Local News Archives

Proton Expands Global Presence with New CKD Plant in Egypt

Malaysian carmaker Proton has taken a significant step toward international expansion with the inauguration of a new completely knocked-down (CKD) plant to assemble the Proton Saga in Cairo, Egypt. The ceremony was officiated by YAB Dato’ Seri Anwar Bin Ibrahim, Malaysia’s Prime Minister, during his official visit to the country.

Prominent figures present at the event included H.E. Lieutenant General Kamel Al-Wazir, Egypt’s Deputy Prime Minister, YB Senator Tengku Datuk Seri Utama Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz, Malaysia’s Minister of Investment, Trade, and Industry, and YB Dato’ Seri Utama Haji Mohamad bin Haji Hasan, Malaysia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs. Egyptian and Malaysian officials, including H.E. Mr Ragai Tawfik Said Nasr, Ambassador of Egypt to Malaysia, also participated alongside business leaders from both nations.

Strategic Investment in Al Oula Industrial Park

The new CKD facility is located in the Al Oula Industrial Park, Giza, and is operated by Ezz Elarab Elsewedy Automotive Factories (ESAF)—a joint venture between Ezz Elarab and Elsewedy Capital Holding. The plant represents an investment of USD35 million and has a production capacity of 20,000 units per shift. Once fully operational, it is expected to employ up to 400 people.

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Malaysia Targets 20% EV Sales by 2030 Amid Growing Adoption and Infrastructure Expansion

The Malaysian government has set an ambitious target for electric vehicles (EVs) to account for 20% of annual new vehicle sales by 2030, encompassing both passenger and commercial categories. As of September 2024, EV sales have reached 5.11% of the total annual volume, a notable increase from 4.12% recorded for the entirety of 2023.

The Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) reported that the adoption of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) has grown significantly in recent years. Total BEV sales stood at 15,876 units in 2024 and 13,513 units in 2023, a sharp rise compared to 3,146 units sold in 2020.

Efforts to Build a Strong EV Ecosystem

MITI credited the improved numbers to the collaborative efforts between government ministries, agencies, and industry players. Before 2018, the EV market in Malaysia was minimal, with limited adoption and infrastructure.

To support the sector’s growth, the government has rolled out a series of initiatives, including:

Tax exemptions for imported completely built-up (CBU) EVs until the end of 2025.
Full exemptions on import duty, excise, and sales tax for locally assembled EVs until December 2027.
A commitment to establish 10,000 EV charging stations nationwide by 2025.
Full tax relief for BEVs from 2022 to 2025.

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East Coast Rail Line (ECRL) Progress Update: Phase One and Two Completion Dates Announced

The Ministry of Transport has announced key updates on the East Coast Rail Line (ECRL) project, a major infrastructure development connecting the Klang Valley to Malaysia’s East Coast.

Completion Timeline

Phase One (Kota Bharu to Gombak Integrated Transport Terminal): Scheduled for completion by 31 December 2026.
Phase Two (Gombak to Port Klang): Targeted for completion by 31 December 2027.

Long-Term Feasibility Study

The ministry confirmed the completion of a feasibility study assessing the types of goods anticipated to be transported via the ECRL over its 30-year service life. Key findings include:

Significant increases in the delivery of commodities such as automotive products, coal, petrochemicals, palm oil, and others.
Projections for cargo transportation will be supported by specialised wagons, including flat wagons, open-top wagons, and box wagons.
Custom station designs ensuring durability and safety to accommodate these cargo types.

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Lalamove Enters Ride-Hailing Market with New Service in Klang Valley

Delivery platform Lalamove has officially expanded its offerings with the launch of Lalamove Ride, a ride-hailing service integrated into its existing app. This move positions the company as a challenger to established industry players like Grab and other e-hailing competitors.

Announced through its blog and social media channels, Lalamove Ride allows users to switch seamlessly between its delivery and ride-hailing services. Customers can now book rides directly through the app by selecting the “Ride” tab, entering their destination, and choosing their pick-up time.

The new service, currently exclusive to Klang Valley, aims to offer a familiar, reliable experience to Lalamove’s existing customer base. “If you’re familiar with Lalamove’s faster and cost-effective delivery service, it’s time to explore our latest offering,” the company shared in its announcement.

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Sinkhole Developed On NKVE Following Heavy Rainfall

A sinkhole has developed on the New Klang Valley Expressway (NKVE) following heavy rainfall this morning, causing significant disruption.

Plus Malaysia Bhd reported on its official Facebook page that the sinkhole appeared at KM18.6 southbound, between the Kota Damansara and Damansara exits.

To ensure the safety of road users, the left lane and emergency lane have been closed. Motorists are advised to exercise caution and anticipate potential delays in the area. Authorities are likely to conduct further inspections and repairs to address the issue.

Stay tuned for updates from Plus Malaysia Bhd on traffic conditions and lane re-openings.

Bentley Crossover SUV EV to Debut in 2026

Bentley is accelerating toward its electric future, building on a path that began with the introduction of the Bentayga Hybrid in 2018. With plug-in hybrid versions of the Continental GT and Flying Spur now available, the luxury automaker has officially announced plans for its first fully electric vehicle (EV), set to debut in 2026.

This new EV will be a luxury urban crossover SUV, described by Bentley’s new CEO, Frank-Steffen Walliser, as “compact” — a term that is relative in Bentley’s world. Measuring under 5003mm in length, it is expected to be similar in size to the Porsche Cayenne or Audi Q7 and will likely share its platform with the forthcoming Porsche Cayenne EV.

While Bentley has withheld technical details, Walliser emphasised that the upcoming model will prioritise usable range and charging speed to meet the demands of modern luxury car buyers. Addressing concerns about the transition to electric power, he assured, “We don’t want to make just any electric car; we want to make a Bentley.” The brand remains committed to preserving the unique qualities that define a Bentley, even without the traditional engine sound. Bentley board member Matthias Rabe hinted at innovative solutions to replicate the emotional experience of a combustion engine without merely copying conventional engine notes.

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Penang to Launch Six-Month Trial of Dedicated Bus Lanes

The city of Penang is set to launch a six-month trial of dedicated bus lanes on November 19, targeting rush-hour traffic in the city centre. These lanes, located along Komtar, Chowrasta stretches of Penang Road, and Jalan Ria, will operate from 6:30 am to 9:00 am and from 4:30 pm to 8:00 pm daily.

During these hours, only public buses, tour buses, taxis, and emergency vehicles will be permitted to use the lanes.

State executive councillor Zairil Khir Johari stated that the trial aims to assess the feasibility of bus lanes in reducing travel time, particularly during peak hours. The success of similar lanes in Kuala Lumpur, which reduced travel times by up to 15 minutes, suggests promising potential for Penang.

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Chery Malaysia Celebrates First Locally Assembled Electric Vehicle, the Omoda E5

Chery Auto Malaysia has marked a milestone with the successful roll-off of its first Completely Knocked Down (CKD) unit of the Omoda E5 at the Inokom Plant. This achievement underscores Chery’s dedication to supporting local manufacturing, advancing Malaysia’s industrial growth, and contributing to a sustainable automotive future.

The Omoda E5, celebrated for its cutting-edge design and advanced technology, reinforces Chery’s commitment to delivering high-quality vehicles tailored for Malaysian consumers. Leo Chen, President of Chery Auto Malaysia, emphasised the significance of the CKD milestone, stating, “By assembling our cars locally, we not only offer competitive pricing but also demonstrate Chery’s long-term commitment in Malaysia, fostering local job creation and skill development.”

Leo Chen added that this initiative aligns with Malaysia’s localization policies and will support the nation’s ambitions to become a regional hub for electric vehicles (EVs). Dato’ Jeffri Salim Davidson, CEO of Sime Darby Berhad, highlighted the partnership with Chery, underscoring Sime Darby’s commitment to sustainable mobility solutions and automotive assembly growth.

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SAIC Motor Malaysia Celebrates First Wave of MG5 Sedan Deliveries

SAIC Motor Malaysia recently celebrated a major milestone for the MG5 sedan at the MG5 Car Delivery Event at MG Motor Glenmarie (Mega Galeri Sdn Bhd), where over 20 new owners gathered to receive their cars. The event, attended by SAIC Motor Malaysia’s management, fostered a strong community atmosphere, uniting MG fans and showcasing the brand’s commitment to its customers.

The success of the MG5 is largely due to efficient coordination among 18 strategically placed MG Motor Authorized Dealerships, allowing prompt vehicle deliveries across Malaysia. This dealer network is key to SAIC Motor Malaysia’s mission to meet the demands of Malaysia’s style-conscious market.

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RON95 Fuel Subsidy Targeting: Economists Favor MyKad Quota Over Cash Assistance

Economists are backing a proposal for Malaysia’s RON95 petrol subsidy targeting system, suggesting it could be implemented effectively through a MyKad-based monthly quota system. According to FMT, economist Ahmed Razman Abdul Latiff from Putra Business School noted that this approach, compared to direct cash subsidies, would limit abuse and prevent inflated prices for other goods. He explained that by setting a monthly MyKad quota, users would receive subsidised RON95 fuel up to a certain amount, after which they’d pay the full market rate, thus minimising the misuse of subsidies.

The MyKad system, he said, is reliable due to its security features and can authenticate the user’s identity, with options for biometric verification at petrol stations, reducing the need for a new subsidy system. Ahmed added that cash-based subsidies risk raising food prices, as traders may take advantage of increased consumer spending power.

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Local News

Proton Expands Global Presence with New CKD Plant in Egypt

Malaysia Targets 20% EV Sales by 2030 Amid Growing Adoption and Infrastructure Expansion

Efforts to Build a Strong EV Ecosystem

East Coast Rail Line (ECRL) Progress Update: Phase One and Two Completion Dates Announced

Completion Timeline

Long-Term Feasibility Study

Lalamove Enters Ride-Hailing Market with New Service in Klang Valley

Sinkhole Developed On NKVE Following Heavy Rainfall

Bentley Crossover SUV EV to Debut in 2026

Penang to Launch Six-Month Trial of Dedicated Bus Lanes

Chery Malaysia Celebrates First Locally Assembled Electric Vehicle, the Omoda E5

SAIC Motor Malaysia Celebrates First Wave of MG5 Sedan Deliveries

RON95 Fuel Subsidy Targeting: Economists Favor MyKad Quota Over Cash Assistance

Hyundai Plans RM 2.2 Billion Investment in Malaysia to Boost Local Vehicle Production

JPJ Confirms No New Conditions for Senior Drivers to Renew Licenses

JLR Malaysia Triumphs Again with Fifth ‘Retailer of the Year’ Title

MLFF Toll System Faces Resistance: 13 Highway Concessionaires Yet to Agree

Police to Expand Summons Discount Nationwide Following Positive Response to 2TM Program

SAIC Motor Malaysia Announces Official Pricing For The New MG HS SUV Standard And Lux Variants

PHS Automotive Malaysia Introduces Updated Pricing for Audi Q5 Sportback and Exclusive e-tron Offers

BMW Group Malaysia Leads Premium EV Market with Groundbreaking Innovations

Proton Secures Top Spot in Malaysia’s 100 Leading Graduate Employers 2024 Awards

Government Bolsters EV Charging Infrastructure Development with Key Incentives

Archive

QR Code Usage at Johor Causeway to Expand in 2024

Jaguar Land Rover Pumps in £500 Million for Electric Vehicle Factory

Perodua Launches Online Booking Platform

BMW Warns of Trade Dispute Fallout as EU Considers High Tariffs on Chinese EV Imports

Sixth-Generation Mitsubishi Triton Officially Launched from RM102k

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