Public transport in Malaysia is set to achieve new milestones in 2025 with increased train reliability, expanded payment options, and higher ridership levels benefiting commuters and travellers alike.
Prasarana Malaysia Bhd, the operator of urban rail and bus networks, reported an impressive 1.18 million daily journeys across its services in 2024, marking a 24% increase from 2023.
Improving Rail Reliability
Transport Minister Anthony Loke emphasized the importance of reliability in urban rail and bus services, particularly through the mean kilometres between failure (MKBF) metric. This measures the distance a train line can operate without a disruption lasting more than five minutes.
The Putrajaya line demonstrated stellar reliability, achieving an MKBF score of 1.35 million kilometres—the highest among Prasarana’s five lines.
The goal is to ensure all lines surpass the one-million-kilometre benchmark by the second quarter of 2026.
To boost reliability on the Kelana Jaya line, historically Malaysia’s most-used urban rail line, 27 new train sets have been procured, with 23 already in operation as of December 2024.
Five Jaecoo J7 Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs) recently undertook a challenging journey from Singapore, through Malaysia, to Hatyai, Thailand, pushing the limits of the vehicle’s range and showcasing its impressive capabilities. All five vehicles surpassed the 1,200km WLTP (Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure) range, with the longest recorded distance reaching 1,427.5km.
The WLTP range, which measures the maximum distance an EV can travel on a single charge under standardised conditions, was significantly exceeded during the drive.
The drive also highlighted the vehicle’s exceptional fuel efficiency and range performance. The Jaecoo J7 PHEV covered 947km on petrol alone, while its pure electric range reached 108km, surpassing its stated specification by 18km. The vehicle also achieved remarkable fuel consumption rates of 3.5L/100km, significantly better than its standard 6.6L/100km, further underlining its efficiency.
Proton has officially launched the Proton X50 Sport Edition (SE), a special edition of its best-selling SUV that offers a combination of sportiness and sophistication. Built upon the solid foundation of the Proton X50 Premium variant, the X50 SE promises a more dynamic and premium experience, featuring exclusive enhancements both inside and out.
Since its debut in 2020, the Proton X50 has become a dominant player in Malaysia’s B-segment SUV market. The model has consistently ranked as the top-selling SUV, with over 128,000 units sold to date. The 2024 Proton X50 continues to hold the No.1 position in its segment, and the new Sport Edition aims to capitalize on the model’s success by appealing to customers seeking a sportier aesthetic, without compromising on the performance and technology the X50 is known for.
The Proton X50 SE stands out with several exclusive features that make it truly unique. The most prominent of these is the Aerokit, which adds a sporty flair with front, rear, and side skirting. The vehicle’s body is painted in a sleek Quartz Black, enhanced with glossy black accents at the front and rear, giving it an even more striking appearance. To complement the bold exterior, the SE variant is equipped with black 18-inch alloy wheels and distinctive body decals, ensuring it commands attention on the road. Inside, Proton has ensured that the X50 SE offers both sophistication and practicality. Notable upgrades include a wireless charger for seamless device connectivity, exclusive Sport Edition carpet mats, durable stainless steel scuff plates, and a boot tray for better cargo management.
Under the hood, the Proton X50 SE retains the brand’s award-winning 1.5-litre turbocharged engine. This engine delivers an impressive 150PS and 226Nm of torque, paired with a smooth 7-speed dual-clutch transmission (7DCT). This powertrain not only ensures a dynamic driving experience but also keeps the Proton X50 SE in line with its five-star ASEAN NCAP safety rating, which is a key selling point for buyers. In terms of technology, the SE variant features the latest updates introduced in the 2024 Proton X50, including a 10.3-inch infotainment system powered by a dual quad-core processor, which supports the “Hi Proton” voice assistant and the Proton Link app for remote engine start and cabin cooling.
For enhanced convenience, the X50 SE also comes with a High-Definition 360 Camera for safer parking, and its automatic air conditioning system ensures a comfortable cabin environment at all times. The driver’s seat is equipped with a 6-way power-adjustable mechanism, offering customizable comfort to suit different driving preferences.
The Proton X50 Sport Edition is priced at RM105,300, offering customers RM10,000 worth of added value. However, with production limited to only 1,000 units, the model is expected to be a rare find. To sweeten the deal, Proton is offering a limited-time rebate of RM7,000 for January bookings, bringing the total savings to RM13,500. Proton aims to make this limited-edition model even more desirable with exclusive features and a price tag that reflects its premium enhancements.
In conjunction with the launch of the X50 SE, Proton has also introduced the Test Drive and Win Festive Fortune campaign, running from January to March 2025. This campaign gives customers the opportunity to win a brand-new Proton X50 Sport Edition as the grand prize. Additionally, customers who visit Proton dealerships for a test drive will be in the running for monthly cash prizes of up to RM5,000. Those who make a booking and register a new Proton vehicle will automatically be entered into a lucky draw to win a RM10,000 travel package each month. The campaign will culminate in the awarding of the final grand prize at the end of March.
Roslan Abdullah, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of Proton, commented, “The Proton X50 Sport Edition is about offering more excitement for Proton customers by leveraging the popularity of the Proton X50, a crowd favourite since its launch. With the SE, we want to amplify that spirit by delivering a version that offers a more dynamic and sportier image, that customers have been longing for.”
Bookings for the Proton X50 Sport Edition can now be made online through Proton’s official website or at authorized dealerships nationwide.
Mini Malaysia has unveiled the All-New Mini Countryman S ALL4, a locally-assembled petrol-powered addition to the New Mini Family, offering enhanced versatility for diverse lifestyles.
The All-New Mini Countryman S ALL4, sharing its Favoured Trim with the 2024 electrified Countryman SE ALL4, features larger dimensions for improved spaciousness, comfort, and safety. Its bold exterior includes an upright profile, octagonal grille, LED lighting with customizable signatures, and striking 20-inch Windmill Spoke wheels.
BMW Malaysia has unveiled two remarkable additions to its portfolio—the all-new BMW 530i M Sport and the BMW i4 eDrive35 M Sport. These models showcase BMW’s commitment to delivering unparalleled driving pleasure, technological innovation, and diverse choices for its customers.
The All-New BMW 530i M Sport
The BMW 5 Series has long been a benchmark in the premium business sedan segment, renowned for its elegance, performance, and technological sophistication. The all-new BMW 530i M Sport builds upon this legacy with enhanced power, refined features, and a striking new design.
At the forefront of the vehicle’s design is its enlarged kidney grille, featuring the BMW Iconic Glow package, which illuminates the frame for a dynamic presence day or night. The model’s “Sharknose” styling and sculpted lines enhance its sporty character, while slim vertical LED headlights and aerodynamic contours add to its modern appeal. Completing the look are 20-inch M light alloy wheels in Star Spoke Style and the signature Hofmeister kink, blending sedan elegance with coupé allure.
PHS Automotive Malaysia, the official distributor of Audi vehicles in Malaysia, introduces updated pricing for its lineup of internal combustion engine (ICE) and electric vehicle (EV) models, effective January 1, 2025.
From dynamic Sportbacks to elegant sedans and versatile SUVs, Audi remains synonymous with timeless design and groundbreaking automotive technology. With the new pricing structure, owning an Audi becomes even more attainable for those who seek a distinctive and exhilarating driving experience.
An Icon of Distinction
Owning an Audi represents a daring choice, rooted in a legacy of engineering excellence and innovation. Forged on the racetrack and refined for the road, Audi vehicles are crafted for those who wish to stand apart with unmatched sophistication and performance.
Enhanced Audi Assurance Package (AAP)
In conjunction with the updated prices, PHS Automotive Malaysia is thrilled to announce an enhanced Audi Assurance Package (AAP). Designed to provide peace of mind, the AAP now includes:
5 years of maintenance services (previously 3 years)
5 years of warranty coverage (up to 150,000 km)
5 years of roadside assistance
The AAP ensures Audi owners receive unparalleled care through scheduled maintenance and access to Audi’s expert service network, preserving the exceptional performance and quality of their vehicles. With this enhancement, every Audi journey is backed by a steadfast commitment to trust, reliability, and safety.
Petronas Lubricants International (PLI) has launched its new Petronas Urania Light Commercial Vehicle (LCV) Engine Oil range, tailored to meet the unique demands of the local LCV market. Designed with StrongTech™ technology, the engine oil promises enhanced durability, superior viscosity retention, and improved overall engine performance.
Features and Benefits
The Petronas Urania LCV Engine Oil is engineered to keep vehicles on the road longer, minimising maintenance needs and reducing costs. Key benefits include:
Extended oil drain intervals: Fewer service requirements, leading to lower maintenance costs.
Exceptional performance: Resilience in extreme conditions, whether for daily operations, off-road adventures, or fleet management.
Syndicates offering special stickers as a means of avoiding penalties at roadblocks have been uncovered, with many heavy vehicle owners and drivers reportedly relying on this illicit practice. Investigations by Utusan Malaysia reveal that lorry operators acquire these stickers to evade fines and legal actions, even when committing traffic offences such as carrying overloaded vehicles.
How the Scheme Operates
The syndicate sells these special stickers, which feature specific codes and shapes, for as low as RM1,000 per lorry. These stickers are then placed on the front or rear of the vehicles, allowing corrupt enforcement officers to identify vehicles “under their protection.” This arrangement ensures that vehicles with the stickers are waved through roadblocks without scrutiny, regardless of their violations.
Key Details of the Scheme Include:
Sticker Pricing: The cost varies depending on the vehicle’s weight and the operating zone. Some vehicles even carry multiple stickers to navigate through different jurisdictions.
Monthly Payments: Lorry operators reportedly pay the syndicate monthly to retain their immunity. For instance, a medium-sized operator with 10 lorries may pay up to RM10,000 a month, while syndicates earn substantial profits of RM100,000 monthly from a single zone.
Area-Specific Protection: Stickers are zone-specific, meaning operators must purchase additional stickers for access in different regions, further inflating costs.
The year 2024 marked another historic milestone for Malaysia’s automotive industry, driven by the influx of new market entrants and a series of high-profile vehicle launches. The Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA) responded to this remarkable growth by revising its 2024 total industry volume (TIV) forecast to an impressive 800,000 new vehicle sales. Among the standout performers was premium SUV market challenger Jaecoo, which achieved a remarkable 7,041 Jaecoo J7 SUV registrations within just five months of its retail launch in Malaysia.
To celebrate this extraordinary achievement, Jaecoo Malaysia hosted its first-ever dealership awards ceremony, recognizing 12 top-performing dealerships for their contributions to the brand’s success. Emily Lek, Vice President of Jaecoo Malaysia, expressed gratitude to customers and partners, saying, “We appreciate our customers for their faith in the Jaecoo brand, and we will remain dedicated to delivering on our brand promise with best-in-class vehicles and a premium ownership experience. These awards recognise the vital role our dealer network plays in the brand’s overall achievement. We will continue to expand our dealer network in line with our ambition to provide the absolute best customer experience.”
Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM), the official distributor of Mitsubishi vehicles in Malaysia, is thrilled to unveil the “Drive Your Ambition” brand festival, a one-of-a-kind 4×4 experiential event set to take place on 18–19 January 2025 at ParkCity Eastwood, Miri, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. This exciting two-day event promises to showcase the unparalleled performance and capabilities of the all-new Mitsubishi Triton, alongside a range of activities and attractions for the whole family.
Event Highlights
All-New Triton Obstacle Test Drive
Experience the motorsports-inspired handling of the all-new Triton by navigating through challenging obstacle courses, including:
