Local News Archives

Rapid KL Extends Operating Hours for New Year’s Eve Celebration

In anticipation of New Year’s Eve celebrations, Rapid KL has announced the extension of operating hours for selected rail transit and bus services until 1:30 am on January 1. This initiative aims to accommodate individuals planning to celebrate the arrival of the new year.

As reported by FMT, Prasarana Malaysia Bhd, the operator of Rapid KL, shared that the service extension will cover 12 LRT and MRT lines, monorail stations in Kuala Lumpur, three BRT stations, and 21 Rapid KL and MRT feeder bus routes. Notable rail transit routes included in the service extension are the Kelana Jaya LRT line (KLCC and Masjid Jamek stations), Ampang LRT line to Sri Petaling (Masjid Jamek, Bandaraya, IOI Puchong Jaya, and Maluri), KL monorail line (Bukit Bintang), Kajang MRT line (Bukit Bintang, TRX, Cochrane, and Maluri), Putrajaya MRT line (TRX), and Sunway BRT line (Sunway Lagoon, SunMed, and Sun U-Monash).

While some stations will conclude their operations as usual, passengers will have the option to exit from these stations to continue their journeys. Prasarana emphasised the use of Touch ‘n Go cards for a smoother experience and encouraged the purchase of return tokens to reduce queues during the return journey.

To ensure operational efficiency, Rapid KL plans to increase the number of staff and enhance train frequencies. Train frequencies for all services will be increased to eight minutes from 1 pm and further reduced to four minutes from 8 pm until the end of the extended operating hours. Commuters are urged to plan their journeys in advance, utilise electronic payment options, and cooperate with the additional measures implemented for a safe and enjoyable New Year’s celebration.

8,028 Accidents, 75 Fatalities Recorded Over Christmas

In the aftermath of the recent balik kampung journey in conjunction with Christmas, Malaysian authorities have reported a total of 8,028 accidents, including 75 fatal incidents. The recorded accidents occurred during the period from December 22 to December 26, marking a challenging time for road safety.

According to The Star, Bukit Aman Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Department director, Comm Datuk Mohd Azman Ahmad Sapri, provided details on the accidents, revealing that 29 cases involved serious injuries, while 303 incidents resulted in minor injuries. The majority of the accidents were attributed to vehicle breakdowns, accounting for 7,621 cases, while the rest were categorised as minor collisions.

To manage the surge in traffic during the holiday season, the police launched Ops Lancar nationwide, strategically covering congestion hotspots. Comm Mohd Azman highlighted the deployment of personnel on highways, expressways, and various road networks to monitor, assist, and control traffic flow. A total of 77 officers and 731 rank-and-file personnel were involved in these efforts.

Despite the organised measures, the road congestion during the holiday escape was substantial. More than 9.8 million vehicles traversed major highways and expressways during the five-day period, which included the toll-free days announced by the government. The PLUS highway, in particular, witnessed significant traffic, with daily vehicle counts ranging from 1.72 million to 2.03 million.

The Karak expressway and East Coast expressway (LPT1) collectively experienced a total of 1.2 million vehicles during the same period. The data underscores the challenges faced by authorities in managing increased travel during festive seasons, emphasising the need for continued efforts to enhance road safety and manage traffic efficiently.

Petronas Dagangan: Restoration of Diesel Supply Within Next Two Days

Petronas Dagangan Bhd has announced the full restoration of diesel supply at its stations nationwide within the next two days. The company had earlier disclosed a diesel shortage issue affecting several Petronas stations, with the problem expected to persist until December 31, 2023.

Petronas Dagangan expressed appreciation for customers’ patience and cooperation throughout the disruption, reiterating its commitment to providing uninterrupted service.

The Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs (KPDN) Sarawak reported that it had not received information from Petronas regarding the supply disruption affecting stations in Sarawak and Sabah.

KPDN Sarawak stated that its Enforcement Division is actively conducting inspections and continuous monitoring at all petrol stations.

Potential Diesel Shortages in Malaysia

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.

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VW Malaysia Announces Airbag Related Recall For Models Manufactured Between 2010 and 2014

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.

JPJ & Police Christmas Operations Issues 280 Summons in Penang Alone

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.

Photos by JPJ Penang

Challenges in Pursuing Murder Charges for Driving Offences

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.

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UMW Toyota Motor Addresses Safety Test Irregularities

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.

Possible Increase in Service Tax to Impact Car Maintenance Costs

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.

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Government Targets 100 Additional EV Charging Points on Major Highways by 2025

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.

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Local News

Rapid KL Extends Operating Hours for New Year’s Eve Celebration

8,028 Accidents, 75 Fatalities Recorded Over Christmas

Petronas Dagangan: Restoration of Diesel Supply Within Next Two Days

Potential Diesel Shortages in Malaysia

VW Malaysia Announces Airbag Related Recall For Models Manufactured Between 2010 and 2014

JPJ & Police Christmas Operations Issues 280 Summons in Penang Alone

Challenges in Pursuing Murder Charges for Driving Offences

UMW Toyota Motor Addresses Safety Test Irregularities

Possible Increase in Service Tax to Impact Car Maintenance Costs

Government Targets 100 Additional EV Charging Points on Major Highways by 2025

Students’ Safety Compromised by Unlicensed School Bus Services

Volkswagen Malaysia Aims For Malaysia Book Of Records Of Biggest Golf Gathering

Increased Penalties for Vehicle-Related Pollution Under New Environmental Law

All-New Proton e.MAS7 Previewed – Scheduled To Go On Sale by End Of The Year

Volvo Car Malaysia Unveils “A Volvo Made for You” Showcase

Proton Achieves Strong Sales Performance in July

2025 Proton X70 Previewed – Exterior and Interior Improvements, Now With Apple CarPlay and Android Auto

Old-School Mechanics Face the EV Revolution: A Call for Adaptation

Cycle & Carriage Partners with Stellantis Malaysia to Expand Automotive Market Footprint

Proton Announces Pre-Launch Bookings for Upgraded 2025 X70

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