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E-Hailing Abduction: Misunderstanding As Driver Is Hearing Impaired

In a recent incident in Shah Alam, Selangor, an e-hailing ride took an unexpected turn when a passenger decided to exit a moving vehicle, raising concerns and prompting a police investigation. However, the case has now been classified as “No Further Action” after it was revealed that the incident occurred due to a misunderstanding.

According to Malay Mail, Shah Alam’s police chief, Assistant Commissioner Mohd Iqbal Ibrahim, shared that the 31-year-old female passenger, employed as a waitress for a catering company in Denai Alam, had booked an e-hailing ride on September 27 at 9:30 am. She boarded the vehicle at the Glenmarie LRT station, aiming to reach her workplace.

During the trip, the passenger, seated in the rear, requested a cash payment from the 26-year-old e-hailing driver. The driver, who was later identified to have a hearing impairment, did not respond to the request, which caused concern for the passenger. She observed the driver frequently glancing at her through the rear-view mirror.

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London’s Supercar Theft Epidemic Raises Alarms In The Capital

London, renowned as the nation’s epicentre for high-end automobiles, is facing a growing concern as a recent surge in thefts targeting supercars has placed owners on edge. In recent weeks, criminals armed with sophisticated methods have been specifically targeting Ferraris, prompting a city-wide frenzy to secure these prized possessions.

For the past decade, London has been a sought-after summer destination for ultra-high-net-worth individuals, who transport their private supercar collections to the city for leisure. However, over the last three months, a notable escalation in high-value vehicle thefts is posing a threat to supercar ownership in London, as reported by Windrush Car Storage, a discreet sanctuary offering top-tier security for exclusive vehicles.

During a fateful Saturday at the end of May, Windrush was inundated with phone calls from anxious owners seeking secure locations for their cherished vehicles, responding to a flurry of reports on stolen Ferraris across the city. Among the stolen vehicles were high-value models like the 812 Superfast, 488, and Pista.

Alastair Main, the general manager of Windrush, highlighted the urgency and distress exhibited by owners, especially those with Italian luxury brands, as they hurried to safeguard their vehicles from the rising theft wave. He noted that social media posts from owners, urging the public to be on the lookout and even offering rewards, triggered a surge in vehicles being brought into their secure facility.

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Understanding Liability For Vehicle Damage In Parking Lots

In a recent incident near the Puchong Prima LRT station, an unsettling occurrence has brought to light a significant concern regarding the liability for damages sustained by parked vehicles within a car park.

As reported by The Sun Daily, Ms. Preshila Karunagaran, a 27-year-old motorist and front desk receptionist at a Kuala Lumpur hotel, shared her distressing experience when her relatively new vehicle fell victim to a hit-and-run situation while parked at a nearby car park.

Expressing her frustration, Ms. Karunagaran emphasised her trust in the safety of the car park for her two-month-old car. “It’s disheartening, especially considering that I parked my two-month-old car in the car park on the assumption that it would be safe. I feel violated knowing that someone hit my car and ran away,” she shared.

The inconvenience escalated as Ms. Karunagaran had to manage the repair process and associated expenses after the incident. She approached a car park attendant for assistance but was dismayed to learn that the CCTV in the vicinity was non-functional and the attendant was unaware of the incident. Despite filing a police report, the lack of evidence made it difficult for law enforcement to take immediate action.

Ms. Karunagaran voiced her displeasure at having to bear the financial burden resulting from someone else’s actions. She contemplated filing a claim with her insurance company but was deterred by the protracted processing time. Ultimately, she had to personally cover the repair costs, amounting to RM4,859, including windscreen replacements and tyre repairs.

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Tailgaters To Be Fined RM1k Or Imprisoned For Three Months

Tailgating, the act of driving too closely behind another vehicle, is a hazardous and irresponsible behaviour with numerous negative consequences. Many consider most tailgaters as bullies, as they often create discomfort and insecurity while driving. The issue isn’t about the car model but rather the driver’s behaviour. While fingers are being pointed at certain brands when it comes to tailgating, it’s important to remember that a bully is a bully, regardless of the model they drive.

In 2015, Penang JPJ director Datuk Hassan Yaakob advised drivers to capture a photo of tailgaters, including the visible vehicle number plate, for potential action by authorities. However, this approach may not have been effective. Recently, a statement from Prolintas on a social media platform revealed that bullies like tailgaters could face fines of up to RM1,000 or imprisonment for up to three months.

Sikap pemandu yang sengaja mengekor rapat di belakang kenderaan menyebabkan ketidakselesaaan pengguna lebuh raya lain. Pembuli sebegini boleh didenda sehingga RM1,000 atau penjara maksimum tiga bulan! #PROLINTASprihatin pic.twitter.com/0GIMFYDDNi
— PROLINTAS LKSA (@LKSAtrafik) September 30, 2023

Enforcing this regulation poses challenges. Taking a photo of a tailgater while driving is inherently unsafe. While rearview dashcams are available, not everyone can afford them. Therefore, only those with dashcams can file reports using captured footage. Concerned citizens who witness tailgating incidents can also submit reports with evidence via the MyJPJ application.

Unfortunately, MyJPJ’s efficiency in handling such complaints has been questioned. Users have reported delays and a lack of transparency in the process. This raises doubts about the effectiveness of reporting tailgating incidents through official channels.

So, can we effectively stop tailgaters? Well, it ultimately depends on the driver’s mindset.

Given the dissatisfaction with MyJPJ’s response, some may resort to sharing footage on social media platforms to raise awareness about tailgating issues. However, changing the behaviour of tailgaters remains a complex challenge.

Project Titan: Apple Car Set To Launch Soon?

In the realm of autonomous and electric vehicles, the Apple Car, a project that has seen its fair share of twists and turns, stands out as a technological and automotive marvel in the making. Here’s a comprehensive overview of what we know so far about Apple’s ambitious foray into the automotive industry.

Project Titan: The Genesis

Originating in 2014, “Project Titan” marked the inception of Apple’s ambitious venture into the automobile domain. Initially focusing on a fully autonomous electric vehicle, the project has undergone numerous transformations over the years, ranging from shelving plans to reviving and scaling down the vision.

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ABT Unleashes 810hp Lamborghini Urus Scatenato

In a bold endeavour, renowned tuner ABT Sportsline has set its sights on Lamborghini, unveiling its latest creation – the ABT Urus Scatenato, aptly named for its promise of unleashed, raging performance. Limited to a mere 99 units, this exclusive offering marries power and exclusivity in a breathtaking display of automotive prowess.

Taking its expertise from enhancing VW Group vehicles, ABT begins its transformation with the performance-oriented Lamborghini Urus, adding a remarkable boost of power and subtle design refinements. The base model Urus Performante already boasts an impressive 666hp from its twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 engine. However, ABT’s Power R technology elevates this figure to an astonishing 810hp, a remarkable addition of 144hp.