Local News Archives

KPDN Denies Social Media Claims on Eliminating Diesel Subsidies

The Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry (KPDN) in Malaysia has refuted claims circulating on social media that diesel subsidies for vehicles will be discontinued from January 1, 2024.

According to Bernama, in a statement issued on December 12, the ministry emphasised that the assertions were false and clarified that the ongoing pioneer project is specifically evaluating the effectiveness of the fleet card and MySubsidi Diesel systems.

The project involves six companies with skid tank quotas ending on January 14, and it does not impact individual diesel vehicles.

The ministry underscored the importance of testing the systems to ensure their efficiency and alignment with the planned objectives of restructuring diesel subsidies.

The ministry urged parties not to spread unclear or confusing statements and assured that an official statement regarding the diesel subsidy restructuring would be issued jointly by the ministry and the Finance Ministry after the completion of engagement sessions and a trial run of the fleet card and MySubsidi Diesel systems.

Malaysia To Co-Host AXCR After 20 Years

A Team of motorsport legends and champions of Malaysia will compete in the Asia Cross Country Rally (AXCR), an FIA Sanctioned Cross Country Rally that began its first journey in 1996. Malaysia hosted this prestigious motorsport for six years from 1996 – 2003, showcasing the best of Malaysia in a world-staged event that bridges borders, cultures and people.

Now, twenty years later, Malaysia is proud to be able to co-host this prestigious rally with Thailand. The event here will showcase its beautiful nature, cities, villages, people, and diverse cultures of “Malaysia: Truly Asia”. AXCR is now an Asian phenomenon (the oldest and largest cross country event in Asia) that has auto manufacturers’ race teams, large private corporations, and extreme 4 X 4 enthusiasts participating in this Cross Country Rally.

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Proton Implements Strict Measures for After-Sales Service Excellence

Proton, Malaysia’s national car manufacturer, is taking a bold step to enhance after-sales service quality through its Proton Operational Excellence (POE) initiative. Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Roslan Abdullah, has announced stringent measures to ensure customer satisfaction, emphasising a commitment to excellence.

Under the new policy, Proton has introduced a fine of RM1,000 for every customer dissatisfaction complaint received concerning any Proton 3S or 4S Center. However, before any penalties are imposed, the head office will conduct a thorough investigation. Warning letters will be issued to service centres for each complaint received, serving as an initial caution.

Sources reveal that a Proton service centre in Penang has already faced consequences, losing its status as an official Proton service centre due to its failure to meet established Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). This move underscores Proton’s dedication to upholding high standards in after-sales service across its network.

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KTMB Tebrau Shuttle Service One-Way Fare To Be Standardised At RM5

Starting next year, Malaysian citizens utilising Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad’s (KTMB) Tebrau shuttle service between Woodlands, Singapore, and Johor Bahru will enjoy reduced fares. Transport Minister Anthony Loke announced that the one-way ticket price will be standardised at RM5, eliminating the current disparity where the return trip ticket is SGD5 (RM17.39).

According to NST, the proposal, put forth by KTMB, aims to bridge the fare gap and prevent exploitation. Loke expressed his approval of the plan, highlighting the potential savings for daily commuters. Under the new structure, a worker could save at least RM10 per day, translating to a monthly saving of at least RM100 for those commuting 20 times monthly.

Loke welcomed the proposal at the Johor DAP annual convention and pledged to bring it to the Land Public Transport Agency for approval. He anticipates the implementation to commence in mid-January, acknowledging that adjustments to the ticketing system will require some time.

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Discounts For JPJ Summonses Will Jeopardise Road Safety Education

Transport Minister Anthony Loke has firmly stated that there will be no discounts offered on traffic summonses issued by the road transport department (JPJ). Loke emphasised the need to convey that summonses for road traffic offences are intended for educational purposes, and offering discounts might be perceived as leniency.

According to FMT, while other agencies, such as the police, are currently providing discounts of up to 50% for selected traffic summonses in conjunction with the unity government’s first anniversary, Loke clarified that JPJ, under the transport ministry’s jurisdiction, is prioritising road safety concerns.

Responding to public complaints about the lack of discounts for JPJ summonses, Loke explained that he had previously implemented a no-discount policy during his first term as transport minister in 2018. He recalled cancelling over four million summonses from the automated enforcement system, a decision that, while welcomed by many at the time, was a one-time measure and not intended to establish a precedent.

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Shell Malaysia Introduces Shell Cafe: The Ultimate One-Stop Centre

Shell Malaysia announces the official inauguration of Shell Café, introducing an immersive aromatic journey for consumers. Savour its signature farm-to-cup coffees and indulge in an extended, tempting array of delectable food options. This marks a significant milestone in Shell’s commitment to providing a rewarding experience for their customers.

Positioned as the preferred destination, Shell Café promises an integrated and customer-centric experience, offering not only fresh and appealing food and beverages but also a welcoming space for patrons to fulfil their refuelling requirements seamlessly while on the move.

Setting Shell Cafe apart is its unique coffee blend made from Arabica and Liberica beans, sourced and crafted in Malaysia. The rare Liberica beans, comprising less than 2% of global coffee production, promise a distinctive flavour, ensuring every cup of Shell Café coffee is worth stopping for.

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Advocating Stricter Penalties and Measures to Address Road Rage

In the wake of a recent case involving a fatal road incident, criminologist Datuk P. Sundramoorthy of Universiti Sains Malaysia’s Centre for Policy Research has called for more stringent penalties for road bullies to act as a deterrent and safeguard the well-being of motorists.

As reported by The Star, Sundramoorthy emphasised that imposing severe punishments would send a clear message to potential offenders that violence on the roads would not be tolerated. He referenced the case of IT employee Yew Wei Liang, 45, who received a 16-year prison sentence for causing the death of Syed Muhammad Danial Syed Shakir. While acknowledging the court’s decision, Sundramoorthy expressed the belief that a more robust sentence would be appropriate, given the loss of a human life over a seemingly simple road mishap.

“Road rage cases are becoming rampant,” Sundramoorthy stated. “Although not many result in death, we should not take them lightly. Motorists deserve peace of mind, knowing they can drive safely without fearing road bullies.”

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Gentari Partners With Mercedes-Benz Malaysia To Accelerate EV Adoption

Gentari Sdn Bhd, a prominent clean energy solutions provider, is set to join forces with Mercedes-Benz Malaysia (MBM) through its subsidiary, Gentari Green Mobility Sdn Bhd. The collaboration aims to fast-track the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) in Malaysia by exploring the development of EV charging infrastructure and value-added services tailored for Mercedes-Benz EV owners.

The potential partnership includes the development of EV charging points in collaboration with EV Connection Sdn Bhd (EVC). The strategically located facilities, spread across selected locations in Malaysia, are intended to ease long-distance travel for EV drivers and enhance their range confidence. The initiative also aims to provide tailored charging subscription plans, contributing to a seamless and enjoyable experience for Mercedes-Benz EV owners.

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JAECOO J7 AWD Arrives In Malaysia For Road Testing

Amid the worldwide shift towards electrification and digital transformation, the automotive industry is witnessing an unprecedented surge in international expansion. Malaysia emerges as a key market in this global endeavour, and at the forefront of this movement is JAECOO, a brand under Chery, strategically crafted for international market expansion, focusing on delivering captivating products tailored to the refined lifestyle preferences of a newly emerged professional demographic.

JAECOO is dedicated to developing exceptional urban off-road SUVs within the premium segment, aligning with the evolving preferences of the contemporary consumer. The brand is making its mark in the fiercely competitive automotive market with its “Born Global” philosophy, emphasising its commitment to global performance and standards.

The introduction of JAECOO is well underway, with the arrival of the first two units of the right-hand drive JAECOO J7 AWD in Malaysia. These units are undergoing rigorous road testing to ensure the highest standards of performance and safety. An exclusive preview has been extended to potential dealers and investors, creating anticipation for showroom openings. Preliminary pre-introduction marketing initiatives are set to build excitement ahead of the official launch in the Malaysian market in 2024.

A 1.6-litre turbocharged inline-four petrol engine with 194hp and 290Nm of torque powers the global specification. However, we are still unsure of the Malaysian specification because the two units that arrived here are all-wheel-drive whilst the ones in China are front-wheel-drive.

To keep enthusiasts and potential customers informed, JAECOO Malaysia has officially launched its Facebook page. The official website, expected to be ready by January 2024, will serve as a comprehensive source of information. In the interim, customers can explore additional details on the JAECOO Global website.

JAECOO Malaysia has also kickstarted its dealer recruitment program, preparing for the introduction of the first model in the coming year. As the brand gears up for its official entry into the Malaysian market, it is poised to redefine the urban off-road SUV experience, offering cutting-edge technology and a travel experience like no other. Stay tuned for further updates and events from JAECOO Malaysia.

Mercedes-Benz EQE 500 Officially Launched For RM485,888!

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia unveils the multi-purpose variant of the EQE executive saloon, the all-new Mercedes-Benz EQE 500 4MATIC SUV. The EQE SUV is the perfect companion for all adventures big and small with its capable driving dynamics and generous sense of interior space.

The EQE SUV is based on the EVA2 vehicle architecture. It achieves WLTP ranges of up to 552km and the maximum capacity output stands at 402hp. Thanks to the 4MATIC all-wheel drive, the EQE SUV has an electric drivetrain on both the front and rear axle. The vehicle is equipped with Airmatic air suspension and a steering angle at the rear axle of up to ten degrees.

The proportions of the EQE SUV combine function and aesthetics with the sporty character of the SUV. The 21-inch AMG multi-spoke light-alloy wheels are mounted flush with the outer edge of the body and lend the vehicle a self-assured stance. The panoramic sliding sunroof presents a pleasantly bright ambience in the interior. With adaptive software, the MBUX display and operating system makes personalised suggestions for numerous infotainment, comfort and vehicle functions. The Dolby Atmos sound format® takes the audio experience in the EQE SUV to a new level. The EQE SUV comes with Driving Assistance Plus Package providing drivers a more relaxed way of reaching their destinations.

The front black panel front features the Mercedes-Benz pattern, a three-dimensional star pattern. The concise daytime running light signet interprets the brand’s characteristic flare. The EQE SUV is equipped with the intelligent Digital Light.

The AMG Line exterior features AMG-specific front bumper painted in vehicle colour with lower section in black, A-Wing trim in high-gloss chrome, flics and fins on the front air inlets in black, side skirts in black, trim strip on the doors in high-gloss chrome, AMG-specific rear apron painted in vehicle colour with lower section in black, as well as inserts at the rear in high-gloss chrome.

The side windows have a generous, dynamically running chrome surround in a 3D design. The exterior mirrors sit on the vehicle shoulder for aerodynamic and aeroacoustic reasons. The EQE SUV also features flush-fitting door handles and aluminium-look, illuminated running boards with rubber studs. The service flap for the washer fluid is located on the side of the left wing. The large 21-inch AMG multi-spoke light-alloy wheels, together with the muscular shoulder area, give the EQE SUV a sporty, robust character.

Flowing surfaces and smooth transitions dominate at the rear and even visually conceal the luggage compartment sill. The light strip at the rear is continuous. The interior of the innovatively designed LED lights has the shape of a curved and illuminated 3D helix. The reversing camera is hidden behind the star, protected from dirt.

Many aerodynamic measures result in the high aerodynamic efficiency of the EQE SUV. These include novel, patent-pending wheel spoilers ahead of the front axle. With a serrated lower edge, small apron and longitudinal ribs, numerous details contribute to improving the flow of air to the front wheel.

Special aero-claddings were developed for the aerodynamically optimised wheels. The running board drops down in the non-visible area on the underside. This has a positive influence on the airflow to the rear wheels and results in a measurable aerodynamic advantage.

The following is an overview of the details of the aerodynamic development:
• Aerodynamically favourable dimensional concept
• Aerodynamically optimised 21-inch size wheels with aero-claddings, and likewise aerodynamically optimised tyres with improved geometry
• Cooling air control system
• Continuous seals in the front area, e.g. between service flap, black panel, headlamps and light strip
• Streamlined design of the A-pillar and water trap for better visibility of the outside mirrors even in adverse weather conditions
• Wheel spoilers at front and rear
• Special cladding spoilers in the rear side wall in front of the wheels
• Spoiler integrated into tail lights
• Side spoilers and roof spoiler at the top of the rear end
• Extensive underbody panelling

In an electric car without the usual level of drive noise, occupants often perceive wind noise more clearly. The aeroacoustic behaviour is therefore all the more important. Lots of fine-tuning in the details: in order to reduce or prevent low-frequency noises that can be perceived as reducing comfort, numerous cavities in the car body were filled with acoustically effective foam, for example.

The high-frequency components of wind noise have also been reduced in the EQE SUV, through improved seals on the windscreen surround and on the exterior mirrors. The aeroacousticians paid special attention to the seals of the transitions between the five side windows.

The Acoustic Comfort Package further enhances noise comfort. This includes acoustically effective laminated glass on the windscreen and the side windows of the driver and passenger doors. On the panoramic roof, various wind deflectors, covers and seals with improved geometry ensure low noise levels despite the large roof opening.

The space offered by the five-seater is very generous thanks to intelligent packaging based on the large electric platform, giving the interior a spacious feel despite compact external dimensions (length/width/height: 4863/1940/1685 millimetres). With a wheelbase of 3030 millimetres, it is nine centimetres shorter than that of the EQE Saloon, while practical cargo position of the rear seat backrests increases the load capacity. The headroom in the first row of seats is 1002 millimetres, in the second row it is 1000 millimetres. The subjective feeling of generous spaciousness is also confirmed by the elbow width of 1540 millimetres on the driver’s side. At 1030 millimetres, the legroom in the rear is also comfortable.

The volume of the luggage compartment is 520 litres as standard. The backrests of the rear seats can be split in a 40/20/40 ratio. When the rear seat backrests are folded down completely, the load volume is basically 1675 litres with roof-high loading. Diagonally, the loading dimension is 882 millimetres – a top value in this class.

If desired, the variability can be increased: if the rear seat backrests are set about 10 degrees steeper in the optional cargo position, the load capacity is 580 litres. The smaller part in the middle can be folded down separately, so that a through-loading space is available and the two outer seats can still be used.

The Airmatic air suspension responds particularly sensitively. It combines air suspension bellows with adaptive ADS+ dampers whose characteristics can be varied fully automatically at each individual wheel in both the compression and rebound stages. While driving, a sophisticated sensor system and algorithms set the dampers according to the quality of the road to ensure that, as an example, the sensation of driving over a bump with just one wheel is not transmitted to the entire axle and the interior. Spring and damper are combined in one strut on the front axle. This level control is part of Airmatic and keeps the ground clearance constant irrespective of the vehicle load, but also makes changes when needed. To increase ground clearance, the vehicle level can be raised by up to 30 millimetres, which is possible up to a speed of 80km/h.

Thanks to rear-axle steering, the EQE SUV feels as manoeuvrable as a compact car in the city. The steering angle at the rear axle is up to ten degrees. The turning circle is reduced from 12.3 to 10.5 metres with rear-axle steering.

The interaction between the front axle and rear axle steering was designed so that the steering offers agile response and requires little effort when driving in the city and on country roads. At the same time, a very high level of stability is achieved. This results in e.g. small side-slip angles and a high level of yaw suppression. At high speeds, the focus is more on stability, though without compromising precision and responsiveness. This added value is achieved by the integrated actuation of steering and brakes (ESP®), and considerably improves driving safety as a result.

The EQE SUV comes with Driving Assistance Plus Package, and driving assistance system status and activity are shown on the driver’s display. The current generation of driving assistance systems includes numerous functions that assist the driver. The status and activity of the systems are shown in a full-screen view in the assistance display in the driver’s display. The Driving Assistance Plus Package includes Active Distance Assist Distronic, Active Lane Keeping Assist, Active Steering Assist, Active Emergency Stop Assist, Active Blind Spot Assist, Active Emergency Stop Assist and more.

The AMG Line Interior includes SUV sports seats with more pronounced seat side bolsters in leather black / space grey and it also comes with a soft armrest in the rear section. The climatised front seats provides 3-stage seat ventilation and seat heating for a pleasant seating climate.

The front section of the centre console in black fine-structure look joins the instrument panel, bridging the open space in between in a visual reference to the new drive architecture – due to the electric powertrain, no transmission tunnel is necessary. The smooth transition from 3D in the centre console compartment to 2D on the touchscreen is seamless, without interrupting the glass-look design. The brown open-pore magnolia wood trim elements with Mercedes-Benz pattern in aluminium blends in harmoniously while also creating exciting contrasts, thereby reinforcing and emphasising the interior design.

The vent band from the cockpit is visually continued in the front doors. A floating control cluster with integrated door opener and seat controls takes over the functional interpretation of formerly purely decorative elements. The door centre panel develops in a sensual, dynamic movement from the vertical surface into the horizontal and thus integrates the armrest seamlessly. The front section of the armrest is designed as a metallic high-tech element that can be used as a free-floating grab and pull handle and contains the power window switch. In the dark, this floating, avant-garde aesthetic is particularly impressive thanks to an ambient light corona.

A special welcome and goodbye scenario has been developed for the Mercedes-Benz EQ models, which is also coordinated with the active ambient lighting.

The functional content and the operating structure are adapted to electric driving. Visually, all graphics are designed in a new colour scheme of blue/orange throughout. The classic cockpit display of the two round dials has been reinterpreted with a digital light sabre in a glass lens. All content relevant to driving can be accessed between the round dials. The appearance of the screens can be individualised with three display styles (Discreet, Sporty, Classic) and three modes (Navigation, Assistance, Service).

The EQE SUV is equipped with the Display Package which includes, fingerprint scanner, OLED central display, driver display, as well as MBUX multimedia system. Supported by artificial intelligence, the MBUX system proactively displays the right functions at the right time for the user. The system reacts to changes in the surroundings and user behaviour and permanently optimises itself. The zero layer offers the user dynamic, aggregated content from the entire MBUX system and associated services from the top level of MBUX information architecture. The MBUX augmented reality for navigation allows drivers to reach their destination quickly and safely.

The Dolby Atmos sound system with Burmester 3D surround sound system takes the audio experience in the EQE SUV to a new level. Individual instruments or voices in the studio mix can be positioned all around the listening area. A new kind of sound animation thus becomes possible: this is because while conventional stereo systems usually have a left-right dynamic, Dolby Atmos® can use the entire space and create a 360-degree experience.

The Hey Mercedes voice assistant is highly capable of dialogue and learning by activating online services in the Mercedes me App. Moreover, certain actions can be performed even without the activation keyword, “Hey Mercedes”. These include taking a telephone call. Hey Mercedes also explains vehicle functions, and can, for example, help when asked how to connect a smartphone via Bluetooth or where the first-aid kit can be found.

A personal profile can be created directly in the EQE SUV and synchronised with the existing profile data of the Mercedes me account. By scanning a QR code with the Mercedes me App, the vehicle is automatically connected to the Mercedes me account.

The Step Up Agility+ Plan is designed with your ultimate driving needs in mind. Enjoy your new Mercedes-Benz while we ensure you are being taken care of with unrivalled benefits such as lower monthly instalment, flexible end of agreement options, MobilityPlus programme and most importantly, we guarantee the future value of your car no matter what happens.

The Mercedes-Benz EQE 500 4MATIC SUV is now available as a single variant at RM 485,888 with 10% Sales Tax (for Peninsular Malaysia).

Perfectly tailored for individuals who seeks performance, value, unrivalled benefits and peace of mind at the wheel. The Step Up Agility+ Plan starts from RM 3,988 per month for the Mercedes-Benz EQE 500 4MATIC SUV. Enjoy an additional RM900 charging credit via JomCharge when you sign up with Agility+.