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Transport Minister Anthony Loke has emphasised the role of the Malaysian Aviation Commission (Mavcom) in ensuring that airport operators maintain adequate facilities. Speaking after the signing of a new operating agreement between Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) and the government, Loke stated that Mavcom monitors airport operators to ensure compliance with a set of criteria regarding airport facilities and maintenance. He highlighted that operators collecting the Passenger Service Charge (PSC) must meet these criteria and that Mavcom would take action against those that do not.

Loke addressed concerns about airport facilities in relation to revenue generated through the PSC, which was revised on March 13. He clarified that while there was no real increase in the PSC, rates for Asean nations and international destinations had been standardized. Previously, there was a lower rate for destinations within Asean. The revised rates, effective from June 1 to Dec 31, 2026, set the PSC at RM73 for international travel from KLIA and RM50 from KLIA2 and other airports, with the domestic departure PSC remaining at RM11 at all airports except Senai International Airport.

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Chery Malaysia announces the opening of a new showroom and service centre in Sabah, operated by dealer-partner Universal Chery Sdn Bhd. Located at Lot 7, Jalan Limau Manis Off Jalan Lintas Inanam, 88450 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, the expansive 3S centre spans 1,400 square meters, providing customers with a comprehensive experience in vehicle viewing, customer service, and maintenance.

Within the showroom, customers can explore the full fleet of Chery vehicles and enjoy the amenities of the customer lounge. The service centre features 8 service bays staffed by trained Chery technicians, capable of servicing up to 830 vehicles monthly.

Chery Malaysia Vice President Lee Wen Hsiang expressed excitement about expanding their network in Sabah, emphasizing the brand’s commitment to providing exceptional service and convenience to customers. He highlighted the opportunity for more Malaysians to experience the quality and reliability of Chery vehicles through the new showroom and service centre.

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Sime Darby Auto ConneXion (SDAC), the exclusive distributor for Ford in Malaysia, has reaffirmed its commitment to empowering Orang Asli communities through a second collaboration with Global Peace Foundation (GPF) Malaysia. This partnership focuses on supporting GPF’s OA-Eco Farm program in four Orang Asli Villages in Kuala Rompin, Pahang.

The OA-Eco Farm program is a food farming initiative aimed at fostering self-sufficiency and sustainable income among Orang Asli families. It provides hands-on training, coaching, and subsidies for tools and seedlings.

With a generous contribution of US$10,000 (RM45,745) from Ford Motor Company Fund, the philanthropic arm of Ford Motor Company, 22 staff volunteers from SDAC joined forces with the GPF team to visit the villages on March 9th. They brought donations of seedlings, farming equipment, kitchen tools, and enthusiasm.

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R&B Racing has once again asserted their dominance in endurance racing, emerging victorious in the 2024 Motul 12 Hours of Sepang. The Chinese team, known for their previous triumph in the inaugural Shanghai 8 Hours in 2023, showcased unparalleled skill and determination on the track.

Despite facing initial setbacks that saw them drop down the order, the #44 R&B Racing Porsche 911 GT3 R crew, comprising Yuan Bo, Lu Wei, and Ye Honghi, staged an impressive comeback in the GT3 Am class. Holding onto the lead for the remainder of the race, they not only secured the class victory but also clinched the overall win, solidifying their status as formidable contenders.

In the GT3 Am category, the #71 Prime Speed Sport Aston Martin Vantage GT3 EVO II and the #777 Climax Racing Audi R8 LMS GT3 EVO II secured second and third place, respectively, showcasing intense competition throughout the field.

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The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), in collaboration with other enforcement agencies, has seized eight luxury cars, including two Lamborghinis, as part of an ongoing investigation into a syndicate allegedly involved in smuggling tobacco, cigarettes, and liquor into the country.

The confiscated luxury cars, estimated to be worth around RM6 million, are believed to belong to individuals holding positions as company owners and middlemen suspected of paying bribes to enforcement agency officers.

Sources indicate that the recent special operation conducted by MACC, the Inland Revenue Board, and Bank Negara aimed to crackdown on the syndicate’s illegal activities. Investigations have revealed links to money laundering schemes.

In connection with the case, 11 individuals, including five civil servants, have been arrested. The syndicate’s smuggling activities are suspected to have caused approximately RM400 million in tax revenue losses. Initial findings suggest that bribes amounting to RM8 million were paid to various individuals, including civil servants, to facilitate the syndicate’s operations.

The syndicate is believed to have operated between 2018 and last year. MACC’s anti-money laundering division director, Datuk Mohamad Zamri Zainul Abidin, has confirmed the seizure of the luxury cars as part of the investigation.

Chery Malaysia has launched the Extra Peace of Mind Package, a comprehensive offering aimed at providing worry-free ownership experiences for new owners of its Omoda 5 and Tiggo 8 Pro models. This package is meticulously designed to ensure that vehicles remain in optimal condition, offering owners peace of mind throughout their ownership journey.

Included in the Extra Peace of Mind Package are essential maintenance services tailored specifically for Omoda 5 and Tiggo 8 Pro owners. These services guarantee that vehicles are serviced according to schedule and undergo periodic checks to enhance the overall driving experience.

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The government is contemplating a new approach involving the leasing method for transportation services, particularly for assets like trains, to optimise their lifespan, according to Transport Minister Anthony Loke. Through this method, the government would no longer focus on purchasing new assets but rather lease them, with the lessor also taking responsibility for their maintenance.

According to Bernama, Loke explained that by adopting leasing agreements, similar to those commonly used in the airline industry for aircraft, the government could ensure efficient asset utilisation while minimising the burden of maintenance costs.

This leasing model would encompass maintenance responsibilities, ensuring that the assets remain operational and in optimal condition throughout their usage.

Addressing concerns raised by Khairil Nizam Khirudin regarding the maintenance of trains, which is estimated to cost around RM250 million to prevent technical issues during festive seasons, Loke acknowledged maintenance as a significant challenge in railway services. He stated that discussions would be held with the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Economy to assess the suitability of this leasing model for enhancing transportation services.

The C-segment SUV market in Malaysia is experiencing a notable expansion, marked by a diverse array of offerings ranging from entry-level to premium variants. Amidst this landscape, Jaecoo emerges as a premium off-road SUV brand, targeting Malaysia’s burgeoning urban elite with a penchant for off-road adventures.

Leo Chen, President of Jaecoo Malaysia, highlights the brand’s favourable reception in the Malaysian market, attributing it to the resonance of Jaecoo’s ethos with the preferences of Malaysia’s emerging trailblazers. These individuals prioritise active lifestyles and seek vehicles capable of delivering exceptional off-road performance across various terrains.

Capitalising on the continuous growth of Malaysia’s middle class and the expansion of the digital economy, Jaecoo aims to capture this market segment. This strategic approach aligns with broader trends observed across the ASEAN region, as evidenced by the insights presented in the 2023 ASEAN Investment Report.

Jaecoo strategically focuses on global trends favouring comfort, safety features, higher ground clearance, robustness, and off-road capabilities in SUVs. These factors are anticipated to shape the future trajectory of the SUV market, significantly influencing consumer preferences.

The highly anticipated J7, Jaecoo’s flagship premium off-road SUV, is scheduled for launch in the first half of 2024. Reflecting the brand’s ethos of adventure and resilience, the J7 boasts distinctive design elements such as warship-inspired door handles, a panoramic sunroof, and a fighter jet-inspired gear shifter, exuding refined style and sophistication.

Safety remains a top priority for Jaecoo, evident in the J7’s integration of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) featuring up to 21 smart driving functions. Notable features include a windshield head-up display (W-HUD) with a built-in front dashcam, ambient lighting, wireless charging, and other luxurious amenities, ensuring a harmonious blend of safety and opulence for discerning customers.

The public are invited to preview the J7 at the Jaecoo Premiere Experience from 10:00am to 10:00pm at the following locations:

  • Desa Park City, K.L: 7th to 17th March 2024
  • Pavilion Bukit Jalil, K.L: 19th to 23rd March 2024
  • One Utama, P.J: 10th to 14th April 2024
  • Mid Valley, K.L: 25th to 28th April 2024
  • Paradigm Mall, JB: 15th to 19th May 2024

Honda Malaysia has revealed its business direction for 2024, expressing optimism and determination to achieve its goals despite challenges in the automotive industry. The company sets its sights on reaching a sales target of 95,000 units and capturing a market share of 12.8% for the year.

Building upon the accomplishments of 2023, which included retaining the No.1 position in the Non-National Passenger Vehicle Segment for the tenth consecutive year and meeting the sales target of 80,000 units, Honda Malaysia remains committed to driving success.

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As the holy month of Ramadhan begins, smart Malaysia is launching its ‘smart Ri-Ya’ Campaign, available from now until April 30, 2024. This exclusive promotion offers all Malaysians the opportunity to enjoy exceptional savings when purchasing a new smart #1 – Brabus, Premium, or Pro model.

The ‘smart Ri-Ya’ Deals bring exclusive benefits for new buyers of the smart #1. Until April 30, 2024, customers can take advantage of special offers, including low-interest rates and a complimentary smartCharge Home Charger 1 valued at RM3,200 with a 2-Year Warranty. Additionally, buyers will receive RM3,888 worth of charging credits with the purchase of any variant of the smart #1.

Don’t miss out on the Ramadhan Sales Weekender, taking place from March 15 to 24, 2024, at selected smart dealerships. Explore the unparalleled comfort, convenience, and sustainability of the smart #1 by scheduling a Test Drive now.

Ramadhan Sales Weekender Schedule:

  • March 15 & 16, 2024: 10am – 5pm
    • smart Alor Setar (Lee Motors EV)
  • March 16, 2024: 10am – 5pm
    • smart Ipoh (GB Auto)
    • smart KL (Hap Seng)
    • smart Balakong (Hap Seng)
  • March 16 & 17, 2024: 10am – 5pm
    • smart Damansara (Smart Mobility)
  • March 23, 2024: 10am – 5pm
    • smart Penang (Eleganz Lifestyle)
    • smart Glenmarie (EON)
    • smart Setia Alam (Wheelcorp EV)
    • smart KL (Hap Seng)
    • smart Balakong (Hap Seng)
  • March 23 & 24, 2024: 10am – 5pm
    • smart Melaka (Sigma Energy EV)
    • smart Johor Bahru (Motor Future)

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