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Seat Belt Neglect Rampant Among Bus Passengers, Says Melaka JPJ

A widespread disregard for seat belt regulations among bus passengers and drivers has been flagged by the Melaka Road Transport Department (JPJ), following a recent enforcement operation that exposed troubling levels of non-compliance.

According to The Star, Melaka JPJ director Siti Zarina Mohd Yusop stated that many individuals stopped during checks attempted to excuse their failure to buckle up by claiming they had “forgotten.” Others believed it unnecessary to wear a seat belt when travelling in what they perceived as a “large, safe bus,” revealing a dangerous misconception about road safety in public transport.

During the operation conducted on the night of 29 July, JPJ officers inspected 350 express and tour buses. Out of these, 135 passengers and 18 drivers aboard 109 buses were found not to be wearing seat belts — a statistic that points to a significant level of negligence.

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Why Was a Xiaomi SU7 Ultra Spotted at Ferrari HQ? Maranello’s Mysterious Benchmark Raises Questions

A curious sight outside Ferrari’s headquarters has raised eyebrows and sparked speculation across the automotive world. A Xiaomi SU7 Ultra prototype, a Chinese-built electric super saloon, was recently photographed leaving Ferrari’s iconic factory grounds in Maranello, despite the model not being sold anywhere in Italy.

According to CarNewsChina, the car lacked Italian registration, pointing to the likelihood that it had been brought in directly by Ferrari, presumably for research or benchmarking purposes. The move raises questions about the Italian marque’s behind-the-scenes preparations for its first foray into electric performance, especially given that Ferrari’s own EV has now been delayed until 2028.

Officially, Ferrari has attributed the delay to what it described as “zero” demand for a fully electric Prancing Horse. However, the presence of one of China’s most advanced electric vehicles within Ferrari’s private compound suggests that the company is quietly and seriously assessing the technological landscape.

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Governments’ Toll Hike Postponement Spares Private Car Users From Steep Increases

Private vehicle owners narrowly avoided a toll increase ranging from 79% to 83% across 10 major highways this year, following a government decision to delay the scheduled rate hike. Without the postponement, Class 1 vehicle users—comprising private car drivers—would have faced daily toll charges of between RM0.50 and RM4.56, potentially amounting to RM136 monthly or RM1,632 annually for individuals commuting 20 days a month.

According to The Star, Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi confirmed the projected figures during Minister’s Question Time in the Dewan Rakyat on Tuesday, 29 July. He noted that the deferral was intended to provide immediate financial relief, particularly for those who rely on tolled routes for daily travel. The decision to suspend the increase is seen as part of broader government efforts to manage cost-of-living pressures affecting the rakyat.

The 10 highways affected by the postponed toll adjustments include the Cheras-Kajang Expressway (Grandsaga), Kuala Lumpur-Kuala Selangor Expressway (Latar), New North Klang Straits Bypass (NNKSB), Senai-Desaru Expressway (SDE), East Coast Expressway Phase 2 (LPT2), South Klang Valley Expressway (SKVE), Sultan Abdul Halim Mu’adzam Shah Bridge (JSAHMS), Duta-Ulu Kelang Expressway (DUKE), Maju Expressway (MEX), and the Butterworth Outer Ring Road (LLB).

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Volvo Padel Open 2025 Concludes with Record Turnout and High-Intensity Finals

The Volvo Padel Open 2025 concluded on a high note last Sunday, marking the end of six action-packed weekends that have firmly established the tournament as Malaysia’s premier padel event. With its second edition drawing more than 400 participants across the Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced categories, the tournament showcased not only the competitive spirit of returning players but also the enthusiasm of 160 newcomers making their first foray into the sport.

Staged in collaboration with three of the Klang Valley’s top padel venues — Joy Division Padel, Padelground, and PadelKu — the tournament brought together a vibrant community of athletes and supporters. Backed by key partners including Coca-Cola Malaysia, Tactical Padel, Directors’ ThinkTank, and REGEN Physio & Sports Rehab, the event featured prize offerings worth over RM180,000, extending beyond monetary rewards to include exclusive court time, Tactical racquets and merchandise, and a unique seven-day experience with a fully electric Volvo vehicle.

To maintain a level playing field and ensure the integrity of each match, players in the Beginner and Intermediate divisions were subject to mandatory assessments conducted by certified coaches. These assessments were complemented by complimentary coaching clinics, aimed at equipping newer participants with technical skills and confidence ahead of their qualifying matches on 19 July for the Beginner category and 26 July for both Intermediate and Advanced divisions.

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Isuzu D-Max Strengthens Grip on Market with Consistent Sales Growth

Isuzu Malaysia continues to reinforce its position as the second leading pick-up truck brand in the country, following a strong showing in the first half of the year. Buoyed by record-setting results in the first quarter, the brand secured a 16 percent market share, translating to 3,081 units sold to date. The performance has been attributed largely to the enduring appeal of the 1.9-litre Isuzu D-Max range, which now represents more than 85.8 per cent of total sales.

Among the standout performers is the 1.9-litre 4×4 Auto Premium variant, which has captured 18.6 per cent of overall sales thanks to its compelling combination of fuel efficiency, comfort, and advanced safety features. Notably, this variant played a key role in securing a place in the Malaysian Book of Records for achieving the longest distance travelled on a single tank of fuel—an accolade that has further enhanced its reputation for reliability and efficiency.

Isuzu Malaysia’s Chief Executive Officer, Tomoyuki Yamaguchi, stated that this year’s sales figures reaffirm a trend that emerged last year, where both traditional pick-up buyers and those transitioning from passenger cars began recognising the D-Max’s compelling value proposition. He emphasised the importance of continuing to communicate the vehicle’s core strengths and ensuring satisfying ownership experiences in the months ahead.

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Maserati and Alfa Romeo Eye Exclusive GranTurismo-Based Flagship, Manual Gearbox Under Consideration

Maserati and Alfa Romeo are reportedly collaborating on a highly exclusive, limited-run model that could stand as the most powerful internal combustion engine car either brand has produced in recent decades. The forthcoming vehicle is believed to be based on Maserati’s GranTurismo platform and may enter production as early as next year, according to sources close to the development.

Industry insiders suggest the new car is intended to build upon the legacy of halo models such as the Maserati MC20 and Alfa Romeo’s 33 Stradale. However, in contrast to the shift towards electrification sweeping across Stellantis brands, this model is set to forgo hybridisation entirely in favour of a purist mechanical experience.

Autocar has reported that the engine is expected to be an uprated version of Maserati’s existing twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre Nettuno V6, an already potent powerplant that delivers 621hp and 720Nm of torque in the MC20. In this upcoming model, however, performance figures are likely to surpass those of the MC20-based MCPura, elevating it to the uppermost echelons of Maserati’s combustion-powered offerings.

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Proton Establishes International Subsidiary to Spearhead Global Expansion

Proton Holdings Berhad has formally launched a new subsidiary, Proton International Corporation Sdn Bhd (PICSB), in a strategic move to reinforce its global expansion ambitions. The establishment of PICSB, which operates as a wholly owned unit of Proton, is intended to provide greater flexibility and efficiency in navigating diverse international markets.

The newly created entity will be led by Edmund Lim Meng Thong, previously the Director of Proton’s International Sales Division. Now serving as the Chief Executive Officer of PICSB, Lim is tasked with executing Proton’s aggressive export strategy, with a firm focus on scaling operations across the Global South, while strengthening the brand’s presence in existing overseas markets.

Export performance has become a cornerstone of Proton’s growth plans, and the creation of PICSB reflects this shift in focus. Proton’s long-term vision includes a tenfold increase in export volumes over the next five years. As of 2025, Proton leads vehicle export volumes from Malaysia and is reinforcing this leadership through a sharper international strategy.

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Art of Speed 2025 Ignites Serdang with International Flair and Local Passion

The 14th edition of Art of Speed (AOS 2025) thundered into the Malaysia Agro Exposition Park Serdang (MAEPS) from 26 to 27 July, captivating thousands of automotive enthusiasts and reaffirming its place as Malaysia’s definitive celebration of custom culture. This year’s event offered more than just a car show; it delivered a full-spectrum lifestyle experience, infused with international energy and homegrown talent.

Global Icons in Attendance

This year’s AOS drew renowned guests from around the globe, lending weight to its growing international stature. Among them were Shige Suganuma and Hiro “Wildman” Ishii from Japan’s legendary MOONEYES, Hot Wheels designer Brendon Vetuskey from the United States, and motorcycle builder Yuichi Yoshizawa from Custom Works Zon, Japan. Notable contributors also included Australia’s Mark Hawwa of The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride, Indonesia’s SixtySick Paintlab collective, and prominent media partners like Pipeburn, Vibes Magazine, and 645 Magazine.

A New Gateway into Speed Culture

Visitors were greeted by a reimagined AOS gateway, an all-LED display that lit up the venue with vivid animations and set the stage for the weekend’s high-octane festivities. It quickly became a social media sensation and symbolised AOS’s bold evolution while preserving its grassroots ethos.

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Jetour Launches Local Assembly Operations in Malaysia, Signalling Strong Commitment to ASEAN Growth

Jetour Auto Malaysia has officially launched local assembly for its popular SUV models, the Jetour Dashing and VT9, at the Berjaya Assembly Sdn. Bhd. (B-Assembly) plant in Tampoi, Johor Bahru. The commencement of production at this facility marks a major milestone in the company’s regional strategy and reflects its deepening commitment to the Malaysian automotive industry.

The local assembly takes place within B-Assembly’s expansive 640,000 square foot manufacturing site, supported by a dedicated workforce of over 100 staff. This operation positions Malaysia not only as a key production base but also as a strategic distribution centre for Jetour’s ASEAN operations. The initiative is closely aligned with the Malaysian government’s vision for a more localised, technologically advanced, and job-generating automotive sector.

Jetour International’s Vice President, Wen Qiangkang, described the development as a vital step in the brand’s long-term investment in Malaysia. He explained that assembling the Dashing and VT9 domestically represents more than just a manufacturing expansion — it is also a strategic investment in local talent, innovation, and future mobility.

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JPJ Issues Over 1,100 Summonses in Nationwide Bus Seat Belt Crackdown

The Road Transport Department (JPJ) has taken firm action against non-compliance with seat belt regulations, issuing a total of 1,194 summonses to both bus drivers and passengers across the country since the launch of its Special Operation on Seat Belt Usage on 1 July.

According to Bernama, JPJ Director-General Datuk Aedy Fadly Ramli stated that the majority of offences were committed by passengers, who accounted for 1,108 of the total summonses. Bus drivers received 62 summonses, while another 24 cases involved vehicles that had not been equipped with seat belts as required by law.

Despite numerous reminders, many of those caught without seat belts attempted to justify their actions by claiming ignorance of the regulations or stating that they were unaware of the enforcement being formally gazetted. Aedy Fadly firmly dismissed such explanations, pointing out that investigations showed most bus companies had either announced the requirement verbally or displayed signage urging passengers to fasten their seat belts.

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