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Porsche Malaysia and Motorsports Association of Malaysia Launch Nationwide Road Safety Campaign

Porsche Malaysia, represented by Sime Darby Auto Performance (Auto Performance), has joined forces with the Motorsports Association of Malaysia (MAM) to launch a nationwide road safety campaign aimed at educating young Malaysians on responsible driving habits.

The initiative, titled “Students Today. Drivers Tomorrow.”, has already reached more than 1,600 students aged 7 to 17 years old as part of a broader effort to instill critical road safety awareness from an early age. With road accidents in Malaysia exceeding 530,000 cases annually, the campaign seeks to address unsafe driving behaviors that put lives at risk.

Christopher Hunter, Chief Executive Officer of Auto Performance, stated that road safety remains a fundamental aspect of driving beyond the passion and performance of motorsports. He emphasised the importance of shaping responsible future drivers and fostering a safer driving culture by instilling safety values in students, who in turn can influence their families to adopt better driving habits.

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Putra Heights Fire: Chery Malaysia Lends 50 Vehicles to Victims

Chery Corporate Malaysia has stepped forward to assist residents affected by the recent Putra Heights fire by providing 50 vehicles to those who lost their transportation in the disaster. Selangor Executive Councillor for Investment, Trade, and Mobility Ng Sze Han confirmed today that the initiative aims to support over a hundred families impacted by the blaze, which was caused by a burst gas pipe belonging to national oil company Petronas.

Ng emphasised the urgency of the situation, highlighting that many residents need transportation to get to work and send their children to school. In response, Chery’s vehicle loan program will begin accepting applications in the coming days, offering temporary mobility solutions for affected families.

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New Rates For Puspakom’s Mobile Services Effective 1 April 2025

PUSPAKOM Sdn Bhd has announced adjustments to its Mobile Van Services (MVS) and Mobile Truck Services (MTS) charges, set to take effect on April 1, 2025. The revision comes as part of efforts to align service charges with current operational costs, ensuring continued efficiency, reliability, and safety in vehicle inspections.

Chief Executive Officer Mahmood Razak Bahman stated that the adjustments were made following a comprehensive review to maintain the sustainability of PUSPAKOM’s mobile services. He emphasised that the inspection fees at PUSPAKOM branches remain unchanged, meaning only customers using mobile services will be affected.

“The new rates will apply solely to MTS and MVS, while customers bringing their vehicles to PUSPAKOM branches will not experience any changes,” Mahmood explained. “This adjustment reflects the rising operational costs of our Mobile Services, though the vehicle inspection fee itself remains the same,” he added.

Fleet

Distance

Current

Charge (RM)

Increment

(RM)

New Charge (RM)

Increment (%)

MTS

(per day)

1st

50km

3,000.00

300.00

3,300.00

10%

MVS

(per unit)

1st

50km

100.00

20.00

120.00

20%

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BHPetrol’s ‘Balik Kampung Dengan Selamat’ Program Ensures a Safe Hari Raya Journey

In the spirit of Hari Raya Aidilfitri, BHPetrol continued its annual tradition of promoting road safety and enhancing the travel experience for Malaysians through its ‘Balik Kampung Dengan Selamat’ program. This year, the initiative was held at BHPetrol Sg. Besi Harmony station (PLUS Southbound), a strategically located rest stop equipped with various facilities catering to motorists traveling south from the capital.

During the event, BHPetrol distributed 300 souvenir bags filled with snacks and beverages to customers, offering them refreshments for their long journeys. In addition to the giveaways, motorists received Hari Raya envelopes containing BHPetrol vouchers, which could be redeemed at any of the company’s fuel stations nationwide.

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RM1.9 Billion Allocated for New Diesel and EV Buses

The government has committed RM1.9 billion to enhancing public transportation by acquiring new diesel and electric buses for the Klang Valley and Penang. The initiative aims to modernise the existing fleet and improve connectivity for commuters.

According to NST, Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan announced that the first batch of 310 diesel buses will be delivered in June, followed by 250 electric buses by the end of the year. Additionally, a further 1,100 electric buses, along with their charging infrastructure, will be introduced in phases.

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Government Announces 50% Toll Discount for Hari Raya

The government has announced a 50% discount on toll charges for two days in conjunction with Hari Raya Aidilfitri. The discount will be in effect from 12:01 am on Friday until 11:59 pm the following day, benefiting motorists traveling during the festive period.

Works Minister Alexander Nanta Linggi stated that the initiative will cost the government approximately RM19.69 million in compensation to toll concessionaires. The discount applies exclusively to Class 1 private vehicles and does not extend to toll plazas at the country’s borders, specifically the Sultan Iskandar Building and Tanjung Kupang toll plazas.

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Jaecoo J8 Previewed – Estimated Price from RM195k – RM220k

Jaecoo Malaysia is reinforcing its presence as a challenger SUV brand with the preview of the Jaecoo J8, the fourth model to join its expanding portfolio. The J8, a premium off-road SUV, is designed to offer a combination of style, luxury, and high-performance capabilities tailored for the Malaysian market.

Power and Performance

The Jaecoo J8 is powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged direct-injection inline-four engine, producing 246hp and 385Nm of torque. The engine is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and features twin exhaust pipes, delivering enhanced efficiency and performance.

Variants and Capabilities

The J8 will be available in two variants: the Two-Wheel Drive (2WD) model configured as a five-seater and the All-Wheel Drive (AWD) model, which offers a six-seater layout. Designed to handle both urban and off-road environments, the J8 AWD variant is equipped with Jaecoo’s Continuous Damping Control (CDC) technology for enhanced suspension performance. Additionally, it boasts a 450mm wading depth, making it well-suited for rugged terrains.

Interior and Features

The Jaecoo J8 offers a spacious and luxurious interior with advanced technological features. The 2WD model provides a boot capacity of 738 liters, while the AWD variant offers 200 liters. Both variants come equipped with a 12.3-inch media display and a 540-degree panoramic camera, along with variant-specific premium features.

The J8 2WD is fitted with a 12-speaker Sony sound system, six airbags, ambient lighting, and faux leather upholstery. Meanwhile, the AWD variant upgrades to a 14-speaker Sony sound system with headrest speakers, 10 airbags, power doors, and an automatic fragrance system.

Advanced Technology and Comfort

The SUV incorporates NFC (Near Field Communication) technology for seamless keyless entry. The driver’s seat is ventilated, ensuring greater comfort during long drives. Additionally, driver visibility and safety are enhanced with a built-in digital video recorder (DVR) and auto-park capabilities. To further elevate passenger comfort, both the front and second-row seats in the J8 are electronically adjustable with massage functionality and curtain shades. The AWD variant also features genuine leather upholstery and suede panel trimmings for a more refined experience.

Pricing and Availability

The Jaecoo J8 2WD is estimated to be priced around RM195,000, while the AWD six-seater variant is expected to be available at approximately RM220,000. The 2WD model is offered in single-tone colour options, including Carbon Crystal Black, Khaki White, and Olive Grey, while the AWD variant features dual-tone versions of the same colours.

Jaecoo J8 Preview Roadshow

Jaecoo Malaysia is showcasing its latest technology, including its Plug-in Hybrid Vehicle (PHEV) advancements, at the Jaecoo J8 Preview Roadshow. The event, held from 27 March to 31 March at the 1Utama Shopping Centre (GF Luxe), allows visitors to explore the J8 firsthand. Following this, the roadshow will move to Queensbay Mall in Penang from 9 April to 13 April and later appear at the Malaysian Autoshow from 8 May to 15 May. Interested buyers can register their interest at these events.

With the introduction of the Jaecoo J8, the brand continues to solidify its position in Malaysia’s competitive SUV market, offering consumers a sophisticated blend of off-road capability and premium comfort.

Nearly 7,000 Police Officers to be Deployed for Ops Selamat 24

Nearly 7,000 police officers will be deployed for Ops Selamat 24, an operation focused on ensuring road safety during the upcoming Hari Raya festive season. Authorities will prioritise accident-prone areas along major highways, where an influx of vehicles is expected.

Bukit Aman Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Department director, Comm Datuk Seri Mohd Yusri Hassan Basri, confirmed that 6,957 traffic personnel have been assigned to the operation, which will run from March 29 to April 3. Special attention will be given to 25 hotspots and 46 black spots identified along major highways. Additionally, 407 hotspots and 76 black spots have been located on federal and municipal roads nationwide, all of which will be closely monitored to enhance traffic safety.

An estimated 2.2 million vehicles are expected on highways throughout the festive period. In response, continuous surveillance will be carried out to provide assistance to motorists in cases of emergencies.

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Proton Expands Global Footprint with e.MAS 7 Launch in Nepal

Proton’s International Sales Division (ISD) has officially entered Nepal’s rapidly expanding electric vehicle (EV) market with the launch of the Proton e.MAS 7. This strategic move capitalizes on Nepal’s EV sector, which has experienced a remarkable nine-fold growth in recent years. The launch builds upon the model’s strong performance in Malaysia since its debut on December 16, 2023, and serves as a stepping stone for Proton’s broader international expansion strategy.

Official Launch Event

The launch event, held at the Regency Ballroom of the Hotel Hyatt Boudha in Kathmandu, was attended by key representatives from Malaysia and Proton. Notable attendees included Mohammad Firdaus Azman, Chargé d’Affaires of Malaysia in Nepal; Dr. Li Chunrong, CEO of Proton; Zhang Qiang, CEO of PRO-NET; and Edmund Lim Meng Thong, Director of International Sales. Proton’s official distributor in Nepal, Jagdamba Motors Pvt. Ltd., was represented by its leadership, including Chairman Shanker Lal Agrawal, Executive Director Akhil Gupta, Managing Director Sahli Agrawal, and Senior Vice President Raju Bhetwaal.

Dealer Network and Charging Infrastructure Expansion

Proton’s expansion strategy in Nepal includes a growing dealer network and charging infrastructure development. Currently, three dealers are operational, with plans to establish 12 dealerships nationwide by the end of 2025. Jagdamba Motors Pvt. Ltd. is actively working to enhance Nepal’s EV ecosystem by investing in charging stations and service centres, aiming to alleviate consumer concerns about EV adoption.

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Proton Premiers 2025 Hari Raya Film And Launches Recruitment Drive

Proton premiered the latest instalment of its Hari Raya short film series at a special buka puasa event, marking the second consecutive year of collaboration with Elite Definition Sdn Bhd, the exclusive distributor of Little Joe Air Freshener in Malaysia.

The 2025 edition features the Proton e.MAS 7, the brand’s latest C-segment electric SUV, showcases its standout features that have made it Malaysia’s best-selling EV for the first two months of the year. With a runtime of nearly 27 minutes, the film explores themes of family, forgiveness, and communication—core elements of Hari Raya traditions. Directed by Pekin Ibrahim, the production stars Que Haidar, Azwan Ali, and Fatimah Abu Bakar, bringing an emotional narrative to life.

Proton’s Deputy Chief Executive Officer Roslan Abdullah highlighted the success of last year’s Hari Raya short film, which garnered 5.2 million views across social media. Encouraged by the overwhelming response, the company decided to produce another film that integrates cultural values with the introduction of its first electric vehicle, the Proton e.MAS 7.

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