Local News Archives

One Meter Long King Cobra Found in Proton Saga Engine Bay

The Fire and Rescue Department responded swiftly to an unusual and potentially dangerous situation, rescuing a woman who discovered a King Cobra in her car engine. The incident took place at the PDRM Apartments in Sabah.

Details of the Incident

Location and Initial Report: The department received a call indicating that a King Cobra, approximately one meter long, had made its way into the engine compartment of a Proton Saga. The report came from the PDRM Apartments, where the car was parked.

Discovery: The car owner was alerted to the presence of the snake by a neighbour. The neighbour had witnessed the snake slithering into the vehicle earlier in the day, prompting them to notify the car owner.

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Tyre Retreading Tactics: Cause of Rise in Heavy Vehicle Accidents?

Recent incidents involving heavy vehicle accidents have alarmed road users across the nation. Notably, these accidents often result in severe consequences, including loss of innocent lives, and frequently go viral on social media.

Statistics and Causes

Deputy Minister of Transport Datuk Hasbi Habibollah revealed that from January to March 2024, a total of 652 accidents involving various heavy vehicles were recorded. These vehicles include container trucks, small trucks, and express buses. The primary factors contributing to these accidents are:

Driver Negligence: Drowsy driving and lack of attention.
Speeding: Driving above the permitted speed limit.
Overloading: Vehicles carrying more than the permissible load.
Poor Maintenance: Inadequate upkeep of vehicles.

Public Concern and Calls for Action

The public has voiced concerns over these incidents, urging the government to enhance the monitoring and enforcement of transport vehicles. There is a widespread belief that stricter oversight could mitigate the frequency and severity of these accidents.

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RON95 Targeted Subsidy Mechanism to Use Padu Data

The Economy Ministry has announced that the RON95 targeted subsidy mechanism will fully utilise data from the Central Database Hub (Padu), basing eligibility on net household disposable income.

Padu System Overview

Padu serves as the central data repository for Malaysian citizens and permanent residents, consolidating information for individuals and households. As of March 31, 2024, 10.55 million individuals have updated their personal information within the system. The Padu system is currently in its second phase, which involves data analysis to determine household details, reasonable expenditure, and net disposable income.

Data Analysis and Implementation

The second phase of Padu’s development focuses on analysing collected data to accurately identify household details and assess their financial status. This analysis will help determine who qualifies for the RON95 subsidy based on their net disposable income.

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USS Blue Ridge Arrives in Port Klang for Strategic Visit

The flagship of the United States Navy’s Seventh Fleet, USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19), docked at the Port Klang Cruise Terminal today, marking its second visit to Malaysia since Kota Kinabalu in 2019.

Strengthening US-Malaysia Naval Partnership

Vice-Admiral Fred Kacher, Commander of the US Seventh Fleet, emphasised the strategic importance of Malaysia as a key partner for the US Navy in the region. “This port visit provides us with an important opportunity to meet our Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) counterparts, engage with the community here, and enjoy the sights and culture,” he said.

Upon arrival, Kacher was greeted by RMN Inspector General Rear Admiral Abdullah Sani Ismail.

Focus on Maritime Security

Captain Nicholas DeLeo, commanding officer of USS Blue Ridge, highlighted the significance of the visit in terms of maritime security collaboration. “There are a couple of items of mutual interests that we have with Malaysia in terms of security, whether it’s counterterrorism, maritime domain awareness, or regional stability. Those are topics that we are looking to discuss and further our relationship on,” DeLeo stated during a media tour of the ship.

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GWM Malaysia to Host Off-Road Test Drive Event for TANK 300 on July 20-21

Great Wall Motor (GWM) Malaysia is set to host an exciting off-road test drive event on July 20 and 21, 2024, at M4TREC, a 4WD training and experience centre located in Semenyih. This event celebrates the recent launch of the GWM TANK 300 in Malaysia. This fully imported (CBU) off-road SUV is competitively priced at RM250,000 on the road without insurance and is available in four attractive colours: Dusk Orange, Fossil Grey, Crystal Black, and Pearl White.

The event offers the public a unique opportunity to experience the GWM TANK 300’s capabilities firsthand through a series of custom-designed obstacles and challenges. Participants will receive training from expert instructors on how to navigate rugged terrains, enhancing their outdoor adventure skills.

Among the formidable obstacles available for participants to tackle with the GWM TANK 300 are the Log Bridge, Axle Twister, Ridge Crossing, Log Track, Hill Descent, Hill Climb, and more.

All participants who attend the test drive will receive an exclusive GWM merchandise gift. To secure a spot for the off-road test drive experience, interested individuals can RSVP now at RSVP link.

Special Offers for the First 300 GWM TANK 300 Customers

In conjunction with the launch of the GWM TANK 300, GWM Malaysia is offering exclusive benefits for the first 300 customers:

Free Service Maintenance: Five years or 100,000km of free service maintenance, including labour and parts, applicable every 10,000 KM or every six months, whichever comes first.
Lifetime Warranty: Enjoy an unlimited mileage Lifetime Warranty for Engine & Transmission (limited to first-hand owners).
GWM x Thule Adventure Kit: Receive a Thule Adventure Kit, which includes an RM8,000 Thule Voucher and a Thule Paramount Backpack worth RM999.
Adventure Trip with GWM TANK: Customers who complete their vehicle registration by August 12, 2024, will have the chance to win an Adventure Trip with GWM TANK to ChengDu and ChongQing, China. Ten customers will be selected through a lucky draw contest.

This event and the exclusive offers underscore GWM Malaysia’s commitment to providing exceptional off-road experiences and value to its customers. Don’t miss this opportunity to explore the full potential of the GWM TANK 300 and enjoy the added benefits that come with it.

Boosting EV Safety: Mercedes-Benz Malaysia’s Training for Fire and Rescue Teams

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia is reinforcing its commitment to supporting the nation’s goal of becoming an Energy Efficient Vehicle (EEV) hub. The company recently conducted a comprehensive EV emergency training programme for the Fire and Rescue Department of Malaysia (Bomba) at its state-of-the-art Training Academy in Puchong, Selangor.

As the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) continues to grow in Malaysia, the importance of adequately training emergency responders to manage EV-related incidents has become paramount. The “Electrification Drive: Fire and Rescue Team Orientation” programme was developed to meet this critical need by providing essential information about EV technology and outlining best practices for handling EVs in various challenging scenarios.

More than 40 Bomba personnel participated in the training, which covered both theoretical aspects and hands-on practical experience in managing electric vehicle incidents. The training included the identification of EV models, high-voltage vehicle and battery handling, battery scanner usage, fire blanket application, emergency protocols, and the use of the Mercedes-Benz Rescue Assist App.

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DBKL to Implement Traffic Changes on Jalan Sultan Ismail

Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) announced today that significant traffic changes will be implemented on Jalan Sultan Ismail starting July 22. The Cabinet committee on road safety and traffic congestion has decided that the stretch of road from the Jalan Raja Chulan intersection to the Jalan Bukit Bintang intersection will revert to its original one-way direction, effective from 12:01 AM next Monday.

DBKL stated that the decision follows extensive studies and consideration of feedback received during a trial period that began on May 1. The move aims to alleviate traffic congestion issues in the area.

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Reduction of Speed Limits in School Zones to 30km/h Proposed to Enhance Safety

In a significant move to improve road safety for children, the Deputy Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Dr. Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, has proposed reducing the maximum speed limit in school zones to 30km/h, down from the previous limit of 40 km/h. This initiative aims to lower the accident rate involving pupils and school students, a vulnerable group on the roads, according to Berita Harian.

Dr. Ahmad Zahid, who also chairs the Cabinet Committee on Road Safety and Congestion (JKMKKJR), highlighted the proposal’s alignment with accident statistics in school areas provided by the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM). According to PDRM data, 2023 saw 322 injury cases, including fatalities, related to school zone accidents. On average, 67 deaths occur annually due to such incidents.

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UMW Toyota Motor’s June 2024 Sales Surge with 7,600 Units Sold

UMW Toyota Motor Sdn Bhd (UMWT) concluded June 2024 on a high note with a monthly sale of 7,600 units. This achievement propels the year-to-date sales to 47,000 units, showcasing the company’s robust initiatives and successful customer-centric promotions.

UMWT’s dedication to providing innovative mobility solutions and engaging in broader community initiatives is evident in this positive sales performance. The company attributes this success to its focused promotional efforts and a steadfast commitment to customer satisfaction and social responsibility.

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Continental Tyres Unveils MaxContact MC7: The High-Performance Urban Tyre for APAC Drivers

Continental Tyres has introduced its latest innovation, the MaxContact MC7 tyre, a sporty, high-performance tyre specifically designed for urban landscapes and tailored to meet the needs of drivers in the Asia Pacific (APAC) region. This new product promises to elevate everyday driving with precise steering and dynamic handling, providing maximum control.

Engineered for Thrill Seekers

“Developed and tested by a team of 25 engineers and material experts through more than 8,000 hours in R&D, we engineered a high-performance sporty tyre that meets the unique needs of the drivers who seek the thrill from their everyday driving,” said Mr. Tolga Mutlu, Head of Product Management, Continental Replacement Tyres APAC. “The new MaxContact MC7 offers just that.”

Key Features:

Refined Handling and Stability: The MaxContact MC7 enhances driving precision and stability, especially during sharp turns and cornering at higher speeds. This is achieved through the optimisation of pressure distribution within the tyre, creating a wider footprint with the Cornering Macroblocks that redistribute force for a more controlled drive.
ReFlex Compound: This compound increases resistance to tyre deformation, resulting in improved steering response and accuracy.

Safety in Wet Conditions

Designed to ensure safety during frequent wet weather in APAC, including Malaysia, the MaxContact MC7 provides enhanced grip and shorter braking distances to ensure a stable drive.

Advanced Safety Features:

3D Laser-Cut Sipes: These improve grip and braking in wet conditions, reducing the risk of aquaplaning by quickly expelling water through the tyre grooves.
Silica Technology: The ReFlex compound includes silica technology that enhances the transfer of kinetic energy to heat during braking, leading to shorter braking distances on both dry and wet roads.

Quieter Driving Experience

For those who value a quiet drive, even in a sports car, the MaxContact MC7 offers an upgraded noise reduction feature.

Noise Reduction Technology:

Two-in-1 Noise Breaker 3.0: This feature breaks up sound waves, preventing noise from building up and traveling into the car cabin, ensuring a quieter drive preferred by sporty city drivers.

Availability

The MaxContact MC7 tyre is available in sizes ranging from 16″ to 21″ and will be available for purchase across APAC markets starting in Q1 of 2024. (Timing of stock availability varies by individual market.)