Local News Archives

Detained Traffic Policemen in Extortion Case Back on Duty

The two traffic police officers who were detained for assisting in the extortion case against the public at Bangunan Sultan Ismail (BSI) in Johor Bahru have returned to duty as the remand order against them expired today.

South Johor Bahru District Police Chief, Assistant Commissioner Raub Selamat said they were on duty as usual because no work stoppage order had been imposed.

“They are now back on duty under the Johor contingent as usual until there is a stop work order (if any),” he said when contacted by Berita Harian.

Yesterday, the Johor police stated that they would submit a letter to Bukit Aman to obtain a suspension order against the two policemen.

The two policemen on duty at the BSI were arrested on April 5, to assist in the investigation of an extortion case involving a victim by asking for a payment of RM2,000 to avoid being prosecuted for having a record of past offenses in an incident earlier this month.

They were arrested again last Saturday for a complaint submitted by a 50-year-old victim who was allegedly threatened by the two suspects while at BSI, on January 4.

JPJ Penang Concerned about Increase of Foreigners Breaking Laws

The Penang Road Transport Department (JPJ) raised concerns regarding the increase in road offenses involving foreigners. The main and increasingly serious offense is not having a driver’s license.

The state JPJ director, Zulkifly Ismail, said that since the beginning of January until today, a total of 267 summons notices were issued to foreign drivers and 124 vehicles were confiscated, all due to not having a driving license.

He said, that does not include last year where 534 summons notices were issued to foreign drivers of which 416 vehicles were seized.

“We have noticed a trend in recent times of offenses committed by foreigners being quite serious and increasing.

“So I would like to remind vehicle owners to be careful not to arbitrarily let their vehicles be driven by foreigners who do not have valid driving documents.

“Otherwise they will also face action especially under Section 26 of the Road Transport Act 1987 if their vehicles are detected being driven by individuals who do not have a valid driving document,” he said when met while inspecting a special operation in conjunction with Aidilfitri at the JPJ Enforcement Station in Valdor, here. today.

In the operation, a total of 670 vehicles were inspected with 181 being taken action, while 213 summons notices were issued and six vehicles were seized for various offences.

The Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) who were also involved in the same ops issued 30 summons notices, followed by the Immigration Department who arrested eight foreigners.

The Department of Environment (JAS) and Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP) issued two and six compounds respectively, while the National Anti-Drug Agency (AADK) conducted urine tests on 15 drivers, six of whom were found to be positive for drugs.

Hafizh Syahrin Wins at ARRC Zuhai 2024

Malaysian rider, Hafizh Syahrin won at ARRC Zuhai yesterday, and subsequently gave Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) Racing Team their maiden victory.

It was the first race session, in the second round of the Asian Motorcycle Championship (ARRC) 2024. Hafizh rides a Ducati V4 R machine in the ABS1000 category for superbike machines 1000cc and above.

Hafizh who started in the front row showed a consistent ride to be the first rider to cross the finish line.

He beat Honda Asia-Dream Racing Astemo team rider, Andi Farid Izdihar who was satisfied to finish the race in second place while another national rider, Azlan Shah Kamaruzaman representing TKKR BMW Racing Team was third.

For the record, this is the first victory for the JDT Racing Team, who are appearing in their first ARRC season. On his previous debut at the Buriram International Circuit, Thailand, Hafizh took third place in the second race, after experiencing technical problems in the first race.

Hafizh who uses a Ducati Panigale V4R machine dedicated the inaugural championship to the Acting Sultan of Johor, Tunku Mahkota Ismail who is also the owner of the team.

Suzuki Avenis and Suzuki Burgman Street EX Launched

Suzuki Malaysia launched the Suzuki Avenis and Suzuki Burgman Street EX scooters, aimed at strengthening the brand’s presence in Malaysia’s small capacity scooter segment.

While both models share the same platform, Suzuki says the Avenis is aimed at younger riders while the Burgman Street EX is a more premium offering.

Highlights of the Suzuki Avenis

A 4-stroke, air-cooled, SOHC 125cc Suzuki Eco Performance (SEP) engine.
It produces 8.6 HP (8.7 PS) of peak power at 6,750 RPM and 10 Nm of torque at 5,500 RPM.

Compact LCD screen with an intuitive layout and an eco indicator light for fuel-efficient operation.
External hinge-type fuel cap located conveniently at the rear behind the seats.

21.5 litres of under-seat storage, two helmet hooks, and two utility hooks for additional items.
5.2-litre fuel tank capacity.
The three colour options are Metallic Matte Fibroin Grey with Metallic Lush Green, Metallic Matte Black with Glass Sparkle Black, and the special Metallic Sonic Silver with Triton Blue ‘GP Edition’.

The standard colours are priced at RM 6,980.00, while the GP Edition is priced at RM 7,200.00 (nett selling prices, not on the road).

Highlights of the Suzuki Burgman Street EX

A 4-stroke, air-cooled, SOHC 125cc Suzuki Eco Performance-Alpha (SEP-α) engine.
It produces 8.6 HP (8.7 PS) of peak power at 6,750 RPM and 10 Nm of torque at 5,500 RPM.
Equipped with Engine Auto Stop-Start (EASS) and Suzuki Silent Starter System.

Longer wheelbase for better stability, planted feel, and a comfortable riding experience.
Extended floorboards offer both flexibility in foot positioning and comfort during long rides.
21.5 litres of under-seat storage, two helmet hooks, and two utility hooks for additional items.

A closable front compartment with a USB charging port and easy access to front storage compartments.
A larger 5.5 Litres fuel tank capacity, best in its class.

The Burgman Street EX comes in two colour options – Pearl Moon Stone Gray and Metallic Mat Black.
It is priced at RM 7,500 (nett selling price, not on the road).

Suzuki Avenis Photo Gallery

Suzuki Burgman Street EX Photo Gallery

Michelin Malaysia Launches MICHELIN Power 6, MICHELIN Power GP 2, MICHELIN Anakee Road

Michelin Malaysia launched the latest range of motorcycle tyres, namely the Michelin Power 6, Michelin Power GP 2, and Michelin Anakee Road, in an event last night.

According to Michelin, these new tyres are the result of their commitment to excellence, performance, and safety on the road, showcasing the brand’s continuous efforts to meet consumer needs.

Managing Director of Michelin Malaysia, Singapore, and Brunei, Prichapakorn Dangrojana states that,

“We’re thrilled to demonstrate Michelin’s steadfast dedication to adapting to ever-changing consumer needs through the innovative expansion of our motorcycle products. With innovation at the core of Michelin’s strategic approach, we are dedicated to advancing our motorcycle tire offerings to maintain our position as the benchmark in the industry for riders and OEMs alike and are delighted to be able to cater to Malaysian motorcyclists whose passion encompasses both the open road and the racetrack. Now with the MICHELIN Power 6, MICHELIN Power GP 2, and MICHELIN Anakee Road, we’re embarking on a technical revolution that promises to elevate the riding journey for Malaysian motorcyclists.”

MICHELIN Power 6: Your Everyday Tire for Excitement and Sportiness

The Michelin Power 6 follows in the footsteps of the excellent Power 5 sport-touring tyre, with emphasis on sport. (On the other hand, the Road 6 is also a sport-touring tyre, but with emphasis on touring.)

Michelin says that the Power 6 is optimised for wet and dry conditions, sporty handling and agility. They added that the tyre was also developed with mileage and lasting performance in mind for those long trips.

MICHELIN Power GP 2: From Racetrack Dominance to Roadside Adrenaline

Originally crafted for the track and now certified for street performance, the Michelin Power GP 2 represents the pinnacle of tire engineering. These tyres cater to supersports bikes above 600cc.

In other words, these are true sport tyres which can be used on the track and vice versa. It also means that you can ride it to the track, have fun in a trackday, and ride back with the same tyres.

MICHELIN Anakee Road: Trail-Designed Thread Pattern for Road Usage

There used to be only one Michelin Anakee tyre which provides a balance for road and off-roading, but Michelin has since split the range into several variants according to their respective uses. Now there is the Anakee Wild for off-roading, and this, the Anakee Road for road-biased riding but with light off-road capabilities.

As such, the Anakee Road features a 90/10 ratio for on-road/off-road use. That means adventure bike owners need not fear about grip on the road, while still being able to take to the trail into the durian orchard.

Pricing

With 130 years of history in developing 2-wheel tires, and more than 500 wins in the FIM World Championships, Michelin benefits from a vast and unique know-how that has helped them remain a driving force behind innovation in the automotive industry.

The Michelin Power and Michelin Anakee ranges have been homologated by premium manufacturers such as BMW Motorrad, Triumph, KTM and Honda along with many others.

Recommended retail pricing (RRP) for the new Michelin Power GP 2, Michelin Power 6, and Michelin Anakee Road tires along with size pairing are as follows:

MICHELIN POWER GP 2		PRICE RANGE PER SET (RM)
FRONT & REAR
120/70 ZR 17 (58W) TL	160/60 ZR 17 (69W) TL 180/55 ZR 17 (73W) TL 190/55 ZR 17 (75W) TL 200/55 ZR 17 (78W) TL	RM 1,300 – RM 1,700
MICHELIN POWER 6		PRICE RANGE PER SET (RM)
FRONT & REAR
110/70 ZR 17 (54W) TL 120/70 ZR 17 (58W) TL	140/70 ZR 17 (66W) TL 160/60 ZR 17 (69W) TL 180/55 ZR 17 (73W) TL 190/55 ZR 17 (75W) TL 200/55 ZR 17 (78W) TL	RM 1,020 – RM 2,000




MICHELIN ANAKEE ROAD		PRICE RANGE PER SET (RM)
FRONT & REAR
90/90 – 21 (54V) TL/TT 120/70 R 19 (60V) TL/TT 110/80 R 19 (59V) TL/TT	150/70 R 18 (70V) TL/TT 170/60 R 17 (72V) TL/TT 150/70 R 17 (69V) TL/TT	RM 1,300 – RM 1,700

For more information, visit https://www.michelin.com.my/motorbike/motorbikes-scooters-tyres.

RM185 million MySikap Contract Through Open Tender – Loke

The RM185.07mil contract awarded to Heitech Padu Bhd for MySikap was through open tender, said Transport Minister Anthony Loke.

The contract is for the maintenance of the Road Transport Department’s (JPJ) MySikap website. It was awarded to the said company as their bid was the lowest and most reasonable.

Anthony Loke said a submission awarding the three-year contract to the firm for the amount was sent to the Finance Ministry and was approved by the Treasury on Feb 2. The letter of acceptance was issued by JPJ to Heitech Padu on April 5.

He dismissed claims that the contract was given to the company as one of its major shareholders is Farhash Wafa Salvador, who is Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s former political secretary.

Loke said Farhash had acquired 15.9% of the firm’s shares only on March 16 this year. “This means he acquired the shares after the contract was awarded to the company on Feb 2 and not before it secured the project.

“As emphasised by the Prime Minister, after Farhash acquired the shares in the company, there has been no other government contract offered to Heitech Padu till this day,” he said in a press conference at the Transport Ministry here yesterday.

Loke said Anwar and the Cabinet viewed very seriously the insinuations by certain parties that the contract was awarded to Heitech Padu due to the prime minister’s close ties with Farhash.

“Farhash is no longer with the government and is not serving the government in any capacity.

“If there are parties who are still dissatisfied with this clarification, the Prime Minister welcomes them to lodge a report with the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission for a thorough investigation,’’ he added.

Loke disclosed that two other companies that met the technical and financial prerequisites had also vied for the contract with bids of RM186.8mil and RM199.5mil. He said the ceiling price for the contract was RM207.3mil.

The contract was for a three-year term as it is deemed a new contract, instead of an extension.

“Usually, maintenance contracts are long term. This is a new contract and not an extension of contract. If it is an extension then it will be on a year-to-year basis,” he said.

The contract comprised two job scopes, namely MySikap and Mainframe. MySikap was an online platform offering various services such as vehicle registration, road tax and driving licence renewals, while Mainframe provided servers to store data from MySikap.

In March 2023, JPJ decided to merge both components to a single tender and for it to be overseen by a single company for more effective monitoring and management.

Fuel Subsidies Cut will Begin this Year

The Minister of Economy, Rafizi Ramli stated that the reduction of fuel subsidies will begin this year.

He said the move is to reduce the country’s fiscal deficit in an interview with Bloomberg last Tuesday.

He also said the move was needed to “manage the sequence” of subsidy cuts, given the risk of inflation rising before the cuts are implemented. Since last year, Rafizi said he wanted to implement the RON95 subsidy program which was targeted in the second half of 2024 so that it would be delivered to those who needed it. For now, the T20 group is taking the opportunity to receive 53 percent of the existing oil subsidy system.

Of the RM81 billion subsidy budget for 2023, the subsidy for RON95 petrol has taken up a large portion of it.

During the interview, he said the government plans to reduce the budget deficit to 4.3 percent of gross domestic product this year, up from 5 percent in 2023.

“To achieve the fiscal target of 4.3 percent, certain timelines need to be adhered to,” said the Pandan Member of Parliament.

Our opinion is that the government must have a mechanism to reduce the impact of fuel price increases in the future because there will be parties who take the opportunity to increase the prices of other goods. Withdrawal of subsidies from those who do not need it is a good move but it must be done carefully so that the less fortunate are not affected.

Roads are not Enough for Number of Vehicles – Expert

Road congestion especially during the festive season is due to the insufficient length of the existing roads to accommodate the large number of vehicles, said Traffic and Road Safety Psychologist, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), Prof. Dr Rozmi Ismail. He also said that many other roads (not highways) only have one lane.

“If something like an accident happens, road users have nowhere to ‘run’ and they will be stuck with the congestion. They have to deal with it.

“Then, in most cities or towns, the roads are being repaired. For example in Gua Musang. It adds to the large number of vehicles causing further congestion,” he added.

He commented on the complaints of road users who had to travel for more than 10 hours when returning to the capital after celebrating Aidilfitri last year.

Apart from that, he also touched on the toll payment method and suggested that there are more effective payment systems. “For example, the user has already paid before going to a certain place. Say I want to go to Penang, I have already paid. This is to avoid these vehicles lining up at the toll plaza. That queue causes congestion too.”

Our comments:

Prof.’s summary Dr. Romzi is very good but there is another reason why the roads in Malaysia are getting more congested: The huge increase of new vehicles every day, month, and year. For example, almost 800,000 new vehicles were registered last year alone. The total length of roads in our country, including highways and paved and unpaved roads is 290,099 kilometers. But at the same time, there are 36.3 million active vehicles. That means there are 125 vehicles per kilometer.

The addition of roads and highways will not be able to accommodate the number of vehicles at any time, not to mention the construction of each highway takes a long time to complete. The construction project also adds to traffic congestion.

Chinese Villagers Repair Road to Help Aidilfitri Travellers

In a story that warms every Malaysian’s heart, Chinese villagers repaired a road in the middle of the night to help Aidilfitri travellers as they drive home.

Hari Raya Aidilfitri is fun, but it also marks the occasion when millions of vehicles flood the highways as Malaysians travel to their hometowns and back. The already busy highways will be so choked with vehicles that some motorists look for alternative routes. However, some of these are not B-roads, but off-road paths.

Such was the case in this story, when Zairul Annuar wanted to avoid a traffic standstill on the PLUS highway heading to Kuala Lumpur. He decided to exit at Gopeng to take the inner roads, only to find that road had a massive traffic jam in Ladang Bikam.

He then decided to follow a reroute suggested by Google Map, albeit an unpaved trail for an oil palm estate.

“Slowly, we continued our journey. Suddenly, a few cars from the opposite direction can be seen, who then stopped beside us to inform us that the road ahead was impassable.”

“They directed us to turn back. All of the cars behind us were instructed to do the same.”

He then did so but as his car re-entered the residential area, Zairul wasstopped by a group of middle-aged Chinese men living there.

They then asked Zairul if he and his family were heading to Kuala Lumpur and urged them to not turn back as they would be stuck in a traffic jam.

Instead, the Chinese villagers said that they would repair the blocked road so that cars could pass through. The group of middle-aged Chinese men said to Zairul. The conversion can be heard in Zairul’s video, “The road ahead of you is blocked, right? Don’t worry. We’ll bring a backhoe to repair that road. You wait a moment.”

Zairul then said that the neighbourhood turned out to be a Chinese residential area and that the residents collectively agreed to help facilitate the passage of vehicles through the neighbourhood.

The villagers banded together and used a backhoe to level out the road for strangers to use.

In the video of travelling through the trail (colloquially called ‘jalan tikus’), a backhoe could be seen by the roadside after it was used to level out the road so that normal cars could pass through, as only 4x4s could do so before due to an incline.

Touched by the Chinese villagers’ action of going out of their way to help strangers on Aidilfitri, Zairul heaped praises on them, saying, “They came out of their homes and worked together. The people of Perak are amazing. Powerful. This is the true spirit of Malaysia.”

Driver who Killed Three Pakistanis Admit to Taking Drugs

The driver of a car that hit and killed three Pakistani men while they were on their way to perform the Aidilfitri prayer, pleaded guilty to the charge of taking drugs.

The accused, Mohd Azizol Abdul Rasheed, 36, made the confession as soon as the charges were read before Magistrate T Ashvinii.

Based on the charge, the restaurant assistant was charged with using a dangerous drug, namely ganja, and was accused of committing an offence under Section 15(1)(a) of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952 (amended in 2003) read together with Section 38b (1) of the same act.

The accused can be fined a maximum of RM5,000 or imprisoned for a maximum of two years, if convicted.

The court then allowed a bail at RM3,000 with two sureties and the additional condition of reporting to a nearby station every two weeks.

The court also fixed June 5 as the re-call of the case for the submission of the pathology report.

The incident happened on the first Hari Raya Aidilfitri which caused three Pakistani men to die, while three others were seriously injured after being hit by a car driven by the suspect.

The identities of the three victims who died were identified as Zahir Nur Muhammad, 31; Shayan Mumtazali, 22 and Adil Noorullah, 33.

Three other injured individuals are Kamran Muhammad Wali, 26; Yasen Afzalsha, 19 and Salem Said Rasol, 23.

Meanwhile, four Pakistani men have been remanded for beating the driver of the car.

The matter was decided by the same Magistrate, T Ashvinii at the Teluk Intan Magistrate’s Court to allow further investigation to be carried out in accordance with Section 147 of the Penal Code.

The suspect aged 24 to 49 and working as oil palm laborers were arrested after the driver of the Proton Saga made a police report stating that he was injured in the head as a result of being beaten.

Earlier, Perak’s Hilir District Police Chief, Assistant Commissioner Ahmad Adnan Basri, reportedly said they were arrested after the police identified the suspect through a viral video on social media involving the car driver and the four men.

Police Corporal Arrested for Causing Motorcyclist Death

A police Corporal was arrested for causing the death of a motorcycle-riding teenager. This viral case happened on the first night of Hari Raya Aidilfitri in Melaka.

In the video, several motorcycles were seen moving from one direction. Suddenly, a Police 4-wheel drive vehicle was seen coming from the opposite direction as if it was chasing some motorbikes, and crossed the intersection in a hurry. This rash move caused the victim’s motorcycle to crash into the vehicle and the victim was thrown from his motorcycle.

The victim was taken to Malacca Hospital, but died later.

Melaka Police Chief, Datuk Zainol Samah, informed that the Corporal who is one of the Durian Tunggal Police Station’s crime prevention patrol was arrested at the Alor Gajah District Police Headquarters (IPD) Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Division Office at 9am this morning (April 12).

He said, the police are currently waiting for the reaction and cooperation from the 37-year-old Corporal.

“A preliminary urine screening test was also carried out and the result was that the member was free of any drug abuse,” he said.

Datuk Zainol added that his party has received six reports so far about the incident and three recordings of conversations from witnesses and victim’s family members have been completed.

He said the case was reclassified in accordance with Section 41(1) of the Road Transport Act 1987 due to the offense of driving causing death.

“If convicted, this act provides for a minimum prison sentence of five years and a maximum of 10 years and a fine of not less than RM20,000 to RM50,000,” he said.

He hopes that the public who have any information about the incident can contact the head of traffic investigation and enforcement, IPD Alor Gajah on 06-5563222 to assist in investigations.

35 Deaths due to Road Accidents on First Day of Raya

The Royal Malaysian Police released the statistics on the third day of Op Selamat yesterday, and the death toll continued to rise. A total of 35 people died due to road accidents on the first day of Hari Raya Aidilfitri (Wednesday, April 10).

The figure is almost double the 18 deaths on the eve of Hari Raya (Tuesday, April 9). However, there was a reduction in the total number of accidents to 1,289 cases from 1,631 cases.

PDRM once again advised road users to drive prudently and always follow the set rules, apart from obeying the road laws.

PDRM has implemented the 22nd Safe Operation with the theme ‘Safe Home, Safe to Destination’ from April 8 to 13 throughout the country.

Inspector General of Police, Tan Sri Razarudin Husain urged road users to drive patiently, prudently and responsibly throughout the journey back to their respective hometowns.

He also advised users who are planning to go back to their village or on vacation to inculcate these qualities when driving for the sake of their loved ones and to ensure their safety on the road.

Our advice is to always be alert when driving and riding a motorcycle, no matter when you are on the road.

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Local News

Highlights of the Suzuki Avenis

Highlights of the Suzuki Burgman Street EX

Suzuki Avenis Photo Gallery

Suzuki Burgman Street EX Photo Gallery

MICHELIN Power 6: Your Everyday Tire for Excitement and Sportiness

MICHELIN Power GP 2: From Racetrack Dominance to Roadside Adrenaline

MICHELIN Anakee Road: Trail-Designed Thread Pattern for Road Usage

Pricing

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