The Petroleum Dealers Association of Malaysia (PDAM) has issued a cautionary statement to consumers, signalling the possibility of diesel supply shortages. According to NST, this comes after Petronas Dagangan revealed that some of its stations might face diesel shortages until Sunday. The issue is attributed to heightened demand, driven by the popularity of low diesel prices, leading to a strain on available supplies. PDAM President Datuk Khairul Annuar Abdul Aziz predicts broader supply challenges for the petroleum industry, affecting more companies from early January 2024.
Petronas Dagangan, in its recent disclosure, cited the exhaustion of the government’s subsidised diesel quota to petroleum companies as a contributing factor to the supply problem. The surge in diesel usage has been unprecedented, prompting concerns about an industry-wide shortage. Government data indicates a 37.7% increase in diesel consumption from 6.1 billion litres in 2019 to 8.4 billion litres in the past year. The number of registered vehicles using only diesel stands at 2.13 million.
Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) has issued a recall for certain models manufactured between 2010 and 2014, affecting a total of 6,671 vehicles.
The models subject to inspection include the sixth generation Golf GTI, Eos, Passat CC, Polo, Beetle, and Vento. The focus of the recall is on vehicles equipped with a specific driver front airbag gas generator housing.
The concern revolves around the degradation of the front driver airbag housing generator’s propellant. This deterioration is attributed to prolonged exposure to high humidity and temperature fluctuations. The potential consequence is an increased risk of injury to both the driver and passengers.
In response to this issue, VPCM has collaborated with its dealer partners to ensure the availability of necessary parts and to facilitate a smooth and efficient recall process. The nationwide recall will be executed in phases to effectively manage the number of affected cases.
Owners of the identified vehicles will receive notifications through email and WhatsApp, utilizing information from the Volkswagen database. For those who acquired their vehicles from previous owners or used car dealerships, an urgent recommendation is made to contact the nearest Volkswagen authorized dealer for verification.
In the event that parts replacement is required, VPCM assures owners that all labor and replacement parts necessary for the service will be provided at no cost. To check whether their vehicle is subject to the recall, owners can visit the dedicated recall webpage (https://www.volkswagen.com.my/volkswagen-service/repair-and-service/service-action) and enter their 17-digit VIN number, located at the bottom left of the vehicle’s windscreen.
VPCM is committed to prioritizing the safety of its customers and encourages prompt action from all affected vehicle owners to ensure a swift and effective resolution to this recall.
According to a report by Bernama, the Penang Road Transport Department (JPJ) issued 280 summons for various offences.
The operation was aptly called the Christmas Integrated Ops took place at two locations, one at the Penang Bridge Toll Plaza and the Sungai Dua toll plaza.
The operation was conducted together with the Police from 930pm till 5am.
According to a statement released by JPJ, a total of 280 summonses were issued for various offences, among them not having a driving license, expired road tax, no insurance coverage, registration number plate not according to stipulated specification, not displaying the ‘L’ sticker, no side mirrors and illegal modification of motorcycles.
“The integrated ops aimed to monitor, detect and take action against motorcycle riders or owners who failed to comply with regulations under the Road Transport Act 1987 (Act 333) and the Rules under it,” the statement said.
A senior criminal lawyer, Salim Bashir, sheds light on the complexities involved when pursuing murder charges for driving offences, emphasising that such charges are rare and require a high standard of proof. As reported by NST, Salim points out that accidents and reckless driving generally fall under Section 41 of the Road Transport Act, which deals with causing death by reckless driving.
To establish a murder case under Section 302 of the Penal Code, the prosecution must demonstrate a clear link between the perpetrator’s intent and the resulting fatal act.
He explains that the prosecution’s burden of proof in road traffic cases is comparatively lesser, but building a murder case involves objectively assessing each incident to determine if it aligns with the criteria for a successful murder conviction.
In response to recent revelations regarding safety test irregularities at Daihatsu Motor Co Ltd (DMC), a subsidiary of Toyota, UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT), a key player in the Malaysian automotive market, is emphasising its commitment to transparency and accountability. The safety test irregularity, as highlighted by Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC), has impacted three Toyota models distributed by UMWT in Malaysia.
Datuk Ravindran K., President of UMW Toyota Motor, assures customers and the public that the company is dedicated to maintaining the highest standards and quality in its vehicles. The statement underscores UMWT’s proactive approach to addressing the situation, collaborating closely with regulatory authorities to ensure a prompt and transparent resolution.
The commitment to delivering high-quality vehicles to the Malaysian market remains a top priority for UMWT. The company acknowledges the importance of trust and aims to reinforce customers’ confidence in its products. The ongoing cooperation with regulatory authorities reflects UMWT’s dedication to adhering to relevant regulations and rules, ensuring the strict compliance of all vehicles in Malaysia.
Datuk Ravindran K. further emphasises the company’s focus on customer satisfaction, assuring the public that efforts are underway to rectify the situation promptly and transparently. By prioritising openness and accountability, UMW Toyota Motor aims to navigate through this challenging situation while upholding its commitment to delivering reliable and safe vehicles to customers in Malaysia.
There is growing speculation about a possible increase in the service tax from 6% to 8%, effective March 1, 2024. Although there’s no official confirmation, the Federation of Motor and Credit Companies Association of Malaysia (FMCCAM) is preparing for the potential impact. One significant area that could be affected is vehicle repairs and maintenance, which does not fall under the exempted categories for the higher tax regime.
While this adjustment is not expected to directly influence car prices, it is likely to result in higher maintenance costs for vehicle owners. According to The Star, the FMCCAM is planning to engage with the government, requesting considerations for small workshops and owners of second-hand cars by seeking an exemption from the additional 2% tax.
Datuk Tony Khor, President of FMCCAM, acknowledges that while the increase may seem small, it could have a notable impact on second-hand car owners with limited budgets. Despite concerns, Khor emphasises the importance of maintaining vehicle safety and roadworthiness.
Deputy Works Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan has revealed that the Malaysian government aims to install an additional 100 electric vehicle (EV) charging points, particularly along tolled highways such as the North-South Expressway (PLUS), by 2025. This initiative is in response to the growing number of electric vehicles on the roads.
Currently, there are 60 EV charging points located at rest and service (R&R) areas and petrol stations along the PLUS Highway and East Coast Expressway (LPT). As stated by Bernama, these charging points, managed by operators like TNB Electron and Gentari, include locations such as Ayer Keroh R&R (northbound), Seremban R&R (northbound), and Paka R&R (northbound).
The move to increase the number of EV charging points aligns with the evolving landscape of future highways, addressing the challenges posed by the rising popularity of electric vehicles. Additionally, the government is exploring new concepts for R&R areas, smart highways, and energy-efficient solutions like Light Emitting Diode (LED) lighting.
Deputy Works Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan has announced that the Malaysian government is expected to declare toll fee exemptions in conjunction with the Christmas celebration.
According to Bernama, the announcement, anticipated to be made on Friday, December 22, will confirm the date for toll exemptions during the festive period.
Maslan stated that the government allocates an average of RM21 million per day to highway concessionaires for toll exemptions.
In the current year, RM80.07 million was disbursed for toll-free initiatives during Hari Raya Aidilfitri, RM42.31 million for Deepavali, and RM41.21 million for the Chinese New Year.
The toll fee exemptions are part of the government’s efforts to facilitate smoother travel for citizens during festive seasons.
The Blind Spot Monitoring system is arguably one of the must have safety systems in modern cars.
It works by using ultrasonic sensors embedded in the side or at the bottom of a vehicle’s rear bumper to detect other vehicles present in the blind spot. This then alerts the driver either through visual or auditory alerts.
Some systems also use side-mounted cameras which are mounted in the side view mirrors.
The Blind Spot Monitoring system was developed by Volvo who first called it BLIS, and was first shown in the Volvo Safety Concept car (SCC) in 2001 (shown below).
It was later shown again at the 2004 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan and was available as an option on the XC70 wagon and the S60 sedan of the same year.
These days the Blind Spot Monitoring system (BSM) is available in a number of cars as well as the likes of the Perodua Myvi and the Axia.
Curiously though, Honda cars in Malaysia have been sold with an alternative system to BSM called the Lane Watch System (LWS).
The LWS has the same objective as the BSM system where it alerts the driver of obstacles in the blind spot of the car.
However, it works by using a camera placed on the left side mirror (seen below) and then displays a video image of the left rear quarter of the car.
This only works when the turn signal is used or when a button placed on the turn signal stalk is pressed. There is no other visual nor auditory alert and neither does it alert you of other vehicles on the right side of the car.
And the other problem is that it only works best during the day when the sun is shinning at its brightest, as can be seen in the image below. This is because the camera that is used sends back a grainy image onto the centrally-placed monitor that often also shows the GPS map.
It does not work well in low light conditions, at night, or worse, in the torrential Malaysian monsoon rain where barely anything can be seen at all.
Often times, two motorcycles riding side by side at night can be misinterpreted as a single car.
Curiously though, Honda does offer Blind Spot Monitoring system in other markets, just not in Malaysia. Not yet at least.
We recently got the chance to ask why this is so during a private media interview with Eisuke Sato, the Large Project Leader of the newly launched sixth-generation Honda CRV. Sato-san flew in from Japan for the Malaysian introduction of the new CRV.
When asked by Piston.my on why Malaysian Honda’s still use Lane Watch rather than the Blind Spot Monitoring system, Sato-san said, “In other regions, we do apply BSM and in the CRV globally, we do apply BSM as well.”
“However, specifically in Asian and in Malaysia, we consider how motorcycles are often used and we believe that Lane Watch is more effective.”
“Because Lane Watch can actually visualise where a motorcycle is and how many motorcycles there are, the Lane Watch system can provide for more accurate information for drivers.”
When asked about the grainy image and how the use of a high-definition camera would probably make the system more effective, Sato-san replied, “If we look at competitors, there are those who utilise higher-definition cameras but we did verify and confirm that the current spec used in the CRV is sufficient to capture the presence of motorcycles.”
“We also do understand that in dark situations and when it is raining drivers will need more visibility, so we will continue monitoring the situation and will consider an upgrade for the next models,” he added.
There is no doubt that Blind Spot Monitoring system works better in low light and in bad weather, and it is great that Honda Malaysia has an ear on the ground and listens to feedback.
So will we see the Blind Spot Monitoring system making an appearance in upcoming models. If there’s anything we took away from that interview, we can confidently say yes, it is just a matter of time.
In a groundbreaking achievement, smart Malaysia announced the delivery of 100 smart #1 electric vehicles (EVs) within an unprecedented one-month timeframe. This record-setting accomplishment reflects the culmination of efficient collaboration among the brand’s 10 strategically located outlets, emphasising a commitment to providing customers with a seamless and expedited ownership experience.
The success of this rapid delivery initiative is attributed to the holistic one-stop mobility solution offered by smart Malaysia. The brand’s dedicated sales specialists played a pivotal role in ensuring a smooth and hassle-free experience for customers, managing all essential details from selection to ownership. The end-to-end digital app further contributed to the efficiency of the purchase journey, allowing customers to seamlessly navigate processes such as booking and loan applications.
