Local News Archives

Government Considering Waiving Parking Fees for EVs

The Malaysian government is considering waiving parking fees for electric vehicles (EVs) entering cities as part of efforts to encourage the adoption of EVs over traditional fossil fuel cars as stated by Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming, according to The Star. This proposal is being examined in conjunction with the recent announcement of “green plates” for EVs.

Key Points:

Encouraging EV Adoption:
- The waiver of parking fees for EVs is being proposed as a measure to make EVs more attractive to potential buyers.
- The initiative aims to promote the use of environmentally friendly vehicles and reduce the reliance on fossil fuel cars.

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KPDN Moves to Strengthen Consumer Protection with New Lemon Law

The Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) in Malaysia is progressing towards introducing a lemon law or amending existing legislation by March next year. This initiative aims to bolster consumer protection, particularly concerning defective vehicles, aligning with current demands and international best practices.

Key Developments and Strategies:

Expert Report and Engagement Sessions:
- A group of legal experts has been tasked to study best practices from various countries regarding lemon laws. They will engage with relevant stakeholders and prepare a comprehensive report by the end of September.
Existing Legal Framework:
- Malaysia currently applies aspects of lemon law through several acts, including the Consumer Protection Act (Act 599), the Contract Act 1950, the Sale of Goods Act 1950, and the Hire-Purchase Act 1967. The proposed amendments aim to consolidate and enhance these provisions.
Interim Consumer Protection Measures:
- Negotiation Taskforce: KPDN plans to establish a negotiation taskforce for motor vehicle complaints. This involves tripartite negotiations between the ministry, buyers, and distributors or manufacturers.
- Strengthening TTPM: The Tribunal for Consumer Claims Malaysia (TTPM) will be strengthened through collaboration with Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM). This includes facilitating consent letters from financial institutions to aid consumer claims.
Special Focus on New Vehicles:
- The negotiation taskforce will particularly address issues with new motor vehicles less than six months old, still under warranty and unmodified.
Cooperation and Industry Expectations:
- KPDN expects cooperation from industry players, especially in the automotive sector, to support consumer rights and ensure a fair market environment.

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Hubject And Gentari Join Forces To Streamline EV Charging Across Southeast Asia

Hubject, a leader in EV interoperability, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Gentari Green Mobility Sdn Bhd, a subsidiary of Gentari Sdn Bhd, to integrate Gentari’s EV charging network with Hubject’s eRoaming platform. This collaboration aims to enhance the accessibility and reliability of EV charging infrastructure in Malaysia and Southeast Asia.

Key Points of the Collaboration:

Integration with Hubject’s eRoaming Platform:
- Gentari’s EV chargers will be connected to Hubject’s eRoaming platform, allowing EV drivers to charge seamlessly across a broader network of charging points in the region.
- This partnership will be significantly enhanced when Gentari’s charging points are certified for Hubject’s Plug&Charge via the Gentari Go app, enabling EV drivers to start charging without using a mobile app or RFID card.
Advancing Seamless Charging Experience:
- Gentari is in talks with OEMs to enable Plug&Charge capabilities for their vehicles, further promoting a seamless charging experience.
Statements from Leaders:
- Christian Hahn, CEO of Hubject: He emphasized the value of the collaboration, highlighting how it supports the adoption of EVs and renewable energy. He sees Gentari as a future EV mobility champion in Southeast Asia.
- Shah Yang Razalli, Deputy CEO of Gentari and CEO of Gentari Green Mobility: He reiterated Gentari’s commitment to sustainable transportation, ensuring safety, reliability, and convenience for customers. He views this partnership as a significant step towards becoming a leading green mobility solutions partner in the Asia Pacific.
Gentari’s Charging Network:
- Gentari operates the largest direct current (DC) charging network in Malaysia, with over 120 DC charging points from more than 400 charging points (CPs) in the country.
- Gentari’s clean energy platform, Gentari Go, provides access to over 2,400 chargers across Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand through an EV roaming network.
Global Ambitions:
- Hubject aims to achieve one million networked charge points globally by 2024, and this partnership with Gentari is part of their strategic goal to streamline the EV charging experience in Southeast Asia.

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Debate Heats Up: Concessionaires vs. Government on MLFF Traffic Project

Concessionaires are raising concerns about the federal government’s involvement in the implementation of the multi-lane free-flow (MLFF) traffic project on private highways. This project aims to facilitate toll collection without requiring vehicles to stop or slow down, using advanced technologies like radio-frequency identification devices (RFID) and automated number plate recognition (ANPR).

Key Points of Concern

Government’s Role vs. Private Operators’ Autonomy
- Government’s Plan B: Deputy Works Minister Ahmad Maslan announced that the government intends to issue a request for proposal (RFP) to potentially reduce project costs.
- Concessionaires’ Stance: Private highway operators believe they should have the freedom to select the service providers for implementing MLFF on their highways, as they own and manage these assets.
Cost Implications and Efficiency
- Concessionaires’ View: Operators argue that they can implement the MLFF system more cost-effectively at their own expense. They claim that issuing an RFP and potentially awarding the project to a single company could increase costs and breach existing concession agreements.
- Government’s Rationale: The government believes an RFP could lower project costs, though concessionaires dispute this.
Previous Agreements and Concerns
- Unilateral Decision: In December, the government reportedly signed an agreement with a company linked to YTL Corporation Bhd for a RM3.46 billion project without consulting concessionaires.
- Objections: Concessionaires have objected to this move, suggesting it could inflate costs by up to 30% and violate their agreements with the government.
- Berjaya Group’s Competing Bid: Earlier in the year, Berjaya Group sought support for a rival bid involving the installation of a barrier-free toll system. The government has assured that no final decision has been made and that concessionaires will be consulted.

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Drive Home A Mercedes-Benz With Goodyear’s “Win A Car” Campaign

Goodyear Malaysia has announced the launch of its “Win A Car” Campaign, running from today until 31 October 2024. This exclusive campaign offers customers the chance to drive home a Mercedes-Benz and win iPhone 15 prizes every two weeks by purchasing two or more 17” and above tyres.

Campaign Highlights:

Grand Prize: A Mercedes-Benz for one lucky winner.
Bi-Weekly Prizes: iPhone 15 for winners every two weeks.

Goodyear’s collaboration with Mercedes-Benz aims to provide customers with the joy of driving luxury cars fitted with premium tyres. This reflects the shared commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction of both brands.

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Proton Strengthens Hold on Second Place with 10,999 Units Sold in June

Proton sold a total of 10,999 units (domestic and export) in June 2024, maintaining its stronghold in the automotive sales table at second place. Despite a planned one-week plant shutdown for scheduled operations improvement, Proton achieved a market share of 19.1% for both June and the year-to-date (YTD). This brings the total sales for the first half of 2024 to 73,696 units.

The Total Industry Volume (TIV) for June is forecasted to be softer than any month this year, with an estimated 57,700 units sold, lower than the previous low in April, which was affected by the long festive holiday. However, the cumulative forecast TIV figure for the first six months of 2024 is approximately 386,600 units, nearly 20,000 units more than the same period in 2023 when it reached a new record high.

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PRO-NET Takes Charge of e.MAS EV Launch

PRO-NET, a subsidiary of national carmaker Proton, has taken control over managing e.MAS, the newest addition to its electric vehicle (EV) portfolio, following the official launch of the e.MAS brand on June 12, 2024.

PRO-NET is now responsible for establishing the e.MAS brand, enhancing its market presence and preparing for upcoming product launches. Their tasks include recruiting a dedicated team, setting up a robust dealer network, and fostering partnerships with charging providers to ensure a seamless EV ecosystem.

With a successful track record from launching the smart #1, currently a top contender in the Premium SUV segment, and the impending introduction of the smart #3, PRO-NET is well-equipped to champion the e.MAS brand. The team leverages its established networks, digital platforms, and expert personnel to ensure that e.MAS not only matches but surpasses the success seen with the smart models in the EV landscape.

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PM Addresses RON95 Petrol Subsidy Plans

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim reaffirmed that the government has not yet finalised a decision regarding the implementation of targeted RON95 petrol subsidies, noting that no policy paper has been prepared on the matter.

According to FMT, during Prime Minister’s Question Time in the Dewan Rakyat, Anwar highlighted that while studies have been conducted, the government prefers to first evaluate the outcomes of subsidy rationalisation for electricity, chicken, and diesel implemented over the past year.

“Let’s see the impact and gauge the public reaction. After that, we’ll be ready to discuss what needs to be done,” Anwar stated in response to a supplementary question from Ahmad Fadhli Shaari (PN-Pasir Mas) on potential targeted subsidies for RON95 petrol.

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Art of Speed Malaysia 2024: Stop The Violence

Malaysia’s biggest annual Kustom & Counter Culture event returns to the Malaysia Agro Exposition Park, Serdang (MAEPS) – a 452,084 sqft indoor venue, 8.6-acre outdoor venue – with every event hall locked in and plenty of fun-filled activities and exhibitions for fans and visitors over the weekend. MAEPS will host Art of Speed 2024 (AOS 2024) on 27 July 2024 (10:00 am – 7:00 pm) and 28 July 2024 (10:00 am – 7:00 pm).

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Honda Malaysia Introduces Upgraded Honda Insurance Plus for Enhanced Protection

Honda Malaysia has unveiled the upgraded Honda Insurance Plus (HiP), an enhanced automotive insurance plan designed to provide exceptional value and comprehensive protection exclusively for Honda owners. The improved HiP package now includes three significant benefits: unlimited mileage towing, 100% payout for up to 15 years, and 100% coverage on accidental repairs (no betterment) for up to 13 years.

Upgraded HiP Package Focuses on Three Core Pillars:

1. Rescue: The enhanced HiP offers added assurance with unlimited mileage towing for accidents, breakdowns, and floods. Roadside repair services include free labour up to RM200 per event (excluding spare parts). Customers can access 24/7 HiP Emergency Assistance by calling 1-800-18-1177 for vehicle breakdown and accident services. The 24/7 rescue team is ready to assist with unforeseen incidents, including flat tyres.

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Local News

Government Considering Waiving Parking Fees for EVs

Key Points:

KPDN Moves to Strengthen Consumer Protection with New Lemon Law

Key Developments and Strategies:

Hubject And Gentari Join Forces To Streamline EV Charging Across Southeast Asia

Key Points of the Collaboration:

Debate Heats Up: Concessionaires vs. Government on MLFF Traffic Project

Key Points of Concern

Drive Home A Mercedes-Benz With Goodyear’s “Win A Car” Campaign

Proton Strengthens Hold on Second Place with 10,999 Units Sold in June

PRO-NET Takes Charge of e.MAS EV Launch

PM Addresses RON95 Petrol Subsidy Plans

Art of Speed Malaysia 2024: Stop The Violence

Honda Malaysia Introduces Upgraded Honda Insurance Plus for Enhanced Protection

Government Considering Waiving Parking Fees for EVs

KPDN Moves to Strengthen Consumer Protection with New Lemon Law

Hubject And Gentari Join Forces To Streamline EV Charging Across Southeast Asia

Debate Heats Up: Concessionaires vs. Government on MLFF Traffic Project

Drive Home A Mercedes-Benz With Goodyear’s “Win A Car” Campaign

Proton Strengthens Hold on Second Place with 10,999 Units Sold in June

PRO-NET Takes Charge of e.MAS EV Launch

PM Addresses RON95 Petrol Subsidy Plans

Art of Speed Malaysia 2024: Stop The Violence

Honda Malaysia Introduces Upgraded Honda Insurance Plus for Enhanced Protection

Archive

Chery Malaysia Launches New Showroom and Service Centre in Glenmarie

Kelantan JPJ Auction Raises RM151,100 from Sale of Seized Vehicles

Nissan and Mitsubishi Join Forces on Autonomous Driving and Energy Storage Solutions

Leapmotor International Marks Milestone with First Shipment of C10 SUVs to Asia Pacific Region

Caterham Project V’s Electric Powertrain Components Will be Developed by Yamaha

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