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The controversy surrounding police officers allegedly accepting RM100 fines from British tourists in Perak takes a new turn as a video emerges depicting a similar incident in Langkawi. The two-and-a-half-minute footage captures a couple, presumed to be European tourists, riding a motorcycle without helmets on the resort island.

In the video, the police apprehend the couple, citing the absence of helmets. However, the face of the officer involved is not visible as the recording discreetly captures the officer suggesting a monetary settlement to avoid a traffic ticket.

District Police Chief of Langkawi, Assistant Commissioner Shariman Ashari, confirmed that the video, uploaded to YouTube on November 10, is under investigation. Preliminary findings reveal that the foreign tourists opted to pay RM100 to evade a police station visit and subsequent fines for not wearing helmets.

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In honour of the 50th Federal Territories Day celebrations, the Road Transport Department (RTD) has announced the commencement of bidding tenders for exclusive registration numbers featuring the “GOLD” prefix. Transport Minister Anthony Loke unveiled this special GOLD series as a symbolic tribute.

Prospective bidders eager to own these unique number plates can participate through JPJebid starting from February 1 until February 5 at 10 pm, with the results being announced on February 6. Minister Loke specified that the auction would include varying starting prices for different categories of numbers.

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Bermaz Auto has introduced the highly anticipated 2024 Mazda CX-5 facelift to the discerning Malaysian market. This latest iteration of the CX-5 combines performance, style, and advanced features, cementing Mazda’s reputation for delivering excellence in the automotive realm.

The facelifted 2024 CX-5 boasts a redesigned three-dimensional front fascia, including an updated grille and a more compact central air intake on the front bumper. Among the notable upgrades, the 2.0G 2WD Mid now includes advanced keyless entry. Additionally, models from 2.0G 2WD High and above are equipped with convenient shift paddles behind the steering wheel and signature LED headlamps.

The wheel sizes on the 2024 CX-5 range from 17-inch alloy wheels on the 2.0G 2WD Mid and High variants to larger 19-inch wheels on the 2.5G 2WD High, 2.2D 2WD High, and the 2.5T 4WD High versions.

In terms of interior features, the 2.5G 2WD High and above models introduce seat ventilation for the driver and front passenger. Additionally, this variant level incorporates a seven-inch TFT LCD multi-info instrument display, distinguishing it from the two 2.0G variants with a 4.6-inch display. The 2.0G 2WD Mid comes with a standard display, while the High variant is equipped with a multi-info display of the same size.

Seating variations include fabric, manually adjusted seats in the 2.0G 2WD Mid, while the 2.0G High and above upgrade to leather seats with a 10-way power adjustment for the driver, along with a two-position memory. The front passenger seat is six-way power-adjustable.

Infotainment features are consistent across all variants, offering an eight-inch capacitive touchscreen, Android Auto, wireless Apple CarPlay, six speakers, four USB ports, and a wireless device charger. The 2.0G 2WD High and above versions are enriched with a 360-degree camera system, while the base 2.0G 2WD Mid includes a reversing camera.

From the 2.0G 2WD High onwards, advanced driver assistance systems are included, featuring adaptive front lighting, high beam control, blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, lane-keeping assist, driver attention alert, smart city brake support, smart brake support, radar cruise control, and cruising and traffic support.

The 2024 Mazda CX-5 facelift offers a range of exterior colors, including Jet Black, Snowflake White Pearl, Machine Gray, Deep Crystal Blue, Soul Red Crystal, Polymetal Gray, and Platinum Quartz. The model comes with a five-year, 100,000 km manufacturer’s warranty, along with a complimentary maintenance package for the same duration and mileage.

The Mazda CX-5 2.0G Mid and 2.0G High are equipped with a 2.0-litre naturally-aspirated 4-cylinder SkyActiv engine, paired with a 6-speed Skyactiv automatic transmission. Delivering a maximum power of 162hp and a torque of 213Nm, these models feature front-wheel drive. The suspension system consists of MacPherson Struts at the front and a Multi-Link setup at the rear. The drive modes include Normal and Sport.

Featuring a 2.5-litre naturally-aspirated 4-cylinder SkyActiv engine, the Mazda CX-5 2.5G High 2WD employs a 6-speed Skyactiv automatic transmission. With a maximum power output of 192hp and a torque of 258Nm, this variant operates on front-wheel drive. It incorporates MacPherson Struts for the front suspension and a Multi-Link system for the rear. The available drive modes are Normal and Sport.

Equipped with a 2.2-litre 4-cylinder SkyActiv turbodiesel engine, the Mazda CX-5 2.2D High 2WD utilises a 6-speed Skyactiv automatic transmission. Boasting a maximum power of 188hp and an impressive torque of 450Nm, this model operates on front-wheel drive. The suspension setup includes MacPherson Struts at the front and a Multi-Link system at the rear. Similar to other variants, it offers Normal and Sport drive modes.

The Mazda CX-5 2.5G High AWD is driven by a 2.5-litre turbo 4-cylinder SkyActiv engine, coupled with a 6-speed Skyactiv automatic transmission. With an all-wheel-drive configuration, this variant delivers a powerful performance with a maximum power of 228hp and a torque of 420Nm. The suspension system comprises MacPherson Struts at the front and a Multi-Link setup at the rear. It offers multiple drive modes, including Normal, Sport, and Off-Road.

The pricing for the 2024 CX-5 lineup starts with the 2.0G 2WD Mid at RM144,469.20, followed by the 2.0G 2WD High at RM161,169.20. The larger naturally aspirated engine option, the 2.5G 2WD High, is priced from RM174,960.40. Moving to the turbodiesel variant, the 2.2D 2WD High is available from RM180,322.80, with the turbocharged petrol 2.5G AWD High topping the range at RM188,760.40.

All prices are on-the-road without insurance for metallic paint finishes and exclude accessories. Additional accessories, including the Activ-e window film and LED-illuminated sill plates, can be acquired for RM2,410, while leather seats are priced at RM2,900. Premium paint options are available for an extra RM3,300.

BMW Malaysia has officially announced the pricing for the latest plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) variant, the new BMW X5 xDrive50e M Sport. As part of the BMW Group’s locally assembled vehicles for the Malaysian market, this PHEV version of the popular Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV), known as “The Boss,” arrives in the M Sport variant, offering enhanced performance and efficiency.

Performance and Efficiency Improvements

The new BMW X5 xDrive50e M Sport boasts an upgraded PHEV powertrain with a combined output of 489hp  and an enhanced torque of 700Nm. This power, derived from the 3.0-litre straight-six petrol engine and a potent electric motor, enables the vehicle to achieve a century sprint in just 4.8 seconds. The PHEV capabilities have also seen significant improvements, with an electric range of up to 110 km (WLTP) and a faster 7.4 kW charging capacity, allowing for a full charge from 0-100% in only 4.5 hours.

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As the nation prepares to bid farewell to the 16th Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah, a series of road closures have been announced to facilitate the grand sending-off ceremony. These closures, strategically planned to ensure a smooth procession, will impact key routes in the capital city. Here is a comprehensive overview of the fully closed and temporarily affected routes. As the event unfolds, roads will be reopened in stages, allowing citizens to plan their journeys accordingly.

Fully Closed Routes:

  1. Jalan Damansara to Jalan Parlimen (from the old Istana)
  2. Jalan Sultan Abdul Halim to Jalan Parlimen
  3. Lebuhraya Sultan Iskandar to Jalan Parlimen
  4. Jalan Kuching to Bulatan Dato’ Onn
  5. Jalan Salahudin to Bulatan Dato’ Onn
  6. Jalan Kuching/Jalan Sultan Ismail to Bulatan Dato’ Onn
  7. Jalan Tun Perak to Bulatan Dato’ Onn

Routes Temporarily Closed at 9 am, to be Reopened in Stages:

  1. Lebuhraya Sultan Iskandar to Jalan Damansara
  2. Jalan Travers to Jalan Damansara (from Muzium Negara)
  3. Jalan Sultan Hishamuddin to Jalan Damansara (from Bulatan Hishamuddin)
  4. Jalan Tun Sambathan to Jalan Damansara
  5. Jalan Syed Putra to Jalan Istana
  6. Jalan Dewan Bahasa to Jalan Istana
  7. Jalan Sungai Besi to KL-Seremban Expressway
  8. Lingkaran Tengah/Jalan Connaught from Lebuhraya Syed Putra
  9. New Pantai Expressway (NPE) from Pantai Dalam
  10. Maju Expressway from the Salak South Toll
  11. Kesas Highway from Sungai Besi
  12. Kesas Highway from KL/Seremban Expressway
  13. Sukom Interchange towards Kesas Highway

As the affected roads gradually reopen in stages, let us embrace the spirit of this historic moment and acknowledge the meticulous efforts taken to ensure a seamless sending off ceremony.

In a recent series of demanding off-road performance tests conducted at the Malaysia 4WD Training and Experience Centre (M4TREC), Jaecoo’s urban off-road model, the SUV J7, has emerged with flying colours, earning high acclaim for its extraordinary off-road capabilities and stable handling.

M4TREC, renowned as Malaysia’s premier 4WD training centre, is recognised for its world-class obstacle course featuring diverse and challenging terrains, coupled with the country’s year-round wet and rainy climate, making it an ideal setting to rigorously evaluate off-road vehicle performance.

As Jaecoo’s inaugural premium urban off-road SUV, the J7 is equipped with a robust 1.6TGDI engine, delivering an impressive 197PS of maximum power and a peak torque of 290Nm, comparable to luxury brands’ 2.0T engines. The 7-speed wet dual-clutch transmission (7DCT) ensures lightning-fast gear shifts in just 0.2 seconds, contributing to the seamless and smooth shifting that was crucial during the off-road tests.

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Malaysia Airlines elevates its passengers’ travel experience by partnering with BMW Group Malaysia to introduce an exclusive private terminal transfer service. Commencing on February 1, 2024, Enrich Platinum, Business Suite, and Business Class passengers will enjoy luxurious transportation between the Main Terminal Building and the Satellite Building of KLIA Terminal 1 at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA).

The collaboration showcases sustainability and premium travel, featuring the all-electric BMW i7 for a heightened level of comfort and eco-friendly transport. The 24-hour service, offered exclusively to Malaysia Airlines’ premium passengers, aims to provide a seamless and upscale travel experience. This initiative comes in addition to the Premium Bus transfer, introduced following the temporary suspension of the aerotrain service.

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Honda Malaysia has achieved its annual sales target for 2023, surpassing 80,000 units in total sales. This accomplishment ensures the company’s continued dominance in the Non-National Passenger Vehicle Segment for the tenth consecutive year.

Notably, 2023 saw the successful launch of four new models: WR-V, City, Civic Type R, and the all-new CR-V. The top-selling models included City, HR-V, and City Hatchback, contributing 30%, 25%, and 13% respectively to overall sales. The WR-V, HR-V, CR-V, and Civic secured the top positions in their respective segments.

Despite challenges in the competitive market, Honda Malaysia’s Managing Director and CEO, Mr. Hironobu Yoshimura, expressed gratitude for the strong support from dealers, the Malaysian Government, and loyal customers. The launch of the WR-V played a significant role in the company’s success, with the RS variant contributing 60% of total sales.

Hybrid models (e:HEV) also experienced remarkable growth, with sales increasing from over 4,100 units in 2022 to more than 7,700 units in 2023—an impressive 87% growth. Honda’s e:HEV models constituted 28% of overall hybrid sales in Malaysia, contributing significantly to the country’s xEV growth. The company remains committed to providing quality products and services.

Looking ahead to 2024, Honda Malaysia says it is optimistic about the automotive sector and invites customers to explore their models at authorized dealerships nationwide or through their online platform. For more information, customers can contact Honda Malaysia’s Toll-Free number at 1-800-88-2020 or visit www.honda.com.my.

Great Wall Motor (GWM) is set to make a mark in the Malaysian automotive industry with the introduction of the ORA 07, a globally oriented new energy vehicle. Rooted in the principles of prioritising driving enjoyment and safety, the ORA 07 undergoes a comprehensive upgrade in overall vehicle safety performance, promising a safer and more intelligent driving environment.

The ORA 07 is positioned as a sleek and high-performance all-electric coupe that seamlessly combines outstanding aesthetics with hardcore capabilities. The Malaysian version of ORA 07 is expected to offer two configurations: a single electric motor variant with a range of 640km and a dual electric motor variant with four-wheel drive and a range of 550km, catering to diverse consumer preferences.

Featuring standard elements like an adaptive electric wing, frameless door design, and more, the ORA 07 aims to redefine the prowess of B-segment all-electric coupes, showcasing remarkable market competitiveness.

GWM Malaysia anticipates the arrival of the ORA 07 in the coming months, aiming to contribute to sustainable mobility solutions in Malaysia. The company is dedicated to providing Malaysian consumers with a broader range of product choices while contributing to sustainable green travel solutions in the country.

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia takes a leap into the future with the launch of the enhanced Mercedes-Benz GLA 200, positioning it as the gateway to the brand’s highly successful SUV family. This sporty compact SUV boasts a host of upgrades, seamlessly fusing modern technology with everyday practicality.

Exterior Elegance

The GLA 200 receives a plethora of innovations and expanded equipment, with a redesigned radiator grille featuring a central Mercedes-Benz star, single louvre, and black accents for a powerful aesthetic. The bonnet’s discreet power domes emphasise the vehicle’s self-assured presence, while the revamped front and rear bumpers, complete with simulated underguards and diffusers, enhance the SUV’s off-road capabilities. The exterior is further adorned with LED High Performance front headlamps, offering Adaptive Highbeam Assist, and 18-inch 5-twin-spoke light-alloy wheels.

Interior

Step inside, and the GLA 200 unveils a modernised light signature with a 10.25-inch free-standing double screen, creating a holistic high-tech experience. The multifunction sports steering wheel, now equipped with touch-control panels, adds a touch of luxury and convenience. Comfort seats upholstered in ARTICO man-made leather, Star Pattern trim elements, and variable folding backrests contribute to the interior’s flexibility and aesthetic appeal.

Safety and Assistance

The GLA 200 places a premium on safety with features like Blind Spot Assist, Exit Warning Assist, and Active Brake Assist. The Parking Package, including a reverse camera, and the Mirror Package enhance maneuverability and visibility. The Dynamic Select drive programs, including Sport, Comfort, and Eco modes, cater to diverse driving preferences.

Technological Prowess

The latest MBUX generation takes centre stage in the GLA 200, offering intuitive operation and adaptive software. The telematics system undergoes a revision with improved performance and a new design. Smartphone Integration with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, USB Package Plus with 5 illuminated fast-charging USB-C ports, and 64-color Ambient Lighting enrich the tech-savvy experience.

Powerful Performance

Under the hood, the GLA 200 is driven by a 1.3-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder engine paired with a 7G-DCT automatic transmission. With 163hp and a maximum torque of 250Nm, the SUV achieves a 0-100 km/h acceleration in just 8.9 seconds.

Price and Availability

The recommended retail price of the Mercedes-Benz GLA 200, inclusive of 10% sales tax, is RM 258,888, reflecting the intersection of innovation, luxury, and performance in the compact SUV segment.

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