In a recent announcement, Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) has disclosed plans to introduce charges for non-Malaysian citizens utilising the GOKL bus services. This new measure will be implemented in phases, affecting four routes in the city center, namely Route 01 (Green), Route 02 (Purple), Route 03 (Red), and Route 04 (Blue).
Cashless Payment Transactions: Non-Malaysian citizens availing themselves of GOKL bus services will be required to make cashless payments. Accepted modes of payment include the Touch & Go card, QR code, credit card, or debit card.
MyKad Registration for Malaysian Citizens: On the other hand, Malaysian citizens utilising the GOKL bus services must register their MyKad for authentication purposes to enjoy the continued free service.
The Exchange TRX, a recently inaugurated shopping haven in Kuala Lumpur, is facing public backlash due to what many deem as exorbitant parking rates. The outcry has intensified, especially during weekdays, where the parking fees at Exchange TRX surpass those of other prominent malls, hotels, and even hospitals in the Malaysian capital.
On weekdays, the first hour of parking at Exchange TRX costs RM5, with each subsequent hour demanding an additional RM4. The accumulated cost of parking for two hours reaches a staggering RM9, a figure that has left many visitors astonished. After 5 pm, a flat rate of RM10 is imposed, with a maximum daily cap set at RM30. Weekend rates at Exchange TRX are marginally more palatable, with the first hour priced at RM3 and each subsequent hour also set at RM3.
The Department of Road Transport (JPJ) in Selangor, under the direction of Azrin Borhan, recently executed a successful undercover operation as part of the Integrated Compliance Operation. Utilising four unmarked vehicles, the operation specifically targeted lorries engaging in traffic offenses. A total of 22 lorries were apprehended during the operation, with a notable case involving a lorry carrying a ‘pilling’ load that exceeded the permitted limit by a significant 79.25%.
Azrin Borhan highlighted the significance of the operation’s success, commending the efforts of the undercover team from JPJ. Their surveillance activities played a crucial role in identifying and subsequently informing the operational members, leading to the apprehension of multiple commercial vehicles involved in traffic violations.
Tesla has initiated the delivery of its electric sedan, the Model 3, in Malaysia. The deliveries took place at Tesla’s Cyberjaya centre, marking a crucial step in Tesla’s mission to accelerate the adoption of sustainable energy in the country. Customers received the Model 3 Rear-Wheel Drive and Long Range variants at the Cyberjaya facility.
The Model 3 comes with refined exterior styling, optimised for maximum aerodynamics, and a redesigned interior. These updates promise improved range, a quieter ride, and additional features without compromising the thrilling performance that characterises Tesla models.
One of the notable features of the Model 3 is its V3 Supercharging capability, allowing the car to charge up to 282km in just 15 minutes. This feature enhances the charging experience for Tesla owners, providing efficient and quick recharging.
Proton has officially introduced the Proton S70, a sleek and feature-rich sedan that combines the trusted Proton lineage with the innovative design of the Geely Emgrand model. The Proton S70 is available in four distinct variants. The variants are the 1.5T Executive, 1.5T Premium, 1.5T Flagship and the 1.5T Flagship X.
Based on and drawing inspiration from the Geely Emgrand, the Proton S70 features an identical shape with thoughtful modifications. The exterior is enhanced with a distinctive rear model script and a new grille adorned with chrome pin inserts. LED projector headlamps illuminate the path ahead, accompanied by LED taillights with a striking light bar. Completing the look are a sunroof and 17-inch 10-spoke wheels wrapped in Goodyear Assurance TripleMax 2 tires.
Under the hood, the Proton S70 differentiates itself with a turbocharged 1.5 L 3-cylinder engine paired with a 7-speed Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT). This powerhouse contrasts with the Geely’s naturally aspirated 4-cylinder engine with a Continuous Variable Transmission (CVT), delivering an exhilarating driving experience.
The Proton S70 embraces cutting-edge technology with a 10.25-inch TFT infotainment display boasting a resolution of 1,920 x 720. Complementing this centerpiece is a 3.25-inch monochrome meter display, offering a comprehensive view of crucial vehicle information. The infotainment system features voice command functionality, a powered driver seat, an inductive trunk that responds to a simple foot swipe, and a convenient wireless charger.
Prioritising safety, the Proton S70 comes equipped with an extensive suite of features, including:
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
Level 2 Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), incorporating:
Lane Departure Warning (LDW)
Lane Departure Prevention (LDP)
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC)
Traffic Sign Information (TSI)
Intelligent High Beam Control (IHBC)
Six airbags
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)
Brake Assist (BA)
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
Traction Control (TC)
Hill Hold Assist (HHA)
Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA)
Rear Collision Warning (RCW)
Door Opening Warning (DOW)
Lane Change Assist (LCA)
Pricing for the Proton S70 is as follows:
S70 1.5T Executive: RM73,800
S70 1.5T Premium: RM79,800
S70 1.5T Flagship: RM89,800
S70 1.5T Flagship X: RM94,800
Proton has also introduced an early bird package for the first 3000 buyers that is valid until 29th February 2024. The package includes:
Aerokit worth RM3130 for the Flagship X variant.
Service voucher worth RM500 for the Premium and Flagship variants only.
Upgraded Proton insurance program with complimentary first year special perils coverage.
The standard package for all variants include:
5-year warranty with unlimited mileage.
5-year data package with 1GB per month for both flagship variants.
A recent video circulating on social media has left viewers in shock as it captures a harrowing incident where a kid, seemingly innocently giving false directions, revealed malicious intentions while riding in the back of a Grab car driven by an elderly man.
In the video, the child engages in an elaborate ruse, continuously providing false directions for nearly an hour, causing evident frustration for the elderly driver. However, the shocking turn of events unfolds as it becomes apparent that the kid harbours darker motives.
Seemingly prompted by the opportunity to seize money kept in the driver’s pocket, the child, armed with a knife, escalates the situation dramatically. The driver, unaware of the impending danger, follows the fabricated directions and eventually reaches his destination.
A crucial stretch of the federal route connecting Bentong and Janda Baik, specifically FT68 or Jalan Lama Gombak to Bentong, has been closed until December 1 due to structural damage. The affected sections are 43.00 to 43.40 and Jalan Pintasan Bukit Tinggi from Sections 1.98 to 2.58 in Bentong. The closure aims to ensure the safety of road users and comes in the aftermath of a debris flow incident that occurred over three hours on Saturday, resulting in damage to the road and properties.
Closure Details and Alternative Routes
As reported by Bernama, the closure announcement was made by the Bentong district Public Works Department (JKR), urging road users to adhere to the closure for safety reasons. Those heading to Janda Baik are advised to take an alternative route by using the Kuala Lumpur-Karak Highway to the Bukit Tinggi Intersection, heading towards the Bukit Tinggi BHP petrol station and passing through SMK Bukit Tinggi. Road users are encouraged to follow road signs and can contact the Bentong JKR office at 09-2224040 for inquiries.
Impact of Debris Flow Incident
The closed road section was part of the site affected by a debris flow incident on Saturday, which resulted in a water surge carrying bricks, sediments, and fallen trees. The incident caused damage to road infrastructure, including cracks, as well as hill slope collapses and damage to residents’ properties. Bentong MP Young Syefura Othman highlighted the need for a comprehensive study by the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (JPS) for necessary mitigation work, especially in high-risk areas like Bukit Tinggi and Janda Baik.
In the recently concluded nationwide Ops Patuh Bersepadu 2023, more than 23,000 motorists were apprehended for driving without a valid license. The 14-day operation, which concluded on Friday (Nov 24), targeted various traffic violations and aimed to enhance road safety.
According to TheStar, during the operation, JPJ officials inspected a total of 554,372 vehicles, resulting in the issuance of 23,748 notices for driving without a license. The majority of offenders fell within the age group of 15 to 35. In addition to unlicensed driving, JPJ also issued 17,447 notices for expired road taxes, 13,857 notices for vehicles lacking insurance coverage, and 12,191 notices for technical offenses. Other notable violations included 4,902 cases of driving without vocational licenses and 2,329 cases of overloaded vehicles.
Touch ‘n Go, a key player in RFID technology in Malaysia, is addressing a recent misconception about RFID tags having an expiry date. While debunking this misconception, the company emphasised a different aspect—RFID tags, unlike traditional smart tags, may experience wear and tear over time.
Contrary to the false information suggesting an expiry date, Touch ‘n Go clarified that RFID tags issued by the company do not have a predetermined expiration. Instead, the focus was on a recent campaign aimed at pilot users, participants in the initial RFID pilot program launched in 2018. This campaign offered these users the opportunity to refresh their RFID tags, particularly if wear and tear had occurred, through a special promotion.
Toyota Gazoo Racing Malaysia is gearing up for the 2023 Sepang 1000 KM Endurance Race (S1K) with a focus on defending the overall title they secured the previous year. The team plans to enter a Toyota Vios in the MTC Class, with drivers Tengku Djan Ley Tengku Mahaleel and Naquib Azlan returning to the competition. Additionally, dealer team Wing Hin Motorsports will participate with two Toyota Yaris cars in the MTC Class, driven by Boy Wong and former Gazoo Racing Rookie Class driver Amer Harris.
The S1K event will also feature the third edition of the Gazoo Racing (GR) Vios Enduro Cup within the SP2 Class. This cup has gained popularity as a season finale for drivers already engaged in the GR Vios Challenge and GR Vios Sprint Cup. The GR Vios Enduro Cup attracts a diverse range of drivers, including teenagers, a father and son duo, a husband and wife team, and several female drivers.
