MCO Archives

Volkswagen has an online showroom

Were you planning on getting a new Volkswagen this month and then the Movement Control Order (MCO) started and you can’t get to the showroom to finalise the purchase? Don’t worry because Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) has one outlet even in your pyjamas at 2 am!

It’s the Volkswagen eShowroom where you can find out about the various models available and start the purchase process. Special rebates are also offered for bookings made during the period specified so you can also save money. Additionally, these exclusive deals are also available on its flagship store on Lazada.

The eShowroom exclusive savings are on top of the ongoing promotion campaign. Customers who make a booking for a model and are entitled to the exclusive offers must register and take delivery of their vehicle by June 30, 2020.

In the event delivery by June 30, 2020 is not possible (due to any additional government-imposed MCO), VPCM will provide further extension and inform customers accordingly.

At present, the eShowroom has 8 models/variants to choose from. Although production of the Beetle ended last year, there are still a few units left so don’t miss the last opportunity to own a ‘future classic’.

VPCM has given assurance to existing owners that if their vehicle’s service appointment happens to fall within the MCO period (currently March 18 to April 14 2020, the company will still honour the warranty.

The Roadside Assistance service will remain operational for owners who can call the toll-free number at 1-800-88-2389. Your vehicle will be towed to the nearest authorized dealer but repair work will only commence after the MCO ends. Customer Care services remain available during this period and can be contacted by calling 1-800-18-8947.

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Toyota outlets to remain closed but support still available during MCO period

With the extension of the Movement Control Order (MCO) by the government, UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) has announced that all authorised Toyota and Lexus dealerships will continue to remain closed.

However, the company reiterated that it continues to be contactable to all customers for any emergencies or enquiries during this period on its existing helplines as well as 5 additional helplines created for this period of time. Customers may contact the following numbers throughout the duration of the MCO.

Additionally, it was announced that all vehicles purchased from UMWT or their authorised dealers with existing warranties that are valid and expiring during this period will enjoy a 30-day extension calculated from the last day of the MCO.

All service appointments scheduled during this MCO period will be rescheduled after the MCO is lifted and when operations resume. It gives assurance to all customers that support, where necessary, will be provided during this period.

Movement Control Order extended until April 14 2020

The Prime Minister has announced that the Movement Control Order (MC) will be extended a further two weeks until April 14, 2020. When first introduced on March 18, it was to have been until March 31, 2020 but the number of new COVID-19 cases is still not heading downwards. Up till noon today, the number of cases on record is 1,796, with 172 new cases being reported.

The PM made the announcement after discussions with the National Security Council “The government is of the opinion that the Movement Control Order should continue. The trend is expected to continue for a while before we can see the number of new cases reported decline.. In line with this, the government have decided to extend the MCO until April 14. I am informing you on the extension earlier so that the people can be prepared,” he said in a televised broadcast.

Advising Malaysians to be mentally and physically prepared to stay at home for a reasonably longer period of time, he said that those already in their hometowns need not return to Kuala Lumpur or other cities at the end of this week. In any case, under the MCO, there is a ban on interstate travel except with authorisation by the police.

The same restrictions apply and we should be glad that at least some movement is still permitted for people to go out and obtain essential items periodically. In some countries where there are lockdowns, the restrictions are stricter. You should only go out (one person per household) to buy the items needed and then return home immediately.

Supermarkets are allowed to remain open for business and restaurants can provide food for takeaway and deliveries. You can still get your nasi lemak and McDonalds or KFC using food delivery services such as Grab or Foodpanda. The PM gave assurance that food supplies are sufficient for everybody even though the MCO has been extended. So don’t buy more than necessary since you can go out again to resupply.

Businesses that are non-essential will have to remain closed, posing a problem for small companies. The government has been looking at ways to provide relief to all sectors and for individuals and SMEs (Small & Medium Enterprises), Bank Negara Malaysia has directed that a moratorium be provided for loan repayment. This will be for 6 months from April 1 and during that time, vehicle owners who have H-P loans do not have to pay the instalments and will not get a late penalty charge.

We are not alone in this. In virtually every country around the world, governments are forced to take measures, some very severe, to fight the COVID-19 pandemic as numbers keep growing. Stay strong and stay at home to do your part in preventing the virus from spreading.

RFID implementation on PLUS Closed System highways postponed

The completion date of the introduction of RFID (Radio-Frequency IDentification) system for paying charges electronically at all remaining PLUS toll plazas has been postponed. Following implementation on its Open System highways in January, the concessionaire had been carrying out testing and progressive work with the aim of having the remaining 83 PLUS and 10 LPT2 (East Coast) Closed System toll plazas equipped with RFID facilities by April 1, 2020.

Open System toll plazas are for highways where a fixed rate is paid whereas the Closed System charges by the distance travelled, eg along the North-South Expressway.

Due to the Movement Control Order (MCO) being in force since March 18 and to run until March 31, 2020, the work has been suspended. “At PLUS, we believe the MCO is an important move to protect the health, safety and well-being of not just our employees but all Malaysians from the threat of COVID-19. Based on this principle, we have decided to defer the launch of the RFID payment system on PLUS and LPT2 highways to a new date upon the lifting of the MCO,” said PLUS Managing Director, Datuk Azman Ismail.

PLUS also takes this opportunity to urge the public to adhere to the MCO and to remain at home in order to help flatten the spread of COVID-19 and more crucially, to protect one’s health and family’s wellbeing.

Motorists using PLUS highways should also be aware that the reload facilities at all its Toll Plaza Customer Service Centres and Reload lanes at both Open and Close Toll Highway are closed during the MCO period. Reloads of the Touch’nGo cards can be done at Self-Service Kiosks available at 67 locations at selected R&R areas as well as various ATMs, petrol stations and convenience stores.

“We strongly advise all motorists to plan their journeys by reloading their Touch‘nGo card at reloading centres nationwide, as well as other reload facilities available,” PLUS said, adding that motorists are also advised to keep a 1-metre distance apart when queuing, not just at the reload machines but also in any public place.

Meanwhile the highway concessionaire has also clarified that none of its toll plazas and highways are closed. However, with the MCO in effect, the police may be filtering vehicles to ensure their occupants are authorised to travel. PLUS advises the public to contact the PDRM Hotline at 03-2266 3356 for latest updates on road diversions and inspection throughout this period.

Shops at many PLUS R&R/lay-bys to remain closed till March 31

Updated list of toll plazas with restrictions

The Movement Control Order (March 18 – 31, 2020) does not stop you from going out – but only to buy essential food and supplies or medication. You should go to the nearest place to get the items and not drive from Penang island to the mainland to buy vegetables (as was reported by the police to The Star). And certainly, you cannot go out to eat at restaurants which, if allowed to operate, can only provide takeaway or food delivery services.

Yet there are still people who are ignoring the orders to stay at home and seem to go longer distances than necessary. It’s understandable that being confined to the home is tough but this is a very serious situation and you need to do your part.

Think of how fortunate you are to be able to be at home when there are thousands of frontliners – the nurses, doctors, hospital cleaners and other healthcare personnel – who are risking their lives daily, fighting exhaustion and having to be away from their families and friends.

Because there are people who are stubborn and insist on doing what amounts to breaking the law, the police now have to increase restrictions on vehicle movements. Besides a restriction on interstate travel (as well as driving across the borders with Thailand, Singapore, Brunei and Indonesia), passage through many toll plazas will no longer be permitted unless the vehicle driver can give a valid reason or show a document authorising movement. If not, the police will order the vehicle to be turned around and the occupants should return home.

The following are the PLUS toll plazas which have such restrictions at their entry lanes:

1) Jalan Duta

2) Sungei Besi

3) Skudai

4) Kuala Kangsar (Only vehicles headed north will be allowed to enter the highway. Vehicles headed south will be subject to restrictions).

5) Ayer Keroh

6) Tol Pedas Linggi

If you do not have a valid reason and are ordered to turn around, do not argue with the police. They are just doing their duty to protect us. Let’s not make things worse and force the government to extend the MCO.

Tighter restrictions on Penang Bridge crossing, Jln Duta toll plaza also restricted

Five days have passed since the Movement Control Order (MCO) was introduced and the restrictions will continue to the last day of this month. The MCO aims to limit movements of the public, who are supposed to remain at home, in order to slow down if not stop the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus in the country.

While most people have been following the directive to stay home (but can go out to purchase essentials and for valid reasons), there are also many who ignore it. Fortunately, the police are tolerant and keep offering advice to persuade them to stay home rather than just arrest them since they are committing an offence.

It seems that there are many who still do not understand the seriousness of the situation and continue to travel for social reasons, so the police (now assisted by the army) are tightening things up. Besides more roadblocks, travel from Penang island to the mainland is not permitted unless there are valid reasons (buying vegetables is not accepted).

Jalan Duta Toll Plaza — *File picture of the Jalan Duta toll plaza.*

It has also been learnt that the toll plazas at Jalan Duta and Damansara on the edge of Kuala Lumpur are closed to traffic going towards the North-South Expressway. Only those who have valid reasons and permits will be allowed to pass through; all others will be told to turn around and go home. The restriction is likely to be until March 31, 2020, the last day of the MCO.

Incidentally, if you are planning to use an ATM, you can only do so between 7 am and 10 pm during the period of the MCO. Outside of those hours, the ATMs will be offline. While online banking services will be available as usual, operations at banks may be limited.

“You should expect some disruption or delays in normal branch operations in line with the need to ensure effective crowd containment. Some branches may be closed and branches that are open will have limited counter services or reduced operating hours,” Bank Negara explained in its latest FAQ.

Access roads to Kuala Terengganu closed

Officially, under the Movement Control Order (MCO), unauthorised travel outside of homes is not permitted. However, it is still permissible to travel to get food and other supplies or medicines, but the journey must only be from home to the shop and back. No wandering around and if possible, only one person should go from each household.

Interstate travel is also forbidden unless a permit is given by the police (except for Selangor and Kuala Lumpur). Individuals can be fined RM1,000 or sentenced for up to 6 months in jail for not following the MCO, under the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act 1988.

However, in some areas, the police seem to have decided to tighten enforcement in a stronger effort to stop the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus. In the case of Kuala Terengganu, Malaysiakini reports that all main roads into the town centre have been closed off. Free flow of traffic during the MCO period until March 31 will not be permitted except for those on duty and have legitimate reasons to enter.

In Bentong, Temerloh, Kuantan, Pekan and Jerantut, petrol stations and convenience stores have been ordered to remain closed from 7 pm to 7 am although the MCO has mentioned that such places could remain open.

Movement Control Order restricts movement but there is some flexibility

JPJ stops all operations due to large crowds, PUSPAKOM also announces closure

Although the Movement Control Order (MCO) has provisions to allow the Road Transport Department (JPJ) to continue operating, the department has today announced that it will not be open for operations from March 20. The closure covers all JPJ offices nationwide and the date when operations will resume has not been announced at this time. The MCO, which came into effect yesterday, will last until March 31, 2020.

It is understood that the decision to close was prompted by the large number of people being at the JPJ counters to obtain the various services available. The gathering of people, especially large numbers, is what the MCO aims to prevent as a measure to slow down or stop the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus. Close proximity among people can lead to transmission of the disease, it has been found, apart from picking up the virus from surfaces such as tabletops, door handles, etc.

PUSPAKOM, the vehicle inspection company, which is also allowed to operate during the period of the MCO, has also announced today that it will close all its branches and offices nationwide. Mobile services will also be suspended until further notice.

PUSPAKOM says that vehicle owners who have made appointments for inspections will receive refunds. For information or assistance, call 1-800-88-6927 or visit www.puspakom.com.my. Announcements will also be made on their pages at Facebook and Instagram.

Service centres closed but assistance still available from some car companies

Service centres closed but assistance still available from some car companies

With the Movement Control Order (MCO) in effect for 2 weeks, most industries are required to suspend their operations and activities unless they are designated as essential services or industries. Where the auto industry is concerned, this means not just closing the head office and branches but also showrooms, service centres and assembly plants. No new vehicles will be produced and deliveries will not be carried out. This situation will last till March 31, 2020.

Nevertheless, many car companies are maintaining support for their customers who may have problems with their vehicles. At this time, the MCO does not stop travel on public roads so the vehicles may still be used for essential journeys, ie to replenish supplies or buy medicine. You can also go to restaurants that are allowed to operate but you must take the food home, not dine on their premises which would be an offence.

*If you are travelling on PLUS expressways and have a breakdown, there are telephones every 2 kms to call for help.*

Should you have problems with your vehicle at such times, it will still be possible to get assistance. Towing services are allowed to operate and virtually all car companies and insurance companies offer such assistance if you contact their Call Centre, most of which operate 24 hours every day. The following companies have informed us of the numbers that their customers can call if help is needed:

Daihatsu: 1-300-88-3667

Ford: 1-300-38-3181

Perodua: 1-800-88-5555

Proton: 1-800-888-398

Lexus: 1-800-88-LEXUS (53987)

Mazda: 1-800-22-8080 or 1-800-18-8011

Mercedes-Benz: 1-800-88-1133

PLUS: 1-800-88-0000 (emergency telephones also available every 2 kms on PLUS expressways)

Renault: 1-800-18-8663

Toyota: 1-800-99 TOYOTA (869682)

Volkswagen: 1-800-18-8947 (Customer Care) | 1-800-88-2389 (Roadside Assistance

The latest information provided by the National Security Council concerning the MCO is that, besides towing services, mechanics are permitted to operate during the 2-week period and workshops may also carry out vehicle repairs (but probably not normal servicing).

Piston.my

MCO

Volkswagen has an online showroom

Toyota outlets to remain closed but support still available during MCO period

Movement Control Order extended until April 14 2020

RFID implementation on PLUS Closed System highways postponed

Updated list of toll plazas with restrictions

Tighter restrictions on Penang Bridge crossing, Jln Duta toll plaza also restricted

Access roads to Kuala Terengganu closed

JPJ stops all operations due to large crowds, PUSPAKOM also announces closure

Service centres closed but assistance still available from some car companies

Volkswagen has an online showroom

Toyota outlets to remain closed but support still available during MCO period

Movement Control Order extended until April 14 2020

RFID implementation on PLUS Closed System highways postponed

Updated list of toll plazas with restrictions

Tighter restrictions on Penang Bridge crossing, Jln Duta toll plaza also restricted

Access roads to Kuala Terengganu closed

JPJ stops all operations due to large crowds, PUSPAKOM also announces closure

Service centres closed but assistance still available from some car companies

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