Local News Archives

Subsidised Diesel Reimbursement Applications Open July 1

Eligible participants of the second phase of the Subsidised Diesel Control System (SKDS 2.0) who have not received their fleet cards can apply for reimbursements starting July 1, according to FMT. The Finance Ministry has announced that these applications must be submitted via the Budi Madani portal, with applicants required to keep their receipts for audit purposes.

Registration Deadline and Application Process

To qualify for reimbursements, applicants must be registered under SKDS 2.0 by June 30 at the latest. The Finance Ministry has urged companies already registered under the system to apply for their fleet cards as soon as possible through the provided portal.

Temporary Measure for Smooth Transition

Second Finance Minister Amir Hamzah Azizan emphasised that the government is closely monitoring the implementation of the targeted diesel subsidy system to ensure a smooth transition. “These reimbursements are a temporary measure to help logistics service providers so that they are not affected by the change in diesel prices,” he stated.

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JPJ Officer Faces Charges of Bribery Totalling RM3,300

Saibullah Zaid Abdul Halim, a 46-year-old assistant enforcement officer at the Penang Road Transport Department (JPJ), has found himself entangled in legal proceedings following allegations of corruption as reported by The Star. The charges against Saibullah, who resides in Sungai Jawi, Penang, were brought forth before Sessions Court judge Datuk Ibrahim Osman today, where he entered a plea of not guilty.

Accusations suggest that Saibullah accepted bribes totalling RM3,300, as per charges filed under Section 165 of the Penal Code. These alleged bribes were purportedly received from Badrul Hisyam Hamid, a director at a transportation company, via bank transfers from an account belonging to Fatimah Abdullah into the account of Saibullah’s wife, Hazirah Ismail. The transactions in question reportedly occurred between October 4, 2017, and March 29, 2018.

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Malaysia Airlines Reveals New A330neo Cabin Features – 4K Screens for Economy and Business Classes

In a move to upgrade its fleet, Malaysia Airlines is introducing the new Airbus A330neo, which will boast enhanced cabins for both business and economy classes.

Overview of the Airbus A330neo

Set to replace the A330-200 and A330-300 models, the next-generation Airbus A330neo will soon join Malaysia Airlines’ lineup. The airline has ordered 20 A330neo (A330-900) aircraft, with three expected to enter service within the year. This aircraft recently won a bronze award for Cabin Concept of the Year 2024 at the World Travel Catering & Onboard Services Expo in Hamburg, Germany.

Economy Class Upgrades

Passengers in economy class will enjoy significant improvements, including 13.3-inch 4K in-flight entertainment screens, upgrading from the 11-inch 1080p screens on the A350-900. The seats, crafted by Recaro, provide ergonomic support, coat hooks, cup holders, and ample storage space. The cabin will feature 269 seats, with 24 offering extra legroom, arranged in a 2-4-2 layout.

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Dinamikjaya Motors Launches Second BEV – The Kia EV9

Dinamikjaya Motors Sdn Bhd has officially unveiled its second Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) in Malaysia at The Exchange TRX. The Kia EV9, now available for booking at a starting price of RM368,888.00, marks the first automotive launch at this world-class experiential lifestyle destination located in the heart of Kuala Lumpur’s international financial district, the Tun Razak Exchange.

The Kia EV9, which debuted in March 2023, has already earned international acclaim, winning prestigious awards such as the 2024 World Car of The Year and the Best of the Best Award in the Cars and Motorcycle category by Red Dot Award: Product Design 2024.

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Diesel Vehicle Sales Anticipated to Drop by 50%

The sales of diesel vehicles, particularly pickup trucks, are anticipated to drop by over 50% due to the introduction of floating fuel prices. Used car sales advisor Khairil Anwar Jaafar, 45, noted a significant slowdown in sales over the past month, with potential buyers adopting a wait-and-see approach.

As a result, Khairil’s company has decided to temporarily stop accepting diesel-engine vehicles. “The decline in sales has been noticeable for more than a month, even before the announcement of targeted diesel subsidies. We have about 15 to 20 diesel vehicles that remain unsold,” he said.

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UMW Toyota Motor Sees Strong Sales and Community Engagement in May 2024

UMW Toyota Motor Sdn Bhd (UMWT) reported a successful month in May 2024, achieving total monthly sales of 8,422 units for both Toyota and Lexus brands with the Toyota Vios and Corolla Cross being the two best-selling models. This brings the total year-to-date sales to 39,211 units.

Commitment to Community and Environmental Sustainability

UMWT remains dedicated to community engagement and environmental sustainability, as demonstrated by its various initiatives. The 23rd Toyota Eco Youth (TEY) program, launched in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, is a key example. This national-level program empowers students aged 13 to 17 from 16 schools across Malaysia. The initiative promotes Toyota’s 8 Steps Problem-Solving Method (PSM) to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Since its inception in 2001, the TEY program has engaged over 300,000 students from 521 schools, fostering a legacy of environmental stewardship. TEY 2024/2025 offers cash prizes totalling up to RM80,000, incentivising innovative solutions and aligning with UMWT’s environmental action plan to achieve zero CO2 emissions by 2050.

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Tow Truck Operators Are Already Increasing Prices Due To Removal of Diesel Subsidies

Despite assurances that there will be no increase in the cost of living and day to day expenses, it seems like the increase in diesel has had immediate effects on the market.

Some businesses have started posting notices about an immediate increase in price of their services.

One such business is from the tow truck industry, with one business sharing that their business will be increasing the price of their services immediately as they did not qualify for subsidies.

A quick check with the business revealed that towing a car on a flatbed from Ipoh to Kuala Lumpur used to cost RM700 but now costs RM1,000.

The increase in prices is expected to have far reaching ripples with this being just the tip of the iceberg.

According to reports, over 300,000 people are expected to benefit from subsidies but the total number of diesel users far exceeds that.

The government has also outlined the type of vehicles that qualify for subsidies and sadly private vehicles that have been registered to be used by companies and organisations do not qualify for that, and that is the category where some tow trucks fall under.

Diesel vehicles that have been registered for e-hailing as well as tourist vans and busses do not qualify for subsidies.

It is unlikely that those operating within this industry will simply absorb the increase in price. This increase in cost will unfortunately be passed on to the paying consumer, inadvertently making daily life more expensive.

Sarawak Premier Calls for Sustainable Energy Alternatives to Replace Diesel

Sarawak Premier Abang Johari Openg has urged the federal government to seek out affordable and sustainable energy alternatives to replace diesel consumption nationwide. He suggested that such alternatives could eliminate the reliance on government-funded diesel subsidies.

Abang Johari made these remarks following the Asia Pacific Green Hydrogen Conference and Exhibition (APGH) 2024, where he emphasised the unsustainable nature of continuous diesel subsidies. “If people keep relying on diesel and demanding subsidies whenever diesel prices rise, they’ll just keep asking for subsidies,” he stated.

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Nationwide Peugeot 408 Roadshow: Enjoy Exclusive Rebates and Test Drives

Peugeot Malaysia is embarking on a nationwide roadshow tour and will be visiting the major cities to showcase the newly launched all-new Peugeot 408. Since its launch at the end of April, the Peugeot 408 has received close to 400 bookings and counting, with the GT variant being the top choice.

Peugeot Malaysia is bringing the all-new 408 to major shopping malls for customers to get up close and personal and behind the wheel to test it for themselves at the locations listed below:

Location	State	Dates	Venue
AEON Ipoh Station 18	Ipoh	14 June – 16 June	South Court
AEON Tebrau City	Johor Bahru	28 June – 30 June	Ground Floor Concourse
1 Utama Shopping Centre	KL	11 July – 14 July	Ground Floor, Luxe Wing

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BMW Malaysia Unveils Official Pricing for New BMW 520i – RM333k

BMW Malaysia has announced the official pricing for the new BMW 520i, now available at authorised dealerships nationwide. The locally assembled premium executive sedan is priced at RM332,800.00.

Debut at Malaysia Autoshow 2024

The new BMW 520i made its debut at the Malaysia Autoshow 2024, joining the BMW 5 Series family. It features a sleek, sporty exterior design and a sophisticated interior that seamlessly blends functionality and elegance.

Flexible Financing Options

With the Easy Drive Financing Plan from BMW Group Financial Services Malaysia, the new BMW 520i can be owned with a monthly installment starting from RM3,881.00, based on an 80% loan over five years. Customers registering for the Easy Drive Financing by June 30, 2024, will also receive a RM10,000 cash rebate.

Alternatively, the Straight-Line Financing Plan offers ownership with a monthly installment from RM3,942.00, based on an 80% loan over seven years. Terms and conditions apply.

Comprehensive Ownership Benefits

Owners of the new BMW 520i will enjoy a complete premium ownership experience from BMW Group Malaysia, which includes:

BMW Roadside Assistance and Accident Hotline
BMW Service Online

Retail Pricing

The retail price for the new BMW 520i, excluding insurance, is as follows:

The New BMW 520i: RM332,800.00
Add-On for BMW Service & Repair Inclusive: RM26,900.00 (includes a 5-Year Extended Warranty and Service Package)