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All highway concession companies are instructed to prepare for the month of Ramadan, especially during peak hours to ensure comfortable, safe and smooth travel for users.

The Malaysian Highways Authority (LLM) informed that it expects an increase in the amount of traffic on tolled highways when going home or going to work during Ramadan which is expected to start this Tuesday.

“Among the initiatives that need to be implemented is re-coordinating the location and time of lane closures for maintenance works in line with the time of return or departure from work, whether in the government or private sector which will change compared to normal working hours.

“In addition, rescheduling the activation time of the tidal route or smartlane in accordance with the change in working hours and ensuring that all facilities are provided in rest and treatment areas, side stops and toll plazas in good condition.

“This includes aspects of water supply and cleanliness,” according to LLM while also asking the parties involved to identify focal locations and provide temporary additional facilities to deal with the increase in the number of users.

In addition, they hope that cooperation with the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) can be increased to help smooth traffic movement, especially at critical locations such as traffic lights after highway exits to avoid traffic overflowing onto the highway’s main route.

The 2024 Yamaha TMAX 560 has been launched in Japan with some minor updates.

The Yamaha TMAX is arguably the scooter which started the maxi-scooter class when it first was first released in 2001, taking over from the 250cc Majesty.  Popular in Europe, the bike has continued it 23-year run with updates after updates to bring it up to snuff. It still promises performance and tech without compromising on praticality and comfort.

Therefore, it is not a surprise that Yamaha updated the TMAX further to keep up, if not stay ahead, of its rivals.

The engine stays the same: A 562cc, liquid-cooled, fuel-injected parallel-twin. It produces a healthy maximum power of 48 hp at 7,500 RPM and 55.7 Nm of maximum torque at 5,250. That is a good spread of 2,250 RPM between maximum torque and power, ensuring fast roll-on acceleration.

However, the main updates lie in the electronic features. For starters, there is now cruise control which is a welcomed addition for long distance rides. The full-colour 7-inch TFT display now has built-in Garmin navigation. Keyless ignition, traction control, ABS are retained. The Japanese model has heated grips and seats.

Other features include a tall windscreen, comfy seats, huge underseat storage space and more. 2024 Yamaha TMAX 560 owners in Japan can opt for saddlebags and top case, but they may not be available for our market. But one thing for certain is it will take quite some time to arrive here.

PETRONAS is calling on the public to be more vigilant against fake investment scams using the name of the company and its Chief Executive Officer (CEO).

PETRONAS said it has been informed about the online investment fraud that is active in the WhatsApp application.

According to them, the fraud involved the illegal use of the PETRONAS company name and logo, as well as the name of the PETRONAS Group President and Chief Executive Officer Tan Sri Tengku Muhammad Taufik.

“The message included a fake news report purportedly from The Star with the headline used ‘Special Report: ‘PETRONAS opens joint investment platform with government support!’.

“It offers a scheme that promises returns through weekly investments in government operations related to natural gas and liquefied natural gas (LNG) production,” PETRONAS said in the statement.

The report was also accompanied by a fake video of Tan Sri Tengku Muhammad Taufik, with his image and voice manipulated using artificial intelligence (AI) software.

PETRONAS management explained and emphasized that there is no such investment platform from them.

“We would like to call on everyone not to respond to this fake investment scheme,” the national petroleum and gas company added.

Goodyear will provide high compensation to their workers affected by the decision to close its factory in Shah Alam.

A transition process involving employee welfare was implemented prior to the announcement. This process includes collaboration with several companies such as Proton Holdings Bhd. to provide employment opportunities to affected workers.

This news was revealed by the Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz. He said Goodyear took those steps to ensure a smooth transition process for employees. In addition, Goodyear will provide higher compensation than is stipulated under the provisions of the law.

“This factory is closing because Goodyear aims to reduce costs up to US$1 billion a year by 2025. The closure of the factory in Shah Alam is part of the said cost reduction measures.

“Goodyear will also close two of its tire factories in Germany, involving 1,750 workers. A tire factory in the United Kingdom will also be closed. So, not only operations in Malaysia, but Goodyear’s operations around the world will also be affected,” he said in a post on social media on Friday.

Goodyear will reportedly close its factory in Shah Alam, Selangor after 50 years of operation, affecting approximately 550 employees.

He said, MITI and its agency MIDA have mobilized a special team involving SOCSO and the Department of Manpower through the Invest Malaysia Facilitation Center to facilitate job placement, as well as offer skill improvement and reskilling programs.

“Most importantly, all those efforts have been implemented before the announcement of the factory closure was made to ensure that the transition process for the workers goes smoothly,” he said.

Commenting further, Tengku Zafrul said that the government will ensure that Malaysia continues to receive investment that can help the country’s economy.

That is the main challenge at the moment given the current global economic landscape in ensuring that there is more inward investment than outward investment as is the case with Goodyear.

He said investment announcements of RM329.5 billion were approved last year, the highest in Malaysia’s history. A total of 5,310 projects have been approved and will generate nearly 130,000 job opportunities.

“In the manufacturing sector alone, 63 percent of the approved investments were from existing businesses expanding their operations.

National rider Qabil Irfan Azlan will race in the Spanish Superbike Championship (ESBK) for the 2024 season.

The plucky 12-year-old, who was the 2023 champion of the MiniGP World Series, will compete in the Moto4 Category with Spanish team VHC Frando Racing.

According to a statement released by ZK Racing, Qabil will leave for Spain this Sunday to attend pre-season tests on March 16 and 17 at the Jerez Circuit. He will then remain there for the opening races of the season on April 6 and 7.

“The ESBK championship will be held over 7 rounds. This Moto4 category includes riders aged 12 to 14 and will compete on circuits in Spain and Portugal,” according to ZK Racing.

After the race at the Jerez Circuit, Qabil is scheduled to continue his campaign at the Valencia Circuit, Spain (June 1 and 2); Estoril Circuit, Portugal (July 6 and 7); Circuit Catalunya, Spain (July 27 and 28); Estoril Circuit, Portugal (31 August and 1 September); Circuit Navarra, Spain (26 and 27 October) and return to Circuit Jerez to close the 2024 campaign on 2 and 3 November.

Qabil is under the ZK Racing development program since 2020 is expected to also participate in the FIM MiniGP Malaysia Series Championship in the 190cc category this year.

The Johor Government is making plans to reopen the Pasir Gudang Circuit, also known as the Johor Circuit. The historic circuit has been closed for the past nine years.

Chairman of the Youth and Sports Committee, Entrepreneur Development and State Cooperatives Mohd. Hairi Mad Shah said he along with Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi will meet the Acting Sultan of Johor Tunku Mahkota Ismail Sultan Ibrahim to present plans to reopen the circuit.

He said the re-opening of the circuit will cost a lot, but it will serve as the Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) Racing Team’s training ground with the participation of national rider Hafizh Syahrin Abdullah.

Hafizh Syahrin Hopes to Shine at ARRC

“When there was a JDT Racing Team in Johor, many people asked about the Pasir Gudang Circuit, but (according to) a review, it will involve a relatively high cost for the overhaul.

“So, God willing, I and the Menteri Besar will go to the Acting Sultan of Johor to consider this circuit being reopened for the training of Hafizh Syahrin and motoring enthusiasts in the near future,” said Mohd. Happy birthday yesterday.

He also hoped that the re-opening of the circuit could further stimulate motor sports, thus becoming the location of choice for those involved in the sport.

JDT ventured into motor sports with Hafizh who will compete in the 2024 Asian Motorcycle Championship.

 

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