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BMW Shop Online and BMW Engage digitalise premium ownership experience

Along with MINI Malaysia, BMW Group Malaysia has also introduced new online platforms – the BMW Shop Online and BMW Engage – as a way to digitalise the premium ownership experience for customers in Malaysia. This is particularly useful at this time with the Movement Control Order (MCO) restricting customers from visiting showrooms.

BMW Engage, a first-of-its-kind online financing platform introduced by BMW Credit (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd., complements the BMW Shop Online. It provides a contactless experience, enabling customers to apply and get pre-approval for their financing requirements from the comfort of their home via a simple and seamless application process.

With the new online touchpoints, the company is also driving its ‘Unplug & Play’ campaign with online-exclusive offers for the BMW 530e Sport and BMW 530e M Sport. This campaign aims to increase the uptake of electrified vehicles in the country.

The ‘Unplug & Play’ online-exclusives for the 530e can also be found on BMW Shop Online with cash rebates from RM10,000 and RM20,000 for the 530e Sport and 530e M Sport, respectively. Additionally, there is an interest rate of 0% for both models. New owners will also receive a complimentary BMW i Wallbox when booking the 530e Sport online. Customers taking up the offer will be in the running to drive home an i8 Coupe.

Online booking of both the models gets new owners a BMW ChargeNow card, that grants straightforward access to partner charging stations like ChargEV by Malaysian Green Technology Corporation. With the, owners can enjoy 24/7 support and access to all charging locations in ChargEV’s growing network which now offers more than 270 charging facilities nationwide. New owners of the BMW 530e M Sport will also receive the BMW i AC Fast Charging Cable.

*Customers who make online bookings for the 530e Sport and 530e M Sport have a chance to win one BMW i8 Coupe.*

The online-exclusive offer is available from now until June 30 2020. Customers can make bookings for the 530e Sport and 530e M Sport with just RM1,000 via the BMW Shop Online. For financing pre-approval before shopping, they can visit BMW Engage.

2020 BMW X6 xDrive40i M Sport arrives in Malaysia – online

Bugatti Divo hypercar reaches final phase of development

After two years, Bugatti Divo hyper sportscar will be delivered to customers starting this year with the development process now entering its final phase. Only 40 will be built, each with a base price of 5 million euros.

“At the beginning of 2018, our aim was to develop a particularly sporty vehicle as the first project under the leadership of new Bugatti President, Stephan Winkelmann. We had lengthy discussions – and above all we listened to our customers. Some of them were longing for an agile and corner-hungry car. That’s definitely what the Divo has turned out to be,” recalled Pierre Rommelfanger, project manager for limited edition models at Bugatti.

A short time later, a small team of experts began development. The goal they set themselves was clear: the Divo was to be very different from the Chiron in exclusivity and performance – without sacrificing comfort and supremacy.

Within a few months an initial design model was created and presented to Chiron owners in France, with explanations provided in one-on-one discussions. “Every Divo customer owns a Chiron, knows what the brand stands for and is a true Bugatti enthusiast. Our customers instantly understood the sporty approach of the Divo and supported our project,” said Winkelmann proudly.

Over 5,000 kms of chassis development
The Divo is powered by the 1,500 ps/1,600 Nm 8.0-litre W16 engine which can rocket the Divo from 0 to 100 km/h in a claimed 2.4 seconds. To achieve this, the engineers did extensive computer simulations to know the exact axle load data and used the figures to design the chassis set-up. The first prototype was run on various testing grounds, winding roads and racetracks. Over 5,000 kms were covered across all speed ranges up to 380 km/h to carry out chassis development.

Agility was gained by having less weight (35 kgs lower than the Chiron), more downforce and a more direct chassis set-up. This includes a change in wheel camber on the front and rear axles, harder springs and a more front-oriented balance. As a result, the Divo’s top speed is limited to 380 km/h.

The engineers made full use of the weight reduction to increase downforce, going to the limit of the tyres’ load capacity. This gives the Divo 90 kgs more downforce, increasing to 456 kgs at maximum speed.

“The Divo is entirely different to drive than the Chiron, even though both are fitted with the powerful W16 engine. This is particularly evident when driving on roads with plenty of bends. With even more precise steering and greater downforce, the Divo drives through corners even faster and more predictably,” explained Lars Fischer, Head of Chassis Testing and Application.

Optimum aerodynamics
Particular effort was focussed on developing the aerodynamic properties of the Divo. The bonnet has air inlets that reduce the frontal area of the vehicle and improve the airflow. An optimised air curtain provides enhanced air ducting in the front and rear areas of the sides. Meanwhile, the newly shaped front spoiler serves to increase downforce, directing more air to the front air intakes. This supplies the cooling system with a greater air mass and increases overall cooling capacity.

Four independent air sources on each side of the car cool the brakes. Air comes from the high-pressure area above the front bumper, from the intakes on the front wings, from the intake at the front radiator and from the diffusers in front of the tyres. Blades guide the cold air onto the brake discs, while a heat shield directs the hot air directly through the wheels to the outside.

The roof profile was optimised too. In conjunction with the modified rear end, a high air mass flow into the engine compartment is achieved, thereby benefiting temperature management. At the same time, these measures prevent the air above the car from swirling and developing turbulence at the rear wing. Its angle can be adjusted for individual driving modes and functions as an air brake too.

Differentiated from the Chiron
In terms of design, too, the Divo is clearly differentiated from the Chiron yet still instantly recognisable as a Bugatti. The design team under Achim Anscheidt have configured the body form of the Divo for lateral acceleration, focusing on optimum aerodynamic and thermodynamic efficiency.

The extremely compact and lightweight LED headlights have a flat light aperture of only 35 mm and are particularly striking, as are the highly complex 3D tail light modules. These form part of the rear grille, which is partly produced using a 3D printing process and has special lightweight fins. A total of 44 of these fins illuminate to form the tail light system.

Inside the car, sports seats with high side bolsters hold the occupants securely in their seats even when cornering at very high speeds. The steering wheel is partially covered in Alcantara and has enlarged steering wheel-mounted shift paddles on both sides.

About the hypercar’s name
With the Divo, Bugatti continues its tradition of naming cars after legendary racing drivers. In this case, the hypercar’s name honours Albert Divo, a French pilot and racing driver and, for some time, also a works driver for Bugatti. Among other things, he won the Targa Florio in 1928 and 1929. The legendary event, which was held annually on a mountain track in Sicily up until 1977, was certainly one of the toughest endurance races of its time. Bugatti won the race 5 times in a row with the Type 35.

2020 F1 championship to start in July with up to 18 races planned in 6 months

While the World Rally Championship managed to run its first three rounds this year before the rest of the series was suspended, the 2020 Formula 1 World Championship was not so lucky. Just as the opening round in Australia was about to start on March 15, a member of one of the teams was found to be infected with the COVID-19 virus. Earlier, some of the drivers had already been unhappy about proceeding with the race but flew to Australia anyway. And as things turned out, the Australian government clamped down on gatherings which forced the race to be cancelled.

Earlier, the organizers of the Chinese GP had already informed the FIA that they had to postpone their event scheduled for April. The pandemic was at its height in Wuhan and running a race was not a good idea. Bahrain also announced that it would run a race but not allow spectators into the circuit, relying on TV and internet to broadcast the race that was to run on March 22.

F1 China — *The 2020 Chinese GP, to have been held this month in Shanghai, was the first round to be postponed as the pandemic worsened.*

As the pandemic worsened globally, Bahrain and then Vietnam announced that their events would be postponed. Eventually, the first 7 races of the season would not be run as lockdown conditions in the European venues made them impossible. There was hope that the races could start in Canada but earlier this month, the organizers of that event also said they had to postpone.

Next on the list was the French GP, scheduled for June 28. However, this too won’t be possible as the French government will not allow major events until at least the middle of July. So that’s 10 events that have not been run. While accepting that safety issues are a priority, the teams must not only be frustrated by also under financial pressures with their sponsors and partners also facing challenges.

The eleventh round is scheduled to be held in Austria at the Red Bull Ring on July 5. Chase Carey, the CEO of the F1 Group which manages the business side of the sport, has expressed confidence that racing in Europe will start from July in Austria. Rescheduling will see the other races resuming in Eurasia, Asia and the Americas and finish in the Middle East venues of Bahrain and Abu Dhabi. It total, he expects 15 to 18 races to be run by December.

Red Bull Ring Austria — The first race is planned to be held at the Red Bull Ring in Austria but it will be a closed event, so there won’t be the huge crowds that usually turn up to watch. The same condition has also been planned for the British GP at Silverstone.

“We expect the early races to be without fans but hope fans will be part of our events as we move further into the schedule. We still have to work out many issues like the procedures for the teams and our other partners to enter and operate in each country. The health and safety of all involved will continue to be priority one and we will only go forward if we are confident we have reliable procedures to address both risks and possible issues,” said Carey.

“While we have been moving forward with our 2020 plans, we have also been working hard with the FIA and the teams to strengthen the long term future of Formula 1 through an array of new technical, sporting, and financial regulations that will improve the competition and action on the track and make it a healthier business for all involved, particularly as we engage the issues created by the COVID-19 pandemic,” he added.

Ferrari — *Initial plans are for no spectators and only essential team members who will have to be screened for their health condition before being allowed in.*

On the part of the FIA, the governing body of motorsport, the only statements have been that they are ‘closely monitoring the evolving situation with its Member Clubs and relevant authorities including Governments and WHO, under the direction of FIA Medical Commission President’.

COVID-19 pandemic disrupts motorsports around the world

Covid-19 — *Fighting COVID-19 is our joint responsibility. Protect yourself and others: make these 6 simple precautions your new habits.*

TC Euro Cars enhances sales and aftersales offers for Renault customers

Although the Movement Control Order (MCO) has prevented events and gatherings from being held, TC Euro Cars (TCEC) today held a press briefing – online. The virtual media event by the franchise holder for Renault was the first by a car company in Malaysia.

“To stay ahead of the curve, here at TCEC, we kick-started our transformation journey last year. With the current COVID-19 pandemic and MCO, digital-first has been accelerated and we believe we are headed the right direction towards future-proofing our business,” said Wong Hoe Mun, CEO of TC Euro Cars.

Mr. Wong said its Renault Subscription and E-Store offerings have been updated with the addition of the Renault Subscription Trial Plan, adjustments to the Subscription Fixed and Switch Plans and an attractive deal for Renault vehicles purchased via the E-Store.

“Be it for short-term, medium-term or long-term usage, there is a subscription plan available to suit customer needs,” he said. He added that more than 80% of TCEC’s customers prefer the Renault Subscription Plan and a 2-year term is the most commonly chosen.

Renault Subscription Trial Plan
The Trial Plan is now available across from all Renault showrooms nationwide. Piloted early this year from the Renault PJ showroom in Selangor, the Trial Plan offers the Captur at RM399 per week.

More importantly, customers are now allowed to sign up unlimited times as opposed to the previous one-time only offer. The company hopes that the move will help customers who may have had their budgets impacted by the current situation, or who are not keen on long-term commitments in this time of uncertainty.

Fixed and Switch Plan
The Fixed and Switch Plans have also been adjusted to better meet customer needs and wants. To balance affordability and customer confidence, the Fixed Plan now includes a 3-year plan for the Captur and Koleos models. Previously, a 3-year subscription was offered only for the Megane R.S. 280 Cup.

While all monthly rates under the Fixed Plan are still inclusive of roadtax, insurance, regular servicing costs and an annual mileage cap of 20,000 kms, the new updates, allow customers to now top up for a total 40,000 kms, instead of the previous 30,000 kms.

As for the Switch Plan, this has been updated with the inclusion of the Switch Base Plan (Captur Trophy at RM1,999 per month) and Switch Prime (Koleos at RM3,199 per month). Under this new Prime Plan, customers will have 2 months of Renault family access. Both Switch Plans continue to offer all-inclusive costs and flexibility with no mileage cap, wear and tear coverage and the option to cancel at any time with no penalties.

Also available is an expanded list of optional accessories and access including security and solar films, child seats, digital video recorders and Singapore access. For affordability, the cost can be included in the monthly fee across the subscription duration instead of having to pay one lump sum initially.

There is also a Pre-Owned Captur Subscription which was launched on Renault E-Store and Shopee on last week. It has been well accepted with more than 100 paid bookings within 3 days and at present, all available units have been taken up.

Exclusive Online Deals
The Renault E-Store was launched in Malaysia early this year, a timely move considering how the MCO has prevented customers from going to showrooms. Special deals can be offered periodically on this platform and the latest, until May 31 2020, can save more with rebates equal to instalments for 6 months. Other online exclusives for new customers include free 5-year (or maximum of 100,000 kms) scheduled service and trade-in rewards worth up to RM8,000.

Customers who choose to Subscribe to a new Renault (Fixed or Switch plans) will enjoy a one-month free subscription. Those who opt for the Pre-Owned Captur Subscription plan will continue to enjoy 50% off in the first 6 months of their subscription fee.

Easy Life for Renault owners
Besides offering test-drives of up to 3 hours (in collaboration GoCar), as many customers may look to keep their vehicles for longer, TCEC is enhancing aftersales support in various ways. These encompass door-to-door service with vehicles collected for servicing and returned, promotions for tyres with a 25% discount, over 10% off on batteries and extended warranty for customers who need additional time to catch up on their servicing needs. There will be extended operating hours at the service centres once MCO is lifted.

Coming soon
TCEC will also be offering a new mobile application for Renault Subscription customers. Using this, customers will be able to manage their Subscription vehicle. Key functions will include location tracking, digital key to lock/unlock the car, trip history, car-sharing and other features. More details will be available when the app is launched in June.

“We are proud that no other offering in the industry is further ahead in the digital journey than Renault Subscription and Renault E-Store. The new norm will require social distancing. Consumers will need their personal transportation more than ever and we believe the revised subscription plans will be more appealing to them,” Mr. Wong said.

“I believe customers will still come to showrooms as there may be those who want to see and touch the cars, but appointments may be planned to reduce crowding. Customers will be wary of physical contact, of course, and for their peace of mind, showrooms will be sanitized at least 3 times daily. At all times, we will keep protective measures in mind. And as mentioned, we also have the 3-hour test-drives available – and no salesman will be in the car,” he added.

TC Euro Cars offers full online purchasing process for Renault vehicles

War on COVID-19: Mercedes-Benz converts bus specially for transporting patients

The COVID-19 virus is highly contagious, which is why people need to protect themselves with face masks and stand 1 metre (or more) apart so as not to be infected by others. Washing hands has always been important, even more so now as the virus can be present on surfaces that are touched and picked up by the hands.

For healthcare personnel who have to assist and treat infected patients, the risks are therefore great and they need to wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) that effectively seals their body. You would have seen pictures of personnel wearing such equipment in news reports.

You would also have seen that in most cases, the vehicles used to transport patients or those who have to go to quarantine locations are essentially ambulances or vans. The ambulances would have been equipped and configured for medical purposes but the vans may just be as they are. Okay for normal situations but with this virus, extra measures need to be taken to protect the other occupants as well (bearing in mind they have to wear the PPE in a tight space).

Some carmakers have modified their vans with such new requirements in mind and in Germany, Daimler Buses has even converted an inter-city bus into a special vehicle for the transfer of COVID-19 patients. Its Citaro model, now the largest intensive care ambulance in Germany, is to be used by the German Red Cross Emergency Medical Services in the city of Heidenheim-Ulm.

Mercedes-Benz Citaro — *Conversion of the bus for its special function was done within 15 days.*

The vehicle is on loan, initially available to the German Red Cross (DRK) for a period of 6 months. The joint project is supported by the University Hospital in Ulm which is providing the specialized medical staff. A public utility company is also involved in the project and is providing drivers and maintenance personnel.

“Among other professions, it is currently the staff in hospitals and care facilities who are working steadfastly and who particularly deserve our respect. Therefore, I am delighted that we are able to support the DRK by supplying transportation capacity. As a bus manufacturer, we want to contribute to the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic at a local level. A diverse range of activities at the Neu-Ulm plant show that there are good initiatives and strategies from our colleagues even now,” Till Oberworder, Head of Daimler Buses said.

From idea to implementation
David Richter, MD of the German Red Cross Emergency Medical Services Heidenheim-Ulm, had the idea of converting a bus in response to the need to increase intensive care transportation capacities, now necessary in many places. Daimler Buses was able to pledge its fast and uncomplicated support. Within a few days, a demonstration vehicle from Daimler Buses was presented for conversion. A team of 12 employees from bus production converted the bus to a high-capacity critical care ambulance in just 15 working days.

“Something that normally would take months and years was implemented within a few weeks together with Daimler Buses in an exemplary fashion. And this is not just a bus but an efficient transportation and relief concept. In my opinion, this is only possible with such a transportation capacity,” noted Professor Kuhlmuss, District Medical Officer for DRK-Rettungsdienst.

Equipped for new functions
The standard Citaro is an inter-city bus with 45 seats and standing room for 40 persons. The special unit used by the DRK is equipped with 4 complete intensive care beds for its new function. This gives the organisation the ability to react fast and transport intensive care patients to other hospitals if necessary. The journeys are supervised by 2 intensive-care doctors and 3 paramedics along with ambulance officers.

The specialised equipment in the bus includes electrohydraulic wheeled stretchers with a loading system, intensive care ventilators, monitoring screens, a sonography unit and a blood gas analysis device. There’s stowage space for medicines, nursing equipment, additional breathing apparatus and PPE.

Patients can be transported in various positions, while the side windows have been darkened for privacy. The bus has also been equipped with a blue light and a siren.

Hygienically protected cockpit
As the bus is for transporting COVID-19 patients, hygienic demands played an important role during the conversion. For example, a disinfectant sprayer can be used in the patient compartment once transportation is completed. The area for the driver is separated from the patient compartment by a wall and the ventilation system has been converted. As a result, the driver has no contact with the patient areas and won’t be exposed to the risk of infection.

PUSPAKOM to resume vehicle inspection operations from April 29, 2020

Following the announcement by the JPJ that it will open its branches for limited services, PUSPAKOM has also announced that it will resume regular vehicle inspection services for commercial vehicles of certain categories beginning from April 29, 2020. All PUSPAKOM branches nationwide will be operating except at Batu Caves, Glenmarie and Pandan Mewah in Selangor, and Taman Daya in Johor. Mobile inspection services will also be available from the same date.

Operating hours for the various branches vary, as shown on the chart below:

The commercial vehicles that PUSPAKOM will offer inspection services for are goods vehicles, public services vehicles and vehicles for tourism. Inspection services for other types of vehicles will be available at a later date.

The branches will also provide insurance renewal services while branches in the Klang Valley and the southern zone can also process Motor Vehicle License (LKM) renewal services.

To avoid congestion, PUSPAKOM would like vehicle owners to make a reservation through the MyPUSPAKOM system first. Drive-in customers without a prior appointment will not be accepted. For vehicles which have inspection certificates expiring between March 18 2020 to April 28, 2020, can contact PUSPAKOM to check on the scheduled date for their vehicle inspection.

The company also asks all customers to adhere to precautionary measures to prevent spread of the COVID-19 virus, such as social distancing (1 metre or more apart), wear a face mask and have no symptoms of COVID-19. They should not visit PUSPAKOM if they are unwell and should seek medical attention to check their condition.

PUSPAKOM services now include roadtax renewal for light commercial vehicles

War on COVID-19: Toyota Boshoku UMW makes PPE for frontliners

While the general public have been staying home to do their part in helping to stop the spread of the COVID-19, companies in the corporate sector have been offering their design, engineering and manufacturing facilities to help produce much needed equipment for the frontliners in hospitals.

UMW Toyota Motor is one of the companies supporting by producing the much-needed Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) at its subsidiary, Toyota Boshoku UMW Sdn. Bhd (TBU). This equipment, which protects the healthcare personnel from being infected while they attend to patients, is required in the thousands as it is constantly replaced.

“This is the time when we want to demonstrate good corporate citizenship by assisting in whatever way we can to help our frontliners in their vital duties. We have the facilities that can make the PPE so we can support the Health Ministry replenish its stocks more quickly – at no cost,” said Ravindran K., President of UMW Toyota Motor.

TBU, which produces seat sets, door trims, headlinings, package trays for use in many models assembled locally, has the facilities to produce various PPE items easily. The facilities include automatic layout cutting machines and industrial sewing machines, with 75 workers who are skilled at sewing the seat covers.

1,500 pieces of PPE daily
Templates were made from sample units of Boot Covers, Tudungs and Gowns and uploaded to the Automatic Layout Cutting Machine. The final design is approved by the Health Ministry. TBU expects to be able to produce up to 1,500 pieces daily and has already delivered 10,000 pieces in the first batch for use by the Health Ministry.

“Toyota Motor Corporation has been actively supporting the efforts in many countries to overcome this global pandemic. The support varies according to needs and in Malaysia, we understand that PPE is vital for the frontliners so together with Toyota Boshoku Corporation, we are focusing on assisting in all the ways that we can,” said Akio Takeyama, Deputy Chairman of UMW Toyota Motor.

War Against COVID-19: UMW Toyota Motor and dealers provide support for PDRM and Malaysian Relief Agency

MINI Malaysia’s MINIMISE campaign for Hari Raya offers rebates up to RM22,000

The Raya festivities are going to start and although this year will see subdued celebrations in view of the COVID-19 pandemic and Movement Control Order, MINI Malaysia will still offer special deals on its products through the MINIMISE campaign.

At the same time, the MINI eShop has also been introduced as the brand’s very first digital booking platform for its entire model range. It aims to simplify the customer’s journey during the booking process. Through the online MINI eShop, customers can find out about the wide selection of MINI models available for purchase and make bookings, from the comfort of their own homes.

The MINIMISE campaign offers an instalment support of RM3,000 to RM5,000 (depending on the model), as well as further cash rebates from RM8,000 to RM22,000. It will run until June 30, 2020, while stocks last.

Special deal for Countryman Plug-in Hybrid
Specially for the Countryman Plug-In Hybrid, the campaign offers an attractive interest rate starting from 0% exclusively, as well as a cash rebate of RM16,000 and instalment support of RM5,000. This MINI variant has an advanced MINI eALL4 All Wheel Drive System with Dynamic Stability Control that distributes the propulsive force of the engines to both axles – providing supreme traction on every road surface, maximum stability, and even more fun cornering.

Complete with the MINI Connected app, owners of the Countryman Plug-In Hybrid will have easy access to information such as the current battery status, electric range and charge timer and directly through their smartphone. The app also allows for pre-conditioning of the MINI before a journey begins, giving owners the flexibility to set their desired temperature within the vehicle remotely via 4G – a feature that’s useful in our hot and sunny climate.

Each new Countryman Plug-In Hybrid comes with a complimentary Public Charging Cable, along and ChargeNow card. The card offers complimentary recharging at any of the 309 ChargeNow facilities nationwide for a full year. Owners can also recharge their car at home if they wish.

MINI ideas that were just for laughs on each year’s first day of April

Police confirm that interstate travel allowed from May 1 – May 3 to return home to cities

The police have confirmed that those who wish to travel interstate for the purpose of returning to their homes will be able to do so on May 1, 2 and 3, 2020. However, they will need to register for the permit to do so, and their application will be subject to approval.

Applications are to be done through the Gerak Malaysia app which can be downloaded from the Apple App Store, Google Playstore and also the Huawei App Gallery. Applications can be done from tomorrow (April 26) and not today, as earlier stated. Applicants must also update their information regarding travel destinations and will be inform on May 1 of the application status.

Download Gerak Malaysia app from the Apple AppStore, Google PlayStore or Huawei App Gallery

In the event that the applicant is unable to use the mobile app, applications in writing can also be made at the nearest police station. However, the public is encouraged to use the mobile app if possible so that they do not have to be present at the station. Earlier, when the Movement Control Order and ban on interstate travel was announced, there were large queues at police stations because there was, initially, an instruction to apply for permits to do interstate travel.

Note that this permission to travel is strictly for those whose home is in another town or city as the government is not allowing ‘balik kampung’ journeys this year. So if you cannot prove that you actually reside in a different place, it may be difficult to get approval. The provision is generally for those living in the cities and who have been away for the period of the MCO which has been more than one month.

*Facilities at R&R locations are closed but the toilets are still available.*

Those who receive approval to travel must adhere to the conditions they will be given. They should also note that the R&R facilities (including suraus) along the highways are closed. They can stop to use the toilets and also refuel at petrol stations which will be open from 6 am to midnight. Social distancing should be practiced at all times.

Registration to travel interstate to return home starts today

With the improving situation relating to the COVID-19 pandemic (though it is far from being over), the government has been progressively easing restrictions set under the Movement Control Order (MCO) that started on March 18 and is presently scheduled to be lifted on May 12, 2020. During that time, there have been many people who may have been in other towns and cities, away from their regular places of residence, who got stuck there because interstate travel was stopped.

As Hari Raya is coming and it has also been some time that they have been stuck away from their homes, the government is considering allowing movement for the purpose of returning to their homes. It should be noted that the government is firm on not permitting ‘balik kampung’ travel and permission is likely to be given to those who can prove that their actual place of residence is in another town or city.

At this time, starting from today, those who want a permit to travel for the purpose of returning home can apply from today (Saturday April 25). They can register online using the Gerak Malaysia app with the police and Communications and Multimedia Ministry (MCMC). Those who do not have internet access can go to the police station nearest to them to register.

Download the Gerak Malaysia app at the Apple AppStore and Google PlayStore

However, it should be noted that this is only a registration process and not only subject to approval by the police, but it is also not confirmed that the restriction on interstate travel will be lifted. A final decision will only be made on or after May 1, after a review by the National Security Council and Health Ministry.

University and college students may go home
Meanwhile, plans are also being made to allow university and college students to return to their kampungs. They have been confined to their campuses since the MCO started and as there have been no clusters of infections appearing in these places, it may be safe to allow them to leave.

However, the Health Ministry, while stressing that there should be no ‘balik kampung’ travel, has strongly recommended that any such move must be done properly with protective measures such as social distancing being implemented. Transportation should also not be by public transport so buses will have to be organized to send the students.

Highway — *Balik kampung journeys will not be permitted this year so we won’t see such scenes when thousands of vehicles move along the highways.*

JPJ open from April 29
Meanwhile, the JPJ (Road Transport Department) will open its counters from April 29 (next Wednesday) with limited services available from 8 am to 1 pm. The services are primarily for commercial vehicle owners.

Registration of new vehicles is not mentioned so car companies won’t be able to get this necessary process completed in order to deliver the new cars to customers. So it looks like the car industry will see zero sales for April, an unprecedented occurrence in its history. The same would apply in some countries although many only began their restrictions after Malaysia’s move and will remain in lockdown for a number of weeks more.

VW service centre — *Most authorised service centres are open again but you should make an appointment first.*

As for service centres which had been closed, most of those managed by authorized franchise holders are operational. Permission has been granted for them to provide aftersales services but because the conditions stipulate a minimal workforce, appointments need to be made in advance to schedule work. Also bear in mind that 10-km range limit from your home under the MCO (you can use Waze or Google Maps to determine the distance).

Health warning when you get home
For those who have been away from their homes for over a month, it will be nice getting back to familiar surroundings. But before you start to use the water in the house, you should consider running it for some time to get fresh water in. Studies have found that over many weeks, bacteria can start to grow in water pipes that have not had water passing through them daily. Even filters may have bacterial growth which can occur anywhere there is dampness. This article will give you more insights into the issue.