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Government Spends RM15.5 Million Annually to Keep AwAS Cameras Running – MIROS Study Shows Big Impact

The Malaysian government allocates nearly RM15.5 million each year to operate and maintain the Automated Awareness Safety System (AwAS), according to Transport Minister Anthony Loke. The figure covers a wide range of expenses, including camera servicing, system upkeep, and the printing of summonses issued under the programme.

Data from the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (MIROS) suggests that the investment is paying off. Between 2014 and 2018, MIROS found that the presence of AwAS cameras increased the “Perception of Being Caught” (POBC) by as much as 99 per cent at enforcement locations. This high rate of compliance indicates that motorists are far more likely to obey traffic laws when they know cameras are actively monitoring.

The details were provided in a written parliamentary reply to Mohd Hasnizan Harun, the Member of Parliament for Hulu Selangor, who had asked for a breakdown of costs related to the Automated Enforcement System (AES), the forerunner to AwAS, as well as its effectiveness in reducing traffic offences.

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Proton e.MAS 7 Maintains Top Spot in Malaysia’s EV Market for Seventh Straight Month

Proton’s electric ambitions continue to pay off, with the Proton e.MAS 7 is extending its reign as Malaysia’s best-selling EV for a seventh consecutive month. The milestone comes as the model records strong sales both at home and abroad, reinforcing its position as a key player in the nation’s transition to electric mobility.

As of 31 July 2025, PRO-NET — Proton’s New Energy Technology division — confirmed that 4,959 units have been delivered since launch. Of these, 4,689 were registered in Malaysia, while 270 found homes in international markets. July also proved to be a record-setting month, with 1,365 bookings logged — the highest monthly total since the e.MAS 7 made its debut.

PRO-NET Chief Executive Officer Zhang Qiang said the continued success reflects the brand’s original goal of offering a well-balanced EV that combines comfort, performance, and advanced features at a competitive price. He credited the strong demand to customer trust in Proton and the e.MAS brand, noting that the model has become the first choice for many EV buyers in the country.

The e.MAS 7’s appeal spans a wide range of customers, with the Premium variant dominating at 86% of total deliveries, while the Prime variant — making up 14% — remains a popular choice among urban drivers for its ease of use and comfort. Buyers frequently cite the EV’s value for money, spacious interior, safety equipment, ride comfort, handling, and innovative technology as decisive factors.

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Porsche Malaysia Celebrates Formula E Triumph with Nationwide Motorsport Weekend

Following Porsche’s recent triumph in the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship 2025 — securing both the Teams’ and Manufacturers’ titles — Porsche Malaysia is set to host a nationwide Motorsport Weekend on 16 and 17 August 2025. The event will be held concurrently at Porsche Centre Ara Damansara, Porsche Centre Penang, and Porsche Centre Johor Bahru, offering fans a chance to experience the brand’s motorsport heritage up close.

The celebration will feature a striking display of Porsche’s latest road-going models, each adorned with legendary race liveries that pay tribute to the marque’s illustrious history on the track.

Among the highlights will be the iconic Salzburg red-and-white livery, first immortalised on the Porsche 917 KH that delivered the brand’s inaugural overall victory at the 1970 24 Hours of Le Mans. That win not only marked a milestone in Porsche’s endurance racing legacy but also redefined what the company could achieve on the world stage. Today, that bold colour scheme returns in a modern form, reimagined on the all-electric Macan — a car that blends motorsport DNA with everyday versatility.

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Lotus Malaysia Expands Emeya Hyper-GT Range with New Variants Starting from RM459,000

Lotus Cars Malaysia, under the Karrus Automotive Group, has unveiled an expanded line-up of its all-electric Emeya hyper-GT, introducing new variants and a revised naming structure designed to broaden the model’s appeal without diluting its core performance DNA. Prices now start from RM459,000 for the Emeya 600, RM519,000 for the Emeya 600 GT SE, RM599,000 for the Emeya 600 SportSE, RM699,000 for the Emeya 900 Sport and RM729,000 for the Emeya 900 Sport Carbon.

The refreshed range adopts a performance-based naming convention, with the Emeya 600 and Emeya 900 designations denoting their respective power outputs. Each is available with carefully curated equipment packages aimed at simplifying the buying process while still giving customers a clear choice between a sport-focused configuration and a more comfort-oriented, technology-rich setup.

This naming approach mirrors the strategy previously introduced with the Emira Turbo SE, where Lotus drew on its heritage to modernise classic trim designations such as Sport and GT SE. The same formula is now applied to both the Emeya and the Eletre SUV, bringing legendary model names into the brand’s latest all-electric line-up.

The new Emeya range comprises the Emeya 600, Emeya 600 GT SE, Emeya 600 Sport SE, Emeya 900 Sport, and the range-topping Emeya 900 Sport Carbon. Power figures range from 603bhp for the Emeya 600 variants to a formidable 905bhp for the Emeya 900. Both utilise dual-motor, four-wheel drive systems paired with a 102 kWh battery pack, with the flagship model benefiting from a two-speed transmission for improved acceleration and efficiency.

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Government Mulls Formation of Malaysian Transportation Safety Board Following Fatal Road Accidents

The Ministry of Transport is evaluating a proposal to establish the Malaysian Transportation Safety Board (MTSB), a specialised agency that would be tasked with investigating road accidents nationwide. The initiative stems from recommendations made by a special task force set up to examine two recent tragedies: a fatal crash involving Federal Reserve Unit personnel in Teluk Intan, and the Gerik, Perak, tour bus disaster that claimed the lives of 15 Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris students.

According to Transport Minister Anthony Loke, the proposal is still under ministerial consideration but reflects the government’s commitment to strengthening road safety governance. The creation of the MTSB would mark the first time Malaysia has had a dedicated body focused solely on in-depth accident investigation, mirroring the role of transportation safety boards in other countries.

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iCAUR Malaysia Opens Components Hub Ahead of iCAUR 03 Launch

iCAUR Malaysia has taken another step in establishing its presence in the local market with the introduction of the iCAUR Components Hub, a centralised warehouse aimed at strengthening after-sales operations and supporting its growing dealership network.

Located within Shah Alam’s Hicom Industrial Estate, the 88,000-square-foot facility is managed by Chery Corporate Malaysia and shared with OMODA | JAECOO Malaysia. Operational since March 2025, the hub has been steadily expanding its parts inventory ahead of the Malaysian debut of the iCAUR 03, which is set for the third quarter of the year.

The warehouse holds more than 10,000 carefully selected spare parts and components, reflecting the brand’s emphasis on operational readiness. The facility is intended to ensure rapid and efficient after-sales service for customers across the country. It will support a nationwide network of at least 16 dealers in 2025, with further expansion planned for 2026.

The initiative aligns with iCAUR’s “Born to Play” brand ethos, which underlines a focus on being prepared from day one. With the backing of a global automotive player and its established supply chain infrastructure, iCAUR Malaysia aims to set high standards for premium after-sales service while also contributing to Malaysia’s position as a hub for Right-Hand Drive models in ASEAN.

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Proton X50 to Come Standard with Touch ‘n Go RFID in New Mobility Partnership

Proton has entered into a strategic partnership with Touch ‘n Go Sdn. Bhd. to equip every unit of its newly launched Proton X50 with built-in RFID technology. The collaboration, formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), marks a major step forward in Malaysia’s push towards a more connected mobility ecosystem.

Under the agreement, each Proton X50 will roll off the production line already fitted with a Touch ‘n Go RFID tag. This integration will give drivers immediate access to Malaysia’s growing network of RFID-enabled highways, eliminating the need for separate installation and promising greater convenience for motorists.

The MoU signing took place at Proton’s Centre of Excellence headquarters in Shah Alam. Proton Edar was represented by Deputy Chief Executive Officer Zhang Qiang, while Touch ‘n Go Sdn. Bhd. was represented by its Chief Executive Officer, Praba Sangarajoo. Witnesses included Ong Chee Wooi, Head of Sales at Proton Edar, and Jarrod Wong, Sales Director at Touch ‘n Go.

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Proton Rides Sales Surge with Strong July Performance

Proton has entered the second half of 2025 on a high note, recording a marked rebound in sales as the Malaysian car market recovered from a sluggish June. The national automaker registered 13,518 units sold in July, a 22.1 per cent increase over the previous month, bringing its year-to-date total to 85,674 units. This performance has secured Proton second place in the national sales rankings.

The company’s market share for July is estimated at 19.2 per cent, with the year-to-date figure standing at 19.3 per cent – an improvement of 0.6 percentage points compared with the full-year share of 18.7 per cent achieved in 2024, a record-breaking year for the Malaysian automotive industry. The Total Industry Volume for July is projected at 70,545 units, representing a 28.7 per cent rise from June and ranking as the second-highest monthly figure for 2025.

The newly launched Proton X50 was a major driver of last month’s growth. Introduced on 24 July, the B-segment SUV saw 999 units delivered in its first week, contributing to a total of 2,068 units for the month – the third time this year the model has surpassed the 2,000-unit mark.

With an updated exterior, enhanced interior, new intelligent features, and a marketing push aimed at younger buyers, the X50 has quickly gained momentum both online and in showrooms. Production is expected to reach 5,000 units by the end of August, with bookings approaching five figures, setting the stage for another strong month ahead.

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Johor Pushes for Tougher Laws on Foreign Vehicles Using Subsidised Fuel

The Johor state government has renewed calls for the federal administration to tighten existing laws to enable direct action against owners of foreign-registered vehicles caught purchasing subsidised RON95 petrol.

According to NST, Johor’s Investment, Consumer Affairs and Human Resources executive committee chairman, Lee Ting Han, stated that the proposal had been put forward to the federal government four months ago. He explained that under current regulations, enforcement measures can only be taken against petrol station operators, leaving foreign motorists who breach the rules largely untouched by legal consequences.

Lee stated that the state government intends to persist in lobbying for an amendment that would grant officers from the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry the authority to penalise offenders directly. He stressed that such changes are necessary to protect national resources and ensure compliance with Malaysian law.

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Over 1,000 High-Risk Road Areas Identified for Urgent Safety Upgrades

The Ministry of Public Works (KKR) has identified more than 1,000 localities across the country as high-risk areas, or “black spots”, requiring immediate infrastructure and road safety improvements.

According to Harian Metro, Minister Datuk Sri Alexander Nanta Linggi stated that the majority of these areas are located along federal roads and are characterised by sharp bends, insufficient lighting, and damaged road surfaces. He confirmed that the government is prioritising remedial works to address these hazards.

As part of ongoing measures to improve safety in accident-prone zones, 300 solar-powered street lights have recently been installed along the Gerik-Jeli East-West Highway (JRTB).

The minister explained that the installation process is being carried out in phases, beginning with locations that have a high incidence of accidents, particularly at night.

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