The Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) has issued a strong advisory to aspiring pilots, emphasising the importance of thorough research into flying schools before enrolling. This comes as the aviation sector shows signs of recovery and an increasing number of individuals seek to become pilots.
CAAM, which licenses flying schools and issues clearance letters to trainees after vetting their qualifications, has noted that many aspiring pilots often have unclear expectations or misconceptions regarding the roles of the schools and the regulatory authority. This confusion can lead to frustration and hinder students’ progress toward their aviation careers.
Norazman Mahmud, head of CAAM, advised prospective pilots to visit flying schools to tour the facilities, meet instructors, and understand the training environment. He highlighted the necessity of verifying the schools’ accreditation status, reviewing the training programs offered, and considering the qualifications of instructors and the schools’ safety records.
In a significant update to the MyJPJ app, users can now make direct payments using online banking (FPX) for a variety of transactions within the app, including driving licence and road tax renewals. This addition simplifies the payment process and provides users with more flexibility and convenience.
Expanded Payment Options
Previously, the MyJPJ app only supported payments through debit and credit cards. With the latest update, users can now opt for online banking as a payment method, enhancing the app’s usability. This update allows users to select “Online Banking (FPX)” when making a transaction, choose their preferred bank, and then complete the payment through their bank’s login page.
Malaysia is set to table a new consumer protection act, akin to the “Lemon Law” found in other countries, in the Dewan Rakyat in March. This move aims to enhance consumer rights, particularly for car buyers, by addressing issues related to defective vehicles.
According to NST, Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali announced the initiative, revealing that legal experts have been appointed to conduct a legislative framework study starting this month. This study is expected to be completed by September.
The Lamborghini Urus SE has finally made its way into the Malaysian market. This is Lamborghini’s first Plug-in Hybrid version of the SUV.
The new model showcases a revamped daytime running light signature encircling the headlamp clusters, now equipped with advanced matrix LED technology. Both the front and rear bumpers have undergone subtle modifications, while the rear tailgate boasts a complete redesign. The addition of a spoiler, paired with a revised diffuser, delivers 35% more downforce at high speeds compared to the Urus S.
Aerodynamic improvements are not limited to the exterior. Underbody air vents and updated air ducts enhance cooling efficiency for mechanical and engine components by 15%. The newly designed front section also improves brake cooling by an impressive 30%.
Interior and Infotainment Upgrades
Inside the cabin, the Urus SE features dual 12.3-inch displays and an updated infotainment system, offering improved graphics akin to those in the Revuelto. While the rest of the interior remains familiar, Lamborghini continues to provide extensive customisation options, including wheels ranging from 21 to 23 inches.
Enhanced Powertrain and Performance
Under the hood, the Urus SE retains its powerful 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 petrol engine, producing 611hp and 800Nm of torque. The engine is now complemented by an electric motor delivering 189 hp and 483Nm, resulting in a combined system output of 800hp and 950Nm.
These power figures enable the Urus SE to accelerate from 0-100km/h in just 3.4 seconds, with a top speed of 312km/h. The plug-in hybrid version also offers up to 60km of electric-only range, powered by a 25.9-kWh lithium-ion battery.
Advanced Drivetrain and Suspension
The Urus SE’s powertrain includes an eight-speed automatic transmission and an all-wheel-drive system, featuring an integrated front differential and a rear electronic limited-slip differential. Air springs allow for adjustable ground clearance, ranging from 15mm in Corsa mode to 75mm when necessary. In addition to Corsa, the Urus SE offers various drive modes, including Strade, Sport, and Neve. PHEV-specific modes such as Hybrid, Recharge, and EV Drive are also available.
With its enhanced design, superior performance, and advanced technology, the Lamborghini Urus SE sets a new benchmark in the luxury SUV segment. The combination of powerful hybrid capabilities and meticulous design updates ensures that the Urus SE remains at the forefront of automotive innovation.
The Lamborghini Urus SE is now open for booking in Malaysia through Lamborghini Kuala Lumpur, the authorised distributor, with a starting price of RM1,028,000 before taxes, duties and customisation.
The Proton X50 was launched in 2020 and since then has remained largely unchanged. Proton seems to have stuck to the age-old adage of “if it is not broken, don’t fix it”. But that doesn’t help a car maker sell cars or remain relevant.
Despite its age, the Proton X50 has remained hugely popular. However, the competition is heating up and while previously the X50 enjoyed a considerable advantage over its competitors, they have now caught up and are breathing down Proton’s neck, and our national car maker is starting to feel the heat.
To ensure that it keeps its edge over the rest, Proton has introduced a number of updates for the X50, but they do not warrant calling the update a “facelift” in the traditional sense. That is because from the outside, the new X50 looks identical to the previous models, there is literally no update as far as the exterior goes.
The update then is most around the interior and some of the creature comforts. The updates are:
1. Powered tailgate:
While previously the powered tailgate was reserved for the top end models only, now all variants of the X50 get an automatic tailgate.
2. Improved NVH levels:
We have driven the new X50 around Proton’s test track, and while Proton says the new X50 has more than 20 improvements to the NVH levels, a test track is not the best place to try that out. But the car did feel refined and wind noise was barely audible even at well over 100km/h.
3. Updated Infotainment Head Unit
No unfortunately fans of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto will still have to wait a while as Proton says it is still finalizing licensing with the two automotive software providers. But there is a Spotify music app though for music fans. Besides that the system comes with a new dual quad-core processing unit with 2GB of RAM and 64GB of storage capacity.
Proton says that this update results in 3.3 times faster computing performance, 33% faster boot up speed and 55% faster loading time.
4. Updated 360 Camera
Malaysia is a unique country where a 360 camera can actually make or break a sale. When all things are equal, a good quality 360 camera is undeniably important, and Proton knows that. Hence why the company has updated its surround view camera that gives crystal clear images in low light conditions. They did it by adding 3.3 times more pixels that allows the driver to monitor blind spots with 3D live feed when switching lanes. We tried it and it works brilliantly. Check out our video below to believe it.
5. Proton Link App
Allows the user to remotely start the engine to keep it cool before driving off and also control the locking and unlocking functions.
The updates may not seem all that great, but they are designed to make owning and operating the X50 a more pleasant experience.
Besides that, everything remains the same for the Proton X50 and it comes with a 5-year warranty with unlimited mileage, 6-times free labour service, 5-year data package with 1GB/month, financing interest rates from 2.28%pa and Proton insurance programme.
The first 5,000 bookings (registration by 31 July 2024), will enjoy a cash discount of RM7,000, trade in overtrade support of RM1,500 and value added features worth RM6,000, bringing the total savings to RM14,500.
The Kuala Lumpur Police Department will commence its Law Compliance Operation (Op HUU) from this Tuesday through June 15. The initiative, announced by Kuala Lumpur Police Chief Datuk Rusdi Mohd Isa, aims to enhance road safety and enforce traffic regulations within the city.
The operation will focus on several key areas, including traffic obstruction, adherence to white lines, vehicle registration numbers, motorcycle regulations, driver education, illegal parking, red light violations, and mobile phone usage while driving.
According to Datuk Rusdi, over 200 officers and personnel from various departments and districts within the Kuala Lumpur Contingent will be involved in the operation. He emphasised the importance of road users complying with regulations and practising courteous driving to ensure the safety of all road users and to uphold Kuala Lumpur’s reputation as the city centre.
Proton New Energy Technology (PRO-NET) has announced a partnership with ChargeSini to expand its EV charging network. This collaboration underscores PRO-NET’s dedication to enhancing the EV infrastructure in Malaysia, aiming to provide a seamless and comprehensive charging ecosystem for its customers.
The agreement with ChargeSini focuses on increasing the accessibility of public EV charging infrastructure nationwide. ChargeSini’s network, which includes a substantial number of DC fast chargers at strategic locations such as hotels, supermarkets, and shopping malls, will be integrated into PRO-NET’s existing network. This integration, accessible via the Hello smart app, will elevate PRO-NET’s public charging points coverage from 70% to over 75% nationwide.
Chery Auto Malaysia has reached a significant milestone with the production of its 10,000th vehicle, a remarkable achievement accomplished within just eight months of starting operations in partnership with Inokom Corporation Sdn Bhd. This rapid production underscores Chery Auto Malaysia’s commitment to growth and excellence in the local automotive industry.
The partnership between Chery Auto Malaysia and Inokom Corporation was formalised in May 2023, and the first batch of locally assembled Omoda 5 and Tiggo 8 PRO vehicles was delivered by August of the same year. This swift rollout demonstrates the efficiency and capability of Inokom’s state-of-the-art 200-acre facility in Kulim, Kedah.
TC Subaru Sdn. Bhd. (TCS), the exclusive distributor of Subaru vehicles and after-sales services in Malaysia has announced a significant strategic shift. Beginning in 2025, TCS will fully import Complete Build-Up (CBU) Subaru vehicles from Japan, marking the end of their Complete Knock Down (CKD) operations. This decision aligns with a broader strategy outlined by Tan Chong International Limited (TCIL) and Subaru Corporation, aimed at adapting to evolving market dynamics and ensuring long-term sustainability.
The transition from CKD to CBU operations will affect markets in Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Cambodia. Both TCIL and Subaru Corporation recognise the need for a forward-looking approach to stay competitive and agile in these dynamic markets. This move is seen as essential for maintaining the joint venture’s strength and exploring new business opportunities across the region.
Proton has initiated a new 5-Star Rating program aimed at elevating after-sales service across its nationwide outlets. This initiative recognises Proton dealers who excel in after-sales service, building on the company’s Proton Operational Excellence (POE) initiative that began on March 6, 2023.
The new rating system awards dealers based on their POE score and service quality, which is evaluated in two main categories: Speed and Compliance. These categories are measured across six focus areas, with the ultimate goal of effectively managing customer concerns and delivering an exceptional customer experience.
