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The government is considering the adoption of an artificial intelligence (AI)-driven road monitoring system to curb pothole-related accidents, following renewed concerns over road safety and infrastructure maintenance.

According to NST, the proposed system, tabled by road safety expert Professor Dr Law Teik Hua, would incorporate scanning technology, inspection drones, and a public feedback platform via a dedicated mobile app to identify and address road defects more efficiently.

Professor Law said the AI system would use smart algorithms to analyse data, predict high-risk zones, and prioritise repairs based on damage severity. “The collected information would be displayed on a central dashboard accessible to authorities and concessionaires, with automatic alerts to ensure prompt action and greater accountability,” he explained.

The call for urgent reform follows a recent fatal accident in Kuantan, where a motorcyclist lost his life after skidding into a pothole on the Kuantan–Cherok Paloh road. Just weeks earlier, a similar incident in Kluang, Johor, claimed the lives of two school-going siblings.

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Honda Malaysia Sdn. Bhd. has announced the appointment of Mr. Narushi Yazaki as its new Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, effective April 1, 2025. He succeeds Mr. Hironobu Yoshimura, who has helmed the company for the past three years.

Mr. Yazaki brings over 25 years of global experience within Honda, having held senior leadership roles in Japan, Thailand, and the United States. Prior to his Malaysian posting, he was with the Corporate Administration Operations division at Honda Motor Co., Ltd. in Tokyo.

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Tan Chong Motor Holdings Berhad (TCMH) and Warisan TC  Holdings Berhad (WTCH) jointly provide immediate assistance to residents of Putra Heights who were impacted by the devastating gas pipeline leak fire that took place on 1 April 2025.  The companies are deploying at least 30 units of Nissan, GAC Motor and Renault vehicles under a vehicle loan programme to support affected families, ensuring they maintain essential mobility during this challenging time at no cost for a period of one month. 

This initiative is a collaborative effort between TCMH, WTCH, the Ministry of Transport, the  Selangor State Government and local authorities, all working in close coordination to expedite aid distribution and support the community. 

“It is disheartening to witness the extent of impact and damage to the residents, especially during this festive period. Our hearts go out to them, and we wish for a quick recovery to those who were injured,” said Daniel Ho Wai Ming, Group Chief Executive Officer of TCMH. 

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Proton has announced a comprehensive support initiative for residents affected by the recent gas pipeline fire in Putra Heights, which occurred on the morning of April 1. In response to the devastating incident, the national automaker has pledged RM250,000 in financial assistance to help alleviate the burden faced by the victims.

This initiative follows the government’s announcement of financial aid for affected residents. Recognizing the immediate needs of those displaced, Proton’s financial support extends to individuals housed in temporary evacuation centres (PPS), including Dewan Masjid Putra Heights and the Subang Jaya City Council’s multi-purpose hall, Dewan Camelia. The company hopes its contribution will supplement existing relief efforts, especially as many affected residents have voiced concerns that current aid is insufficient.

The fire, which was triggered by a gas pipeline rupture, engulfed a 500-meter stretch and caused extensive damage to 235 premises, including 87 homes that were completely destroyed and 148 others that sustained significant damage. The disaster also impacted 399 vehicles, with 225 suffering direct fire damage and another 174 affected by extreme heat, according to reports citing Subang Jaya police chief Assistant Commissioner Wan Azlan Wan Mamat.

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Porsche Malaysia, represented by Sime Darby Auto Performance, has announced the availability of the latest generation of the 911 sports car in Malaysia. The Porsche 911 Carrera and the Carrera 4 GTS can now be ordered, with prices starting from RM1,430,000.

Innovative Performance Hybrid for the 911 Carrera 4 GTS

The new 911 Carrera 4 GTS becomes the first street-legal 911 to feature a lightweight performance hybrid powertrain. The newly developed 3.6-litre system significantly enhances driving performance, allowing the model to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.0 seconds and achieve a top speed of 312 km/h. Meanwhile, the 911 Carrera retains its 3.0-litre twin-turbo boxer engine, now upgraded for greater power and efficiency.

Porsche engineers drew inspiration from motorsport to develop the T-Hybrid system for the Carrera 4 GTS. A newly designed electric exhaust gas turbocharger, equipped with an integrated electric motor, instantly boosts the turbocharger’s speed, ensuring immediate power delivery. The turbocharger also functions as a generator, generating up to 15PS of electric power from exhaust gases. Unlike previous models, which relied on two turbochargers, this new system operates efficiently with just one, providing a more dynamic and responsive experience.

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GWM Malaysia is ushering in the festive season with its “Raya Bersama GWM” campaign, a celebration of unity, joy, and togetherness. More than just a promotional event, the initiative aims to bring Malaysians closer through shared experiences, exclusive rewards, and festive activities.

As part of the celebration, GWM Malaysia has released a special music video, “Kita Ra Raya”, which is now available for viewing. The campaign will also feature a Raya-tastic Open House, running from April 12 to April 27, 2025, at selected dealerships nationwide. Visitors can enjoy festive refreshments and participate in the Book & Win Lucky Draw, with prizes worth up to RM150,000. Additionally, new buyers can take advantage of special Hari Raya promotions designed to enhance their balik kampung journeys.

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Porsche Malaysia, represented by Sime Darby Auto Performance (Auto Performance), has joined forces with the Motorsports Association of Malaysia (MAM) to launch a nationwide road safety campaign aimed at educating young Malaysians on responsible driving habits.

The initiative, titled “Students Today. Drivers Tomorrow.”, has already reached more than 1,600 students aged 7 to 17 years old as part of a broader effort to instill critical road safety awareness from an early age. With road accidents in Malaysia exceeding 530,000 cases annually, the campaign seeks to address unsafe driving behaviors that put lives at risk.

Christopher Hunter, Chief Executive Officer of Auto Performance, stated that road safety remains a fundamental aspect of driving beyond the passion and performance of motorsports. He emphasised the importance of shaping responsible future drivers and fostering a safer driving culture by instilling safety values in students, who in turn can influence their families to adopt better driving habits.

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Chery Corporate Malaysia has stepped forward to assist residents affected by the recent Putra Heights fire by providing 50 vehicles to those who lost their transportation in the disaster. Selangor Executive Councillor for Investment, Trade, and Mobility Ng Sze Han confirmed today that the initiative aims to support over a hundred families impacted by the blaze, which was caused by a burst gas pipe belonging to national oil company Petronas.

Ng emphasised the urgency of the situation, highlighting that many residents need transportation to get to work and send their children to school. In response, Chery’s vehicle loan program will begin accepting applications in the coming days, offering temporary mobility solutions for affected families.

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PUSPAKOM Sdn Bhd has announced adjustments to its Mobile Van Services (MVS) and Mobile Truck Services (MTS) charges, set to take effect on April 1, 2025. The revision comes as part of efforts to align service charges with current operational costs, ensuring continued efficiency, reliability, and safety in vehicle inspections.

Chief Executive Officer Mahmood Razak Bahman stated that the adjustments were made following a comprehensive review to maintain the sustainability of PUSPAKOM’s mobile services. He emphasised that the inspection fees at PUSPAKOM branches remain unchanged, meaning only customers using mobile services will be affected.

“The new rates will apply solely to MTS and MVS, while customers bringing their vehicles to PUSPAKOM branches will not experience any changes,” Mahmood explained. “This adjustment reflects the rising operational costs of our Mobile Services, though the vehicle inspection fee itself remains the same,” he added.

Fleet  Distance  Current  

Charge (RM)

Increment 

(RM)

New Charge (RM)  Increment (%)
MTS  

(per day)

1st 

50km 

3,000.00  300.00  3,300.00  10%
MVS  

(per unit)

1st 

50km 

100.00  20.00  120.00  20%

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In the spirit of Hari Raya Aidilfitri, BHPetrol continued its annual tradition of promoting road safety and enhancing the travel experience for Malaysians through its ‘Balik Kampung Dengan Selamat’ program. This year, the initiative was held at BHPetrol Sg. Besi Harmony station (PLUS Southbound), a strategically located rest stop equipped with various facilities catering to motorists traveling south from the capital.

During the event, BHPetrol distributed 300 souvenir bags filled with snacks and beverages to customers, offering them refreshments for their long journeys. In addition to the giveaways, motorists received Hari Raya envelopes containing BHPetrol vouchers, which could be redeemed at any of the company’s fuel stations nationwide.

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