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The Honda EM1 e: electric scooter has won a Red Dot Design Award. Honda had actually won four awards at one go, with two for their electric scooters.

The EM1 e: made its debut last year as Honda’s first production electric scooter to use the Honda Mobile Power e swappable battery. The previous PCX Electric, on the other hand, was Honda’s first production electric scooter but did not feature a swappable battery.

Another Honda scooter to win the design award was the Honda Motocompacto. It is clearly an homage to the Honda Motocompo, which saw production from 1981 – 1983. It was a foldaway scooter, small enough to fit in the boot of the Honda City Turbo II hatchback. Now how is that for a cute last yard solution?

The current version is electric-powered, and looks to be much bigger than its predecessor. Honda says the Motocompacto’s design “also enables a high level of customer personalization and tailoring through the application of stickers and other decorations.” So get your Manga and Hello Sticker sets ready!

The other two awards were for Honda’s robotic lawnmower and outboard boat engine. They had also won the Red Dot Award for the XL750 Transalp and CB750, previously.

Other manufactures who have won this award include Ducati and Yamaha.

The excitement of Hari Raya Aidilfitri for 6 Pakistanis turned into a tragedy when they were rammed by a car driven by a man who tested positive for drugs. 3 of them died, while 3 others were seriously injured.

The incident occurred at KM16 of Jalan Teluk Intan-Bidor, yesterday morning.

The police said the accident happened when the victim was walking to a nearby mosque to perform Hari Raya Aidilfitri prayers.

Hilir Perak District Police Chief Assistant Commissioner Ahmad Adnan Basri said, “According to the investigation at the scene, the Proton Saga car driven by a 36-year-old man is believed to have lost control and skidded to the left shoulder of the road and subsequently hit six pedestrians on the road shoulder.

Photo by IPD Hilir Perak

“As a result of the accident, three of them aged between 20 and 35 years old were confirmed dead, while the other three were seriously injured and are treated at Teluk Intan Hospital.

“All the victims have valid travel permits and documents,” he said in a statement tonight.

He added that a urine test on the driver of the Proton Saga found him positive for cannabis and the police arrested the suspect.

“The case is being investigated in accordance with Section 44(1)(a) of the Road Transport Act 1987.

“People who have information related to the incident are asked to come forward and help the investigation by contacting the investigating officer, Inspector Mohd Amirrudin Shafiei on 013-9126959 or 05-6122222 to help the investigation,” he said.

All photos by IPD Hilir Perak

18 deaths due to road accidents were recorded on the eve of Hari Raya Aidilfitri yesterday (Tuesday). It was also the second day of the 22nd Op Selamat.

The number was an increase from the 14 deaths recorded on the first day of the operation (Monday).

The Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) shared an infographic on its Facebook page today showing a total of 1,631 road accident cases reported across the country on the same day.

Accordingly, PDRM advises road users to drive prudently and always follow the set rules, in addition to ensuring that road laws are obeyed without compromise.

The 22nd Op Selamat with the theme ‘Safe Home, Safe Arrival at Home’ takes place from April 8 to 13 across the country.

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

He also advised road 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.

It is only April 2024, but Team Orange has already launched the 2025 KTM motocross range, for both two- and four-strokes.

However, there are only chassis updates throughout the lineup while other mechanical aspects remain unchanged. Even then, these updates were already available on the 2024 Factory Edition versions of the 250 SX-F and 450 SX-F.

These “new” frames have cutouts for the rear engine mounts, besides a different thickness at the front engine mounts, and the shock mounts. In all, it saves 300g and alters the frame’s flex.

A new swingarm with a machined chain guide is also installed, along with a new more durable rear brake pedal. Additionally, the rear shock linkage has smaller diameter bolts and new seals.

Besides the changes, KTM has also adjusted the WP XACT AER forks’ setting. The tyres are now Dunlop Geomax MX34.

On the electronic front, the owner can opt for the KTM Connectivity Unit Offroad suite which allows for adjustments through the KTMconnect app.

Lastly, there are new graphics with stretch KTM logo on the side panels.

The two-stroke SX range consists of the 50 SX, 65 SX, and 85 SX mini bikes, besides the 150 SX, which joins the existing 125 SX, 250 SX, and 300 SX.

As for the four-strokes, there are the 250 SX-F, 350 SX-F, and 450 SX-F. KTM adds the Adamo Edition 250 which celebrates Andrea Adamo’s winning the 2023 MX2 World Championship title.

A spokesperson for the Malaysian Highways Authority (LLM) said traffic flow on several major highways and roads leading out of the Klang Valley was reported to be congested this evening.

It is caused by the increase in city residents returning to their hometowns to celebrate Hari Raya Aidilfitri. At the same time, they can take advantage of free tolls on all highways which will end at 11.59 tonight.

According to the spokesman, the flow of traffic to the north is congested on the North-South Highway (PLUS) from Bukit Lanjan to Rawang, Kawasan Rehat dan Rawat (R&R) Rawang to Bukit Beruntung, Bukit Tagar to Lembah Beringin, Tapah to Gopeng, and the Menora Tunnel to Kuala Kangsar.

“Four Smart Lane lanes have been activated for the northbound route involving Rawang R&R Area to Sungai Buaya, Slim River to Sungkai, Gua Tempurung to Gopeng, and Bukit Tambun to Juru. The route will be activated until 7pm tonight,” he told Bernama.

As for the route to the south, he said, congestion was reported in Nilai to Bandar Ainsdale, Port Dickson Selatan to Pedas Linggi, and Kulai to Sedenak.

“The Smart Lane has also been activated, including Nilai to Seremban R&R Area, Ayer Keroh to Bemban Side Stop, and Kulai to Senai,” he said.

As for the route to the East Coast, he said, traffic is controlled and congestion only occurs after the Gombak Toll Plaza to the Genting Sempah Tunnel.

“Traffic is congested along 13 kilometers following the rain, in addition to the increase in vehicles and hiking trails at the location,” he said.

Malaysia’s young rider Qabil Irfan Azlan said his debut in the 2024 Spanish Superbike Championship (ESBK) at the Jerez Circuit was affected by cold weather and a slippery track, but he saw it as a positive development.

The 2023 MiniGP World Series Championship world champion finished Race 1 in a good sixth place.

Unfortunately, the slippery circuit conditions due to the cold weather resulted in a more challenging Race 2 for Qabil.

“I’m not very happy with this result (Race 2) because I’m not good with the bike. The circuit was slippery, cold and the tires slid. I also need to improve my riding style during the race that took place in cold weather,” said Qabil.

Regardless, Qabil and his ZK Racing manager, Zulfahmi Khairuddin will improve their performance in the second round of the season which will take place at the Valencia Circuit from May 30 to June 2.

“Our purpose in coming here is to give Qabil an early experience of racing in Europe. The result in Race 1 is a proud result while the result for Race 2 is a valuable experience for us to improve on in the next round.

“All week here Qabil spent the session in ninth and 10th place but in the race, Qabil was with the front group competing for the podium. Qabil finished Race 1 in sixth place.

“But, for Race 2 it was a difficult race for Qabil. He didn’t feel confident with the bike, the circuit felt slippery from the first lap until the end of the race because of the cold weather.

“This is a good experience for Qabil and the team. We will return to Malaysia to train well for round 2 in Valencia,” said Zulfahmi.

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