday today.

Yushaimi is contactable at yushem@mmail.com.my.

Breaking fast feast for 200 orphans

TOGETHER: Maggi and Mydin teaming up yet again for a good cause

experience hunger in sympathy for those who are less fortunate,” said Peter Vogt, managing director of Nestlé Products.

“In light of this, Maggi® and Mydin are hosting the

Majlis Berbuka Puasa with the orphanages to share the homemade, tasty and nutritious meals with children. Maggi® has always been committed to providing the best nourishment

and our Maggi® Bubur Lambuk and Majlis Berbuka Puasa are examples of festive events we enjoy sharing with Malaysians.”

Datuk Haji Ameer Ali, manag-

ing director of Mydin Mohamed Holdings, said: “We are always keen to lend a helping hand and contribute to a worthy cause. We hope this small effort will bring

greater joy to the children to help them celebrate Ramadan and Hari Raya Aidilfitri. Mydin is always dedicated to helping the less-fortunate, not just the orphans, but also single mothers, old folks and underprivileged families who are really in need.

Those who have suffered as a result of natural calamities, such as earthquakes, floods, landslides and others, will also receive our attention as part of our CSR programme.”

Just before the event, the public visiting Mydin Mall from 3pm to 5pm were treated to Maggi® Bubur Lambuk, with 5,000 packs given out.

WednesDay 24 August, 2011

the malay mail

7

8

The Malay Mail Wednesday 24 AUGUST, 2011

hotline@mmail.com.my

tel:03-7495 1000/1001/1002 tel:019-261 4948 (after 9pm)

your right to be heard ● ● ● ●

Complainants have to submit their personal particulars and provide a detailed account of their complaint.

Complainants have to first file their complaints with the respective parties before contacting Hotline.

Complaints referred by Hotline to the relevant parties would be published if there is no response in seven days.

After a complaint has been resolved, the complainant cannot demand non-publication of the matter.

Full refund for check-in hiccup MAS offers to absorb RM1,780 courier cost

TEO GEOK PHING had to pay a whopping RM1,780 to have her family’s luggage couriered to Canada, only to discover she would not have to pay a sen if she had not been misinformed by Malaysia Airlines (MAS) staff at KL International Airport (KLIA) on visa requirements in China.

TEO, who resides in Toronto, Canada, says she, her husband and nine-month old daughter had to return to Malaysia last April when her mother died.

She says that when they tried to check in at KLIA for their return flight to Canada on May 22, they were not allowed to do so by the MAS counter staff.

TEO says she was told her family required visas to enter China as the flight was stopping over at Shanghai Pudong International Airport.

“As we did not possess visas to enter China, we were not allowed to check in. We

were told MAS would get in trouble with the Chinese authorities if they allowed passengers without valid visas into China since we were to claim and recheck-in our luggage in Shanghai."

The alternative was for her family to leave their luggage behind or return to Toronto on other flight which did not transit in China.

TEO says her husband found a courier service counter that was willing to ship their luggage to Toronto for RM1,780.

“We did not know what else to do as we were about to miss our flight and lose our tickets.”

When they arrived in Shanghai, she says, the customs officers told them visas were not required as passengers in transit were allowed to remain at the airport for a maximum 72 hours.

Since then, TEO says she has written more than 10 emails of complaint to MAS.

TAKE NOTE 1. The Ampang Jaya Municipal Council (MPAJ) is to set up a special task force to address garbage problems, following an order from the Selangor government. The task force will look into issues on waste management collection, such as inconsistent garbage collection and illegal dumping.

2. The Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) says applications for speed bumps can only be made by Residents' Associations. The council will check the site and verify the area's suitability. The applications should be submitted to the council's public relations department.

3. The Klang Municipal Council (MPK) will keep a closer watch on traffic flow, crime and vandalism with the recent installation of 16 CCTVs in the town. The CCTVs are installed in crime hotspots, identified by the police and the council, including Jalan Tengku Kelana, Jalan Pos Baru, Jalan Raja Hassan, Lorong Gopeng and Bandar Baru Klang.

"They said we were trying to get our luggage sent directly to Toronto, which MAS did not provide such a service."

TEO denies this and says they would have taken the luggage to Shanghai, to have it claimed and re-checked in at no extra cost, if they had been allowed to.

“Instead, we had to pay so much to a courier service company.”

TEO says she refused MAS's offer of a 50 per cent refund as she feels she was treated unfairly. She wants an explanation from MAS as well as a full refund of the courier cost. ● A MAS spokesman says they have contacted TEO and, after its final evaluation of the matter, decided to offer her a full refund of RM1,780.

The spokesman explains that every country has its own set of rules regarding

the entry of visitors from different nationalities.

"Our staff had referred to the information on the International Air Transport Association's (IATA) airport code Timatic database, which is used by nearly every airline in the world for determining passenger travel document requirements.

“Unfortunately, the database had not been updated on this particular destination."

Hence, the spokesman says, the MAS staff could not allow the bags to be checked through to Toronto because of the local custom requirement that all baggage must be cleared and re-checked in at Shanghai.

"We would like to apologise to TEO for the inconvenience caused to her and her family."

Hotline was unable to reach TEO for comment.

By IKRAM ISMAIL and Hamzah Nazari

BEFORE

AFTER

DANGER AVERTED: The telephone pole on the verge of collapse (left) and the new pole put up by TM

Telephone pole replaced THANKS to an alert reader and Hotline, a telephone pole on the brink of collapse in Taman Petaling, Petaling Jaya, has been replaced in just two days.

CHOK CHOON FUI had informed Hotline of the rusty pole, located in Jalan 5/48, last week after his complaints to Tenaga National Berhad (TNB) went unanswered for more than five months.

He says he was afraid the pole, which he initially thought was an electrical pole, would fall as it was giving way at the base.

“There is a girls' school one street away and the students pass this pole everyday."

CHOK says he was prompted to alert Hotline of the danger after reading a report in

The Malay Mail on Aug 16 about the death of 11-yearold Muhammad Naquiddin Mohd Marzuki, who was electrocuted when he touched a lamp post at a playground in Shah Alam last March.

Hotline, which checked with the Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ), was told the telephone pole falls under the jurisdiction of Telekom Malaysia Berhad (TM). Hotline alerted TM on Aug 18. ● A TM Corporate Communications spokesman says its technical team took immediate steps to replace the telephone pole on Aug 20.

“We thank CHOK for being a concerned citizen.”

When contacted, CHOK says he is happy with TM's quick response.

Online comments www.mmail.com.my ‘Adopt my dogs’ (Aug 22) ● NOT everyone in Malaysia wants dogs. Some just want toy dogs or pure breeds. The owner should relocate to another place where he will have more privacy. If not, get a small piece of land and build a home for them. It is not easy taking care of so many dogs.

Why did he not stop at three or four dogs? Why did he let it reach 50? I would rather put them to sleep instead of giving them away. Not everyone is a good pet owner. Well, he has to do something soon. — kambengz ● ARUMUGAM should give the dogs up to City Hall. The shelters are already full. They

are having a hard time finding adopters and are putting their current "inmates" down everyday to make room for new ones that come in daily.

Private dog rescuers also have their hands full. The truth is, no one has the time or resources to rehabilitate 56 dogs for any positive utilisation in society. Can they be used for police work? No. Can they be used as therapy dogs? No. Are they good as companion dogs? Not likely, as the dogs are not socialised. Can they be used as jaga pintu guard dogs’ then? Are there 56 households who want to take them in and have more barking in their neighbourhoods?

No, thanks. And just a word on the misconception of guard

dogs — no dog is a guard dog unless specifically bred and trained for the purpose. That's why police guard, search and rescue canines, as well as scent detection dogs, are selectively bred for their temperament and ability to be trained. Training is intensive and focused and not all the dogs pass. — Concerned Road mix-up solved (Aug 23) ● WELL, excuse me! Even one letter from a concerned resident is still deemed “official”.

The problem started from Selayang Municipal Council (MPS) themselves as they were not even aware of it in the first place. Syed Harun

has proven to be a responsible resident when he wrote the letters and MPS should have acted on the first letter instead of making the excuse that “the residents should appoint a representative”. — Anonymous Charge waived, so name can be removed from blacklist (Aug 23) ● YOU should file a report with the Bukit Aman Commercial Crime Division and with Bank Negara Malaysia. Just because a credit card is issued does not mean the card belongs to the recipient until its receipt has been verified and use acknowledged.

If the applicant rejects the

credit card for any reason, at the time the card is issued, he or she is not liable for any service charge and tax. Bank Negara should do something about it. — Anonymous ● THE core of the problem is these large companies can make mistakes and get away scot-free. However, if their customers stumble in any way, these institutions are at liberty to act. The solution is that if a large company makes a mistake, it must compensate the victim for expenses incurred, time lost, mental anguish plus punitive damages. Can the government and law fraternity take this up as a matter of urgency?

— fairgo

The Malay Mail Wednesday ● 24 AUGUST, 2011

● Mail: Letters To The Editor, Malay Mail Sdn Bhd, Lot 2A, Jalan 13/2, 46200, Petaling Jaya, Selangor

● Email: mmnews@mmail.com.my Fax: 03-7495 1229

letters&opinions

9

● Opinions may be in the form of Letters to the Editor or comments posted in relation to all news. ● Letters to the Editor must carry your name, address and contact number. A pseudonym may be included.

PJ: Being Frank: Soulless Chinese enclave vents anger (Aug 22)

In the name of progress

I HAVE written too many times in the newspapers on our disregard for history, be it by the government or ordinary citizens.

Many buildings have fallen into disrepair.

We have read of too many instances of old buildings giving way to so-called progress.

Every progress, it seems,

is laden with luxurious condos, hotels and more malls.

Characterless buildings that do little to improve Malaysia's skyline.

Apart from KLCC, few buildings in KL can be deemed as iconic as the developers prefer to go for maximisation of space and profits above everything else.

KL is now dotted with evidence of excessive profit-taking and greed and I am not sure how much more of this the ordinary citizens can take.

I am still hoping that KL's development will go the way of development we see in the US or Europe that take great pains at preserving whatever history

or heritage they have while, at the same time, ensuring there is plenty of recreational areas that everyone can enjoy.

Instead, what greets us is the heavy traffic, polluted air and, again, more malls. Has anyone actually ever considered how many malls we actually need?

Our roads and air are chok-

and schools. As membership decreased, part of the premises is now sublet for extra revenue.

The tall parapet wall, facing Jalan Hang Jebat, with the name of the association on it, replaces the original balustrades typical of the period.

3. Yook Hin Woo Hin is one of the oldest and most famous Chinese restaurants in Kuala Lumpur. Established in 1926 by a Lee Hoi from Canton, China, it was located, as it is now, along Petaling Street. Yook Woo Hin, meaning 'jade pot', has been run by three generations of Lees. The current owner, Lee Keng Chee, the grandson of Lee Hoi, has maintained the place with memorabilia like the founder's portrait and old teapots. Even the old staff is retained as far as possible to retain the work culture and ambience.

PRE-WAR shoplots in Jalan Petaling and Jalan Sultan, some of which more than a century old, will be torn down to make way for the underground MRT line.

Acquisition notices were served to business owners without prior consultation or correspondence from the government.

As a result, a famous tourist landmark known all over the world is in danger of having its landscape changed forever.

Most of us have been here for decades, some close to a century even.

Generation after generation, we have toiled, worked and preserved this place and made it into what it is today.

Soon, Yook Woo Hin, where KL residents will fondly remember stopping by for a pau (Chinese steamed bun) on the way to school, Yan Keng the tailor, who made our country's first Prime Minister Tunku Abdul Rahman his coat, and the quaint and rustic Lok Ann Hotel, which has been in business since 1957, will be no more.

We are not against development. We are, however, against the arbitrary acquisition of the property where we've been operating our businesses in for years.

Please help support our cause to raise awareness about our plight.

Robert

Petaling Street Man

ing and the lifeblood of the city is being throttled and no one seems to care.

We can write a million times more and we will still see more and more old buildings being demolished to make way for development.

Crizz

Memories are made of these JALAN SULTAN is an important street with so many memories attached to it. Here are some of the notable shoplots to be demolished: 1. Kwong Fook Wing Tailor Shop. For most of the people, an ordinary testimonial may mean nothing to them. But to an almost century-old tailor shop located in Jalan Sultan, Kuala Lumpur, all of the testimonials in the shop have their significant meanings.

Not everyone can receive such testimonials as they are from high-ranking officials, such as foreign envoys, Tun Tan Siew Sin, the fourth Agong Tuanku Ismail Nasiruddin Shah, as well as the 12th Prime Minister of Australia, Sir Robert Gordon Menzies.

Kwong Fook Wing Tailor Shop was founded in 1915 and the business has been passed down to the third generation. Just like his grandfather and father, the current

old opera club: The Yang Keng Benevolent Dramatic Association building in Jalan Sultan with its tall parapet wall — Pic: www.10ajsarawak.files. wordpress.com

owner, Kwong Kam Lun, insists to make every suit by hand.

2. Yan Keng Benevolent Dramatic Association. The associations that were formed to assist

the Chinese migrants can be based upon groupings of clans, trades, cultural and social activities. Founded in 1920, it is one of the oldest Chinese opera clubs

in Kuala Lumpur. It raises money for charity by performances of Chinese opera and choral singing.

The money is mainly donated to the old folks' homes, hospitals

Blood, sweat and tears

THE above letters were written before yesterday's decision to save the shop lots in Chinatown — Editor

PJ: Ops Sikap: No reprieve for offenders (Aug 24)

PJ: Olympic 2012

More Malaysian medal winners needed

Safety first for a happy Raya OPS SIKAP, the operation to reduce road deaths this Hari Raya, kicked off on Monday and this has been going on for so many years, practically during all major festivals.

During that period, we have seen so many accidents, deaths and injuries.

There must be a stop to these calamities and disasters. In addition, I wish to suggest the following to the authorities:

● Conduct surprise checks on vehicles randomly to ensure their roadworthiness. ● Stop and detain those who drive their cars or ride their motorcycles above the speed limit for at least 30 minutes to teach them a lesson. ● Keep an eye on stalled vehicles along the emergency lanes of highways and make sure they display warning signs or triangles to alert other vehicles.

● Ensure heavy vehicles do not speed or overtake indiscriminately. ● Highway operators should help stranded motorists in the event of emergencies. ● Station uniformed personnel at all accident-prone areas and junctions.

Let us all celebrate a happy Raya and not a sad one this year.

Anandh

PJ: Bloggers advised to follow Kompas' action (Aug 23)

Let bloggers prove their allegations

A BLOG is a powerful tool that can influence the thinking of the people, especially about politics.

Reading the news, I do not understand the kid gloves approach being suggested.

Simply put, if a blogger makes an allegation online,

which is later found to be a lie, then by all means take the person to task and throw the book at at him/her.

If need be, give him his day in court and allow him the chance to prove his allegation.

There are so many rumours

being spread around these days that we just don't know who to believe anymore.

Please take the person responsible to task and allow him/her to provide proof of his claim.

Sonal

WITH the 2012 Summer Olympic Games in London little less than a year away, our Malaysian individual and team participants should by now be in the midst of active and rigorous training.

Badminton, as always, has been our best medal hope, and we’ve not been disappointed. Malaysians has won four Olympic medals — two silver and two bronze — all in badminton. Alongside badminton, diving, archery and track cycling are seen as our other medal prospects at the 2012 Olympics.

The Olympics medal table is one measure of a country's global standing in sports. The US, traditionally a medalwinning powerhouse, topped the table for many years. In the 2008 Beijing Olympics, however, the standings changed with China leading the table for the first time, followed by the US.

Among the Asean countries, Indonesia has won the most medals at the Olympics with 27, including five gold medals, while Thailand has won 21, with seven gold.

One can never write off any competitor or team as being unable to win a medal. Be they large or small nations, with abundant or limited resources, there seem to be a few common features that have stood them in good stead when striving to be among the medal winners at the Olympics.

The distinctive qualities that have made these nations successful include: ● Continually seeking and discovering talents and those with potential to be champions, preferably at an early age, through school, college, club, community, State or other levels of sporting activities; ● Coaching those identified and selected under a long-term programme with the help of

local and, if necessary, foreign coaches; ● Commitment of both sportsmen and women and coaches and officials to pursue the highest standards of achievement; ● Competition on a regular basis both locally and abroad to raise performance; and ● Compensating sportsmen and women, both during their development and in their future, by providing them the facilities, opportunities and resources that will enable and encourage them to pursue their sporting goals.

While these features are a part of the Malaysian sports scenario as well, there is perhaps a need for greater focus, better coordination and strengthening our efforts if we are to see more Malaysian medal winners than hitherto.

Malaysia, go for gold!

Rueben Dudley

10

news

Higher learning institutions are required to translate academic literature produced in English into Malay to strengthen the national language — Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin

The Malay Mail Wednesday 24 August, 2011

KUALA LUMPUR

MagiqADs bags Mydin

RAYA GOODIES: Mohamed Roslan (second from left) presenting a hamper to the council’s department of social development director, Aznan Hassan

PETALING JAYA

Raya gifts for city council staff MAYOR Datuk Mohamed Roslan Sakiman yesterday presented gift hampers comprising batik, sarong and other goodies to the staff and councillors of the Petaling Jaya City Council, in conjunction with the upcoming Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebrations.

About 1,200 staff assem-

bled in the Civic Hall at the council’s headquarters in Jalan Yong Shook Lin. The staff grouped according to their departments and were represented by their respective department heads who were invited on stage to receive the gifts on their behalf.

Retail media specialist chosen to speak for home-grown supermarket chain

WITH the addition of Mydin Mohamed Holdings Berhad (Mydin) to its retail media network, MagiqADs is now managing media in more than 63.37 per cent of the nation's top six retailers based on figures from the Kantar World Panel Key Retail Trends Report of December 2010.

Mydin recently signed with MagiqADs as its exclusive representative for selected media at all its hypermarkets, supermarkets and convenience stores in Peninsular Malaysia. MagiqADs currently also manages media in Tesco, Car-

refour and Jusco stores as well as all 7-Eleven convenience stores in the country.

“We are honoured to be chosen to represent a homegrown Malaysian hypermarket. Mydin is a Malaysian icon, and we are proud to be a part of its growth,” said MagiqADs executive director K. Sailendra.

Mydin offers brands a unique opportunity to connect with shoppers in “other urban” areas, where it has the largest number of hypermarkets and supermarkets, particularly on the East Coast and the North.

Have a safe and fun trip this festive season using highway facilities in Malaysia.

This Sunday, 10.30pm

According to Nielsen Media Index from January to December 2010, Mydin has the highest catchment rate for Malay customers who make up 77 per cent of its customer base.

Mydin shoppers tend to be very loyal, and it is rated highest among its customers for its competitive pricing, according to the same index.

Based on the Kantar World Panel Key Retail Trends Report, Mydin’s absolute growth for 2010 compared with 2009 was 12 per cent.

From its humble beginnings as an emporium ca-

tering mainly to the Malay/ Muslim market, Mydin has grown to become one of the leading hypermarket and supermarket chains in Malaysia.

According to news reports earlier this year, Mydin is committed to investing RM1.4 billion to set up 14 new hypermarkets throughout the country over the next three years.

For more information on MagiqADs retail media network and its products and services, contact Katie@ magiqads.com or call 603 7495 3338.

The Malay Mail Wednesday ● 24 AUGUST, 2011

Oil prices rose yesterday, lifted by gains on financial markets on hopes of new US economic stimulus, and as traders monitored the crisis in oil-rich Libya — AFP WASHINGTON

Earthquake sparks panic

Rare temblor rattles cities on US eastern seaboard

OUTRAGED: Mansouret, mother of writer Tristane Banon, who has lodged a formal complaint against Strauss-Kahn. — AFPpic

PARIS

Mother of alleged StraussKahn victim 'outraged' THE mother of a French writer who alleges former IMF chief Dominique Strauss-Kahn tried to rape her said yesterday she was "outraged" by the French Socialist party's reaction to his release.

"I am outraged, morning, day and night. What I find truly revolting is the reaction of elected Socialists," Anne Mansouret, a Socialist party member and mother of writer Tristane Banon, who has lodged a formal complaint against StraussKahn, told media.

Former IMF chief Dominique Strauss-Kahn was a free man yesterday after a US judge dismissed all sex crime charges, ending a three-month saga that captivated the world.

"They are all repeating that Dominique StraussKahn has emerged clean.

No, he has not emerged clean," Mansouret said.

"The prosecutor is not risking a trial. But this does not in any way prejudice the civil suit brought by Diallo," the hotel maid who made the charges, she said.

"It angers me to hear both Mr Strauss-Kahn's friends and Socialist leader Martine Aubry herself expressing their happiness" at his release, Mansouret said.

Aubry yesterday said she was "immensely relieved" at Strauss-Kahn's release.

Banon, 32, accuses Strauss-Kahn of attacking her during an interview in February 2003 in a central Paris flat. — AFP

ONE of the strongest earthquakes to strike the US east coast in decades rattled offices yesterday in downtown Washington and caused anxious evacuations from skyscrapers as far away as New York.

The Pentagon, the US Capitol and monuments in the nation's capital were all evacuated after the 5.9-magnitude quake, which was shallow with its epicentre only 0.1km underground.

The disruption to cell phone services in the hour after the quake added to the sense of fear in a country preparing to mark the 10th anniversary of the Sept 11, 2001, terror attacks.

There were no immediate reports of injuries, but the temblor also hit as emergency officials warned of a possible strike on the east coast of Hurricane Irene, which was roaring through the Atlantic.

The North Anna nuclear power plant near the epicentre of the earthquake at Lake Anna, Virginia, automatically shut down without incident and no damage was apparent, a spokesman for Dominion Power said.

"We did lose on-site power, but all the diesel generators are up and running," Dominion spokesman Richard Zuercher said 30 minutes after the quake. "Everything appears to be operating just fine."

Seismologists from the US Geological Survey said the epicentre was 47km from Charlottesville, Virginia, and 139km from Washington,

11

Migrants crammed in goods trucks AUSTRIAN police said yesterday they had intercepted 70 Asian migrants travelling in two crammed goods vehicles in stifling heat. One of the vehicles caught the attention of officers after taking off following a minor accident on the motorway between Vienna and the Hungarian border, police said in a statement.

They arrested a woman and two men from Hungary and Serbia whose ages ranged from 24 to 29. The migrants were from Afghanistan, Pakistan and Bangladesh, police said. — AFP

Smartphone use may rise to 200 million by 2015

SHOCKED: Office workers and others gather on Freedom Plaza after an earthquake struck Washington, DC yesterday. One of the strongest earthquakes to strike the US east coast in decades rattled offices and caused panicked evacuations from skyscrapers. — AFPpic

w here Re agan National Airport also ordered some evacuations.

In Washington, a national park helicopter was seen circling the Washington Mo n u m e n t , i n s p e c t i n g the towering landmark for cracks.

Only minor damage was reported in Washington as the quake shook plaster from walls and damaged pinnacles on the Washington National Cathedral.

Parts of three of the tower's four pinnacles, its uppermost spires, fell off. The cathedral also suffered other smaller structural damage mainly to flying buttresses.

The US Geological Survey said the earthquake was the largest in the State of Virginia since May 1897, when a 5.9 quake struck in Giles County, near the western edge of the State.

"This is one of the largest earthquakes on the east coast in quite a while, in many decades at least," USGS spokeswoman Lucy Jones told CNN. "It's not unprecedented.

But it's one of the largest we've had there."

The quake was felt as far away as Martha's Vineyard, around 800km away, off the coast of Massachusetts, where President Barack Obama was playing golf during his vaca-

tion. And some reported feeling the impact in locations as distant as Toronto to the north, and Atlanta to the south.

In New York, thousands of people poured onto the streets as evacuation procedures put into place after Sept 11 attacks were activated.

"I was in the street when the ground shook and I looked up to see the building shaking like a tuning fork," Mary Daley told media below one Wall Street skyscraper.

Police in New York herded people toward local parks away from tall buildings as precautionary checks were started. — AFP

WASHINGTON

Nuts and soy beat low-fat foods

PEOPLE who ate a diet rich in foods that lower cholesterol, such as nuts, soy, avocado, olive oil and oats, saw a bigger drop in cholesterol than people on a low-fat diet, said a US study yesterday.

After six months of eating a diet that specifically included foods that lower LDL cholesterol, the randomised trial showed people experienced a 13 per cent drop in low-

world

density lipoprotein (LDL, or "bad" cholesterol).

Those on a diet that just emphasised low-fat foods, including high-fibre options and whole grains, saw a three per cent drop in LDL, said the report in the Journal of the American Medical Association.

"This study indicated the potential value of using recognised cholesterol-lowering

foods in combination," said the study.

The trial took place at four different sites in Canada and included 351 participants with elevated cholesterol levels.

Those on the concentrated cholesterol-lowering regime were divided into two groups -- one which had two nutritional counseling sessions and the other which had seven clinic visits over six

months — but both saw very similar results. The trial did not restrict calories or provide subjects with food. All the subjects lost between 1.2 to 1.7 kilogrammes during the study.

Foods included in the cholesterol-lowering group were drawn from a list of US Food and Drug Administration suggestions for better heart health. — AFP

SOME 200 million Americans will own smartphones or tablet computers by 2015, with many people having both, marketing intelligence firm In-Stat forecast yesterday.

"This market trend will have a huge impact on how video entertainment is acquired and consumed," the firm predicted in its forecast. Technology titans such as Google, Apple, and Microsoft have been staking out territory in a "postPC" world marked by people tapping into the Internet from mobile gadgets instead of desktop computers. — AFP

China tops US as biggest PC market CHINA eclipsed the United States as the world's largest personal-computer market in the second quarter, and is set to capture the full-year title next year, International Data Corporation said yesterday.

PC shipments in China rose to about 18.5 million units in the quarter, compared to 17.7 million units in the United States, research firm IDC said.

IDC forecast that 85.2 million units will be shipped in China next year, compared to 76.6 million in the US. — AFP

Concessions offered to fasting activist Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh offered the first concessions yesterday in his high-stakes standoff with activist Anna Hazare, urging him to end an anti-graft fast that has triggered huge protests. In a letter to the 74-year-old campaigner whose hunger strike has boxed Singh's government into a tight political corner, the prime minister proposed a series of compromises in their dispute over a new anticorruption law. — AFP

12

world

Mexico graves still hold 500 bodies SOME 500 bodies still remain to be uncovered from hidden graves in the northern Mexican state of Tamaulipas, a non-governmental group told reporters yesterday. Isabel Miranda de Wallace said her NGO, which fights Mexico's rampant kidnapping, had gathered data from a recent visit to San Fernando, a small town near the US border, including interviews with gang suspects. The region is largely dominated by the notorious Zetas gang, which controls drug trafficking routes into Mexico's northern neighbour, and has been the site of numerous massacres over the past year. A total of 193 bodies have already been uncovered from clandestine graves around San Fernando in recent months, in the same area that saw the massacre of 72 migrants last year. -- AFP

Eleven feared dead in house fire UP to 11 people, including children, were feared dead today after a fire swept through a house south of Brisbane, causing its roof to partially collapse.

Reports said 13 people were inside the two-story home when the blaze began just after midnight, with two men able to escape. Police said they had found multiple bodies. "Unfortunately we have found multiple deceased people inside," superintendent Noel Powers told reporters.

"I am not at liberty to say what sort of ages or sexes or anything at this stage but quite a significant tragedy is unfolding. "It's a very closeknit community around here.

Obviously feelings are quite raw at the moment."

Neighbours told reporters several children lived in the house. The cause of the fire was not immediately known.

-- AFP

Downgraded Irene still poses danger HURRICANE Irene was downgraded yesterday as it lashed the Turks and Caicos Islands in the Caribbean, but forecasters warned it could still regain power as it approaches the US mainland.

Forecasters said Irene was now a category one storm packing winds of 150km per hour, but could still return to major hurricane strength today. Irene is forecast to approach the US mid-Atlantic coast in the coming days, where tourists were expected to be packing beaches for the final weekends of summer. — AFP

An Egyptian-brokered halt to Palestinian rocket fire from the Gaza Strip appeared to be holding yesterday. The Israeli military said calm had prevailed along the border overnight -- AFP

The Malay Mail Wednesday 24 AUGUST, 2011

TRIPOLI

Journalists trapped Gaddafi loyalists hold reporters in Tripoli hotel AS Tripoli fell to rebel power signalling the end of Muammar Gaddafi's regime, foreign journalists who covered the Libyan conflict from Gaddafi's side were trapped inside their hotel for a third day yesterday as gunmen still loyal to the regime kept them prisoner.

With electricity and water cut off and no staff, the 30 or so journalists, including an AFP reporter, were grouped on the first floor of the Hotel Rixos, wearing helmets and flak jackets and listening to the sounds of gunfire outside.

As the capital erupted in celebratory gunshots after rebels stormed and captured Gaddafi's heavily fortified compound, their guards denied that Tripoli was falling into the hands of the insurgents.

As stray bullets struck the hotel, the correspondents hung banners on the outside, reading "Television, press, don't shoot."

From time to time their captors came by to take some of the dwindling food supplies or check up on them, giving the impression that they were being held hostage.

One young man armed with a Kalashnikov came up to the first floor but was persuaded

not to stay.

"If you want a fight, go downstairs," one correspondent told him.

In Doha, senior rebel official Mahmud Jibril said Libya's transition "begins immediately" and that Qatar would host a meeting today to organise US$2.4 billion (RM7b) in aid for the country.

The number two in the National Transitional Council told a press conference, "we will build a new Libya, with all Libyans as brothers for a united, civil and democratic nation.

"This is the new Libya where every Libyan works as a beloved brother, hand in hand, to serve the interests of the nation to ensure equality and justice for everyone.

"We have to be transparent in front of the whole world.

Now we have to concentrate on building and healing our wounds."

Speaking to the young people of Libya "who brought us our dignity back," he said: "I would like to confirm to them that this is your revolution and you will have to continue the march to finish the revolution, to participate in the creation and establishment of the Libyan State in order to move Libya forward."

— AFP

JERUSALEM

'Gaddafi' the croc needs a new name A CRO CODILE named "Muammar Gaddafi" may be given a new name to spare his life after Libyan rebels stormed Tripoli, in a move likely to spell the end for the country's autocratic leader.

News out of Libya has worried keepers at the Hamat Gader crocodile farm on the occupied Golan Heights, who are concerned the demise of the Libyan strongman could spell a sticky end for their own "Gaddafi", a threemetre giant who weighs some 230 kilos.

In 2004, another of their crocodiles called "Yasser Arafat" died just weeks after the veteran Palestinian leader passed away in a Paris hospital in Nov 2004, spokeswoman Meital Dana

told medial.

"He died at the end of 2004, just a few weeks afterwards," she said, confirming a story first reported in Maariv.

Park officials are now looking into a new name in the hope it will spare "Gaddafi" the same fate, she said.

The giant crocodile won his name for both his size and the year he was born: 1975, when Gaddafi first published The Green Book outlining his political philosophy, Dana said.

Hamat Gader is the largest crocodile farm in the Middle East, and home to around 200 crocodiles from all over the world, including several others named after world leaders, Dana said. — AFP

VICTORY: Great jubilation as rebels celebrate in the newly named Martyr's Square, formerly known as Green Square, after they overran Gaddafi's fortified Bab al-Azizya headquarters. — AFPpic

WASHINGTON

Planet is home to 8.7 million species SOME 8.7 million different species exist on Earth, though a tiny amount of those have actually been discovered and catalogued, researchers said yesterday.

The count, described by the open access journal PLoS Biology in which it is presented as "the most precise calculation ever offered," replaces previous estimates that swung between three million and 100 million.

About 1.25 million species have been discovered and classified since Swedish scientist Carl Linnaeus came up in the mid-1700s with the taxonomy system still used today.

The 8.7 million figure is a projection based on a mathematical analysis of currently known species.

Around 86 per cent of land species and 91 per cent of

creatures in the ocean have yet to be discovered, said the findings by scientists at Dalhousie University in Canada and the University of Hawaii.

"The question of how many species exist has intrigued scientists for centuries and the answer, coupled with research by others into species' distribution and abundance, is particularly important now because a host of human activities and influences are accelerating the rate of extinctions," said lead author Camilo Mora of the University of Hawaii.

"Many species may vanish before we even know of their existence, of their unique niche and function in ecosystems, and of their potential contribution to improved human well-being."

The study estimated that

there are 7.77 million species of animals, of which 953,434 have been described and catalogued, and 298,000 species of plants, with 215,644 of them described and catalogued so far.

Researchers also said there are likely 611,000 species of fungi, such as mold and mushrooms, of which 43,271 are known to science.

Some 36,400 species of protozoa, or single-cell organisms such as amoebas and 27,500 species of chromista, such as brown algae and water molds, were also included in the projected count.

"Humanity has committed itself to saving species from extinction, but until now we have had little real idea of even how many there are," said co-author Boris Worm of Dalhousie University.

—AFP

Amy Winehouse had no illegal drugs in her system when she died, and it is still unclear what killed the singer, her family said yesterday — News reports

The Malay Mail Wednesday 24 AUGUST, 2011

ADEN

Army hits back Yemeni forces pulverise al-Qaeda attackers

YEMENI forces hit back at al-Qaeda insurgents, causing heavy losses yesterday after an attack by militants killed seven soldiers and wounded 30 others, civilian and military officials said.

The clashes happened south of Zinjibar, capital of the restive southern province of Abyan, a senior officer said.

"Six soldiers and an officer were killed and 30 others wounded when al-Qaeda militants attacked the camp of the 201st Brigade in Dofes," the officer said.

The attackers had used the cover of a wooded area around the base to approach a unit of the brigade and opened fire with rocketlaunchers and automatic weapons.

An official from a military hospital that took in

the casualties confirmed the toll.

A local official, Salem Said, said the army had retaliated against al-Qaeda positions south of Zinjibar.

"Dozens of dead and wounded al-Qaeda fighters were taken to al-Razi hospital in Jaar," an insurgentheld village in Abyan province, he added.

He said the dead included a Saudi called Abu Bakr, described as the Dofes head of al-Qaeda.

A doctor at the hospital said it had taken in 35 killed and 40 wounded.

On Monday, government warplanes killed six presumed al-Qaeda fighters in Arkub, another village in Abyan province, that they had seized a day earlier.

Tribesmen siding with government forces are bat-

tling Islamist militants in Abyan, mainly in Zinjibar, w h e r e m i l i t a nt s h av e besieged the army's 25th Mechanised Brigade base

since May. The international community has expressed fears that the power vacuum in the impoverished country could play into the hands of al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP), the local branch of the network.

AQAP was behind several attacks, including the failed Christmas Day attempt to blow a US airliner over Detroit in 2009.

Yemen has been gripped by political turmoil since an uprising against the 33-yearold rule of President Ali Abdullah Saleh (pic), now recovering from bomb blast wounds, erupted in January.

Hundreds have died in battles between security forces and protesters, and between security forces and al-Qaeda fighters. — AFP

13

MOSCOW

Kim swims in Siberia NORTH KOREAN leader Kim Jong-Il (pic) yesterday took a dip in Siberian waters and toured a plant making assault aircraft as he relaxed a day ahead of rare talks with Russian President Dmitry Medvedev.

Kim's armoured train earlier pulled into the traditionally Buddhist city of Ulan-Ude where he is expected to hold talks with Medvedev tomorrow in an apparent bid to win aid and energy for his isolated state amid food shortages.

Russian officials have pulled out all the stops for the highprofile visit which has seen Kim rumble across Siberia along the famed Trans-Siberian railway from the Pacific since crossing the border into Russia at the weekend.

Amid unprecedented security involving dozens of guards and North Korean snipers, the reclusive Kim was taken to the small village of Turka on the pictur-

A myriad of new styles and majestic finds comes alive this Raya at Malaysia’s premier shopping centre.

ANDREW BRIEN

CEO of Suria KLCC Sdn. Bhd.

A brave and agressive take on all possible analysis and perspectives towards captains of industries and their businesses. We bring you in-depth reporting on what makes their business tick based on its strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats.

This Saturday, 10.00pm

world

esque shores of Lake Baikal, a regional official told media.

In the company of local legislature speaker Matvei Gershevich, Kim took a swim in the pool filled with Lake Baikal water which locals believe has medicinal powers and gives bathers vital energy and health, he told media.

"It is considered sacred," said the official, who asked not to be named.

Kim was also given a boat ride across the lake and was offered local delicacies like the endemic omul fish and traditional Buryat dish of meat dumplings known as buuza.

Kim also visited the Soviet-era Ulan-Ude aviation plant making assault jets and helicopters. "It was a good day," said another local official involved with the visit, noting the straight-faced Kim sported his trademark sunglasses. Analysts say Kim's visit is aimed at obtaining more food aid and economic assistance from Russia. — AFP

14 lifestyle

The Malay Mail Wednesday 24 AUGUST, 2011

Raya adidas 'agenda'

By CHE'AZ cheaz@mmail.com.my IT'S barely a week before Raya and you still can't figure out how to reward yourself after a month of fasting?

Since there might be a lot of walking — visiting relatives is a must in your Raya agenda — here is a suggestion: why don't go to an adidas store and try out its latest collection?

Known throughout the world as one of the most prominent and funky sports labels, adidas — which was founded in Germany back in 1948 — have an amazing number of followers. You might also already know that the brand has rarely disappointed its users as adidas is known for comfort and longlasting quality.

Take its casual sports fashion line, adidas NEO, for instance. This season, the teen-inspired line features a multitude of colours, styles and designs suited for today's fashionable youth while still maintaining the brand's original inspiration in sports.

The new line also offers bold, clashing fun colours and dynamic patterns. It is part of the adidas Sport Style Division — home to adidas Originals, Y-3 and SLVR. Each of these collections represents a different aspect of fashion and the adidas NEO label is inspired by the latest mainstream trend seen in today’s upbeat generation.

First launched in a few countries back in 2008, the label, however, was improvised and reinvented to give a personal touch to each design.

Said adidas Malaysia country manager Ng Chee Loon: "Although adidas NEO first debuted in the US and China in July 2008 and has been expanded to most European countries and the rest of Asia, this season, the label reinvents its wardrobe staples with a collection that fuses

sports and style, creating a casual head-to-toe looks for young, stylish consumers with an assortment that inspires individuality and selfexpression."

The Pattern line in NEO uses bold prints in unexpected ways to brighten up seasonal staples. The Party Circuit collection combines casual cool with glamour, dressing women up in shimmery fabrics and kicking men's fashion up a notch with sharp cardigans and vests. As the line constantly puts the interests of the stylish youth first, the collection resulted in the creation of customised pockets for MP3 players and compartments for headphones in apparel and bags, which was a clever solution, nevertheless.

Highlights in the men’s line include graphic tees, cargo shorts and hoodies in vivid colours and patterns, with

sneakers in primary, neutral and neon hues.

As for the NEO label’s denims, this season comes in classic styles with interesting stitching and colourful washes. For girls, the jeans are available in skinny and slim silhouettes, while denim shorts and mini-skirts come in shades of blue, black, aqua and purple. Men’s jeans are both slim and loose-fitting in light, dark and black denim. adidas NEO also has its own GO Squad — a group of up-and-coming teens that embodies the label's identity and is actively pursuing their respective passions.

The group comprises rising musicians, models, actors and fashion icons starting from Trace Cyrus (US), Jessica Brando (Italy), Tal (France), Chau PakHo (Hong Kong), Angela Yang “Angelba-

by” (Hong Kong), Anita Bhoumik (Russia) and Kylee (Japan).

The GO Squad, created to bring together an international group of talented and passionate young men and women, exemplifies the personal style of the NEO label, radiating a fresh, active and approachable vibe.

Check out the collection at your nearest adidas outlet.

lifestyle 15

The Malay Mail Wednesday 24 august, 2011

'Flypaper' debuts on Astro First WHEN Astro First was intro- ing week say, in the US. Well, it duced, many were skeptical if it is happening. If you subscribe to would catch on. After all , most Astro First (Astro 480), you will of the titles shown on the pay- be able to watch the premiere of per-view channels are mainly lo- Sundance Channel’s star-studcal films that are also showing in ded crime film Flypaper. cinemas.

Flypaper is the first English The rationale behind Astro movie title on Astro First and First is simple — some viewers it debuted on the channel the are just too lazy to go to the cin- same day as its cinema release emas. The other possible reason in the US. That means, Astro cusfor people to subscribe to Astro tomers will be among the first in First is the embarrassment of the world to watch watching a potentially bad movie in public.

Here is another good reason for Astro First to exist. It should be an outlet for fans of movies that are showing elsewhere in the world but might not even make it to cinemas here, especially those criticallyacclaimed films that are not box office darlings.

Imagine if we ROMANTIC COMEDY: Tripp get to watch such (Dempsey) tackles the smart, pretty teller Kaitlin films here, dur(Judd) to protect her ing their open-

the romantic comedy that made its world premiere at the Sundance Film Festival earlier this year.

The movie is directed by Rob Minkoff and written by The Hangover scripters Jon Lucas and Scott Moore. It stars Patrick Dempsey and Ashley Judd.

“Making Flypaper was a thrilling experience and I’m excited to share this fun romantic comedy with audiences in Malaysia on Astro First,” Dempsey, who also produces the fim, said in a statement.

Flypaper tells the story of Tripp Kennedy (Dempsey) who ambles into a bank near closing time, just as two different gangs unwittingly converge to rob it.

A shoot-out erupts, and Tripp tackles the smart, pretty teller, Kaitlin (Ashley Judd), to protect her. The gangs — one clearly made up of pros and the other a couple of buffoons named Pea-

REFRESHING TWIST: Flypaper is an entertaining crime caper that is as much fun to watch as it is to figure out

nut Butter (Tim Blake Nelson) and Jelly (Pruitt Taylor Vince) — have deadlocked themselves in a Mexican standoff.

The bank’s security system starts the end-of-day lockdown and seals everyone into the building. As the night evolves, a hilarious game of cat-andmouse ensues as Tripp and Kait-

lin try to save the day, escape being killed, and avoid falling in love... almost.

Having established himself as a successful studio director, Minkoff enters the independent arena and incorporates a refreshing twist into the classic setup of the film.

Boasting an impressive cast,

whose members infuse the taut script with their own specific charm and comedic flare, Flypaper is an entertaining crime caper that is as much fun to watch as it is to figure out.

Flypaper is available on Astro First for RM15. Call to subscribe.

16 lifestyle

Siti back in business

By JOE LEE joelee@mmail.com.my

twitter @klubbkiddkl

THE speculation raised by the perpetrators may have appeared harmless, but rumours of pop diva Datuk Siti Nurhaliza’s beauty and cosmetics line SimplySiti of not being halal, were anything but so.

The ensuing panic was nipped in the bud with a message from her own Twitter account — but the impact of the story circulating after it was raised by a blog, was a painful lesson for the founder and copresident of the company.

“There were those who actually threw away the SimplySiti products they had bought, out of fear upon hearing the speculation,” Siti said.

"It is painful to think, what we have worked so hard on, can be discarded so easily because of baseless allegations."

On Aug 5, a blog had raised the question with lab analysis results from the Chemistry Department confirming that sample brush products produced by the brand company was made from pig’s hair.

It continued stating that the application for that product along with several others, had been rejected — and confirmed by a letter from a state religious department.

The ironic part of the claims was that the brand, in less than two months after its release in May 2010, had been awarded The Best Halal Product in the cosmetic category by Halal Journal magazine.

In January this year, it won Most Promising Brand from The Brand Laureate.

It was only later announced that all of SimplySiti’s products had indeed obtained halal ceritification and that the problem was simply a

miscommunication.

The Malaysian Islamic Development Department (Jakim) had later said that the brushes in question were not used in SimplySiti products but in the cleaning process, which the manufacturing premises had since undergone samak (cleansing), and that all products of SimplySiti were certified halal.

“The situation affected us, and now we can only leave it to people who have gotten their answers that there was no truth in the accusations,” said Siti.

“We’re glad that the matter is resolved and hope that just as how widespread the untrue rumours were, so will the real explanaBOOMING: In less than two mon ths after its release in May last year, SimplySiti had been awarded The Best Halal Product in the cosmetic category by Hala l Journal magazine

There were those who actually threw away the SimplySiti products they had bought, out of fear upon hearing the speculation. It is painful to think, what we have worked so hard on, can be discarded so easily because of baseless allegations.

— Datuk Siti Nurhaliza

GLOWING: Siti has much to give thanks for

tion be.”

Siti explained that since the ‘news’ came out on Friday, nothing could be done over the weekend for damage control. Save, of course, for her statement on Twitter.

“It’s one of those little trials in the holy fasting month of Ramadan,” she said.

“A little good did come out of it as we were able to sit down with Jakim and talk to them. They’re regretful

of what happened and they’re working on tightening their system.”

Siti was speaking after the thanksgiving and buka puasa event hosted by SimplySiti at Masjid Wilayah recently, which also saw performances from nasyid group Nowseeheart and Yasin Sulaiman for children from a Gombak orphanage.

Siti said she would be spending the remainder of Ramadan in Mekah for her umrah.

“Since my first ever trip there

in 1997, Ramadan feels incomplete without a trip to Mekah.

After a long list of commitments and engagements for the first two weeks of puasa, I am so happy that I will be able to spend the remainder of Ramadan in Mekah.”

Meanwhile, Siti said the fifth anniversary of her wedding to Datuk Seri Khalid Mohd Jiwa on Aug 21 was definitely a momentous occasion for her.

“Time goes by so quickly and it’s hard to believe that it has been five years since we tied the knot. I pray that our ties as husband and wife will last forever and that I will continue to be a good wife to my husband and that our home will always be a happy one.”

The thanksgiving and buka puasa event, held days before her departure to Mekah, took place at the same venue where she was engaged and wed.

“I planned this occasion to be held here, instead of the usual practice of organising it at a hotel, to reminisce about my nuptials here five years ago, apart from making it easier to facilitate prayers after the berbuka.

“I indeed have much to give thanks for, for my business in SimplySiti, my singing career, and, of course, my marital bliss.”

The Malay Mail Wednesday 24 AUGUST, 2011

17

Latest in skin cell renewal IT has been one of the most reliable labels since its launch in 1968. Clinique have become a trusted product in the beauty industry as it has shown remarkable results when used by consumers.

For the past 40 years, the brand has continuously challenged itself to develop the most innovative solutions to combat dullness of the skin.

2011 marks Clinique's next phase in understanding the value of exfoliation and its connection to healthy cell renewal with the introduction of the new Clinique Turnaround Concentrate Extra Radiance Renewer.

Developed exclusively for Asian skins, this latest and greatest iteration of the bestselling Turnaround Concentrate has been upgraded with an advanced formula that provides more effective and visible results in a faster

period of time. Skin is more luminous and radiant, engaging light with new vitality.

Surface imperfections are reduced, skin is smoothened and signs of past sun damage are corrected. All while staying gentle to the skin and true to Turnaround Concentrate's soft velvety texture.

Turnaround Concentrate Extra Radiance Renewer is believed to deliver results twice as fast as the previous Turnaround Concentrate formula as this time around, it will show dramatic improvements in skin tone and smoothness in just four weeks instead of eight. Not just that, skin clarity is immediately improved by 74 per cent and it is proven and guaranteed clinically.

environmental aggressors, lifestyle choices and chronological ageing can interfere with these activities, causing skin to look dull, uneven and coarse. Clinique has identified the key ingredients to maintain these activities in balance.

1. CELL DIVISION: The process by which a new layer of skin is made every 24 hours. Since exfoliation sloughs off dead cells on the surface of the skin, cell division is needed to replace those cells.  Energy enhancers such as Saccharomyces Lysate Extract help encourage natural cell division by providing cells the energy they need for this process.

2. MATURATION: Skin cells become more specialised, allowing them to better perform their biological functions, maintaining healthy, radiant skin.  Padina Pavonica: New to the formula, this ingredient is derived from a Mediterranean bron algas. It activates skin enzyme Transglutaminase, regulating cellular maturation and strengthening the skin's epidermal layer.  Salvia Scalera (Clary) Extract Ferment: Aids in regulating and normalising the different process by enhacing the maturation of the epidermal cells.

Addressing Three Tiers of Epidermal Cell Activity Turnaround Concentrate Extra Radiance Renewer enhances the skin's natural desquamation and maturation process by integrating three crucial key stages in skin cell renewal which are cell division, maturation and desquamation. Different variables such as

3. DESQUAMATION: Skin sheds the top layer of dead skin cells, allowing for new healthy cells to appear.  Lactobionic Acid: This natural ingredient helps normalise exfoliation without irritation.

This gentle hydroxy acids binds water to the skin for a softer feel.  Chestnut Extract: This natural ingredient signals a 'false alarm' in the skin that encourages cell renewal, loosening dead skin cells without stressing the skin.  Salicylic Acid: Helps release the bonds that hold surface skin cells together. Encapsulated in a liposome, it is attracted to the skin's driest patches so skin smoothing benefits occur where it is needed most.  Acetyl Glucosamine: Regulates cell turnover and eliminates dead skin cells to give skin a clear, radiant appearance.

Moisture Boosting, Antioxidant Ingredients: Additionally, a targeted cocktail of antioxidants and moisture binding ingredients ensure

skin is protected from free radical damage, comfortable and always maintaining the surface barrier without being disrupted.

Included are damage fighting Polygonum Cuspidatum (Resveratrol) Root Extract Ferment and Tocopheryl Acetats (Vitamin E) as well as Sodium Hyaluronate, capable of holding up to 1,000 times its weight in water.

Also included, is a Rice Defense Complex of Oryza Sativa Bran Extract that works to keep skin tone more even while providing visible improvements to sun damaged skin.

A silky, lightweight serum that absorbs quickly, Turnaround Concentrate Extra Radiance Renewer can be layered onto the skin twice daily after the Clarifying Lotion followed by a moisturiser with SPF or a sun protector such as City Block.

Tagged at a reasonable price of RM200 in 30ml bottle and RM280 for 50ml bottle, Turnaround Concentrate Extra Radiance Renewer will be available at all Clinique counters from today. — By CHE'AZ

Go crazy with colours ARE you ready to step in the glamazon and appear stunning on Hari Raya?

Well, you need not scatter for the right product just to be beautiful. With M.A.C.'s latest products for this season, you could easily look the part.

Enjoy the M.A.C PREP+PRIME FUTURE LENGTH LASH SERUM which is the latest addition to the PREP+PRIME family. This new patented formula promotes natural lash growth

Seasonally Supr eme

for longer, thicker, stronger-looking lashes with dramatic results visible in eight weeks when used twice daily.

Designed to enhance over time, this breakthrough patentpending treatment delivers a measurable visible difference. Apply a thin line of serum to the base of the upper and lower lashes on clean dry skin on each morning

and evening, and watch what happens. From this day forward, there is no looking back!

PREP+PRIME Future Length Lash Serum is reasonably priced at RM135.

The Seasonally Supreme M.A.C range, inspired from the Tokyo scenesters, Seoul trendies and Shanghai's brandconscious sophistochicks, is contributing to make Asia a haute-pot that stylishly sizzles.

To add to the frenzy, Sheen Supreme, a sweet and spicy palette of 12 cream-or-frostfinished shades, speaks to the region's colour preferences in the fusion of a PREP+PRIME Future Length Lash Serum

Lipglass in high-shinned finish, with saturated colours of a lipstick. Colour-customised, culturally turned —

tion Colouriza

what could be more supreme?

All the juicy lipstick colours are retailed at only RM68 each.

On the other hand, M.A.C Colourizations offers eight daring pairings of eyeshad-

ows. Colourizations Double Feature Shadow Compacts, for instance, incites the imagination while Technakohl Liner emphasises the chemistry between these eight interesting

new dualities, that come with two ready brushes in each compact.

For details, visit www.maccosmetics.com or www.maccosmetics.com.my. — By CHE'AZ

18 lifestyle

The Malay Mail Wednesday 24 AUGUST, 2011

Learning about celebral palsy

By ANU VENUGOPAL anu@mmail.com.my AMONG the many milestones parents look for in their children, is the time when they stand up on their own two feet and walk.

However, some parents with children who have cerebral palsy are not so lucky. Many of the children are not able to walk, talk, eat or play like most other children do. For these parents of special needs kids, it is more than just a milestone.

Dr Jill Rodda, a senior physiotherapist in the Hugh Williamson Gait Laboratory at the Royal Children’s Hospital in Melbourne, Australia, will be in town to conduct lectures and workshops

on analysing gait patterns and specific gait deviations on Sept 8 and 9 at Hotel Maluri Kuala Lumpur.

Organsied by MyOrtho Rehab, a local foot and spine healthcare orthotic centre, the course will provide more information about the condition and its effects on the children.

“The main objective of introducing this course is to impart new knowledge on understanding and assessing the impact of gait analysis on the treatment of patients with cerebral palsy” said Edmund Lee, clinical director of MyOrtho Rehab, a UK-trained orthotist and prosthetist.

With the significant advances in the treatment for children with cerebral palsy, allied healthcare professionals are able to deliver better clinical care but need to be updated and have an in-depth understanding of dealing with this specific subject.

Cerebral (brain) palsy (disorder) is a term used to describe a group of chronic conditions affecting body movements and muscle coordination. It is caused by damage to one or more specific areas of the brain, usually occurring during fetal develop-

ment or infancy.

It can also occur before, during or shortly following birth.

When someone has cerebral palsy it means they sustained an injury to their brain, so they are not able to use some muscles in their body in the normal way.

Depending on the location, type and severity of the brain damage, children with cerebral palsy may demonstrate different gait and mobility patterns By using gait analysis to record how the cerebral palsy patient walks and looking closely at the walking pattern, one can come up with plans to improve walking ability with the help of various treatments to achieve best results.

Gait analysis for cerebral palsy needs to be performed by a qualified and specially trained health professional, who will provide the guidance for the treatment of cerebral palsy, assist surgeon in deciding on the type of surgery required or at times, even prevent unneeded surgeries.

Dr Rodda’s PhD thesis developed a systematic classification of sagittal gait patterns in spastic diplegia with particular empha-

Dr Jill Rodda sis on severe crouch gait and the outcome post single event multilevel orthopaedic surgery on this gait pattern.

She has published in peerreviewed journals, presented at conferences and courses at international level and is an honorary Senior Fellow at the School of Physiotherapy at the University of Melbourne.

MyOrtho is a believer in community projects in line with its vision to educate and inform the public about latest developments in foot and spine

PASSIONATE: Lee checki

ng on a patient

healthcare for a better body and better life.

“We will be sponsoring five physiotherapists to attend the course, so that they have better understanding of the application of gait analysis for cerebral palsy children and at the same time, deliver quality care to the community they serve at,”

Lee said.

The criteria for sponsorship are that the physiotherapist must be currently attached to a government hospital and/or to a community centre serving to the needs of children with cerebral palsy. Call Nicholas at 017-3961755, or visit www. myortho.com.my for details.

lifestyle 19

The Malay Mail Wednesday 24 august, 2011

Common concerns on statins Statins are one of the most, if not the most, prescribed class of drugs in the world today. They help to prevent major cardiovascular events, such as heart attack and stroke, by between 20 and 35 per cent especially in those already known to heart disease.

Because statins are prescribed long term, there are many people who take them regularly and I feel it is important for me to share with the readers this week some concerns about this very common drug. The following are some of the questions my patients usually pose to me about statins.

1. Do I have to be on a statin drug if my cholesterol is high?

The first step in the management of high cholesterol should always be to change one’s lifestyle for the better.

Choose diet low in fat, do regular exercise and stop smoking. Statins may then be started if there is no significant improvement in the blood cholesterol level after strict lifestyle changes after a period of time, such as three months. Statins may also be started at the outset if the cholesterol level is very high.

2. What are the common side effects?

By dr haizal haron kamar lifestyle@mmail.com.my Myopathy or muscle problem is probably the commonest adverse event.

Some studies have reported an incidence of between a quarter to a third of those taking statins. Myalgia or pain the big muscles of the body such as the thigh and is by far the commonest myopathy. Other symptoms suggestive are stiffness and weakness. At the other end of myopathy is rhabdomyolysis, which is the massive destruction of muscle. It is a dangerous and potentially fatal condition but is fortunately very rare. Nevertheless, it is a known adverse effect of statins.

Another relatively common side effect of statins is the rise in blood liver enzymes. This is usually reversible upon stopping of the offending drug.

3. How do I overcome muscle ache because of the drug?

Myopathy is usually doserelated. The higher the dose the more likely it is for you to get the adverse events.

If the pain is bad, it is best to stop taking your statin for a few days and start on a lower dose. Ask your doctor if it is all right to do so.

There are certain statins which do not cause as much myopathy. It might be worthy switching to the water-soluble ones such as rosuvastatin.

Adding Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) may help as statins reduce the production of not just cholesterol but also CoQ10. Found in virtually all cell membranes, CoQ10 is an antioxidant which scavenges harmful free radicals in the body. It is also an essential component of the mitochondria — the powerhouse of human cells — forming ATP or the body’s energy unit from fat and carbohydrate metabolism.

4. Do I have to be on a statin drug if I have heart disease even if my cholesterol level is normal?

Statins have other effects beyond cholesterol-lowering. They include stabilising the atherosclerotic plaque preventing it from rupturing and leading to heart attack, improving endothelial (blood vessel) function making it easier for the

blood vessels the dilate accordingly if needed, reducing inflammation and also reducing thrombus or clot formation. So the answer to your question is a resounding “yes”.

5. Can I take statins in the morning?

Traditionally, statins are taken at night as most of your cholesterol is produced when you are asleep at night. However, if you are taking longer-acting statins such as atorvastatin, it probably makes no difference if you take statins at breakfast compared to before bedtime.

7. Are statins good at increasing HDL and reducing triglycerides?

Statins have a weak effect on HDL and triglycerides. Two other groups of drugs better at this than statins are fibrates and niacin. The latter is not easily available because of its poor side effect profile.

6. Can I stop taking statin once my cholesterol is back to normal?

It depends on the reason why you are taking statins.

If it purely because of high cholesterol and that you do not have any heart disease then it may just be possible that good healthy lifestyle of strict diet and regular exercise will maintain your cholesterol at a desired level even after you stop taking the drug. However, if you have established cardiovascular disease, then for reasons mentioned earlier, it is best to continue statins indefinitely regardless of your blood cholesterol level.

how to play Sudoku X is a simple variation of Sudoku with the only difference being the squares in white (which make up the numeral X) need to tally from 1 to 9 along with the remaining coloured squares.

Dear Sham Life can be very unfair at times. You can buy the lottery (this is just as an

get much of a mention as society knows that smoking kills so death however premature is somewhat acceptable. Instead, we get amused and remember the very rare instance where a smoker gets very lucky until a ripe old age.

My question to you is this. Given all the facts that we know about smoking and that life, as I put it earlier, is a game of chance, would you lead the dangerous life of a smoker exposing yourself to the risks of heart disease, stroke, emphysema and various cancers or take the safer path of good health free from tobacco?

Yesterday'S solution

Sham

example but I am not encouraging you to do so) every day but will never ever win even the consolation price, but your next door neighbour can strike gold at his first attempt. What I am trying to tell you is that life, in a way, is a game of chance. If you look after your health, you will not just live longer, but also in a healthy happy way, but not always and vice versa.

For every smoker who lives way past his expected life expectancy, there are many others, some of whom are very young, who fall prey to this deadly habit. Sadly, they don’t

Dr Haizal Haron Kamar Consultant Cardiologist Tropicana Medical Centre

sudoku

Question Dear Dr Haizal I understand that smoking can be harmful to the health. I have an uncle who is happily smoking away in his 80’s without any trouble in the world. On the other hand, my cousin just got admitted to the hospital with a heart attack. He is in his forties and has never touched the cigarette. How do you explain this?

If you have any questions or comments, you can write to me at haizal@ tropicanamedicalcentre. com. See you again next Wednesday.

20

the malay mail

Wednesday 24 AUGUST, 2011

WednesDay 24 August, 2011

the malay mail

21

22

PROPERTY / MOTORING / HEALTH / HOME / OTHERS

the malay mail

Wednesday 24 AUGUST, 2011

Readers can also look out for classified ads ONLINE as early as 9.00a.m at www.mmail.com.my

M22

Houses wanted

M130

Car for sale

M133

Commercial vehicles for sale

M321

Fashion/health & beauty

M321

Fashion/health & beauty

M321

Fashion/health & beauty

M300

Education

M430

Business opportunities

YANTRA SLIMMING World brgs excelnt 3 days weight loss (-10kg) Program now at lowest price @ RM799 Can pay by instmnt. Original price RM3889. Fast & Easy, Herbal & Natural. No side effects. $ bec guarantee. Call Rubini 0102617817,0126301672.

GOOD PRICES OFFERED for land / houses and Apt in Shah Alam, PJ & KL. Quick sale.

Owners TEL / SMS 019-228 6666

M35

BRAND NEW. All models. ( Vios, Altis, Camry, Prius, Avanza, Inova, Rush, Hilux, & Hiace Van) Full & Islamic loan, Int rate at 2. ++%, Special discount + free acc . @ email: shaharudin.toyota@gmail.com

(NEW) INOKOM & HINO Special promotion, free body. Call:0123211 453/ 012-3225334

M135

DAMAI COMPLEX 41/2 storey shop house for sale, at Jalan Dato’ Hj. Eusoff off jalan Ipoh. Freehold. 019-980 6952

HYUNDAI PROMOTION !!!

Sonata/ Tucson/ Santa Fe/ Starex/ i30/ Accent/ i10. Special discount! Super high trade in (any car). Low d/p & interest. Easy loan approval. Mystery gifts.

Beautiful plate no. Fast delivery.

Excellent customer service.

Head office: 012-381 0737

A DAILY, WEEKLY, MTLY. RM50-RM300. All types of cars.

MPV, Van & 4 x 4. Call: ARI 016683 2111 / BEN 016-901 2276

MITSUBISHI ALL new models.

Fast loan & fast delivery, (Call to believed), Grandis, Pajero, Lancer, ASX, Sport back. Good trade in, Attractive promotion, good deal in town. All models stock available. 24 hrs in call.

Oscar Tan 012-388 5897

GOLDEN MERMAID. Out call Relaxation massage by Male & Female masseurs. Call: 012-907 5995 / 03-2021 7637

REPAIR ON THE SPOT., Air cond, fridge, water heater, & w/machine.

24hrs & 7 days operation.

Call: Syed 017-388 3154

INDIAN AROMA TRADITIONAL Massage by local Indian girl.

Relaxing for male & Female.

1pm -11pm.

Appointment Revathy. Out call; 016-6468 493 AAAAA QUEENS SPA Male and female masseurs, out call service available. Private & Cosy.

Call: 03-9057 1336/ 016-646 9891 www.klqueensland.com

Home furniture/furnishing

AROMA ASIAN Massage. For outdoor only. With Promotion price.

Interested please Call Julie: 016-293 1051

VOLKSWAGEN 2011. New 5 years warranty + road assist, low int. Models: Passat, GTi Golf, Tiguan, Eos etc.

Rado 012/013-208 9447

LOCAL INDIAN girls massage.

P & C. Shalini 016-224 2495 Sharon 011-162 61730

M133

M138

Financing/insurance service

Commercial vehicles for sale

PROVEN & TESTED: Over 9,215 people won 4D in a week! Last 2 days for those who want to take the 1 hour 4D Training Prediction Course, to win this week coaching by the Professional Author and Physics Maths Expert at our Training Center at Pusat Kajian Fizik Sains, Sunway. Call: 019329 4728 Mr. Yap or 012-239 2775 Mr. Goh to book now.

Get this new 4D Formula book title: Rahsia Menang Lottery 4D Akhirnya Terbongkar. Click to see www.SureKena.com

M303

OUT DOOR/ HOTEL Package massage by young Chinese, Indonesia, Thai girls.

Please Call: 014-6620 579 OUTCALL TRADITIONAL MASSAGE, pre / post natal,body Scrub for men / women by experienced masseur.

Call: Mira 013-336 3160

EURO RENT (KKKP4225) New fleet of Proton cars, MPV & vans. Long/ short term rentals.

Corporate/ expats. Credit card accepted. Call Fabian: 037877 1834/5, 012-238 1769. www.euro-rentacar.com.my AROMA MASSAGE RM39 at Serdang, Judy, Alice, Jenny, Ari, Mira,Jean.

012-678 0220/ 012-3281 449 Batavia /Darlina Beauty House.

Computer SPECIALIST IN notebook / pc repairs. Best price & services.

On-site repairs & free troubleshooting.

Call 016-380 1984 Teh

SAUNA D’ HOME BEAUTY and Health care. Agent required.

019-735 5295 www.saunaku. com 2011 Great Promotion!

A/C, ASTRO, Install/remove &repair, TV, TV8, wiring, tel, w/ heater, plumbing, w/ machine, fridge.Call: 017-345 6618 Ah Seng

ASX. MIT TRITON. PAJERO Sport, Lancer & Grandis.

Trade in accepted . Call: 012-977 6961 HARUN

(NEW) HICOM, High discount, high trade in, cheapest in town. Call: 016248 8363 / 012-676 3609.

BLUE ROSE AROMAS 24A, Lrg Ara Kiri 2, Lucky Gdn Bangsar.Therapist local Indian g i r l s . P r i v a t e & c o s y. 1 1 a m 11pm.

Ms Meera 0320945542/ 016-2056003

Business Services

Business opportunities 1) USD 5 FOR Onex program, earn USD100K++. 2) USD100 for PRE IPO + free shares earn millions. 010-2101649

KITCHEN APPLIANCES Shop.

Raya sale up to 50%!!! For HOOD + HOB (3 burners)= RM1988 + FOC Microwave Oven, Limited Unit Only!

016-718 9901 (Diana)

TRADITIONAL MASSAGE in Cheras & Balakong.

Call Sonia,Hanisha, Julia, Mira & Rosa. 0123676 780. 012-258 1334

M436

Leasing/loans CAR REPAYMENT PROBLEMS? R.O, Auction, Finance? Let us help you settle them. You pay us nothing!

T&C apply. Call: 017-641 5062

Services ACCOUNTS, AUDIT ,TAX, Secretarial, MOF & Register co..Door steps service.

Lembah Klang.03-5511 5922 / 03-4107 8457 Sainy.

Visit www.mhmfirm.com

BEST BUSINESS Opportunities, run your own free organic store, no investment, no renovations, risk free with multiple income sources. Call 012-256 9668 for more info.

INTERIOR & ARCHITECTURAL Design Consultancy Tel: (603) 3325 9166 Fax: (603) 3325 9366 Hp: (6012) 321 2096 www.lazern.com

M414

Photography

VIDEO to DVD Conversion.

Video filming & Photography Svs. 03-4041 6850 / 6277 4991 / HP 012-235 5190. w w w. s h e e l v i s i o n . c o m

WE HAVE more than 1 Million Malaysia Updated Email & Phone List to Find Your Customers Group to Boost Up Your Business.10,000 Email List for RM200 & 1,000 Phone List for RM200. This Month Promotion: Free Email Blasting Marketing Software + Training.

Call Mr Goh :012-2392775 or Mr Yap :012-2168427

M398 M430

ELECTRONIC CIGARETTES AGENT Smoker Haven required Private, food/ retail shop & Kiosk.

Easy, good income. Low capital.

Cash/ Credit card. Interested call: 03-8023 4626 (10am 5pm) www.SmokerHaven.com CAR LOAN Refinancing,Buy Used car / New car Blacklisted name are qualified to apply.

Aerowatts Auto S/B(678070-M) Tel:03-6185 8982 012-308 3528,019-314 3601

M434

MUSLIM COMPANY Secretary New & Shelf Co. ROC, MOF Bumi Kem. Kewangan Call: 03-40410000 / 0162860000

Home electrical appliances AKS BEAUTY CENTRE Body massage + scrub (2hrs) RM100. Whitening facial (1hr) RM50, (1 1/2 hrs) RM70. Hot stone oil massage (2hrs) RM130. Call:03-7984 3077

Business for sale PROPERTY TRAINING Firms, be own boss start immediately, great potential small capital, high income, low risk consultant - 012-339 7738 / 019-220 7770

CO FORMATION RM1,400.

Work permit, shelf co., rep. of office, MOF, close down, secretarial & audit.

Call: 012-696 3631.

UNLEASH THE MUSIC INSIDE YOU. Classes for-guitars, drums, saxophones, keyboards, Piano, violin.Call 03- 7873 6388.

M394

ALL NEW MODELS. Attractive promotion. New sport back. Fast delivery, FOC maintenance.

Pls call: 012-326 9849

MQA APPROVED DIP.in accountancy (ACCT) & Mgt (FT / PT) RM 400 p/m - PTPTN & EPF claimable. Call: 0360925254 / www.asa.edu. my / SMS: 012- 656 1160.

Home repairs/maintenance

SPECIALIST IN REPAIR cushion sofa, curtains, car seat & new sofa, in Jalan Kuchai Lama.

Tel: 012313 0778 / 03- 7981 1898

PROMO RAYA. Alza, Viva, Ready stock. Discount RM2,500.

Loan 100%. Instant approved.

Call: FAZLI 017-336 6675

M432

MQA/ JPA recognised MBA programme.Credit transfer and exemptions acceptable.P/T weekends.EPF withdrawable.

Shree 0126561160

M393

NISSAN ALL NEW Models Promotion. Full loan. Debit cash RM3k - 10K. 100% ready stock with impuls earo kit. Leader seats, tinted. Guarantee 1 week delivery. High trade in. 24 hrs approval. Door to door service.

Call: Junson 016-6666 132

OWN A COMPUTER, put it to work, Part/ full time income RM1000 - RM8000 . Training provided. SMS 012-4444 033

M392

AA MASSAGE: By young female. Rest and relax. Just call: 017-296 3930/ 017-296 3068

ALL CARS MPV & Luxury car for hire. Suitable for VIP & weeding ceremony.

Pawn (pajak) accepted. 017932 4646/ 013-671 6565

COME & JOIN Our Training & Workshops Call: 016623 9933 (Anna - Malaysia Rep) New Zealand Programme & Qualification

CENTURY ROLLER SHUTTER specialist. Installation, service & repairing all kind of door roller shutter. Call Lee 012-649 9238

ALL CAR MODELS Available.

Klang Valley area. Good introduction promotion rate for student and foreigners. Please contact Surend : 016-310 9400.

ALL NEW CARS/ MPV available for rental. We are also looking for vehicles under 5 years for long term lease (pajak) Call: 012-241 7736

AN EXTRA Trade in Value,low d/p,spd.delivery, free tint, f/ tank, Ste. lock, T & Go, Many Gifts.

016-321 4958, 010-539 4958

DIABETIC? FREE! Blood Glucose Meter. Get it now!

For info call: 016-3130974 or visit www.medicaldevice2u. com T&C Applies

A FULL GLAMOUR Massage (001711965-V) by female.

234,Tmn Maluri, 55100 KL. Call: Stella 017-2555 844

Car for sale

100% HARI RAYA HAPPY DEAL. Full loan, Int.from 2.18%.

Ready stock, Super discount.

High Trade-in & door-step service, monthly frm RM8XX. Pls call Tan: 012-699 9048

M390

A PRIVATE MASSAGE Done by full or part time young models. Sure quality.

Out call only : 019-255 6622

M130

‘0’ DEPOSIT ALL PROTON Models, no license can buy, Less doc can help. 100% loan for gov. & private staff, int from 3.0%, loan fast approval, high trade in. Meet at your place.

Free smart tag, touch n go, full fuel, steering lock, tinted. Open everyday.Mr Lim 012-214 0207

YANTRA WORLD brng excelnt 3 days Weight GAIN (+20kg ) Program now at RM789, Can pay by instlmnt. Original Price RM3899. Fast, Easy & Herbal.$ bec guarntd. Call Rubini 010261 7817, 012-630 1672

Home services/renovations

In Semua House â “ going lock stock barrel Selling apparels, cushion covers and decoration item. Ground floor shop nicely set up and decorated. Sale RM80k or nearest offer. Contact 019-281 6216/ 012-234 8151

Shops for sale

CUSTOMIZE HAIRPIECE / Toupee / Wig - RM1,700 only. More info : www. hairsetup.com Call: 0193118916 , 03- 9274 7857

Vehicles for hire

Properties for sale

M50

0 AARON MASSAGE Services (1606620-V) by Female. Outcall only. Private & cosy. +6012-393 0136

KEMENTERIAN KEWANGAN MOF Registration, Bumi status.

Call: 03-40434000 / 019-3840000. www.

Ready Companies.com

We want to buy huge volume used medical X-ray films. Pay top price @ USD$1500 or more per MT without paper.

If available, please email xraymalaysia@hotmail.com for more discussions. Thanks

M280

Friendship AGE 18 - 55. Girls seeking for P & C Boy friends. Free membership for girls. Call: Alan 019-6969 379

OTHERS / JOBS / LEGAL / NOTICES

Wednesday 24 AUGUST, 2011 M370

Articles for sale

M515

M515

M515

Jobs

Jobs

Jobs

IMMEDIATE VACANCY FOR Sales Exec with min.

SPM. Senior Technician & Junior Technician preferably with experience in Forklift industry. Call: 03-7848 3122 / 3133. Loc: Subang, Mahsing.

TOMAZSHOES! Leather Shoes! RM69 - RM89! High Quality and Comfortable!

Come to USJ9 Mall, Puchong 017-707 8383

M372

Articles wanted

BUY / SELL / PAWN Note book, hand phone new/ old 70% digital camera.0342517755 / 012-3388688 Peter.

208 Plaza Ampang City, KL

Full color, 260gsm, art card with matt. Lamination.

Other printing services are also available. Call Mr. Rahman H/P 016-3275477 or email adclassic65@gmail.com / a d c l a s s i c 6 5 @ ya h o o. c o m

IN-HOUSE TAILOR Ladies Wear. Mont Kiara. Part/Full Time.

Salary RM 1K ++ based on experience. Call: 012-201 5526 LEGAL FIRM in Hicom Glenmarie requires.

(1) Conveyancing lawyer (2) Conveyancing Secretary.

Call 03-5569 1760/ 1746 or 012-205 3197.

LORRY / VAN DRIVER at Pandan Indah Commercial Park, Cheras. GDL license, attractive salary, Call: 034280 8029 / 4280 2605 MANAGEMENT TRAINEE Executives. (Sales & Marketing Division). Required urgently at Menara Yayasan in Petaling Jaya (next to Amcorp Mall). SPM/ fresh graduates are encouraged to apply. No experience required as training will be provided.

Email: admin_gm@keneve. com.my. Call: Ms Thanisha at 018-295 5135 for an immediate interview appointment.

Store Assistant (2 positions).

Min SPM level or with related working experience.

Candidates must possess Right Attitude, Initiative and Fast Learner.

Computer literate and Independent.

Preferable Male. Interested please email resume and application to soopeng.sing@ simplex8.com.my or contact Soo Peng at 03-4292 2326

STORE LABOURERS urgently required by a Shah Alam company.Age below 30 years old.

5 days week work. Salary below RM800.00 + Allowance.Contact 03-51911069 (NJ/Badrul) TEACHERS / NURSES Required For Sales Job, Excellent Spoken English, Willing to work on weekends/ Public Holidays, Earn 3k7k Monthly, Retireeâ ™s Can also apply Interested candidates please Send Cv to saim_au@yahoo.com”

M580

the malay mail M580

Notices/legal/proclaim

Notices/legal/proclaim

M580

Notices/legal/proclaim

VAN DRIVER Required at USJ for 5 days week. Min SPM with 1 year related working experience and able to work in a fast pace environment.

Possesses GDL badge and able to speak English. Call: 03-5638 2208 (Ms. Jessica ) for interview.

VETERINARY DOCTOR & Surgeon needed on full / part time basis Interested pls call: 012-249 5424 WANTED! Student Recruitment Agents. Please contact +603 2034 1288 or email us at : info@sjis.edu.my

Vacancy. 1) Store Hand. Prefer stay in Klang area & with motorbike license. 2) Technician / Sales Executive. Prefer with electrical background & with car license. Training provided. Please contact 033324 3362 or 03-3324 5111 email: westbend@hotmail.com

M515

Jobs ACCOUNTS cum Administrative Assistant. Min SPM and above.Experience in general accounting functions & duties.Computer literate and well verse with Microsoft Office application especially Excel. Able to start immediately will be an added advantage.

Applicants must be willing to work in Sg. Buloh. Contact 013-208 0065 Ms. Siti or send your resume and application to kch2001my@yahoo.com BEAUTICIAN URGENTLY Chinese / malay beautician wanted with certificate and at least 6 month experience in beauty line. Plzz call 03-26937641 (Ninder) BISTRO BAR AT Damansara requires (1) Manager; attractive salary RM2K++ plus comm.) Required with working experience in Pub & Bistro, Chinese female encouraged to apply. Interested call Chris at 014-262 6300 BRANCH MANAGER / Sales & Marketing Exec.

Selling International & local Project, gd income.Fresh graduates. Based in Kajang, KL, PJ & USJ Tel: 77276121 usj@or ientalrealty.com.my BUDGET HOTEL / Guest house in KL. Hotel receptionist.

Proficient in English.

Basic internet knowledge.

Retiree is encourage to apply.019-3550427 (Koe)

ONLINE EDUCATION BUSINESS. We are looking for business partners to expand our market share. The only e-learning portal endorsed by the Ministry of Education.

Huge market potential (Std 1 to Form 5). Pioneer & leader in e-learning. Low start-up capital. High income return.

SMS your particulars <NAME> SPACE <AGE> SPACE <OCCUPATION> SPACE <AREA> to 012-3776739

DVD CONVERSION

REAL ESTATE in Kota Damansara requires Negotiator. With / without experience.

Male/Female.

Any race. Contact 03-6142 7823 / 012-366 2000 or send your resume and application to edwin@i-smarte.com RECOVERY OFFICERS Supervisors/ Managers/ Clerical needed. Attractive basic salary, commission and performance bonus provided.

Loc: near the Pudu LRT station. (walking distance) Call: 03-9195 5551 @ 5552 or E-mail gtr@galatrack.com SALES CO-ORDINATOR. A 25 years well established Co with proven track records & ISO recognition at Bandar Puchong Jaya required min SPM/higher. Working exp in clerical liaise with customer & service dept. Computer literate Chinese dialect preferably Offer Basic+Bonus+Medical Ins+Alt Saturday Off. Contact WAI KING 0358826882/0122329801 or send resume to wkg@corida. com.my /fax 0358826881

BUS DRIVERS WITH E License & Van Drivers (male/female) needed for international school based in KL. Call: 03-4044 8081 / 012-234 8081 (10am-5pm)

012-235 5190 www.sheelvision.com

sp

e

list cia

in repair any c u sh i on

012−313 0778 / 03−7981 1898

SALES PERSON WANTED! Are you self motivated? Sell China vans and make money.

If interested, call: 019-329 2222 IMMEDIATE VACANCY FOR 1.Sales Supervisor. Able to handle inventory, staff discipline & etc 2.Sales Coordinator.

Both positions req. Min. SPM, able to speak simple English, good communication skill, creative & hard working.

Location: Zoo Negara & Melaka Wonderland. Call: 012-213 0437

SEC. GUARDS Needed at Rawang Area. Salary RM1,400.00.

Epf, Socso, medical insurance and hostel provided.Pls contact Bizuan 0194977768, Silva 014-2597103, Chandran 012-3760640, 032282 7055 & 03-2282 7044

019-3118916 / www.hairsetup.com

CALL : 03-7495 1273

M580

Notices/legal/proclaim

23

24

LEGAL / NOTICES

the malay mail

M580

Notices/legal/proclaim

M580

Notices/legal/proclaim

M580

Notices/legal/proclaim

M580

Notices/legal/proclaim

M580

Notices/legal/proclaim

Wednesday 24 AUGUST, 2011 M580

Notices/legal/proclaim

03-7495 1273

M580

Notices/legal/proclaim

M580

Notices/legal/proclaim

03-7495 1273

This experience (at the Universiade) taught me many new things and this will definitely help me improve my performance in the future — Taekwondo exponent Chen Hon Kit

The Malay Mail Wednesday 24 AUGUST, 2011

SUBANG: CRICKET

sports

25

'Funding crucial for cricket development'

SALAH UDDIN

IF cricket is to be a popular sport in Malaysia, the relevant authorities must inject funds and provide financial perks to sustain the players.

Universit i Keb angs aan Malaysia (UKM) cricket coach Mohammed Salah Uddin revealed that like any other sport, funding is vital for development.

"UKM is on the right track.

They have made funds available so that cricket can make an impact on campuses. They hold inter-varsity open championships annually. It is a small step towards awareness in cricket," he said.

"I have been in Malaysia for almost six months. A high percentage of the public do not know how cricket is played.

"The cricket fraternity must

make attempts to educate the masses. Go to the schools and brief students and teachers about cricket. The print and electronic media should also play a major role."

Salah Uddin, 36, a former assistant coach to the Bangladesh national team in 2006-2010, specialised in spin bowling and fielding.

He is on a two-year-contract

BUKIT JALIL: SQUASH

Pushing the limits

with UKM, to oversee the technical aspects of coaching students and encourage cricket as a campus sport.

He said players in the national team, or those who have reached a certain level in cricket, should be rewarded periodically.

"It is important they receive token allowances in recognition of their service to cricket to enable them to keep their

interest alive. Their continuous presence is likely to increase the number of cricket players and enthusiasts," said Salah Uddin.

"From what I understand, there is no future for Malaysian cricket players."

Salah Uddin's memorable moments were when Bangladesh beat India and West Indies in 2007 and 2009 in a World Cup and Test series respectively.

CHERAS: TAEKWONDO YEE WEN: Regards herself a rookie

UPM student joins elite national squash players

P U SH P PA DEWI PARAMESEWA is a ''big'' girl now after winning promotion into the elite squash national team last March.

This means she joins the ranks of four other top squash players in the country, headed by world No 1 Nicol David. Pushppa, 22, a Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) student in mass communications, spent five years in the back-up squad.

Her rise up the ladder has provided her with new challenges. It will give her the opportunity to compete in senior championships and play against the world's best women players.

"I am happy to be in the elite team. It is long overdue but I feel it is worth waiting for. I am ready for the challenges ahead and have been polishing up my all round performance," she said.

Pushppa said the benefit of being an elite member is that she has the chance to play at senior championships instead of languishing in junior tournaments.

Her presence in the elite team will also give others a good run for their money.

She is currently fifth in the national ranking behind Nicol, Low Wee Wern, Delia Arnold and Siti Munirah Jus oh, respectively.

A drop in the form of other players will consolidate her position in the pecking order to represent Malaysia on a more regular basis. She is down to compete in championships in Kuwait and Qatar in October.

Pushppa, a left-handed player, says being skilful alone is not enough.

"I give emphasis on my fitness as it is my main weakness. I also run 5km daily and work out at the gym," said Pushppa, third among four siblings of three girls and a boy.

KAMpusBuzz with Kamaruzaman Ahamd mmsport@mmail.com.my

IN STYLE: Pushppa giving emphasis to fitness

KUALA LUMPUR: SNOOKER

MSBF yet to name players

SUHANA

THE early retirement of men and absence of junior women players has posed a problem for the Malaysian Snooker and Billiards F e d e r at i o n ( M S B F ) i n naming the team for the Indonesia Sea Games.

MSBF honourar y secretar y Melvin Chia said the association planned to send three men and three women to the games in November. He said the men players listed are Lai Chee Wei and Ibrahim Amir.

"Chee Wei was a doubles silver medallist at the 2009 Laos Sea Games while

Ibrahim won a silver in the individual event pool at the 16th Asian Games in Guangzhou last year," he said.

MSBF also plan to recall Moh Keen Ho, winner of the men's singles at the 2007 Korat S e a Games and former Asian Junior champion, to represent the country.

"However MSBF has yet to receive a reply from the player because he has personal and work-related problems," he said.

Melvin said MSBF were confident of improving on,

or at least defend, the two silver and one bronze won in Laos if all three could be listed.

On the participation of women in the sport, Melvin said they were not ready to compete at a higher level yet.

"We plan to bring Suhana Dewi Sabtu out of retirement to represent the country," he said.

The experience of Suhana Dewi, silver medallist at the 2006 Doha Asian Games, will help the other players at the Sea Games. — Bernama

Early success for late bloomer TAEKWONDO exponent and 2010 Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) Sportswomanof-the-Year, Yin Yee Wen, considers herself a rookie in martial arts.

Yee Wen, a Masters student in Business Administration at UMS, said: "My introduction to taekwondo was at UMS. I made rapid progress and am grateful to my instructor, Barry Voon," she said.

Yee Wen, a black belter (first dan) at 73kg, represented Malaysia in last year's

Asean University Games in Chiengmai in the heavyweight division and won a silver medal.

Her immediate plans are to improve her position in the taekwondo ladder as there are another eight steps (dan) for her to become a ''master''.

Yee Wen's chances of representing Malaysia looks bright as there are not many women exponents involved in the heavyweight category.

26

sports

World No 4 Andy Murray is among the big names set to compete at the Thailand Open next month — AFP

Shape up

BANGI: FOOTBALL/ MALAYSIA CUP

Skipper says Felda must start performing well

KHAIRONISSAM: Felda could have finished higher last season

FELDA UNITED need to buck-up and sort out their attacking woes if they are to progress out of the group stages in the upcoming Malaysia Cup. That is the message from skipper Khaironnisam Sahabudin Hussain to his teammates.

"The honeymoon period is over. We must start performing or else we will be lagging behind other teams," he said.

Felda, in their maiden appearance in the Super League, finished 11th scoring only 22 goals in 26 matches.

"If you look at the table, we could have finished higher if our attack was more lethal.

"C oach E. Elavarasan noticed this weakness. We are trying several new tactical approaches to remedy this problem.

"Hopefully, one of it will serve us good," said Khaironnisam.

The Kedah-born skipper is the most experienced player in the Felda squad and is no surprise when he was given the captain's armband after the departure of previous captain Nazrulerwan Makmor to Pahang.

Khaironnisam skippered the national team until 2007

SHENZHEN: UNIVERSIADE

Carry the momentum to 2013 games, says Omar MALAYSIA finished 48th out of 152 teams, with a silver and two bronze medals, at the Universiade.

Pandelela Rinong won the silver in the women's 10m platform while the bronze came from the synchronised diving pair of Pandelela and Leong Mun Yee, and from the women's team event.

Malaysia finished fourth among Southeast Asian countries at the Games.

In the last Universiade in Bangkok, Malaysia won a silver in taekwondo through Che Chew Chan.

Deputy Higher Education Minister Datuk Omar Abdul Rahman said Malaysia's ability to win medals here showed the notion that an athlete's sporting prowess was no longer nurtured upon entering

the higher learning institution was not true.

He hoped that the momentum here would continue in the next Universiade in Kazan, Russia in 2013.

Meanwhile, football goalkeeper Nur Hadi Ubaidillah, who is being treated at a hospital here for injuries is expected to recover and return home in time for Aidilfitri.

The Kelantan back-up goalkeeper was injured during the match against Canada to determine the ninth to 12th placings on Saturday.

In the event that Nur Hadi is not allowed to return home with the rest of the team who will start flying home tomorrow, a secretariat official will attend to him at the hospital until he is discharged. — Bernama

PANDELELA

By VIJHAY VICK vijhayvick@mmail.com.my

and later went on to lead the MyTeam in 2009.

"It is nothing new to me.

I enjoy the responsibility of leading the team on and off the field," said the 31-yearold.

Khaironnisam believes the experience some of the younger players benefited from the Super League season can only benefit the team in the long run.

"No doubt we didn’t perform in the league but we must put that behind us. The younger players have shown potential.

"Hopefully, they understand the history of the Malaysia Cup and that alone can be a motivating factor," he said.

Felda were formed only in 2009 and took just two seasons to climb up the ranks from the lower tier FAM Cup to Super League.

They have been grouped in Group C with Super League champions Kelantan, Johor FC and Premier League runnersup Sarawak.

"Kelantan are no doubt the favourites but anything can happen in football," he said.

PARIS: ATHLETICS

Bolt keen to keep crowns at worlds USAIN BOLT is the headline act for the World Athletics Championships in Daegu, but the Jamaican sprint star has warned that more world records are not likely to be on the cards.

Bolt has dominated the 100 and 200m since storming to double gold in world record times at the Beijing Olympics in 2008.

The 24-year-old went one better at the last world championships in Berlin in 2009, incredibly winning another double also in world record times (9.58 and 19.19sec respectively).

"I'm Olympic and world champion. My goal is to defend my titles," Bolt said.

"But I'm never going to get to 9.58sec this season, I'm not at the same level as two years ago.

I'll try to get a 9.7sec or maybe 9.6." — Reuters

The Malay Mail Wednesday 24 AUGUST, 2011

EDISON: GOLF

Donald gears up for final push and unique double WORLD No 1 Luke Donald (pic) is gearing up for a final 2011 push as the FedExCup playoffs begin on Friday at The Barclays with the Briton aiming to reign over both the US and European tours.

Donald, who leads both tours in earnings as he masterfully juggles memberships on the two circuits, begins his campaign at Plainfield Country Club for the seasonending playoffs title and its US$10 million bonus.

Should the 33-year-old Englishman maintain his brilliant consistency, he could achieve a unique double by becoming the first to be the top winner on both tours in the same season.

Donald also leads the standings for the seasonending Race To Dubai on the European PGA. "I feel like I have a lot to play for," Donald said. "I've had a great year so far, very consistent."

Donald has three wins this season, including two on the European Tour along with the WGC-Accenture Match Play title, and has posted 10 top-10 finishes from 13 US events.

This week's opener of the four-event FedExCup series, was open to the top 125 players in the playoffs standings.

"I feel like I like to play

against the best players. I think it elevates my game," said Donald, who will tee off in the first round with Phil Mickelson and US PGA Championship winner Keegan Bradley.

Donald said he was not driven by riches, but rather by the hardware that symbolises success at the highest level.

"I'm more concerned with winning The Race to Dubai and the FedExCup," said Donald, who ranks fourth in the FedExCup standings.

"Winning trophies rather than the title of being leading money winner is much more important to me. I'm obviously in a position where I have a great chance."

The top 100 players in the points list qualify for the Deutsche Bank Championship in Boston, with the leading 70 players there moving on to the BMW Championship.

The top 30 qualify for the Tour Championship finale.

Donald said he was determined to finish strong.

"Certainly it's a motivating factor," he said. "I've been working very hard the past week, and you know, it's nice to have certain things to chase after and focus (on) and it makes everything a little bit more meaningful."

— Reuters

World athletics championships calendar Timetable of finals in Daegu, South Korea Aug 27 Marathon 10,000m

Aug 28 Long jump Discus throw 100m 1,500m 10,000m 20k walk Decathlon

Aug 30 Pole vault 3,000m steeplechase 400m 800m 400m hurdles Discus throw Sept 2 200m 5,000m Long jump Javelin Long jump Shot put 4x400m relay

Aug 31 20km walk

Sept 3

Aug 29 100m 400m Shot put 110m hurdles Hammer Pole vault Sept 1 1,500m 400m hurdles Triple jump 400m hurdles 3,000m steeplechase High jump Sept 4

100m hurdles High jump 4x400m relay

800m 4x100m relay Hammer

200m 1,500m 50k walk Javelin

500m 4x100m relay Triple jump Marathon

Usain Bolt of Jamaica

Australia's 2001 US Open champion Lleyton Hewitt withdrew from this year's tournament with a foot problem which has wrecked his summer — AFP

The Malay Mail Wednesday 24 AUGUST, 2011

No foreplay

LONDON: TENNIS

Nadal admits pondering switch after 2005 injury SPANISH superstar Rafael Nadal revealed he considered a move into professional golf after a potentially careerthreatening injury, reported BBC Sport.

The 10-time Grand Slam champion has written in his autobiography Rafa that doctors discovered a rare foot injury in 2005 that had the potential to sideline him for good. "(The) diagnosis had initially been like a shot to the head," said Nadal. "The bone still hurts. It remains under control, we can never drop our guard."

In the book, 25-year-old Nadal describes his toughest on-court battles with Swiss superstar Roger Federer at the 2008 Wimbledon final and subsequent Australian Open.

Nadal's epic victory over Fe d e re r i n 2 0 0 8 i n t he Wimbledon final, for the record, was the "greatest ever seen", according to legend John McEnroe and three-time winner of the event.

The gruelling and dramatic contest, lasting four hours and 48 minutes, was definitely the longest. Nadal won 6-4, 6-4, 6-7 (5-7), 6-7 (8-10), 9-7.

But Nadal's off-court problems play a large part in the

A DIFFERENT STORY: Nadal in action during a pro-am prior to the start of the Castello Masters Costa Azahar last year — GETTY photo

former top-ranked player's career. His parents' separation hindered his recovery from injuries in 2009, when pride led him to try to defend his French Open title despite his injury problems.

"My attitude was bad. I was depressed, lacking in enthusiasm. (My team) knew something had to give," writes Nadal, with the weight of those problems leading to his only defeat in seven appearances at Roland Garros and his subsequent withdrawal from Wimbledon.

Doctors discovered a congenital bone problem in the bridge of his left foot soon after a five-set victory over Ivan Ljubicic in Madrid, prompting thoughts of a future in golf.

Nadal was friends with the late Seve Ballesteros and said: "I had the chance to meet him and the honour to play 18 holes with him a couple of years ago in Madrid. He was impressive. We all looked at him as a role model."

The Mallorca-born Nadal also labels current No 1 Novak Djokovic, who has beaten him in five straight finals this year, a "formidable opponent" who is "one hell of a player, temperamental but hugely talented."

NEW YORK: TENNIS

Williams seeded 28th, Wozniacki on top

WOZNIACKI

SERENA WILLIAMS was seeded a lowly 28th for the Aug 29-Sept 11 US Open as tournament organisers opted to rigidly follow the current rankings rather than reward her for outstanding past performances.

Williams, the dominant figure in women's tennis over the past decade, had already won the US Open three times but the former world No 1's ranking tumbled after spending almost a year away from the game because of health problems.

The 29-year-old American returned to the courts in June and won back-to-back tournaments in California and Toronto to climb back to 29th in the world rankings after falling to 175.

She was bumped up one place for the US Open after

last year's champion and world No 3 Kim Clijsters withdrew because of injury, but officials stopped short of elevating the 13-time Grand Slam champion much higher.

"After careful deliberation regarding Serena Williams' seeding, we decided to maintain the objective criteria in place to determine the women's singles seeds at this year's US Open," US Open tournament director Jim Curley said in a statement.

Although the US Open traditionally sticks with the world rankings, other Grand Slams have used their discretion to promote top players returning from injury.

At Wimbledon in June, Williams was elevated to seventh seed despite it being only her second tournament after a long lay-off during which she suffered a foot

injury and was diagnosed with life-threatening blood clots in her lungs.

Williams' sister Venus, a two-time US Open champion, was not seeded at all because her current ranking is 36th.

Denmark's Caroline Wozniacki, who has never won a Grand Slam but was a finalist at the US Open two years ago, was named top seed because she holds the No 1 ranking.

Russia's Vera Zvonareva, also chasing her first Grand Slam title after making the 2010 finals at Wimbledon and the US Open, was seeded second while former world No 1 Maria Sharapova was third.

Victoria Azarenka was fourth followed by Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova.

The men's seedings were due to be released today before both singles draws were made. — Reuters

sports

27

LONDON: FOOTBALL/ LEAGUE CUP

Top-flight clubs shown the exit

PREMIER LEAGUE quartet Sunderland, Norwich City, Queens Park Rangers and Swansea City were bundled out of the League Cup in the second round this morning.

Su nd e rl and, b e ate n by Norwich in the 1985 final at Wembley, went down 1-0 at Championship (second division) side Brighton and Hove Albion.

Craig Mackail-Smith scored the only goal for Gustavo Poyet's team in extra-time.

Norwich, who also won the trophy in 1962, suffered a crushing 4-0 home defeat against League One (third division) Milton Keynes Dons. Former Manchester United player Luke Chadwick netted twice.

QPR were beaten 2-0 at home

by League One Rochdale while Swansea lost 3-1 at League Two (fourth division) Shrewsbury Town. Norwich, QPR and

Results THIS MORNING Second round Aston Villa 2 Hereford 0 B'mouth 1 West Brom 4 Brighton 1 S'drland 0 AET Burnley 3 Barnet 2 AET Bury 2 Leicester 4 Cardiff 5 H'rsfield 3 AET Doncaster 1 Leeds 2 Millwall 2 Morecambe 0 N'hampton 0 Wolves 4 Norwich 0 Milton Keynes 4 QPR 0 Rochdale 2 Shrewsbury 3 Swansea 1 Wycombe 1 Nott' Forest 4 First round Bristol 1 Watford 1 AET Bristol won 4-2 on penalties Charlton 2 Reading 1 Crystal P 2 Crawley Town 0

Swansea were promoted last season.

Premier League Aston Villa, Wolverhampton Wanderers and West Bromwich Albion went safely through.

— Reuters

WINSTON-SALEM: TENNIS

Davydenko unhappy with form

FIFTH seed Nikolay Davydenko was far from pleased with his form even after beating American qualifier Michael Russell 6-2, 6-2 here this morning to reach the third round of the ATP WinstonSalem Open.

The 30-year-old, who has slid to 39 in the world from a high of third, claimed his 21st career title last May in Munich but had not managed to make it into the third round of a tournament since.

He will next face either ninth seed Sergiy Stakhovsky of the Ukraine or Kazak Andrei Golubev in a tournament that has fading former world No 1 Andy Roddick as top seed.

Davydenko was far from pleased with his 74 minute win over Russell, who at 33 was the oldest player in the draw.

"It was pretty tough," said the Russian, who committed four double-faults and failed to serve an ace.

"We are preparing for the US Open and it's a nervous time.

"I'm still trying to feel the court and the ball. It was also a bit windy today.

"I need confidence,I was just fighting for every point. I ran and my legs felt good but I was only pushing the ball. I had too many mistakes."

The Russian said he will work in the next match to

DAVYDENKO

"clean up my forehand".

"I made too many errors from the baseline. I need to improve a lot before the next match."

Dutch tenth seed Robin Haase, winner on clay this month in Kitzbuehel, opened his hardcourt campaign at the last possible moment but produced an easy 6-4, 6-1 over veteran American James Blake.

Both men served six aces, with Haase breaking five times while saving nine of the ten break points he faced in a rout lasting a shade over one hour.

Belgian Steve Darcis mounted a second-round comeback to turn the tables on 11th seed Dmitry Tursunov 3-6, 6-1, 6-3 while Argentine seventh seed Juan Monaco beat Germany's Tobias Kamke. — AFP

28

sports

Afellay is staying with Barcelona. I don't know anything about interest from any club — Barcelona sporting director Andoni Zubizarreta

The Malay Mail Wednesday 24 AUGUST, 2011

BARCELONA: football/ primera liga

'Gracias amigos' Fabregas thankful to teammates for early impact at Barca MIDFIELDER Cesc Fabregas says his Barcelona teammates are striving to make things easy for him following his recent move from Arsenal.

The 24-year-old Spain international scored once in the Catalans' 5-0 win over Italian club Napoli in the friendly clash for the Joan Gamper Trophy at Nou Camp yesterday. The other goals came from Seydou Keita, Pedro and two from Lionel Messi.

Fabregas said credit must go to his new teammates for helping him settle into his stride.

"All my teammates make things easy for me. At Arsenal I played with a little more freedom, but here, things are more disciplined and I have to get used to it. I am playing in a different role compared to what I was used to at Arsenal, but this is a new experience, and things will get better for me," he said.

On his debut goal in front of a packed Nou Camp, he said: "I am very happy to have scored my first

goal in a Barca shirt. This is a great experience and I hope to enjoy the moment."

Champions League winners Barca will meet Europa League champions Porto next in Friday's European Super Cup in Monaco.

B arca manager Jos ep "Pep" Guardiola praised his players after ruthlessly clinching a 35th Joan Gamper Trophy, and affirmed his desire to enjoy further success this season.

"Now we have to win even more.

With the support of the fans we can do that," he said.

Following Barca’s victory over Real Madrid in the Spanish Super Cup last week, the fitness of his players was questioned as they appeared less sharp than their opponents, and Guardiola feels the team are slowly reaching the desired level.

"We’re a little better, we have passed the test of playing against opponents as demanding as Real. We now have

three or four sessions of physical work to reach our optimum level for the European Super Cup. "Nothing is easy in sports.

Everything takes effort. We can't forget the match against Napoli was a friendly — this would be a different story if we face them in the Champions League."

Meanwhile, Napoli manager Walter Mazzarri told his players to learn rather than despair after the thrashing.

"We need to take many things from this lesson against Barca. Even when they were 5-0 they were still attacking us," Mazzarri told Sky Sport Italia.

"We were in the game for little over 30 minutes, but when they went 2-0 it really hurt us.

"I want to compliment Guardiola for the hunger he has instilled in his players. Barca have a great team that have been built over the years, and you can't compare them with anyone."

FAB START: Fabregas (right) after scoring Barca's first goal yesterday. Messi scored two in Napoli's 5-0 demolition — AFP photo

VALENCIA: football/ primera liga

Valencia can fight for honours, says Canales

VALENCIA midfielder Sergio Canales is delighted at earning a move to the Mestalla and stressed his side will be fighting for silverware.

The Spain Under-21 international joined Valencia from Real Madrid on a loan transfer after failing to make the grade at Santiago Bernabeu.

Canales, who cost Real a reported €4.5m (RM19m) last summer, was impressed with Valencia's project and said the team can aspire to win titles.

"This team are really keen to win things, I arrived with great hopes and I am eager for the league to start because I am convinced we can do great things with the support of our fans," he told AS. "Only one day is enough to realise Valencia's greatness."

The former Racing Santander player confessed he had the chance to join Valencia in 2009, and expressed his delight that the phone rang again.

"I had a season in which I had doubts and in the end it (Valencia move) did not happen, but the only thing that matters is the present and the immediate future and I am living those things here,"

canales

said Canales.

"When I spoke with my father in Colombia during the Under-20 World Cup recently, he told me of Valencia's interest and I told him to arrange a deal as soon as possible because they are a Champions League team."

Meanwhile, Valencia are considering putting together a €10m bid for Real centreback Raul Albiol.

The Spain international signed for Los Blancos from Valencia in the summer of 2009 for a reported fee of around €15m and has been a bit-part player at Santiago Bernabeu ever since.

With Portugal duo Pepe and Ricardo Carvalho cemented as the club's starting centrebacks, and Raphael Varane signed earlier in the summer as backup, Albiol would reportedly be open to a Mestalla return.

The 25-year-old spent four successful seasons at Valencia, who are believed to be interested in using part of the funds from the €30m sale of midfielder Juan Mata to Chelsea to finance a deal for the defender.

However, it is believed Real manager Jose Mourinho is reluctant to let Albiol leave, especially because the transfer window closes next week.

sports

Barcelona defender Gerard Pique will miss this week's European Super Cup clash with Porto due to a calf injury — Reuters

The Malay Mail Wednesday 24 AUGUST, 2011

29

MADRID: football/ PRIMERA LIGA

Act against aggression Spanish authorities out to discipline Mourinho for eye-poke

REAL MADRID coach Jose Mourinho (pic) slammed "hypocrisy in football" this morning on learning he faces a potential suspension after the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) opened a disciplinary inquiry into his Super Cup fracas with Barcelona assistant coach Tito Vilanova.

Mourinho insisted last week he was not sorry for poking Vilanova in the eye in the final moments of their 3-2 loss, which gave Barca an overall 5-4 aggregate triumph.

But after television images and Press photos gave the incident widespread coverage, the Federation moved to act.

Madrid insist that Mourinho

was responding to a series of provocations and insults from the Barca bench after tensions boiled over at the Camp Nou. The RFEF's disciplinary committee said it had opened

an inquiry against Mourinho for his behaviour, which could breach two articles of the body's disciplinary code.

If the committee finds against Mourinho he could be suspended for between four and 12 matches based on the first article, and between four and ten on the basis of the second.

He could additionally be fined if found to have engaged in "serious misconduct".

Vilanova faces a four-match ban if he is found to have engaged in conduct deemed "contrary to good sporting order".

Both men will now be given an opportunity to explain their actions.

Mourinho promptly got his retaliation in early in the form of a letter published on Real's website in which he apologised specifically to Real fans — but nobody else.

"I... wish to apologise to Madridistas, and only to them, for my attitude in our last game.

Some people are better adapted to the hypocrisy in football than I am, and they hide their faces and speak in whispers deep inside tunnels," Mourinho charged.

"I'm not learning to be a hypocrite, and I don't want to."

Mourinho furthermore dismissed rumours surfacing in the media suggesting that he might even quit Madrid after

ZURICH: football/ CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

Rossi class shines through as Villarreal progress

WUNDERBAR: Ribery (left) and Mueller (centre) congratulate striker Gomez after he scored — AFP photo

who is struggling to overcome a back injury.

The Dutchman managed to score in Saturday's 5-0 drubbing of Hamburg last Saturday in the German league, but sat out on the bench in Switzerland.

Having lost Croatia striker Ivica Olic with a hip injury for up to eight weeks after the Hamburg victory, the Germans must wait to see if Gomez joins the walking wounded after he limped off on 46 minutes clutching his hamstring.

When the opening goal came, it had "Made in Germany" stamped all over it as three of the national side combined to pretty much wrap up the tie.

A superb pass from Toni Kroos on the halfway line allowed teammate Thomas Mueller to dart around his marker and sweep up field, before squaring to an unmarked Gomez, who fired home on seven minutes.

It was a smooth move finished with a well-struck shot which gave Swiss goalkeeper Johnny Leoni no chance.

Even without Robben and Gomez, Bayern had the Swiss league runners-up on the back foot in the second-half as French winger Franck Ribery and Gomez's replacement Petersen combined to create several chances, which all went begging. — AFP

RFEF's move.

"Real Madrid Football Club expresses its surprise for the fact that this investigation has been ordered five days on from the (Barcelona) match," the statement read.

The RFEF meanwhile handed a one-match ban to Barcelona striker David Villa and Madrid pair Mesut Ozil and Marcelo for their role in the brawl which marred the end of last weekend's Camp Nou encounter.

Barcelona's Javier Mascherano and Xavi and Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo, Pepe, Sergio Ramos and Fabio Coentrao were warned as to their future conduct after they also joined the fray. — AFP

VILAREAL: football/ CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

Bayern win in Zurich to earn group stage spot

A FIRST-HALF goal from Germany striker Mario Gomez this morning booked Bayern Munich's place in the Champions League main draw as they beat FC Zurich 1-0 in their playoff second-leg to win 3-0 on aggregate.

Bayern will go into Friday's draw as one of the 10 playoff winners who join the 22 automatic entrants in the group stage draw in Monaco.

"We have fulfilled our duty to reach the main draw, there is no one particular opponent we want to face — we have to beat everyone," said striker Nils Petersen, who came on for Gomez in the second-half.

Bayern — who are hoping to go all the way to the final which is being staged at their home stadium Allianz Arena on May 19 next year — join fellow German sides Borussia Dortmund and Bayer Leverkusen in the main draw.

Bayern had few problems in Zurich as the hosts rarely troubled Bayern goalkeeper Manuel Neuer while the Germans barely got out of second gear.

"It was important for us to get an early goal, so that we had a commanding 3-0 lead," said Bayern coach Jupp Heynckes.

"After that, the tension wasn't so great in the team.

"It was very important for Bayern Munich to be in the group stages."

Heynckes started with eight members of the Germany side in his line-up but without fragile Dutch star Arjen Robben,

the furore which followed another ugly spat between Real and Barca during last spring's Champions League semifinal.

On that occasion, Mourinho belittled Barca coach Pep Guardiola's achievements in winning the 2009 Champions League after first creeping past the Portuguese coach's former side Chelsea, who were denied several penalties before going out to a last-gasp goal.

"Only those who don't know me can dream, make up or believe I may leave Real Madrid at this stage," Mourinho insisted.

Real issued a statement Tuesday evening saying the club was "surprised" by the

Champions League playoffs Second-leg results This morning APOEL Nicosia 3 Wisla Krakow

1

(APOEL Nicosia win 3-2 on aggregate)

FC Zurich

0 Bayern Munich 1

Malmo

2 Dinamo Zagreb 0

Villarreal

3 OB Odense

(Bayern Munich win 3-0 on aggregate)

(Dinamo Zagreb win 4-3 on aggregate) (Villarreal win 3-1 on aggregate)

0

FIXTURES TOMORROW Rubin Kazan (1) v Lyon (3) (12am) Benfica (2) v Twente Enschede (2) Plzen (3) v FC Copenhagen (1) Sturm Graz (1) v BATE Borisov (1) Udinese (0) v Arsenal (1) (These four matches at 2.45am)

GIUSEPPE ROSSI showed why he is one of Europe's most-coveted strikers with a second-half double to set Villarreal on their way to a 3-0 win over Odense — for a 3-1 aggregate victory — and a place in the Champions League group stages this morning.

The Spanish side must have been beginning to wonder where a goal was going to come from as Stefan Wessels saved everything that came his way until five minutes into the second-half, when Rossi stabbed home a low Nilmar cross.

That goal cancelled out Hans-Henrik Andreasen's strike, which had given Odense the narrowest of firstleg leads, and was the least Villarreal deserved for their domination of the tie.

The spectators at the El Madrigal were on their feet again midway through the second-half when a wonderful cross from deep on the right flank from Cani was met by Rossi, leaving Wessels with no chance to put Villarreal 2-0 up on the night.

Odense knew that an away goal would still swing the tie back in their favour, but their hopes were dealt a huge blow when Bashkim Kadrii was sent-off for a second bookable offence.

Numer ica l p ar ity was restored when Scottish referee Craig Thomson showed a red card to Borja Valero for a retaliatory headbutt on Andreas Johansson, but

Villarreal put the outcome of the tie beyond doubt when substitute Carlos Marchena's shot was fumbled over the line

by Wessels.

That sealed victory for Juan Carlos Garrido's side, who join Barcelona, Real Madrid and Valencia as Spain's representatives in Friday's draw for the group stages.

Last season's Danish league runners-up Odense had fought gamely to win 1-0 on home soil six days ago, but they never troubled Villarreal keeper Diego Lopez, and it always seemed only a matter of time before the hosts found a breakthrough.

Playing with just three recognised defenders, and with summer signing Javier Camunas making his debut on the right wing, Villarreal went for the jugular straight away.

Rossi saw an early effort sneak past Wessels' left-hand upright, while Valero saw another strike turned around the post.

Former Bayern Munich and Everton stopper Wessels then produced a fine double save to deny Camunas and Rossi as half-time approached, and Camunas turned and cracked another strike off the bar moments after the restart.

But Rossi's brace and Marchena's late counter ensure that the Yellow Submarine return to the group stage for the third time, while Odense have the consolation of a place in the Europa League group stage. — AFP

30

sports

Presstalk

There is an opinion saying that me, Lampard and Drogba are untouchables and there for too much time. This is wrong — Chelsea's John Terry

The Malay Mail Wednesday 24 AUGUST, 2011

MANCHESTER: football/ PREMIER LEAGUE

Big dreams for United's Smalling

DAILY MIRROR MANCHESTER UNITED'S youngster Chris Smalling is hoping to get a call-up to the England national squad if he plays regularly for the Devils.

Smalling is in his second

year at Old Trafford, but has been called upon to play a number of times because of injuries to first choice centrebacks Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand.

He has even filled in twice at

rightback in United’s opening two fixtures this season, and he managed to keep Gareth Bale quiet in yesterday's victory against Tottenham Hotspur as Alex Ferguson fielded the club’s second youngest ever

side in the Premier League.

"I see an England call-up as a bonus," he told the club’s official website.

"I'm not eligible for Under21s now but hopefully in the future, maybe in a year or so, I

can push for a senior cap.

"For now, though, I'm focused on cementing my place here at Manchester United. If I can do that then getting selected for England will be easier." — Agencies

LONDON: football/ PREMIER LEAGUE

Cole hopes to earn his Spurs JOE COLE (pic) is keeping his phone on in the run-up to the transfer deadline in the hope of a move away from his Liverpool nightmare.

Cole, 29, is desperate for a permanent move from Anfield, having failed to establish himself, and is said to fancy joining north London side Tottenham. Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish has repeatedly overlooked Cole, and his ideal move would be to White Hart Lane. Spurs chief Harry Redknapp is a long-standing admirer of Cole and could be interested if Luka Modric goes to Chelsea.

GAZZETTA DELLO SPORT

Italians join queue for Bradley CHIEVO VERONA are interested in Borussia Monchengladbach midfielder Michael Bradley, after Gladbach coach Lucien Favre told Kicker the player "doesn’t play a role here anymore". The Serie A club are the latest in a long line of teams keen on the 24-year-old. The player's agent, Brian Eylert, earlier told MLSSoccer.com: "Gladbach’s asking price for Bradley is too much.Money is tight in Germany right now.

Most teams aren’t spending freely." However, it is believed that Gladbach are willing to listen to offers with the transfer window about to close.

ALLGEMEINE ZEITUNG

Kjaer within days of Roma move DEFENDER Simon Kjaer is on the verge of signing for Roma, with his German club Wolfsburg expecting the Denmark international to move in the next couple of days. "I assume there is regular contact between Simon Kjaer and Roma," said Wolfsburg manager Felix Magath. "I have to prepare the club if the player leaves.

And for that reason, we have linked up the signature of (Brazilian defender) Chris."

Mikkel Beck, Kjaer's agent, said: "VfL Wolfsburg has allowed us to negotiate terms with clubs. We are now talking to Roma."

The new Drogba Chelsea's Lukaku flattered by comparison

TIPPED as the next Didier Drogba, Chelsea new boy Romelu Lukaku is flattered to be compared with the powerhouse striker with whom he bears a striking resemblance in stature and playing style.

Drafted into Chelsea's burgeoning squad from Belgian club Anderlecht this month for a fee media reports said was in the region of £18m (RM88m), the 18-year-old is now learning all he can from Drogba.

With his hulk-like frame and swift turn of pace, the young Belgian has invited obvious comparisons with a player many pundits said he had been brought in to replace.

But Lukaku is now taking tips from twice African F o o t b a l l e r - o f - t h e - Ye a r Drogba.

"To be compared with Didier is a big honour to me," Lukaku said, as he was introduced along with fellow close-season recruit Oriol Romeu.

"We talk and I sit next to him in the dressing room. I listen because he gives advice and also with Nico (Nicolas A n e l k a ) an d Fe r n an d o (Torres) it is the same, so I am happy to have world-class strikers around me.

"I am not here to replace Didier, just to play for Chelsea.

I hope he will stay as long as possible so I can play with him and continue learning

THE NEW BOYS: Lukaku (right) and Romeu (left) pose with Chelsea manager Andre Villas-Boas during a photocall at the Chelsea football club training ground in Surrey — AFP photo

from him. He is a world-class striker," Lukaku added.

"When we did some finishing exercises after training, he said to focus as long as possible when you hit the ball, until the last minute.

(These are) small things but efficient."

Lukaku, a Chelsea fan who owned a club shirt before signing for the Premier League team, said he was a little overawed when he arrived at

Stamford Bridge.

"I was quiet and didn't say anything, I just looked around," he said.

"You don't know what to say when captain John Terry tells me, 'Whenever you need me you can call me,' and Didier says, 'Well done Romelu'. It's like 'Did he just say that to me?'.

"It gives you a boost to do more, but sometimes, when you do something wrong

they also scream at you. It's not play time now, that's over and we have to work hard to get success."

Midfielder Romeu, who arrived from Barcelona this month on a four-year deal, could be considered one for the future at only 19.

The young Catalan, however, is determined to force his way into first-team contention.

"I am concentrating on this

season. I want to do my best and make the most of the opportunity I've been given," he said.

"Chelsea have given me this great opportunity and I want to play as many games as possible."

The London club, who have picked up four points from their opening two league matches, host promoted Norwich City on Saturday.

— Reuters

JOS: football/ PREMIER LEAGUE

Mikel's dad's abductors demanded RM12b MIKEL

THE kidnappers who abducted Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel's father in Nigeria demanded a ransom of US$4 b (RM12b), the local police commissioner said this morning.

Michael Obi was released by his abductors on Monday, and police said two Nigerian military officers were part of the group who took him on Aug 12.

"(The kidnappers) asked him to give them US$4b which they called 'chicken change' to Mikel Obi and his club Chelsea," police State commissioner Emmanuel Dipe Ayeni told reporters in Jos, capital of central Nigeria's Plateau State.

He did not say whether any ransom was paid.

Mikel earns US$5.8m a year and is the seventh highestpaid African footballer in

Europe, according to Forbes magazine.

The Nigeria midfielder played for Chelsea in a 0-0 Premier League draw at Stoke City the day after learning of the kidnapping and made public appeals for his dad's safe return. His management company said at the time a "sizeable" ransom had been demanded.

It was not the first time a

relative of a Premier League player was abducted in Nigeria, where most people live on less than US$2 a day, after former Everton defender Joseph Yobo's brother was kidnapped in 2008.

Kidnapping of oil workers in the southern Niger Delta has been relatively common in the past, but abductions have begun spreading further north. — Reuters

The Malay Mail Wednesday 24 AUGUST, 2011

presstalk THE GUARDIAN

Magpies in trouble

NEWCASTLE UNITED have been reported to Fifa and the Premier League over allegations of tapping up striker Modibo Maiga and goalkeeper Rob Elliot. A club statement from Maiga's French club Sochaux said: "This measure comes after Sochaux demanded without success, in an official manner and on two occasions, that the English club put a stop to their actions."

Charlton, meanwhile, have contacted the Premier League over what they allege to be another illegal approach from Newcastle to Elliot, a 25-yearold goalkeeper. Newcastle have not responded to the claims.

KICKER

Rajkovic ends nightmare RAJKOVIC

CHELSEA defender Slobodan Rajkovic is on the verge of joining Hamburg after passing a medical with the German club. He is the latest fringe player at Stamford Bridge to make the switch and link up with former Blues sporting director Frank Arnesen in recent months. The Serbian will be reunited with the likes of Michael Mancienne, Gokhan Tore, Jeffrey Bruma and Jacopo Sala at the Bundesliga club. He is leaving the Premier League outfit after failing to secure a new work permit, despite having represented his country on seven occasions during his time in England.

CORRIERE DELLO SPORT

Roma close in on Casemiro AS ROMA appear to be winning the race against both Milan teams for 19-year-old Sao Paulo midfielder Casemiro.

Casemiro's agent Julio Fressato was in Italy last week for transfer talks, stopping first in Rome, before landing in Milan, with both Inter and AC Milan also linked with his client.

However, the player is keen on Roma, having said: "I have always dreamed of playing for the Giallorossi. If there's an opportunity for me to join Roma, I'd like to find a solution where all parties involved are happy," he said.

sports

He did well with his feet and everything. The crowd were behind him too — Manchester United's Patrice Evra on David De Gea LIVERPOOL: football/ premier league

Leave Andy alone Judge striker when he is fully fit, says Dalglish

LIVERPOOL boss Kenny Dalglish tried to deflect responsibility away from striker Andy Carroll after the £35m man's disappointing start to life at Liverpool.

The former Newcastle star moved to Anfield in a recordbreaking January deal, but arrived with a thigh injury and later picked up a knee problem.

Dalglish admitted he was at fault for rushing Carroll into action, and the England international was clearly not fit when debuting as a substitute in last March's 3-1 win over Manchester United.

But Dalglish thinks the time to judge the 22-year-old, who scored only two goals in 11 games, will be when he is 100 per cent.

"Carroll's fitness is an improvement since last season, because he was never really fit when he came here. We pushed him in probably earlier than we should have last season and it wasn't particularly fair on him.

"We were a wee bit unkind on him and asked a bit too much of him. This season he certainly looks a lot fitter.

"He is just 22. Every time he'll play, people will ask if that's the best he can be. But you never stop, you always

want to improve. The best time to judge him will be when he's fully fit."

L ef tb ack Jos e Enr ique pledged to work with winger Stewart Downing to provide Carroll with all the ammunition he requires.

"I'm hoping we can provide some good service for Carroll, who is a great English centreforward. In the air, he is the best I have ever seen – almost unplayable," said Enrique, a former Magpie as well.

"When the game is maybe a little bit frustrating, because you can't score a goal, you can cross to him and he can score from anywhere. Carroll was brilliant like that at Newcastle," he said.

Meanwhile, another striker Dirk Kuyt brushed off speculation linking him with a move to Inter Milan and insisted he is happy at Anfield.

Kuyt's agent Rob Jansen was quoted as saying his client was considering his future after interest from Inter, but the Holland international is adamant he will respect the contract extension he signed in April.

"As far as I know, there is nothing true about this. I am very happy at Liverpool," Kuyt told Voetbal International.

"I didn't extend my contract

SATURDAY Aston Villa v Wolves (7.05pm) Wigan v QPR (7.30pm) Blackburn v Everton (10pm) Chelsea v Norwich (10pm) Swansea v Sunderland (10pm) SUNDAY Liverpool v Bolton (12.30am) Newcastle v Fulham (8pm) West Brom v Stoke (10pm) Man United v Arsenal (11pm)

LONDON: football/ premier league

Arsenal, Newcastle fined for fracas

real asset: Dalglish insisted Liverpool pushed Carroll too hard last term — GETTY photo

for two years three months ago for nothing. You don't do that if you have the intention to go away quickly."

Kuyt, 31, was a substitute for the opening-day draw with Sunderland but started last Saturday's win at Arsenal before making way for Raul Meireles after 71 minutes.

And the former Feyenoord man accepts Dalglish's summer spending spree means he

may just be a squad player this season.

"Maybe people think that I want to leave. But it doesn't work like that for me. Liverpool have a very big squad and therefore you could sometimes be on the bench.

"It's my intention to stay here, though you know nothing is certain. In football things can be different tomorrow," said Kuyt.

Coates not ruling out Premier League move FACT FILE

Full name: Sebastian Coates Nion Date of birth: Oct 7, 1990 Place of birth: Montevideo, Uruguay Height: 1.96 m (6 ft 5 in) Position: Central defender Current club: Club Nacional

Club

2009-present

Nacional

2009 2011-present

Uruguay U-20 Uruguay

54 games

(4 goals)

10 5

(0) (0)

COUNTRY

Premier League.

Liverpool are thought to be viewing Coates as a potential replacement for Sotirios Kyrgiakos, who joined Wolfsburg on a twoyear deal on Monday.

"There are a lot of teams interested in me, but I would surely not go on loan.

What I need is continuity so I don't lose my place in

FIXTUREs

Tottenham v Man City (8.30pm)

MONTEVIDEO: football/ premier league

URUGUAY starlet Sebastian Coates expects his future to be decided this week as a plethora of clubs, including Liverpool, scramble to sign him.

The highly-rated central defender is being tracked by a host of clubs across Europe — with big clubs Juventus, Lazio, Porto and Benfica all named.

But the Premier League has seemingly been the most likely destination.

Manchester City were first to be linked but now Liverpool are said to be keen on securing the 20-year-old's signature.

"This week I will talk about offers and decide whether to go or stay here," Coates told Ovacion.

He refused to rule out a move to the

31

the national team," said Coates.

His father and agent Peter is currently said to be in Europe discussing his son's future.

The 6'5" tall no-nonsense defender, also known as Luganito or "Little Lugano", is now with Club Nacional in the Uruguayan league.

Despite his age, Coates

THE RED CODE: Dalglish has set his sights on Sebastian Coates (above)

was one of the key figures for Uruguay in their success of winning the Copa America for a record 15th time last month in Argentina, and in the process, was also named as "Best Young Player" of the tournament.

ARSENAL and Newcastle United were both fined £30,000 (RM146,900) this morning for failing to control their players after their ill-tempered opening Premier League match, the Football Association said.

Arsenal had striker Gervinho sent-off in the 76th minute of the 0-0 draw at St James' Park, following a tussle with Newcastle midfielder Joey Barton, who received a yellow card for his part in the fracas.

Gervinho was subsequently given a three-match ban along with teammate Alex Song, who was suspended for violent conduct following an earlier altercation with Barton.

"An Independent Regulatory Commission today (Tuesday) found both Newcastle United and Arsenal guilty of failing to control their players," the FA said in a statement on their website (www.thefa. com).

"The charges relate to an incident during their recent league fixture at St James' Park on Saturday Aug 13, 2011.

"Both clubs denied the charge and requested a non-personal hearing. In each case, the charge was proven by the Regulatory Commission and both clubs have been fined £30,000."

Newcastle said on their website they had requested written reasons for the decision and will consider their position after these have been received. — Reuters

Blow me down

Luke’s final push

US OPEN organisers seed Serena Williams at 28th, paving way for a top seed to met her in third round

LUKE DONALD aims to be ruler of US and Europe by winning FedEXCup

>> pg27

LOCAL

The honeymoon is over

FELDA UNITED captain Khaironnisam Sahabudin needs his team to be more ruthless in front of goal to advance in Malaysia Cup

>> pg26

football

Fab friends in deed

BARCELONA midfielder Cesc Fabregas credits teammates for helping him settle into his stride

>> pg28

Jose in Mour trouble

REAL MADRID’S coach Jose Mourinho faces suspension and fine if inquiry finds him guilty

>> pg29 presstalk

Cole fancies Spurs move

LIVERPOOL’S unwanted midfielder desperate for permanent move and fancies joining Tottenham

>> pg30

>> pg26

Wednesday 24 August, 2011

Arsenal drama LONDON: Football/ champions LEAGUE

Gunners roller-coaster takes new twists and turns

ARSENAL’S early-season soap opera took more twists and turns this morning with midfielder Samir Nasri poised to join Manchester City and manager Arsene Wenger given clearance by Uefa to delay his European ban.

The London side left French playmaker Nasri at home to finalise a move to big-spending Premier League rivals City as they headed off to Italy ahead of their Champions League playoff round second-leg against Udinese tomorrow (2.45am).

Arsenal, who will defend a 1-0 lead after a nervy win at the Emirates, will at least have Wenger sitting on the bench after European football’s governing body Uefa agreed not to suspend him until it had considered the club’s appeal.

Wenger was banned for two European matches yesterday for failing in the first-leg to abide by the conditions of a previous suspension.

Wenger, with money to spend, faces a race against time before the transfer window closes to bring in high-class reinforcements to replace Nasri and former captain Cesc Fabregas, who joined European champions Barcelona earlier this month.

Arsenal said yesterday they had agreed to sell Nasri to City

no worries: Wenger left with no margin for error in Udinese tie — AFP photo

with a fee, according to media reports, of around £25 million (RM122.3m).

“The summer was difficult because we had Fabregas and Nasri on permanent transfer negotiations and that is draining in the end,” Wenger said.

“We’ve lost two great players and that’s the sad side of the story. But at some stage, it has to be over because you have to

focus on the future.”

Wenger will at least be able to direct operations at pitchside in Udinese after Uefa agreed to delay his ban.

The Frenchman’s original ban stemmed from his behaviour in last season’s round of 16 tie at Barcelona.

Wenger was then seen sitting in the stands and talking on a mobile phone in last week’s

first-leg, passing instructions to the team bench.

Uefa rules stipulate coaches cannot communicate with their teams while they are serving a touchline ban.

“The Uefa appeals body has granted a stay of execution to the appeal,” Uefa said on their website (www.uefa.com).

Wenger, whose side have taken just one point from their

opening two Premier League games, played down the significance of tomorrow’s match against Udinese where a place in the lucrative Champions League group stages is at stake.

“It’s not critical, it’s an opportunity for us to qualify for the group stage of the Champions League. It’s a good opportunity and we have enough to achieve that.” — Reuters

MOSCOW: FOOTBALL

Anzhi seal marquee signing of Eto’o ANZHI MAKHACHKALA confirmed this morning they have agreed terms for the transfer of four-time African Player-of-the-Year Samuel Eto’o from Inter Milan in the highest-profile signing by a Russian side.

“Today Anzhi and Inter reached an agreement on the transfer of Samuel Eto’o,” read a statement on Anzhi’s site. “The transfer sum suited both sides,” it added, without giving financial details.

It said that Cameroon star Eto’o will undergo a medical tomorrow and will then sign a three-year contract before starting training with the squad on Friday.

“We will present Eto’o to our fans ahead of our next home match,” Anzhi general manager German Chistyakov told the Press.

“We expect Samuel to start preparations on Friday for our next match at Rostov.

“He will live in Moscow and train with the team at

our base.”

Anzhi travel to Rostov on Saturday before facing struggling Volga Nizhny Novgorod in their next home game on Sept 11.

Press reports said earlier that Anzhi will pay Inter €25 million (RM107.1m) plus performance-related bonuses for the Cameroon skipper.

It is also believed that Eto’o will receive around €20.5 million a year in wages, making him the world’s

best-paid footballer.

Eto’o, 30, is the most decorated player in African history, having won the Champions League three times — twice with Barcelona and once with Inter.

Eto’o also won three league titles with Barca and one with Inter, while with Cameroon he has twice won the Africa Cup of Nations.

Anzhi is fourth in the Russian league table with 36 points from 21 matches. — AFP

Published by Malay Mail Sdn Bhd (239512V), Lot 2A, Jalan 13/2, 46200 Petaling Jaya, Selangor, and printed by The New Straits Times Press (Malaysia) Berhad (4485-H), 31, Jalan Riong, 59100 KL