It’s beginning to look like the 2020 Formula 1 World Championship might never run. Following the sudden cancellation of the Australian GP, the opening round, the rounds in Bahrain and Vietnam were postponed. The fourth round in China had already been cancelled earlier as the COVID-19 worsened.
The FIA, which governs motorsport, had discussions with event organisers and the Formula 1 organisation as well as Liberty Media (which holds commercial rights) and decided that the championship would start in May with the European rounds. For the postponed events, there were proposals to run then sometime in the third quarter of the year.
Now, however, with the continued global spread of COVID-19 and many countries imposing strict regulations on movements as well as entry, it would be very difficult to run races. Any event which will have large crowds would not be permitted as that would enable the virus to spread.
The FIA has therefore announced that the Dutch GP, Spanish GP and Monaco GP will be postponed. The three rounds were scheduled to be run in May.
“The FIA and Formula 1 continue to work closely with affected promoters and local authorities to monitor the situation and take the appropriate amount of time to study the viability of potential alternative dates for each Grand Prix later in the year should the situation improve. The 2020 Championship season will begin as soon as it is safe to do so after May,” a statement from the AFIA said.
This week, the FIA has also announced that implementation of the Technical Regulations due to take effect from the 2021 season will be postponed until 2022. Due to the currently volatile financial situation this has created for the teams, it has been agreed that they will use their 2020 chassis for 2021, with the potential freezing of further components to be discussed in due course.
“The introduction and implementation of the Financial Regulations will go ahead as planned in 2021, and discussions remain ongoing between the FIA, Formula 1 and all teams regarding further ways to make significant cost savings,” the FIA said.
Yamaha is a well known name in the motorcycle world, especially in motorsports. And while most people know the Japanese manufacturer for its motorcycles, it actually has a history of making high-performance engines for other manufacturers. In fact, as far back as 1959, Yamaha engineers carried out basic research in automobile engine development and produced a 1.6-litre DOHC unit of exceptional power output.
It collaborated closely with Toyota on the 2000 GT supercar as well as the development of Toyota’s engines such as the 2T-G, 3S-GTE, 1Z-GTE and many others. One of the notable features of its engines was multivalve technology which Yamaha engineers contended offered the highest potential. This is because of the increased effective intake valve surface area, the possibility of a higher compression ratio due to more compact combustion chambers, and lighter valve mass.
In the late 1980s, Yamaha was also involved in Formula 1, after having established a strong track record in Formula 2 and F3000. In 1988, it teamed up with Zakspeed Formula Racing, to form a Formula One racing team known as the West Zakspeed Yamaha Team. The team entered F1 events with a new car using a Yamaha-developed engine, the OX88. The engine was a 5-valve DOHC V8 that had a displacement of 3489 cc and produced over 600 bhp.
One of the teams which Yamaha provided its engines to in the 1990s.
Aguri Suzuki, who had already made the step up to Formula 1, joined the team and faced high expectations as the second ever Japanese Formula One driver following Satoru Nakajima. The team had a somewhat difficult time at first but in 1990, a compact, lightweight engine to succeed the OX88 was announced: the OX99. It was a 5-valve V-12 with a 3498 cc displacement, and its output was also over 600 bhp.
The OX99 proved to be a more competitive engine and Yamaha provided it to the Brabham, Jordan, Arrows and Tyrrell teams until 1997 when the company stopped its involvement in F1. The best result during the 8 years of taking part in F1 was a second place by Damon Hill, driving for the Arrows, at the 1997 Hungarian GP.
F1 car for road use
Using its experience in F1, Yamaha then started to develop a F1 car for the road which, in concept form, was known as the OX99-11. It had a seating position like a racing car – including a central steering position – but was configured to comply with legal requirements for road use. This meant having wheels enclosed within a wheel well, proper lighting units, reasonable ground clearance, and of course, low noise and emissions. The result was a car that looked like a scaled-down Group C racer.
Just as Honda (coincidentally another top motorcycle maker) made a strong technological statement with its NS-X, so too did Yamaha using the OX99-11 to demonstrate the company’s advanced capabilities in the field of automotive engineering. Yamaha planned to make up to 100 units for sale, with a launch date set in 1994.
At that time, T. Hasegawa, who was a senior Managing Director of Yamaha in 1992 and the man behind the company’s collaboration with Toyota for the 2000 GT said: “This project is part of Yamaha’s ongoing efforts to use its experience and technology to make exciting and meaningful contributions to the great tradition of motor culture. It represents our attempt to build the ultimate sportscar.”
The idea to make the car had started sometime in 1982 and a prototype was built using a 4-cylinder 2-litre engine for the Japanese F2 series. In order to make it practical for road use, the mid-mounted engine was detuned by changing the cam profiles, putting in a new engine management programme, and using a slightly heavier flywheel. However, the 10-litre dry sump lubrication system was retained to avoid fuel surge problems and it also lowered centre of gravity. Intake air was drawn through a port on the roof.
But in spite of being detuned, the 3.5-litre engine could still deliver 400 bhp and spin up to 10,000 rpm. Yamaha claimed that it had superior driveability and plenty of usable power from 1,200 rpm, fully exploited by the 6-speed transmission.
Underneath the aluminium bodyshell, the structure was the same as a F1 car with the engine and transmission bolted to the rear wall of the monocoque made of carbonfibre reinforced plastic (CFRP) and sandwiched aluminium honeycomb material. A roll-cage of CFRP was also installed around and over the cabin for extra protection. The driver sat in a safety tub with a small ‘passenger space’ behind, offset to the left. Entry was by raising the glass canopy hinged on the right side.
In the cockpit
Jet pilots would have felt right at home in the OX99-11 with the way the canopy wrapping around the cockpit. The shift lever was placed on the right panel adjacent to the starter button. But back then, electrical systems were simpler and though there was the button to start the engine, a key had still to be inserted to connect the electrical circuit! Because of the compactness, the steering wheel had to be removed to get out of the car.
Although the cockpit was longer than a F1 car, its width was limited because a large portion of the 120 litres of fuel carried was stored in the box sections on either side of the driver. This further enhanced weight distribution as the main mass was kept in the middle area of the car.
F1 suspension
Much of the suspension design and materials came straight off the F1 shelf; at the front and rear were double wishbones with inboard spring/adjustable damper units operated by pushrods. The suspension arms were long and thin with an aerofoil cross-section. Ground clearance could be varied using the body height mechanism.
The tyres for the OX99-11 were from Goodyear which worked with Yamaha on the project. Specially developed unidirectional Eagle 17-inch Z-rated tyres with an asymmetric pattern were installed, the front ones having a 245/40 and the back ones 315/35. The wheels were made of magnesium alloy and were 9 inches wide in front, 12 inches at the rear.
Super downforce
As to be expected, aerodynamic efficiency was top priority and the designers applied the ‘upside-down aerofoil’ idea exploited by Colin Chapman in his Lotus F1 cars. Thus, the OX99-11 was essentially profiled like an inverted wing, the entire shape generating downforce instead of lift.
The claimed overall coefficient of lift of -63 was believed to be the lowest ever attained for any road-legal car. While not as good as a full-fledged racing car, it was still impressive considering the height of the car which allowed air to ‘leak’ under it.
Each OX99-11 was to be hand-built at Ypsilon Technology, a Yamaha subsidiary established in England in 1990 which was responsible for maintaining and supplying Yamaha racing engines. Unfortunately, Japan’s ‘economic bubble’ burst in the early 1990s and Yamaha did not think that anyone would be interested in a supercar (which might cost as much as US$800,000). In the end, only three prototypes were built before the project was terminated.
DIMENSIONS
Length: 4400 mm
Width: 2000 mm
Height: 1220 mm
Wheelbase: 2650 mm
Tracks: 1615 mm (F) | 1633 mm (R)
Min. ground clearance: 100 mm
Land Rover has always been a pioneer and leader in the 4×4 segment, offering vehicles tough enough for military use and for civilians to go almost anywhere on the planet (except over the oceans). In 1970, the company decided to develop a new model which today can be considered the first premium luxury SUV – the Range Rover.
The first Range Rover, a 2-door model, had all the robust qualities of the utilitarian models and was just as capable on any terrain with its 4×4 system. “The idea was to combine the comfort and on-road ability of a Rover saloon with the off-road ability of a Land Rover. Nobody was doing it at the time. It seemed worth a try and Land Rover needed a new product,” said Spen King, who is regarded as the Father of the Range Rover. He was the company’s engineering chief in 1970 and his uncles were the Wilks brothers – Spencer and Maurice – who jointly founded Land Rover in 1948.
In the years that followed, it would become a technology leader among what came to be called SUVs or Sport Utility Vehicles. It introduced ABS, Electronic Traction Control and Automatic Electronic Air Suspension to the SUV world and, with the 2012 Range Rover, pioneered aluminium body architecture in large SUVs. In 2015, the Range Rover was the first vehicle to be fitted with Land Rover’s innovative All-Terrain Progress Control which optimises performance on all kinds of surfaces.
Previously a flagship model of the Land Rover range, the Range Rover evolved into a brand of its own and has a range which currently comprises the Range Rover Sport, Range Rover Evoque and Range Rover Velar, as well as the Range Rover.
The Range Rover line-up in the model’s 50th year.
“Over five decades, the Range Rover has evolved into the most desirable luxury SUV in the world. Its peerless combination of sophisticated design, refinement and capability has struck an emotional chord with customers all over the globe,” said Prof. Gerry McGovern, Chief Creative Officer at Land Rover.
To celebrate the Range Rover’s Golden Jubilee, Land Rover created a giant piece of sub-zero art at its cold weather test facility in Arjeplog, close to the Arctic circle in Sweden. The 260-metre wide artwork filled the centre of the steering pad at the test track where all future Land Rover models are put through their paces during development.
Land Rover’s Arjeplog facility uses a frozen lake to provide the perfect conditions for engineers to test and assess the latest models. Arjeplog is also home to the Jaguar Land Rover Ice Academy, where customers experience the thrill of dynamic ice driving, under careful instruction from world-class driving experts.
Renowned snow artist Simon Beck created the 53,092 sq. metre anniversary logo by walking more than 45,000 steps across the powdery surface inside the steering pad, accompanied by a quartet of the latest Range Rover SV models.
Renowned snow artist Simon Beck walked more than 45,000 steps over the snow to create the anniversary logo.
Since 2014 the expert engineers, craftsmen and women at Special Vehicle Operations have been responsible for designing and producing the fastest, most luxurious and most exclusive Range Rover models in model’s 50-year history.
The biggest selling SV model to date and the fastest and most dynamic Range Rover ever produced is the Range Rover Sport SVR. It has a 575 ps engine which can rocket it from standstill to 100 km/h in 4.5 seconds and top out at 283 km/h.
Although the Movement Control Order (MCO) has provisions to allow the Road Transport Department (JPJ) to continue operating, the department has today announced that it will not be open for operations from March 20. The closure covers all JPJ offices nationwide and the date when operations will resume has not been announced at this time. The MCO, which came into effect yesterday, will last until March 31, 2020.
It is understood that the decision to close was prompted by the large number of people being at the JPJ counters to obtain the various services available. The gathering of people, especially large numbers, is what the MCO aims to prevent as a measure to slow down or stop the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus. Close proximity among people can lead to transmission of the disease, it has been found, apart from picking up the virus from surfaces such as tabletops, door handles, etc.
PUSPAKOM’s mobile inspection services will not be available until further notice.
PUSPAKOM, the vehicle inspection company, which is also allowed to operate during the period of the MCO, has also announced today that it will close all its branches and offices nationwide. Mobile services will also be suspended until further notice.
PUSPAKOM says that vehicle owners who have made appointments for inspections will receive refunds. For information or assistance, call 1-800-88-6927 or visit www.puspakom.com.my. Announcements will also be made on their pages at Facebook and Instagram.
The COVID-19 pandemic may have disrupted the auto industry in many ways but some activities have been planned months in advance and cannot be cancelled unless forced to. In the case of the all-new Hyundai Elantra, the carmaker used The Lot Studios in West Hollywood, California for its global debut online and broadcast worldwide. Given the current situation in America, this approach was probably the best.
This is the seventh generation of the Elantra and the 4-door sedan as the pictures show, the new Elantra has a sportier coupe look. It is longer, lower, and wider compared to the sixth-generation model with the front cowl point moved back around 50 mm. These minor changes dramatically changed the shape of the car but had limited impact on cabin space. In fact, most key interior dimensions increased.
Parametric Dynamics Design
‘Parametric Dynamics’ is the phrase Hyundai designers use to describe the dramatic look of the new Elantra. Like the first generation, the seventh-generation Elantra/Avante has a bold character,” said Luc Donckerwolke, Executive Vice-President and Chief Design Officer, Hyundai Motor Group. “The fresh aesthetic was completed through unconventional lines and a face that broke a taboo in automotive design. The new Elantra is highlighted by its stance that looks like geometric crystals and divided body surfaces to get a strong emotional response from the customers.”
The new Elantra sit on Hyundai’s third-generation vehicle platform and besides weighing less, this new platform also allowed the engineers to lower car’s centre of gravity for more agile handling. The multi-load path structure also improves occupant safety during a collision.
‘Immersive cocoon’ cabin
The cabin has been packaged like an ‘immersive cocoon’ which envelopes the driver like an airplane cockpit. Low, wide structures go from the door all the way to the centre console. The low, wide structure also provides ample interior room. A large interface consisting of two connected expansive 10.25-inch touchscreen displays enhances the futuristic feeling.
A coupe-like profile typically compromises headroom but not so with this new model. With 1031 mm of front headroom and 947 mm of rear headroom, the latest Elantra actually has more front headroom and no less rear headroom than its predecessor. The longer wheelbase also provides best-in-class rear legroom and the wider track width means improved shoulder room in the front and rear.
Besides having Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to put smartphone apps on the dashboard, dual Bluetooth support is also available, so two devices can be paired at the same time – one for phone calls and one for streaming audio.
Digital Key and Voice Recognition System
Depending on the market, customers can also include an optional smartphone-based Hyundai Digital Key. This uses a dedicated mobile app, Near Field Communication (NFC) and Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) technology to allow the car to be unlocked, started and driven without a physical key via applicable Android smartphones.
The enhanced natural language voice recognition system has more and better feature control. This system includes Speech-to-Meaning and Deep Meaning Understanding technologies, delivering speed and accuracy in voice recognition and responses, and an ability to understand context, such as the user’s location to support natural interactions.
Hybrid powertrain for the first time
A hybrid powertrain is now available in the Elantra line-up. This powertrain uses a 1.6-litre GDI Atkinson-cycle 4-cylinder petrol engine that works with a 32-kW electric motor. Total system output is 139 bhp with up to 264 Nm of torque. Powered by a 1.32 kWh lithium-ion polymer battery pack, the high-efficiency electric motor has an electric-only driving mode that delivers instantaneous torque at low speeds, with available power-assist at higher vehicle speeds.
The powertrain is mated to Hyundai’s quick-shifting, 6-speed, dual-clutch transmission, said to be a differentiating point between the Elantra Hybrid from its key competitors. Hyundai claims that the estimated fuel economy will be over 21 kms/litre.
As for the petrol version, this uses a 2-litre MPI unit that produces147 bhp/179 Nm. Hyundai says that a best-in-class consumption figure will be achieved, due in part to an Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT). This transmission, developed in-house, has superior efficiency and replicates gearshifts like those in the automatic transmissions that customers are used to.
The transmission performs continuous shifts by the modulating pressure of the transmission’s pulley, depending on driving conditions and driver inputs. It uses a wide-ratio pulley system, which provides a broader ratio of operation compared with its competitors. This allows for improved fuel economy at higher gear ratios and improved performance at lower ratios.
Hyundai’s new Shift Control Strategy used by the IVT improves linearity between driver inputs, vehicle behaviour and acceleration. Shift response closely replicates automatic transmission step shifts.
SmartSense Safety
Hyundai’s safety suite is known as ‘SmartSense’ and comprises a new array of standard advanced safety technologies such as Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with Pedestrian Detection; Lane Keeping Assist; Lane Following Assist; High Beam Assist; and Drive Attention Warning.
A more advanced package (at extra cost) Blind-Spot Collision Avoidance Assist; Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist; Smart Cruise Control; Highway Driving Assist; Safe Exit Warning; and Reverse Parking Collision Avoidance Assist.
Production of the new Elantra begins in Korea and America in the second half of the year with shipments starting in the fourth quarter. It’s not known when the new model will be available in Malaysia though it would almost certainly be in 2021 if it continues to be assembled locally at the plant in Kedah.
Two years ago, Porsche Design debuted the 1919 Chronotimer Flyback Brown & Leather, a genuine chronograph that set new standards in the world of luxury wristwatches. Equipped with a complex flyback function with chronometer-certified precision, the Porsche Design movement Werk 01.200 represents state of the art.
In addition to its innovative inner workings, the timepiece, like its legendary role model, the Porsche 911, unites uncompromising functionality, thoroughly designed in all details, with an expressive sporty appearance.
Now, Porsche Design launches this chronograph classic in a new edition with a bold colour combination. The dial and strap, made from Porsche interior leather, radiate a subtle blue hue.
Fascinating shape
The Porsche 911 is an icon that has sparked enthusiasm for decades. Since its launch in 1963, the sportscar has been a synonym for the perfect combination of design and performance. Its secret of success is surprisingly simple: Professor Ferdinand Alexander Porsche consistently focused on form and function so that the legendary minimalist design was a natural consequence. “Design must be honest,” emphasized the founder of the Porsche Design company.
This maxim also applies to Porsche Design’s timepieces that translate the DNA code of the sports car into the design of a wristwatch. The 1919 Chronotimer Flyback Blue & Leather continues the tradition of the company’s first timepiece, the Chronograph I, which Prof. F. A. Porsche introduced in 1972. The large-scale, high-contrast dial is all about legibility, so that the attention is automatically directed to the essentials, namely the time display and the measurement functions.
Clean Arabic numerals and bold markers combined with intense use of Super-Luminova increase the readability under difficult lighting conditions and at night. Sevenfold and hard coated on both sides, the sapphire crystal prevents all light reflections, thus guaranteeing optimum readability at all times.
Lightweight and powerful
All timepieces of the 1919 Collection – including the 1919 Chronotimer Flyback collection – are entirely made of titanium. Despite its low weight, this high-tech material derived from the world of motorsport is extremely resilient and resistant. With the same volume, it is 46% lighter than stainless steel, but significantly stronger and also non-magnetic, anti-allergic as well as saltwater and heat resistant.
The signature trademark of the 1919 Collection are the characteristic openings on the lugs and their form-fitting transition into the bracelet. These features not only eliminate the design-related disadvantage of classic horns – the connection via a spring bar – but also lend a unique lightness to the collection’s puristic aesthetics. The owner can literally feel the connection to the sports car on his wrist: the strap is made of original Porsche interior calf leather.
Maximum performance, like the 911
The 1919 Chronotimer Flyback Blue & Leather is powered by Werk 01.200. This chronograph calibre offers a flyback mechanism that allows the measurement of successive intervals, eg lap times on the racetrack. It uses a single process for starting, stopping and resetting. Paced at 4 hertz, the automatic movement represents the culmination of engineering and watchmaking combined with its vehicle manufacturing expertise. The bridges are load/stress optimised. The special architecture allows the unobstructed view of the fascinating mechanism of the flyback function through the sapphire crystal caseback and is a further proof of the implementation of the lightweight principle.
The 1919 Chronotimer Flyback Blue & Leather goes on sale from this month, priced in Europe from 5,950 euros (about RM28,400).
With the Movement Control Order (MCO) in effect for 2 weeks, most industries are required to suspend their operations and activities unless they are designated as essential services or industries. Where the auto industry is concerned, this means not just closing the head office and branches but also showrooms, service centres and assembly plants. No new vehicles will be produced and deliveries will not be carried out. This situation will last till March 31, 2020.
Nevertheless, many car companies are maintaining support for their customers who may have problems with their vehicles. At this time, the MCO does not stop travel on public roads so the vehicles may still be used for essential journeys, ie to replenish supplies or buy medicine. You can also go to restaurants that are allowed to operate but you must take the food home, not dine on their premises which would be an offence.
If you are travelling on PLUS expressways and have a breakdown, there are telephones every 2 kms to call for help.
Should you have problems with your vehicle at such times, it will still be possible to get assistance. Towing services are allowed to operate and virtually all car companies and insurance companies offer such assistance if you contact their Call Centre, most of which operate 24 hours every day. The following companies have informed us of the numbers that their customers can call if help is needed:
Daihatsu: 1-300-88-3667
Ford: 1-300-38-3181
Perodua: 1-800-88-5555
Proton: 1-800-888-398
Lexus: 1-800-88-LEXUS (53987)
Mazda: 1-800-22-8080 or 1-800-18-8011
Mercedes-Benz: 1-800-88-1133
PLUS: 1-800-88-0000 (emergency telephones also available every 2 kms on PLUS expressways)
The latest information provided by the National Security Council concerning the MCO is that, besides towing services, mechanics are permitted to operate during the 2-week period and workshops may also carry out vehicle repairs (but probably not normal servicing).
For decades, Malaysians have known only petroleum brands such as Shell, Esso, Mobil, Caltex, Mobil and BP. In more recent times, BHPetrol came on the scene, acquiring the previous BP station network while Petron took over the network of Esso and Mobil stations.
The petroleum industry is closely regulated by the government, so the entry of new players is not a frequent thing although there is also a brand known as Buraqoil in Langkawi. Recently, a new fuel company player started operations with its first station opened in Kalumpang, Selangor.
The new brand is known as FIVE and is distributed by Five Petroleum Malaysia Sdn. Bhd. Which is described as a ‘unified energy company’. FIVE brand is introducing its own fuel called Ultimaxx which is supplied by Petronas.
According to Dato’ Haji Juhari Bin Abdul Ghani, Chairman of Five Petroleum Malaysia, the company aims to meet Malaysia’s growing demand for fuel in ways that are economically, environmentally, and socially responsible. “We also want to help Malaysia reach its next milestone in development,” he added.
FIVE received a licence for the business from the Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry early this year and managing the retail side is the Seng Group, which began as a Mobil station operator in Mentakab, Pahang almost 50 years ago. The experienced company aims to create new enterprise opportunities for all Malaysians by lowering the entry requirements for would-be petrol station operators. This means stations can be opened in more remote areas, bringing much-needed fuel supply to more locations around the country.
FIVE fuel stations will incorporate next-generation technology and innovation that offers hassle-free transactions in a small scale (which also benefits those who wish to open and run their own petrol stations in the future). This includes cashless payment facilities, a consumer loyalty program, and a convenience store known as Woo! Mart.
The Movement Control Order (MCO) has come into effect today, a strong nationwide action that is necessary to slow down the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus which has become a pandemic situation. Understandably, there has been some confusion and uncertainty about certain aspects of the MCO since this is the first time ever such an Order has been used.
We are fortunate that it is not as restrictive as Lockdown orders which have been used in China, Italy, France and some other countries which are facing rapid increase in COVID-19 infections. A Lockdown totally restricts movement and special permission is needed to even go to the supermarket to buy supplies.
As we’re a motoring website, we’ll cover what is relevant to motorists and the main thing is that you are not supposed to be travelling ‘socially’. This means that you should remain home unless you need to go out for a reason like buying supplies or medicines, or to pick up someone from the airport. There is no curfew (and hopefully won’t be) so movement on public roads is not forbidden.
No crossing state lines, except Selangor and KL
With most offices and shopping centres closed, there is much less traffic on the roads but unfortunately, this is not the time you can enjoy it. Furthermore, the police have clarified that interstate travel is forbidden, with the exception of the Klang Valley which has Selangor and WP Kuala Lumpur.
There was confusion yesterday after the IGP said that applications must be made at police stations for a permit to travel to another state. Long queues quickly started at police stations (so much for trying to achieve social distancing) until the police withdrew the requirement just hours before the midnight deadline when the MCO would come into effect.
Travelling between states is not permitted unless there is an exemption given by the police. Furthermore, the MCO also stops Malaysians from leaving the country, leading to an unusual scene at the Causeway to Singapore where there are no jams at all (right).
Following a meeting, another announcement came out about half an hour after midnight which again stated that there is a ban on interstate travel during the two weeks of the MCO (March 18 – 31, 2020). This time, the IGP said that permits would not be issued freely upon application; only in special cases will an exemption be given. The accepted reasons are:
To visit a close relative who is critically ill
Death of a close family member
Medical purposes/treatment
The police would also consider other reasons on a case-to-case basis but the IGP made it clear that invalid reasons would not get the permission to travel to another state.
New regulations gazetted to strengthen powers of MCO
To strengthen the legal position of the MCO, the Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC) has gazetted the regulations and actions which the MCO covers. The gazetted regulations which are new are known as the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases (Measures within the infected local areas) Regulations 2020. The gazette also identifies all states and federal territories in Malaysia as ‘infected areas’ and travel between infected areas is not allowed except with permission. Committing offences will result in jail terms or fines.
This sounds like a lockdown since whatever state you live in, you are in an infected area. Therefore, as per the MCO, Malaysians are not to move about. However, there is still some flexibility – hopefully not abused – where travel is permitted for official duties, special purposes and essential activities such as buying food or seeking healthcare. It is also permissible to make a journey to and from certain places where food is available for take-away or drive-through outlets.
The MCO is meant to restrict movement to stop or slow down the spread of the disease. However, there is some flexibility provided for travel to buy food or essential items but you should not just drive around for no reason.
Aiming to slow down spread of virus
Once you have completed your ‘mission, you should return home immediately. Other than that, you have to remain in your house and not go out to ‘makan angin’. The aim of the MCO is to prevent the further spread of the disease through human-to-human contact. Social distancing is therefore being strongly promoted, meaning that you should stand at least one metre away from another person.
The latest statement from the National Security Council issued this afternoon allows workshops to carry out vehicle repairs. According to the NSC’s statement, mechanics can also continue to operate at a minimal level, along with towing services.
We appeal to you to adhere to the MCO conditions so that the situation can, hopefully, not worsen. If after two weeks, the MCO does not seem to have done much to slow down the number of infected persons, then the government may be forced to introduce stricter measures which will be more unpleasant for all of us. Let’s do our best not to reach that stage.
UPDATE AT 11:20 PM/March 17: The police have withdrawn the restriction on interstate travel temporarily pending a meeting tomorrow.
At times like these, it’s understandable that there will be people who want to return to their hometowns and be with loved ones. Unfortunately, from tomorrow (Wednesday March 18), you can’t just drive to another state as you always have because the Movement Control Order (MCO) comes into effect. While it doesn’t stop all vehicles from travelling along the highways, it does forbid crossing state borders and the police will be enforcing this restriction until March 31, 2020.
The IGP today made it clear that all cross-border travel will require permission from the police, and there should be a valid reason for wanting to do so. The public can go to police stations and fill out a form to apply for an exemption letter to allow them to go to another state. They must show documents to support their application.
However, the FAQ issued by the National Security Council states that travel to the airport is permitted (for a purpose, of course, and not just to go and look at the planes). The answer provided to the question ‘Can I drive to the airport to pick up someone who has returned from overseas, or that person is working in a sector which provides essential services?’ is ‘Travelto a place for a short while is allowed under the order’.
The FAQ also mentions that it is possible to go out to replenish supplies. Question: If my important supplies run out, can I leave home to buy things and return? The answer is Yes.
Interstate travel will require police permission between March 18 and 31, 2020.
Malaysians are also not permitted to leave the country during the period so the Causeway and Second Link between Malaysia and Singapore will be closed, and presumably the same restriction would apply at the northern borders of Peninsular Malaysia and the borders in East Malaysia between Brunei and Indonesia.
The MCO may not be a curfew and is not a ‘lockdown’, both of which mean absolutely no movement outside homes. However, it is just as serious and those who do not follow it are committing offences. The first offence carries a sentence of 2 years in jail and a fine or both, while a second offence can put you in jail for up to 5 years. Continued breaking of the law will incur a fine of RM200 per day.
The MCO was activated as a measure to slow the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic. 120 new cases were added today, bringing the total number to 673 this evening. The first two deaths were also reported; both were males, one aged 34 and the other was 60 years old.
“The government is taking took this drastic action [of using the MCO] to control the outbreak by limiting the movement of the masses. It needs to take this approach to avoid more Malaysians getting infected with COVID-19 which has now entered its second phase,” Health Minister Dr. Adham Baba said at a press conference today.
