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PADU Launches Today: Get Your Free Touch ‘n Go NFC Card

Malaysia’s Central Database Hub, PADU, officially launches today, urging Malaysians to register and ensure that their details are up to date. The database aims to facilitate the effective distribution of subsidies and social protection, including targeted subsidies for fuel.

To encourage early registrations, the government has collaborated with the private sector to offer incentives for the first 3,000 PADU users. As announced by the Minister of Economy, Rafizi Ramli, these users will receive a free Enhanced Touch ‘n Go card with NFC capability and discounts for Mydin.

The redemption process for the free Touch ‘n Go NFC card is specified as follows:

Redemption Location: PADU counter at Putrajaya International Convention Centre (PICC). Redemption Date and Time: Today (2nd January 2024) until 5 pm. Redemption Criteria:

  1. Wait until the PADU website goes live after the official launch by the Prime Minister (around 12:30 pm).
  2. Register your details on PADU using your own device or at the PADU counter provided outside Dewan Perdana at PICC.
  3. Show proof of PADU registration to the officer at the PADU registration counter at PICC.
  4. Receive a free Touch ‘n Go NFC card, available while stocks last.

Details regarding the Mydin discount for early bird PADU registrations are yet to be provided. Malaysians are encouraged to take advantage of the freebies and register on PADU to ensure they benefit from targeted subsidies and government initiatives.

BYD Achieves Record Sales of 3.02 Million NEVs in 2023

Chinese automaker BYD has reported a significant milestone in its electric vehicle (EV) sales, with a record-breaking 3,024,417 new energy vehicles sold in 2023. This figure represents a remarkable year-on-year increase of 62.3%, surpassing the previous year’s sales record of 1,863,494 vehicles.

The impressive growth in sales is attributed to BYD’s commitment to new energy vehicle production, with 3,045,231 units manufactured in 2023—a 62.2% increase compared to the previous year. The commercial vehicle segment played a crucial role, recording sales of 11,511 units, including electric buses, trucks, and other vehicles, experiencing a notable uptick of 88.2%.

In the passenger car business, BYD’s sales reached 3,012,906 units, marking a year-on-year increase of 62.2%. Notably, the sales of pure electric models surged, totalling 1,574,822 units with a robust year-on-year growth of 72.8%. Battery electric vehicles (BEVs) accounted for 52.3% of total passenger car sales, reflecting increasing consumer preference for electric mobility.

 

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MyJPJ Introduces “Kongsi LKM” Feature for Sharing Digital Road Tax

Malaysia has launched the “Kongsi LKM” feature on the Road Transport Department’s (RTD) MyJPJ app, allowing vehicle owners to share their digital road tax with authorised individuals. Transport Minister Anthony Loke announced the new function, enabling owners to share digital road tax with family members, friends, or other authorised individuals.

According to NST, to utilise the “Kongsi LKM” feature, vehicle owners need to select the vehicle’s license plate number on the MyJPJ app and click the “Kongsi LKM” button. The owner can set a sharing time limit and an activation code, which must be provided to the recipient for activation. The system automatically deletes sharing records if not activated within 24 hours.

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Pavilion Kuala Lumpur Adjusts Parking Rates for 2024

Starting January 1, 2024, visitors to Pavilion Kuala Lumpur, one of Malaysia’s premier shopping destinations, will experience a change in parking rates. The new rates, announced by Pavilion KL management, reflect adjustments aimed at accommodating operational costs and maintaining the quality of parking services. The revised rates are as follows:

  1. Hourly Parking Rates:
    • Daytime (Before 5 pm): RM4/hour (previously RM3/hour)
  2. Maximum Daily Parking Fee:
    • Daytime (Before 5 pm): RM40 (previously RM30)
  3. Flat Rate After 5 pm:
    • Weekdays: RM10 (previously RM8)
    • Weekends/Public Holidays: No flat rate; RM4/hour (maximum RM40/day)

In addition to these changes, Pavilion KL continues to encourage sustainable transportation options. For those opting for public transportation, Pavilion KL offers a special deal in collaboration with MyCity Pass. Visitors can utilise the MRT to Bukit Bintang for only RM5 per day with the MyCity Pass. This pass provides unlimited access to Rapid KL LRT, MRT, Monorail, BRT, Rapid KL bus, and MRT feeder bus services.

These adjustments in parking rates and the promotion of public transportation options underline Pavilion KL’s commitment to providing a well-rounded and accessible shopping experience for its visitors. As we step into 2024, patrons can anticipate enhanced services and continued efforts to make Pavilion KL a preferred destination for shopping and leisure.

Koenigsegg Jesko ‘Attack’ With 24-Karat Gold Accents Hits The Streets

Koenigsegg has just delivered a jaw-dropping Jesko ‘Attack’ to a lucky owner, featuring an exterior entirely clad in glossy exposed carbon fibre with exquisite 24-karat gold leaf accents. Limited to just 125 units worldwide, the Jesko replaces the renowned Agera and has quickly become a coveted hypercar.

Taking inspiration from the iconic Agera RS named ‘Phoenix,’ owned by real estate mogul Manny Khoshbin, this Jesko boasts clear-coated exposed carbon fibre body panels adorned with delicate gold specks. The opulent use of 24-karat gold leaf is evident in various exterior elements, including front canards, wing mirror arms, a central front fascia element, side skirt aerodynamic flics, rear wing endplates, Koenigsegg badges, and roof accents.

This specific Jesko is the ‘Attack’ variant, emphasising track-focused performance with aggressive aerodynamics to enhance downforce. Notable features include an imposing rear wing, an enhanced front splitter, and a distinctive diffuser. Koenigsegg offers an alternative ‘Absolut’ version tailored for high-speed performance, omitting the rear wing and potentially reaching speeds exceeding 480km/h.

Under the Jesko’s hood lies a formidable 5.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine, generating 1,280hp on petrol or an astounding 1,600hp on E85 fuel. The powertrain is seamlessly paired with Koenigsegg’s innovative 9-speed multi-clutch transmission, delivering exhilarating performance to the rear wheels.

Limited production, combined with the exquisite gold-accented carbon fibre exterior, makes this Jesko a true collector’s item, embodying Koenigsegg’s commitment to exclusivity and cutting-edge automotive engineering.

DBKL Clarifies Fee Structure for Valet Services After 5pm

Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) has responded to recent complaints about parking touts near Jalan Sultan Ismail, stating that the car park in question is not free but subject to fees, particularly for valet services after 5 pm, according to FMT.

Contrary to the viral complaint on social media, DBKL clarified that the open car park adjacent to a lane off Jalan Sultan Ismail is under its management, with fees applicable during office hours until 5 pm. After office hours, a private company contracted by DBKL manages eight parking spaces as valet services, for which fees are also applicable.

DBKL emphasised that not all car parks under its purview are free of charge after office hours. The statement highlighted that there are 11 licensed car jockey parking facilities in Kuala Lumpur, and the valet service operator has been directed to display informational signs promptly.

The clarification from DBKL comes after federal territories minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa called for strict action against parking touts in Kuala Lumpur. DBKL reassured that it takes the issue seriously and has prosecuted 75 unauthorised jockeys under the Road Traffic Act from last year to date. The enforcement team will intensify surveillance in areas prone to parking touts, such as Bukit Bintang, Jalan Beremi, and Jalan Walter Grenier.

DBKL encouraged the public to use public transport to minimise private vehicle use in the city centre, endorsing initiatives to reduce traffic congestion and carbon emissions.

Datsun 240Z Transformed into Tesla-Powered Batmobile

In a rare instance where a virtual car rendering transforms into a tangible reality, the Datsun 240Z has undergone an extraordinary metamorphosis into an actual vehicle, and the results are nothing short of spectacular.

The concept originated in the mind of Ash Thorp, renowned for designing the Batmobile featured in The Batman movie (2022). Collaborating with Carlos Pecino from Make Haste Corp, the matte black Datsun emerged as the fruit of their partnership, marking their inaugural joint project.

Several design elements set this transformed Datsun apart. Notably, the side cameras, serving as mirrors, are ingeniously concealed within dedicated housings in front of the doors. The rear of the car boasts an immensely oversized diffuser, complemented by carbon fibre wheel caps adorning BBS multi-spoke alloys. The overall styling draws inspiration from the Batmobile, evident in the sharp side skirts.

Under the hood, the original 2.4-litre inline-six engine has made way for a Tesla-derived fully electric powertrain. Power is supplied by a Model S electric motor situated on the rear axle, providing the revamped Datsun with an impressive 401hp, nearly three times the output of the original 240Z. Despite a slight increase in weight to around 1133kg, the car maintains agility.

Inside the car, only a few components hail from the original 240Z, with a custom layout featuring three central dials, a steering column sourced from the Chevy Equinox, a digital instrument cluster, and a substantial centre console.

This real-life manifestation of a virtual concept showcases the boundary-pushing creativity and collaboration within the automotive design realm, bringing an imaginative vision to the streets.

JDM Companies Working On High-Performance Digital Chip

In a significant collaborative effort, twelve leading companies from the automotive, electrical component, and semiconductor sectors joined hands to establish the “Advanced SoC Research for Automotive” (ASRA) on December 1st. The primary goal of ASRA is to conduct research and development for high-performance digital semiconductors, specifically System on Chip (SoC), intended for use in automobiles.

Participating Companies:

  • Automotive Manufacturers: Honda Motor Co., Ltd., Mazda Motor Corporation, Nissan Motor Corporation, SUBARU Corporation, Toyota Motor Corporation
  • Electrical Component Manufacturers: Denso Corporation, Panasonic Automotive Systems Co., Ltd.
  • Semiconductor Companies: Cadence Design Systems, Japan, MIRISE Technologies Corporation, Renesas Electronics Corporation, Socionext Inc., Synopsys Japan

Given that modern automobiles utilise approximately 1,000 semiconductors, with varied applications, SoCs are particularly crucial for autonomous driving technology and multimedia systems. These applications demand cutting-edge semiconductor technology to achieve advanced computing power.

ASRA, with a focus on achieving high levels of safety and reliability required for automotive applications, will be spearheaded by automakers. The collaboration aims to leverage the combined technological and experiential knowledge of electrical components and semiconductor companies. The consortium plans to explore chiplet technology for SoCs, combining different semiconductor types.

Advantages of Chiplet Technology Include:

  1. Higher performance and multifunctionality
  2. Higher yield chips
  3. Timely commercialisation of SoCs tailored to end-user (automotive companies) requirements

 

ASRA has set ambitious goals, aiming to establish in-vehicle chiplet technology by 2028 and intends to install SoCs in mass-produced vehicles from 2030 onward. By capitalising on Japan’s technological capabilities and extensive experience in automotive, electrical components, and semiconductors, ASRA plans to collaborate with industry, government, and academia to position itself as a world-leading technology research group.

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Rapid KL Extends Operating Hours for New Year’s Eve Celebration

In anticipation of New Year’s Eve celebrations, Rapid KL has announced the extension of operating hours for selected rail transit and bus services until 1:30 am on January 1. This initiative aims to accommodate individuals planning to celebrate the arrival of the new year.

As reported by FMT, Prasarana Malaysia Bhd, the operator of Rapid KL, shared that the service extension will cover 12 LRT and MRT lines, monorail stations in Kuala Lumpur, three BRT stations, and 21 Rapid KL and MRT feeder bus routes. Notable rail transit routes included in the service extension are the Kelana Jaya LRT line (KLCC and Masjid Jamek stations), Ampang LRT line to Sri Petaling (Masjid Jamek, Bandaraya, IOI Puchong Jaya, and Maluri), KL monorail line (Bukit Bintang), Kajang MRT line (Bukit Bintang, TRX, Cochrane, and Maluri), Putrajaya MRT line (TRX), and Sunway BRT line (Sunway Lagoon, SunMed, and Sun U-Monash).

While some stations will conclude their operations as usual, passengers will have the option to exit from these stations to continue their journeys. Prasarana emphasised the use of Touch ‘n Go cards for a smoother experience and encouraged the purchase of return tokens to reduce queues during the return journey.

To ensure operational efficiency, Rapid KL plans to increase the number of staff and enhance train frequencies. Train frequencies for all services will be increased to eight minutes from 1 pm and further reduced to four minutes from 8 pm until the end of the extended operating hours. Commuters are urged to plan their journeys in advance, utilise electronic payment options, and cooperate with the additional measures implemented for a safe and enjoyable New Year’s celebration.

8,028 Accidents, 75 Fatalities Recorded Over Christmas

In the aftermath of the recent balik kampung journey in conjunction with Christmas, Malaysian authorities have reported a total of 8,028 accidents, including 75 fatal incidents. The recorded accidents occurred during the period from December 22 to December 26, marking a challenging time for road safety.

According to The Star, Bukit Aman Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Department director, Comm Datuk Mohd Azman Ahmad Sapri, provided details on the accidents, revealing that 29 cases involved serious injuries, while 303 incidents resulted in minor injuries. The majority of the accidents were attributed to vehicle breakdowns, accounting for 7,621 cases, while the rest were categorised as minor collisions.

To manage the surge in traffic during the holiday season, the police launched Ops Lancar nationwide, strategically covering congestion hotspots. Comm Mohd Azman highlighted the deployment of personnel on highways, expressways, and various road networks to monitor, assist, and control traffic flow. A total of 77 officers and 731 rank-and-file personnel were involved in these efforts.

Despite the organised measures, the road congestion during the holiday escape was substantial. More than 9.8 million vehicles traversed major highways and expressways during the five-day period, which included the toll-free days announced by the government. The PLUS highway, in particular, witnessed significant traffic, with daily vehicle counts ranging from 1.72 million to 2.03 million.

The Karak expressway and East Coast expressway (LPT1) collectively experienced a total of 1.2 million vehicles during the same period. The data underscores the challenges faced by authorities in managing increased travel during festive seasons, emphasising the need for continued efforts to enhance road safety and manage traffic efficiently.

PADU Launches Today: Get Your Free Touch ‘n Go NFC Card

  • 02/01/2024
  • English, Local News
  • Timothy Prakash

BYD Achieves Record Sales of 3.02 Million NEVs in 2023

  • 02/01/2024
  • English, Global News
  • Timothy Prakash

MyJPJ Introduces “Kongsi LKM” Feature for Sharing Digital Road Tax

  • 02/01/2024
  • English, Local News
  • Timothy Prakash

Pavilion Kuala Lumpur Adjusts Parking Rates for 2024

  • 02/01/2024
  • English, Local News
  • Timothy Prakash

Koenigsegg Jesko ‘Attack’ With 24-Karat Gold Accents Hits The Streets

  • 02/01/2024
  • English, Global News
  • Timothy Prakash

DBKL Clarifies Fee Structure for Valet Services After 5pm

  • 31/12/2023
  • English, Local News
  • Timothy Prakash

Datsun 240Z Transformed into Tesla-Powered Batmobile

  • 30/12/2023
  • English, Global News
  • Timothy Prakash

JDM Companies Working On High-Performance Digital Chip

  • 29/12/2023
  • English, Global News
  • Timothy Prakash

Rapid KL Extends Operating Hours for New Year’s Eve Celebration

  • 29/12/2023
  • English, Local News
  • Timothy Prakash

8,028 Accidents, 75 Fatalities Recorded Over Christmas

  • 29/12/2023
  • English, Local News
  • Timothy Prakash
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