Perodua is set to showcase "bold concepts" focusing on future-ready smart mobility at the Malaysia Autoshow, hinting at its upcoming electrification plans. The company is expected to preview its first production electric vehicle (EV), potentially called the eMO-III, which is slated for launch later this year. The concept car is anticipated to incorporate design elements from the eMO-II show car and the recently spotted production model test mule, featuring split headlights, flush door handles, and a more practical interior. Technical details remain scarce, but previous information suggests a competitive 0-100 km/h acceleration time.
The Zeekr 7X electric SUV will be previewed at the Malaysia Autoshow. Launching in Q3 2024, it rivals the Tesla Model Y and BYD Sealion 7. Larger than the Tesla but smaller than the BYD, it offers two battery options: a 75 kWh LFP with up to 480 km WLTP range and a 100 kWh NMC with up to 615 km WLTP range. A single rear motor provides 421 PS, while the NMC option can add a front motor for AWD, boosting power to 646 PS. Fast charging allows 10-80% in 10.5 minutes (LFP) or 15 minutes (NMC). The interior features a 16-inch touchscreen, 21-speaker sound system, and Nappa leather.
The MG Cyberster, a two-seat electric roadster, has launched in Malaysia at RM319,900. Boasting 544 PS and 725 Nm of torque from dual motors, it achieves 0-100 km/h in 3.2 seconds. Its 77 kWh battery provides a 444 km WLTP range and supports 144 kW DC fast charging (10-80% in 38 minutes). However, AC charging is slow at 7 kW (10-100% in 10.5 hours). Weighing over two tonnes, the Cyberster's sleek design masks its bulk, featuring a shark nose front end and sharp lines.
The road project connecting Malaysia's Bukit Kayu Hitam ICQS Complex and Thailand's Sadao CIQ Complex is anticipated to finish ahead of its September 2024 deadline. Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi reported 47% completion as of April 29, slightly behind schedule, but remains optimistic about early completion. The RM141.57 million project includes a 900-meter six-lane dual carriageway, a service road, new buildings, and demolition of old structures.
Wuling, under the SAIC-GM-Wuling Automobile partnership, is entering the Malaysian market through a collaboration with Tan Chong Motor (TCM). The brand will be known as TQ Wuling in Malaysia, with the Wuling Bingo as its launch vehicle. The Bingo will be locally assembled (CKD) at TCM's Segambut plant, targeting a price below RM100,000. Production is slated to begin in Q4 2025, initially for the domestic market with export potential. TCM will manage distribution, aftersales, and local assembly, emphasizing localization and affordability.
Malaysia and Thailand plan to reinstate the direct Kuala Lumpur-Bangkok train service this year. Transport Minister Anthony Loke stated that Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTM) and the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) have been given three months for initial preparations, focusing on coordination, joint marketing, and ticketing. Loke recently met with his Thai counterpart in Bangkok to discuss the initiative, which also includes a proposal to extend services from Sungai Golok to Rantau Panjang and Pasir Mas in Malaysia, requiring track restoration.
A 69-year-old unmarried man, Abdul Rahim Abd. Rahman, was found dead in his home in Taman Malim Jaya, Melaka. He was last seen alive working on construction at a mosque in Kampung Pokok Mangga on May 2nd. A friend found him lying on the floor after becoming concerned when he couldn't reach him. The deceased had complained of shortness of breath after eating a large amount of ice cream a few days prior. Police have classified the death as sudden death and the body was sent for a post-mortem.
Hotel Casuarina@Meru in Ipoh will soon house TNB Electron EV chargers. Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) will install one 120 kW DC charger and two 22 kW AC chargers at the hotel, offering 24-hour access to guests and the public. The chargers are expected to be operational by Q3 2025. This adds to Perak's growing EV charging infrastructure, which currently stands at 149 bays across 56 locations, contributing to Malaysia's national target of 10,000 chargers by 2025.
Theophilus Chin, a graphic artist, has created a rendering of the first-generation Perodua Myvi as a tribute to its 20th anniversary. The design incorporates elements from the current Myvi, such as the vertical LED DRLs, and blends them with cues from the Volkswagen ID.Every1 concept, particularly in the front fascia. While sharing similarities with the ID.Every1 in areas like the wheels, the rendering retains key features of the original Myvi, including the headlights, C-pillars, and taillights. This is not a prediction for the next-generation Myvi, but rather an homage to the original model.
Smart Malaysia teases the upcoming #5 SUV, showcasing its bold design and powerful performance. Larger than the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Honda CR-V, the #5 offers multiple powertrain options, including a Brabus variant, with outputs ranging from 250 kW to 475 kW. It features a spacious five-seat layout, 800V architecture for fast charging, and a luxurious interior with multiple screens and a Sennheiser sound system. The #5 utilizes a different platform than the #1 and #3, boasting a range of up to 740 km (CLTC).
Due to low local demand, only 37 of 260 Sabah petrol stations offer RON97, posing a problem for Brunei motorists who cannot purchase subsidized RON95. A six-month pilot project at Petronas Kimanis station aims to assess RON97 demand for vehicles traveling between Bandar Seri Begawan and Kota Kinabalu. The project utilizes a 5,000-litre mini portable container system and will evaluate the system's effectiveness and potential for expansion along the route if successful. This addresses the issue of Brunei-registered vehicles, numbering 156,000 between 2023 and last year, requiring access to non-subsidized fuel.
The Melaka Road Transport Department (JPJ) has reinforced the ban on micromobility vehicles like e-scooters and hoverboards on public roads. Following a viral video showing individuals riding e-scooters illegally, JPJ's deputy director emphasized the danger this poses to all road users. Offenders risk fines up to RM1,000, three months imprisonment, or both, under the Road Transport Act 1987. Micromobility vehicles are only permitted in designated areas like parks and private premises, according to the Road Vehicle (Prohibition of Use) (Amendment) Order 2021.
Volkswagen Malaysia has teased a new special edition Golf GTI on social media, hinting at an upcoming launch. The teaser video showcases GTI-branded tyre valve caps and darker 18-inch 'Richmond' alloy wheels. Other details are blurry, but the familiar GTI fender emblem is visible. The special edition is expected to debut at the Malaysia Autoshow (MAS 2025). Pricing is yet to be revealed, but it's anticipated to be higher than the standard Golf GTI, which currently starts at RM241,512 (without VAP).
Sarawak DAP chairman Chong Chieng Jen praised the Public Works Department (JKR) for their quick response to concerns about a bridge near Jalan Stakan Badminton Hall. After a resident reported potential sinkage, Chong contacted JKR and government ministers, who promptly inspected the site. Warning signs and tape were placed around the affected area. Chong urged JKR to publicly address the bridge's integrity and expedite repairs, as it's a key road connecting Mile 7 bazaar and Muara Tuang road. He advised the public to avoid the area until further notice.
Sarawak Governor Tun Pehin Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar and his wife attended the wedding reception of Deputy Minister Datuk Len Talif Salleh's daughter, Nur Baizura, and Wan Abdullah Fahmi, son of former assemblyman Dato Wan Abdul Wahab Wan Sanusi. The ceremony included a traditional 'merenjis' blessing, 'nasi temuan', cake-cutting, and performances by local artists. Several other dignitaries also attended the event.
KINETA, a Malaysian EV charging solution provider and subsidiary of Sime Darby Berhad, has sold its 8,888th EV charger, marking significant growth since its founding in 2022. They offer AC and DC chargers for residential and commercial properties, including installation services. Their KINETA Charge app facilitates charger location and payment, while a CMS caters to corporate clients. KINETA also won the ‘Automotive Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure Excellence Award 2024’ at the 4th Asia Automotive Awards.
Prasarana has launched the upgraded MyRapid Pulse app with enhanced navigation, trip planning, and a new 'Explore City' feature. This feature helps users discover interesting locations in the Klang Valley. The app also includes 'Rewards and Promotions' offering exclusive deals through partnerships with various brands. Available on Google Play and Apple App Store, the updated app aims to improve the travel experience for both local and international tourists using Rapid KL, Rapid Penang, and Rapid Kuantan services, covering MRT, LRT, and other transport options.
Lembah Pantai MP Datuk Fahmi Fadzil has pledged to intervene in a dispute between residents of Taman Seri Sentosa's Phase 1F and 1G housing and the management body regarding outstanding maintenance fees. He aims to facilitate a resolution between both parties.
