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.
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.
Porsche has expanded its electric Macan lineup by introducing the rear-wheel-drive and 4S trims, adding to the previously unveiled Macan 4 and Turbo models. This move broadens the options available to buyers looking for varied performance and features in the electric SUV market.
Porsche Macan EV 4S
New Base Model: Rear-Wheel Drive
The new base model of the Macan EV eliminates the front motor, resulting in a weight reduction of 110kg compared to the Macan 4. This model uses a rear-mounted electric motor delivering 335hp, which can increase to 355hp with launch control. Despite having 47hp less than the Macan 4, it offers an instant torque of 562Nm, although this is 86Nm less than its all-wheel-drive counterpart. This configuration allows the rear-wheel-drive Macan EV to accelerate from 0 to 100km/h in 5.4 seconds, just half a second slower than the Macan 4, and reach a top speed of 218km/h.
Porsche Macan EV RWD
Macan 4S: Enhanced Performance
The Macan 4S bridges the gap between the Macan 4 and the Turbo model. It features the same front motor as the Macan 4 but includes a more powerful rear motor, boosting its output to 442hp, or 509hp with overboost. This represents an increase of 107hp over the Macan 4. The torque also rises to 783Nm with launch control, which is 134Nm more than the Macan 4. The Macan 4S achieves 0 to 100km/h in just 3.9 seconds and has a top speed of 238km/h.
Shared Features and Specifications
Both new trims share a 95-kWh battery, capable of charging from 10 to 80 percent in approximately 21 minutes with a 270 kW charger. Standard features include air suspension and electronic damping control, ensuring a smooth and controlled ride.
Design and Off-Road Capabilities
The electric Macan offers a new Slate Grey Neo colour and 20-inch wheels. Additionally, it includes an off-road design package that improves the approach angle to 17.5 degrees and increases ground clearance to 7.6 inches, which can be further raised to 8.8 inches with the air suspension in its highest setting. The off-road package also features a redesigned front bumper, side skirts, diffuser, and roof railings, available in Vesuvius Grey or body colour.
Availability in Malaysia
Porsche Malaysia recently showcased the all-new Macan EV and Macan Turbo at the Porsche World Roadshow, where it is now available for booking. Whether or not we will receive these new variants is an answer that only time can tell.
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.
The BMW Group has become the first automotive manufacturer to receive the CCC Digital Key certificate from the Car Connectivity Consortium (CCC), marking a significant milestone in digital vehicle access. This certification is based on the highest security and interoperability standards set by the CCC, confirming that the BMW Digital Key meets these rigorous requirements.
Leading the Way in Digital Key Technology
The Car Connectivity Consortium is a cross-industry organisation dedicated to advancing vehicle connectivity with intelligent mobile devices. Since joining the consortium in 2017, the BMW Group has played a leading role in developing and establishing cross-industry technologies and safety standards. The CCC’s membership includes numerous automotive manufacturers, major smartphone manufacturers, tier-one automotive suppliers, semiconductor manufacturers, and security product providers.
It has finally arrived, the perfect weekend that you have planned for months: an outing with the family to a hidden beach where clear blue waters and fine white sand await you. But as soon as you turn off onto the dirt road, suddenly the road threatens to bog you down, everyone and everything not tied down gets thrown around like in the movie Twister. The kids start turning green and the barf bags come out. The Mrs. starts yelling at the kids. And soon, the entire trip becomes a nightmare.
But this only happens when you drive anything other than the Isuzu D-Max X-Terrain. Isuzu has decades of building the best pick-ups and the D-Max X-Terrain is the result of putting this experience into producing a pick-up that not only takes on challenges head-on, but makes it the perfect vehicle for your weekend adventures.
These are what the new Isuzu D-Max X-Terrain has for you:
It all starts with versatility, and it is what endears millions to the Isuzu pick-up platform. The magic of having a pick-up truck is the ability to traverse anywhere the road may lead you, even where there is no road left.The go-anywhere, do-anything attitude of the Isuzu D-Max X-Terrain is undeniable. While some pick-up trucks may focus on one aspect over another, the X-Terrain has managed to capture a fine balance of comfort, durability and efficiency. However, the D-Max X-Terrain takes it several steps further.It is equipped with an advanced 4×4 system which includes a Rough Terrain Mode (RTM) that gives it versatile performance across all terrains. Consequently, you can transition from the daily grind to rugged off-road trails with only the turn of a switch. Think of it like the McDonnell-Douglas F/A-18 fighter-bomber jet: It transitions from mode to another at the, you got it, the flick of a switch, making it ideal for weekend getaways.
Add an 800mm water wading depth and you have almost nothing to fear (except for that electric truck running out of juice in front of you and blocking your way).
Driving this performance is the 3.0L “Blue Power” turbo diesel which pumps out a healthy 190PS and 450Nm, for that extra grunt to deal with difficult conditions, offering adaptable performance to ensure a smooth and enjoyable ride anywhere, anytime.
Good technical specification does not mean anything if the interior looks and feels dated. This is where the Isuzu D-Max X-Terrain delivers once again with a well-designed, well-appointed interior with premium touches that will put others to shame such as the large, leather seats that are constructed using elastic foam with anti-vibration technology. The seats offer impressive comfort for extended periods and that is just some of the premium features that the X-Terrain has to offer. The interior is also impressively large which makes it feel comfortable and spacious. Combine this with features such as dual-zone air-conditioning and the interior of the X-Terrain is the perfect place to be either on a daily basis or on long adventure trips towards the unknown.The Isuzu X-Terrain also features an advanced infotainment system running on wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for seamless entertainment and precise navigation. The occupants also do not have to worry about their devices running out of juice, either, as there are multiple USB charging ports placed strategically around the cabin.
When it comes to 4×4 capabilities, interior comfort and tech, the Isuzu D-Max X-Terrain is arguably the best at it. But it also offers amazing versatility and has the means to offer everything you would need on your daily escapades to make driving the X-Terrain truly hassle free. The practical features that the X-Terrain offers include multiple storage options inside the truck. So whether you are in charge of building stuff, a law firm or simply like to have the convenience of owning a pick-up truck, the X-Terrain makes it incredibly easy to live with it. Then there is the incredible clear and precise 360-degree camera. This is one of the X-Terrain’s ace cards as it makes it easy to maneuver the big truck even in tight parking spots.You can also depend on the camera to keep you safe in uncertain conditions, like using the camera to look around the truck before alighting from it, just to ensure no one is hiding around the truck in spots that you cannot see through the mirrors.
The large and deep cargo bed is another feature that is important for those who like to have the versatility that a pick-up truck offers. Shallow beds make it unsafe to store items at the back as they may tip over in corners, but there is no fear of that happening with the X-Terrain.
It is also quite large so you can store all your gear for your weekend camping trips, or even materials you need for your work. Those with a knack for an adventurous lifestyle such as dirt-bikers or supermoto riders will also appreciate the large bed of the Isuzu as it makes it easy to carry two bikes with multiple points to tie down the bikes.
Simply said, the bed of the X-Terrain is ideal for all types of lifestyles.
The only “feature” left out by the Isuzu D-Max is what you have in mind for your perfect weekend: Be it a road trip, camping adventure, or that trip to that hidden beach you have always dreamt about. But now you can be sure of arriving there and overcoming all the challenges along the way.
The Isuzu D-Max X-Terrain is priced at RM157,938.40 OTR without insurance where else in Sabah the X-Terrain carries a price tag of RM159,830.70 while in Sarawak the price is RM160,011.10.
The X-Terrain also comes with a 7-year unlimited mileage warranty, one of the longest in the industry for added peace of mind throughout your ownership life cycle.
