Local News Archives

652 Heavy Vehicle Accidents in First Quarter 2024

A total of 652 road accidents involving heavy vehicles were reported in the first quarter of 2024.

The alarming statistics were revealed by the Deputy Minister of Transport, Datuk Hasbi Habibollah. Of that number, there were 287 fatal cases, 95 serious and 270 minor injuries.

He said the accidents were caused by various factors including the negligence of sleepy drivers, driving above the permitted speed limit, overloaded vehicles, and not being properly maintained.

He also said the Road Transport Department (JPJ) is stepping up enforcement activities, particularly in terms of vehicle load limit regulations and speed limits for heavy vehicles.

“In addition to operating 53 enforcement stations across the country, JPJ is also supplied with 75 units of mobile weighing equipment for enforcement purposes.

“Last year, a total of 45,015 summons notices were issued involving dangerous goods offences, while up to April this year, a total of 9,214 summons notices were issued.”

Explaining further, Hasbi said that the Ministry of Transport together with the Ministry of Public Works is in the final process of developing the High Speed - Weigh in Motion (HS-WIM) system.

“Through the use of the HS-WIM system, heavy vehicle enforcement activities can be carried out in real time or automatically without the need for the vehicle to stop to be weighed.

“The use of the HS-WIM system will also be able to reduce the dependence on a high amount of manpower or enforcement personnel,” he said.

In addition, he said, members will be able to carry out enforcement activities in other locations where the HS-WIM system is not installed.

“The HS-WIM system is expected to be able to expand reach, increase compliance and further strengthen the effectiveness of enforcement on motor vehicle load limit regulations as well as be a long-term solution in dealing with the issue of heavy vehicle load limits,” he said.

It should be noted that the number of accidents may be higher because there are cases that were not reported to the authorities.

2024 Lambretta X250 and 2024 Lambretta G350 Now Available in Malaysia

Following the announcement of the return of the legendary Italian brand Lambretta to Malaysia, the 2024 Lambretta X250 and 2024 Lambretta G350 are now available.

Both models are locally assembled by Mofaz Motosikal Sdn. Bhd. (MOMOS) in Malaysia.

2024 Lambretta X250

The X250 features a semi-monocoque frame, to which all the other components are attached to. The 250cc, 4-valve engine is liquid cooled and produces a maximum power of 24.8hp at 8,250 RPM and maximum torque of 24.5Nm at 6,250. Lambretta says that the vents are effective in keeping the engine cool and providing the air necessary for fuel combustion.

There is a pair of shocks at the back, while the front features Lambretta’s signature “double pull” suspension assembly.

The fuel tank holds 7 litres of unleaded, and the dry weight is 165kg.

Other features include ABS which is standard fitment for European bikes above 125cc, smart key ignition, and LED lighting.

Its selling price is from RM22,800.

2024 Lambretta G350

The G350 is Lambretta’s flagship model, and features a 330cc liquid-cooled single cylinder engine, which produces 25.8hp at 7,500 RPM and 25.5Nm at 6,250 RPM.

While the body looks similar in size to the X250, the G350 has a bigger fuel tank at 9 litres, bring the total dry weight to 173kg. Suspension is likewise similar to the X250’s such as the double-pull front end and twin shocks at the back.

There are several other key differences, too, such as the TFT display, and a glove box with a USB charger.

Its selling price is from RM29,800.

2024 Lambretta Picture Gallery

2024 Lambretta G350 Picture Gallery

Using Fake Number Plate to Avoid Repossession of Motorcycle

A man installed a fake number plate on his motorcycle to avoid it being repossessed.

The man stopped during a roadblock conducted by the Road Transport Department (JPJ) at the Petaling Jaya Selatan Toll Plaza 5 near Subang Jaya, yesterday. The officers who were at the operation noticed that the motorcycle had no front number plate, while the rear number plate was incomplete.

The JPJ officers then carried out a chassis inspection and found that the Yamaha 135LC motorcycle did not match the registration number attached to the motorcycle.

Finally the motorcyclist admitted that he changed the number plate on his motorcycle because he did not want it to be repossessed as he had failed to pay the instalments for more than 3 months.

“I have to pay RM299 every month and there are three more years to pay.

“I changed this number plate a week ago, as I was afraid that the shop would repossess it. I know the risk of doing this, but that’s that… I accept the consequences,” he said.

JPJ seized the motorcycle involved. The man was also found not to have a driver’s license.

RM50 left after Buying a BMW Superbike

A young man expressed his regret because he is left with only RM50 after buying a BMW superbike.

The 26-year-old whose salary has reached RM6,000 a month thought he had enough to afford his his dream motorcycle which costs RM129,000 (the price for a BMW S 1000 RR).

But it turns out that he has got his budget wrong. He turned to social media to express his frustration by posting on X, “It’s true that people say superbikes is actually a hobby for the rich.

“Now it’s only the middle of the month, after renewing the road tax, servicing this and that, leaving only RM50 for food.

“I don’t know if I can survive until the end of the month,” he complained.

As usual, netizens were quick to respond because to them, he should have practised better money management. There were also who said that the superbike is only suitable to those who are not salaried and earn a five-figure income every month.

“Give any salary, it’s not enough if you’re extravagant, you’re not good at managing money. High salary, high lifestyle, it’s not enough,” commented a netizen.

Some gave financial advice.

“Logically, RM50 will not be enough until the end of the month. But if you borrow or use your savings, you can.”

“Just sell the bike. Is the best way if it’s burdensome,” said another netizen.

Petrol Station Operator Facing Fine up to RM1 Million

A petrol station operator in Alor Gajah, Melaka is facing a fine of up to RM1 million after a video went viral showing a driver of a foreign registered car filling up with subsidized RON95 petrol there.

Accordingly, the petrol station was raided by the Melaka Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN).

State KPDN director, Norena Jaafar, said the action was taken after her party detected the video recording on social media on June 16, which triggered various negative reactions among netizens.

“Following that, a KPDN enforcement team went to the station involved today to carry out further investigations and as a result we suspect that there was a offence made by the operator of the premises.

“The suspected offence was made at 4.35pm, last Sunday and through closed circuit camera (CCTV) footage, it was found that a man suspected to be a foreigner paid RM23.17 through an outdoor payment terminal (OTP) transaction, which is a payment through a prepaid card to buy the fuel in question,” he said through a statement, today.

Norena said, the act thus violates Rule 12A, Supply Control Regulations 1974 which is an offence under Rule 21(1).

“This offender can be punished according to Section 22(1) of the Supply Control Act 1961 (Act 122) where if found guilty the petrol station operator faces a fine not exceeding RM1 million or imprisonment for up to three years or both.

“The action of the case was made in line with the directive enforced on 17 June 2022 involving the ban on the sale of RON95 petrol to all vehicles with foreign registration numbers,” she said.

2024 Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports ES Introduced in Malaysia

The much-awaited 2024 Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports ES has been introduced in Malaysia. Better known in short as the “Africa Twin” it features several important revisions, including more power and better comfort.

Key highlights:

The 1084cc, liquid-cooled, OHC, parallel-twin engine provides 7% more peak torque. Maximum power is 75 kW at 7,500 RPM and maximum torque of 112 Nm arrives at 5,500 RPM.
The DCT (Dual Cluth Transmission) has been revised to provide a more natural, feathered (better known as “half-clutch”) feel during initial acceleration, and between first and second gears.

The usual “M” (manual) mode is retained, allowing the rider to change gears by pressing the handlebar mounted buttons.
The riders can switch between “D” (drive) and “S” (sport) modes.
Further revision of the DCT includes incline detection, to avoid the gearbox shifting while the bike is leaned over.

Showa Electronically Equipped Ride Adjustment (Showa EERATM) suspension is now standard, as opposed to being an option on the previous Africa Twin.
The system automatically adjust damping force based on the riding conditions, and depending on which of the four suspension modes (MID, HARD, SOFT, OFFROAD) and a USER mode was selected.
The usual ride-by-wire throttle is retained hence providing electronic assistance in the Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC) feature, now managed with a six-axis inertial measurement system (IMU).

The rider can select one of four ride modes: TOUR, URBAN, GRAVEL, or OFF-ROAD.
There is also Wheelie Control with 3 selectable levels.
Its ABS also works in conjunction with the IMU to provide safer braking solutions at all lean angles.
Rear ABS can be turned off for off-road riding.

19-inch front wheel for better on-road stability while maintaining its off-road capabilities.
Minimum ground clearance of 220 mm.
Seat height can be adjusted between 820 mm and 840 mm without tools.

A new seat with 15mm thicker cushion and 8mm more area for more comfort on long rides.
The 2024 Honda CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports E shows a redesigned front fairing for better wind deflection to minimise wind blast on the rider’s body.
6.5-inch TFT Multi Information Display (MID) integrates Apple CarPlay and AndroidAuto.

The 2024 Honda CRF11000L Africa Twin Adventure Sports ES will be available from 19 June 2024 in two color options namely Mat Ballistic Black Metallic and Pearl Glare White. Selling price (not on the road) is RM 119,388.

2024 Honda CBR250RR Launched in Malaysia

The 2024 Honda CBR250RR has been launched in Malaysia, and brings along several updates centred around engine performance and handling.

New key features:

Compression ratio is raised to 12.5:1 from 12.1:1 by reducing the combustion chamber volume from 7.55 cm³ to 70.0 cm³.
The inlet port throat diameter was enlarged from 21.4 mm to 21.6 mm.
Updated valve timing and lift.

Optimised piston and oil ring tension to reduce friction.
These updates produce a 1 kW (1.34 hp) increase of maximum power over the previous model, and bringing it to 31 kW (41.6 hp) at 13,000 RPM and 25 Nm of torque at 11,000 RPM.
The Assist and Slipper Clutch feature stays, but is now complimented with a quickshifter.

The front suspension is upgraded with 37mm Showa Separate Function Fork – Big Piston (SFF-BP) upside-down forks.
On the electronic front, the 2024 Honda CBR250RR has a ride-by-wire throttle which in turn offers three ride modes, namely Sport+, Sport, and Comfort.
The bodywork has been reworked for what Honda calls “aggressive speedy shape” concept, leading to a 6% reduction in air resistance.

“With the new CBR250RR, we aim to provide an unmatched riding experience that combines power, precision, and style,” said Mitsuharu Funase, Managing Director and CEO of Boon Siew Honda. “It is a testament to Honda’s commitment to innovation and excellence in the supersport motorcycle segment. We are confident that the enhancements in performance and design will captivate motorcycling enthusiasts across Malaysian market.”

The 2024 Honda CBR250RR comes in in two colors – Mat Zodiac Blue Metallic and Honda Tricolor, both priced from RM27,999.

We Will Revoke your License if You Increase Prices, Warns PMX

Prime Minister of Malaysia, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who is also known as PMX, warned that strict action including revoking their license will be taken against any party who increases the price of services or goods. The warning also includes parties entitled to diesel subsidies.

The action should be taken because the targeting of the fuel subsidy is implemented to help the needy.

“We know people think that we the Cabinet of Ministers have it easy, we have no heart, we don’t care about difficult people, raise the price… no.

“I personally held dozens of meetings so as not to burden (the people), so fishermen were excluded, so subsidies continues for fishermen, small farmers, school buses.

“School buses go up (service prices), but we warn you, you are subsidised and (yet) you hike prices, we will withdraw your license, and cancel your company,” he said.

School bus, express bus, and tourist bus services should not increase price

Meanwhile, Malaysia’s Transport Minister, Anthony Loke said the school bus fare increase should not happen since the Subsidized Diesel Control System (SKDS) 1.0 for land public transport vehicles remains at the price of RM1.88 per litre.

Loke suggested that although the Government does not control school bus fares, operators should hold discussions with the Parents and Teachers Association (PIBG), while the ministry also ready to help from various angles to ease the burden on the parties involved.

School bus and express bus users are still subsidised through the use of ‘fleet’ cards, and the price of diesel for them is RM1.88 per liter compared to RM2.15 before.

Apart from that, he also said that the government does not provide subsidies for tour bus services since it involves the private sector.

“We have to understand this… if the tour bus is for tourism (and) this is for foreign tourists, not for daily use. So we do not (give) subsidies for the tourism sector.

Tow truck operator served notice

The towing service company that announced an increase in service prices on the grounds of diesel subsidy targeting has been given notice.

Director of the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN) Johor, Lilis Saslinda Pornomo, said a notice was given to the company and they must respond within 7 to 14 days.

“The notice is for the company to provide feedback, especially documentation evidence and reasons for the increase in their operating costs associated with the implementation of diesel subsidy rationalisation starting last Monday.”

2024 Harley-Davidson Hydra Glide Revival Lands in Malaysia

The 2024 Harley-Davidson Hydra Glide Revival has arrived in Malaysia.

As the name suggests, the model is an homage, in fact it celebrates, the release of the first Hydra Glide in 1949. The model was a groundbreaking model for the Motor Company, with featured telescopic hydraulically damped forks. Add on the Panhead engine and it became the shape of Harley-Davidson motorcycles that have survived to this day.

“The 2024 Hydra-Glide Revival model celebrates the 75th anniversary of the 1949 introduction of the Hydra-Glide telescopic front suspension for Harley-Davidson E and F models,” Harley-Davidson notes in its official press release. “When Hydra-Glide equipped models were introduced, the saddle of a smooth-riding Harley-Davidson FL motorcycle was an exciting way for many Americans to explore the country on the new network of interstate highways,” says Harley-Davidson.

Wearing a similar paint job from the ‘56 model including the classic “V” tank badges it is like riding through history. Another nice touch is the speedometer’s old-school aesthetic and it includes a custom insert on the bar risers, displaying the Hydra-Glide logo and each bike’s exclusive serial number (only 1,750 units will be manufactured). It also features a taller (and removable) two-tone windscreen versus the Heritage Classic, with a sleek color-matched lower piece.

The rider’s saddle is decked out with tassels, studs, fringe, and white seam piping with red contrast stitching. Hard-mounted saddlebags match the vibe with a tasseled and studded treatment. The luggage is lockable and water-resistant.

The 114ci Milwaukee-Eight V-twin (1,868cc) is fitted with a circular air cleaner just like the old days. The engine is rated at 94 hp at 4,750 rpm and 119 lb.-ft. of torque at 3,000 revs. Not enough power? Look through the Screamin’ Eagle catalogue.

The front suspension consists of a pair of 49mm telescopic fork with Showa’s dual-bending valve technology. A preload-adjustable shock is hidden under the rear fender while the laced wheels and brakes are pulled from the Heritage Classic.

The 2024 Harley-Davidson Hydra Glide Revival is priced from RM176,900. Please visit the Harley-Davidson Asia Facebook page for more details and updates.

Yamaha Test Data Scandal Affects Japan Market Only

The automotive world was recently shaken by a scandal among Japanese manufacturers which involved them falsifying test data. Among those caught in the mix was Yamaha, the only Japanese motorcycle manufacturer found to have done so.

Investigators found that Yamaha had falsified the sound emission test data for three models namely the YZF-R1, YZF-R3, and TMAX. The company has since halted the shipment of all models.

We reached out to the official Yamaha distributor in Malaysia, Hong Leong Yamaha Motor for clarification and was told that the issue only involved motorcycles for the Japanese market, hence local models are not affected.

Afterwards, the Yamaha Motor Company issued an official statement confirming that the issue does indeed involve Japanese-only models. Below the official statement, translated from Japanese.

“The issue recently announced in Japan does not affect overseas production units, Japanese domestic distribution only. The safety of the product has been confirmed, and (Yamaha Motor Corporation] YMC reports there are no concerns using the product with confidence. Yamaha takes incidents of inappropriate handling very seriously and offers our deepest apologies to our customers, suppliers, business partners, and all other stakeholders for damaging their trust in Yamaha Motor Co., LTD.”)

Yamaha Motor Company maintained that they did not falsify or alter the data concerning the safety aspects of their motorcycles.

15,705 Fines for Obstructing Traffic in Operasi Hormat Undang-undang

A total of 15,705 fines were issued involving traffic obstruction offences in Operasi Hormat Undang-undang (Op HUU) conducted by the Kuala Lumpur Police over a seven-day period.

Head of the Kuala Lumpur Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Department (JSPT), Assistant Commissioner Sarifudin Mohd Salleh said a total of 21,169 traffic summonses were issued in the same period.

“The highest were traffic obstruction offences amounting to 15,705 summonses, followed by parking on footpaths (1,102), no license (678), expired road tax (450), vehicle number not according to specifications (336), and stopping in the yellow box (29).

“In addition, there were offences of having no side mirror (248), no registration number (156), not affixing a P sticker (167), using a mobile phone (111), expired license (107), not fastening the helmet properly (64) and several other offences,” he said in a statement today.

Sarifudin also said that his party also carried out 137 traffic operations during the same period.

“A total of 38 individuals were arrested for various offenses during the implementation of Ops HUU while five motorcycles and a lorry were confiscated,” he said.

According to him, a total of 228 senior officers and 2,642 members of JSPT Kuala Lumpur were involved in the operation with the help of Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL), Road Transport Department (JPJ) and Department of Environment (JAS).

Kuala Lumpur Police will continue Operation HUU until June 15.

Kuala Lumpur Police Chief, Datuk Rusdi Mohd Isa have said that the operation emphasises traffic offences such as obstruction, white lines, registration numbers, motorcycles, students, illegal parking, red lights, and mobile phones.

Trailer Rammed 13 Vehicles, 4 Injured

A trailer rammed 13 vehicles on Kilometer 21 of the BKE Highway heading to Baling, this morning. The accident caused at least 4 injuries among the drivers involved.

Kulim Fire and Rescue Station (BBP) chief, Assistant Fire Superintendent Hamizul Azwan Hamdan said his team received a call about the accident at 7.37am.

He also said that a team of nine members from BBP Kulim led by Zaidi Yaacob was despatched to the location.

“Upon arrival at the location, we found that there had been an accident involving 13 vehicles and four victims, including a woman who were rescued by members of the public before the fire department arrived.

“They were sent to the Kulim Hospital by ambulance for further treatment,” he said in a statement today.

Hamizul Azwan said that his members proceeded to clear the road and advised road users to avoid the area of the accident.

There have been several serious accidents along the BKE (Butterworth-Kulim Expressway), including a fatal accident last May that involved a motorcycle being squeezed to the side by a lorry. The lorry driver’s actions caused the motorcycle to swipe the side of the lorry, and throwing the motorcyclist onto the road barrier. The rider died a few hours after receiving treatment at the hospital.

This route is often plied by heavy vehicles carrying goods between the industrial areas in Kulim, Butterworth, and Prai. So, our advice is to be careful when riding a motorcycle and driving on this highway.

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2024 Lambretta X250

2024 Lambretta G350

2024 Lambretta Picture Gallery

2024 Lambretta G350 Picture Gallery

Key highlights:

New key features:

School bus, express bus, and tourist bus services should not increase price

Tow truck operator served notice

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