After it’s China-market introduction in early 2026, Honda is bringing the CBR500R Four to Europe for 2027, introducing a 502 cc inline-four sports bike with standard E-Clutch technology and a comprehensive electronics package. The new model could be an interesting addition to Honda’s Malaysian line-up if Boon Siew Honda decides to bring it here.

Developed by Wuyang-Honda, Honda’s Chinese joint venture, the CBR500R Four was first shown in China early this year before making its way to European markets. In the United Kingdom, it is priced at £6,999 (RM37,000), with deliveries expected to begin in January 2027.

Not just a down-sized CBR650R, power for the CBR500R comes from a newly developed, liquid-cooled 502 cc DOHC inline-four engine producing 72 hp at 11,000 rpm and 47.4 Nm of torque at 9,750 rpm. A six-speed gearbox drives the rear wheel, while Honda’s E-Clutch system allows riders to start, stop and change gears without operating the clutch lever. while conventional manual clutch operation remains available.

The engine also benefits from a ram-air intake system, while the electronics package includes throttle-by-wire, five riding modes, Honda Selectable Torque Control traction control and wheelie control. A restricted 46 hp version is also available for European A2 licence holders.

The CBR500R Four uses a steel frame, a 41 mm KYB upside-down front fork and a Pro-Link rear monoshock paired with an aluminium swingarm. Braking is handled by twin 296 mm front discs with radial-mount Nissin two-piston callipers, alongside a single rear disc and dual-channel ABS.

It rides on 17-inch wheels shod with Pirelli Diablo Rosso IV tyres measuring 120/70 at the front and 160/60 at the rear. Kerb weight is listed at 189 kg, seat height is 780 mm and fuel tank capacity is 14 litres.

Equipment includes LED lighting, a five-inch colour TFT display with Honda RoadSync smartphone connectivity and a USB-C charging port. The CBR500R Four will be offered in Ignition Red Tricolour and Matte Ballistic Black Metallic.

For Malaysia, the main question is where the new four-cylinder model would sit against the existing Honda CBR650R E-Clutch. The CBR650R is currently priced at RM49,999, excluding road tax, insurance and registration.

Its 649 cc inline-four produces 93.8 hp at 12,000 rpm and 63 Nm of torque at 9,500 rpm, giving it a clear performance advantage over the smaller CBR500R Four. If launched in Malaysia, a price in the RM35,000 to RM40,000 range would be a reasonable price point, placing it RM10,000 to RM15,000 below the CBR650R.

27YM Honda CBR500R FOUR

In Malaysia, its most direct price comparison would be the recently launched ZXMoto 500RR, which is priced at RM29,988, excluding road tax, insurance and registration. The Chinese sports bike uses a 470 cc inline-four producing 84 hp at 13,500 rpm and 46 Nm at 11,500 rpm, paired with a six-speed gearbox, slipper clutch and bidirectional quickshifter.

The ZXMoto comes with fully adjustable suspension, a steering damper, twin 300 mm front discs with four-piston callipers, traction control, launch control and a six-axis inertial measurement unit (IMU). At a claimed 168 kg, it is also 21 kg lighter than the Honda.

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Local developers of mobile applications can leverage open public transport data to help commuters plan their journeys more efficiently, transport minister Anthony Loke has said, reported Bernama.

The ministry of transport had adopted an open data policy several years ago, which allowed interested parties to access information for the development of public transport applications, Loke said.

“Public transport data has been made available for several years, and it can be accessed by anyone interested in developing applications,” the transport minister said, responding to a question regarding the transport ministry’s support for the development of a local application ecosystem.

The ministry of transport encouraged the development of local applications that could make public transport more convenient for the public, said the transport minister.

“Data under the ministry’s purview mainly relates to public transport, while road-related data involves other agencies, including the works ministry and the public works department. Prasarana Malaysia Berhad (Prasarana) has made various datasets available to the public, covering daily passenger numbers, train frequency and service schedules,” he said.

On Wednesday, Malaysian prime minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced that the Malaysian government has banned all civil servants from using the Waze navigation app for its ties to Israel.

The decision was made taking into account the position of Waze Mobile Ltd, the controller of the app’s user data, which it says is incorporated and operates under Israeli law.

Yesterday, the Malaysian government said that it is not imposing a blanket ban on Waze as it seeks to strike a balance between national security and personal freedoms. However, civil servants who defy the immediate ban on Waze could face disciplinary action.

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The Penang road transport department (JPJ) has so far this year caught 38 drivers (23 lorry drivers, 12 private vehicle drivers and three bus drivers) testing positive for drugs, Bernama reports.

State JPJ director Zulkifly Ismail said the drivers, aged 30-50, tested positive for various substances including methamphetamine or syabu (23 cases), ketum (6), cannabis (5) and morphine (1). Five driving licences and five vocational driving licences have been suspended.

“We cannot wait until accidents happen before taking action. Preventive measures and enforcement operations must be carried out continuously. Road safety is not solely the responsibility of drivers. Employers and transport operators must also ensure their workers are fit, healthy and safe to perform their duties,” he said recently.

Although some drivers cited peer influence and the belief that drugs could help them stay energetic and alert for longer, particularly when driving at night, Zulkifly said this was no excuse for drug use, which could endanger other road users.

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Big news out of Japan, as Honda and Mitsubishi have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for the development of a new Honda model based on the Triton pick-up truck, confirming an earlier report. This is significant because it marks the first initiative between both companies for complementary supply to each other’s product line-ups.

Honda is keeping details under wraps for now but it did say that its upcoming pick-up truck is scheduled to go on sale in the ASEAN market in 2028. This partnership is beneficial for the parties involved, as Honda will have something to offer in a segment it currently has no presence in, while Mitsubishi can increase production volume and increase capacity utilisation at its production plant in Thailand.

The latter bit of info pretty much confirms Mitsubishi will be building Honda’s pick-up truck at its Laem Chabang plant in the Chonburi province. Honda isn’t new to pick-up trucks, as it currently offers the Ridgeline in North America. However, that is a unibody (monocoque) model, whereas the ASEAN-specific model will be its first body-on-frame (ladder-frame) offering.

In a joint release, Honda and Mitsubishi said they have been exploring opportunities for collaboration in various areas based on the framework of the strategic partnership that was part of an MoU signed on August 1, 2024. This was signed by Honda, Mitsubishi and Nissan months before a separate MoU relating to a possible merger was penned in December the same year, which was ultimately called off.

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Petronas Lubricants International (PLI) will begin supplying Petronas Sprinta motorcycle lubricants to UM Motorcycles dealers in October 2026, starting in Asia before expanding to Europe, Middle East, Africa and the Americas. The partnership covers selected markets across Asia Pacific, Europe, Africa and Latin America, with the aim of improving motorcycle reliability and aftersales support.

The initial rollout will feature selected Petronas Sprinta products with UltraFlex technology, designed to protect the engine, clutch and transmission while supporting responsive performance and engine longevity. PLI will also provide technical training, dealer development and marketing support to UM Motorcycles’ participating distributors and dealers.

The partnership gives PLI access to UM Motorcycles’ international distribution network, while UM dealers gain access to PLI’s lubricant expertise and product range. Product availability will be introduced progressively by market while no information was forwarded if the partnership will cover UM Motorcycles’ Malaysian operations.

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Transport minister Anthony Loke has revealed Zetrix AI has yet to make any payment towards the RM314 million in outstanding remittances to the government, reports NST. The company, which is part of the MYEG Group, had its services as a collection agent for the road transport department (JPJ) suspended.

Loke added that the company’s suspension had not disrupted summons payments or other services, which remained accessible through alternative channels, including MyJPJ. In fact, road tax renewals and other transactions continued as usual as more users switch over to MyJPJ.

For a brief recap, Zetrix AI was suspended as a JPJ collection agent on October 5 this year after failing to remit RM314 million government revenue collected between May 19 and September 30. This is despite four engagement sessions and 35 reminders being issued to recover the arrears.

Loke also said previously that a RM231 million cheque dated September 30 could not be processed after the company instructed its bank to stop payment. Soon after the suspension, Zetrix AI said it had submitted a proposal to the government to resolve the outstanding remittances.

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The Omoda C7 hasn’t been officially launched in Malaysia, but it is expected to make its market debut very soon, likely before November is out. When it does, the SUV, which is the first model designed specifically for the Omoda | Jaecoo brand for international markets, will appear in its petrol form, despite the initial indication being that the plug-in hybrid would be launched first.

Despite the switch, the PHEV – which, like the petrol version, will be locally assembled – is slated for introduction after the ICE version goes on sale, and now, we understand that a third variant is expected for Malaysia, but that will likely come well into 2027.

That’s right. The model, which is known as the Omoda 7 in its domestic and other selected markets, will also be available as a hybrid in our market, as indicated during this year’s edition of the annual Chery International User Summit (IUS) currently taking place in Wuhu, China.

During a presentation on the sidelines of the summit, it was announced that the Omoda 7 Super Hybrid System–Hybrid (SHS-H, the H suffix being for HEV) has been slated for Malaysia. The Omoda 7 SHS-H has its own world premiere component, a 5 kWh battery that was announced at the IUS. It will also feature on the HEV version of the Omoda X, itself a global debutante at the event.

No technical details were revealed about the unit, both in composition and technical specifications, but it was mentioned that it will provide the HEV with 2.2 kW of vehicle-to-load capability, a first for traditional HEVs, and offer a Super Quiet Mode, delivering EV-like quietness during starts, acceleration, and cruising.

Naturally, the larger capacity battery will definitely unlock a greater EV-only driving range compared to the 1.83 kWh unit as seen on the Jaecoo J5 and J7 HEVs. Given that the J5 HEV has a claimed 980 km of total range (aided by a 51 litre fuel tank), the new 5 kWh battery should easily propel the Omoda 7 hybrid well past the 1,000 km mark, possibly closer to 1,100 km with a lighter right foot.

The SHS-H powertrain for it should be similar to the one seen on the Jaecoo HEVs, which is a turbocharged 1.5 litre Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder petrol engine, as found also on the J7 PHEV, producing 143 PS and 215 Nm of torque, paired with a 204 PS/310 Nm electric motor and a single-speed dedicated hybrid transmission (DHT), offering a total combined output of 224 PS and 295 Nm.

Closer to home, the petrol form of the Omoda C7 is set to arrive in its front-wheel drive guise. As indicated previously, it will be equipped with a 1.6 litre turbocharged inline-four petrol engine making 197 PS (194 hp or 145 kW) and 290 Nm of torque, which is mated to a seven-speed wet dual-clutch transmission.

As for the subsequent PHEV, which features the same powertrain as seen on the Jaecoo J7 PHEV, its system consists of a hybrid-specific 1.5 litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine – which on the C7 has been slightly bumped to offer 156 PS and 220 Nm of torque – and a 204 PS/310 Nm electric motor, working with a single-speed dedicated hybrid transmission (DHT).

Total combined output is 360 PS (355 hp or 265 kW) and 530 Nm, which is 13 PS and five Nm more than the J7 PHEV. A BYD-sourced 18.3 kWh Blade lithium iron phosphate (LFP), identical to the J7’s, is capable of delivering 95 km of all-electric range.

As for the Omoda 7 HEV, expect more details of this one to emerge in the coming months, with it likely to be fully fleshed out by the time Auto China 2027 comes about. Of course, the salient point is that it’s coming.

During the same presentation, the brand also stated that the Omoda 2 and Jaecoo J9 – which we heard about more than two years ago – are coming soon items, reiterating the shout made for them back in April.

GALLERY: Omoda C7 petrol

GALLERY: Omoda C7 PHEV

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The facelifted Jetour T2, which went on sale last month in China as the Traveller 7, will be called T2 Ultra in international markets. We’re seeing the T2 Ultra name for the first time at the ongoing 2026 Jetour Global Technology Experience Day event in China, and also the revised SUV itself.

Domestically, the Traveller 7 is being sold alongside the Traveller (which we know as the T2) – the facelift does not replace the popular boxy SUV that we’re familiar with. Will this be coming to Malaysia? The T2 is doing well in our market, so we’re definitely in line.

Currently, there’s no right-hand-drive version yet and it’s estimated that the T2 Ultra will only reach our shores in 2028 – T2 owners, your hot cake will maintain its warmth for some time more; perhaps even longer as Jetour has elected to give the T2 Ultra a different aesthetic that might not appeal to all tastes.

Expect the T2 Ultra to replace the regular T2 in Malaysia when the time comes, instead of complementing the OG version as is the case in China. As the facelift carries quite a long list of different parts (both exterior and interior), it’s not realistic for Jetour to roll out both versions concurrently from its CKD line in Johor.

As for that different aesthetic, the super butch T2 look has been refined and its edges smoothened out, literally. There’s a friendlier-looking face dominated by LED circles, and those big ‘eyes’ are bridged by a light strip that runs across the grille. This pushes the pre-facelift’s Jetour script up onto the bonnet, which is of course very Land Rover.

Also, the bumper is now more flush and the black plastic trim on it is gone, replaced by body colour – this is also apparent on the SUV’s sides and rear, and is a key part of the Ultra’s shift to a more premium aesthetic, as opposed to the overtly rugged look of the original. No more pseudo-off-roader lights and exposed tow hooks on the front bumper, too.

Jetour might have ditched the four-point LEDs at the front but the four lines remain at the back, which also sports a new rear spoiler, smoother D-pillar trim (no more linear pattern) and a revised bumper design. The T2’s ‘backpack’ on its side-hinged tailgate has a new design with the Jetour script.

Overall, it’s a cleaner and more refined look, sacrificing some ‘machoness’ and distinctiveness in the process, we think, based on first impressions. What’s your take?

There should be less debate inside, which is noticeably more upmarket in style and materials. Like the exterior, Jetour went for a more matured look and the cleaner dashboard is bookended by new dual vertical air vents, finished in tinted chrome, which also appear on the fresh steering wheel and other switchgear.

The fist-sized gear knob is no more, replaced by a column shifter – the result is a cleaner centre console that fully focuses on the rotary drive mode selector. Thankfully, the T2 Ultra is still generous with physical buttons; it’s a rarity among Chinese cars and fits with the T2’s off-roader brief.

The T2 Ultra continues to use a 10.25-inch instrument display and a 15.6-inch infotainment touchscreen, but the latter now runs on a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8255 chip with 24 GB of RAM and 256 GB of storage, enabling iFlytek’s Spark generative AI voice control. Finally, the door cards are entirely new, and they even feature quilting. Even the grab handles are leather-lined, which is a nice touch. Overall, it’s a substantial step up on the premium ladder.

The base model retains the use of a 1.5-litre turbo-four with 184 PS and 290 Nm, mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission that sends drive to the front wheels. All other petrol variants are AWD with a 254 PS/390 Nm 2.0-litre engine, the same unit used in Malaysia but with 9 PS/15 Nm more. The top variant in China moves to an eight-speed torque converter automatic transmission.

The i-DM PHEV (Chery Dual Mode or C-DM in China) still uses a 156 PS/220 Nm 1.5-litre turbo, but there’s now only a single 307 PS/330 Nm electric motor, while the three-speed dedicated hybrid transmission (DHT) has been swapped out for a single-speed unit. This is essentially the same front-drive system found in the Jaecoo J7 PHEV, albeit with a more powerful electric motor.

This change means the PHEV is more efficient. Despite packing a slightly smaller 26.61-kWh LFP battery, the i-DM ekes out a marginally longer WLTP-rated range of 108 km (was 100 km), while the larger 45.12-kWh option boosts this figure to 173 km (up from 162 km on the old 43.24-kWh model). There’s a 6.6 kW V2L function.

Jetour touts a combined range of up to 1,400 km on the CLTC cycle with a 70-litre fuel tank. By the way, our recently-launched T2 i-DM has an 18.4 kWh battery with an NEDC EV range of 100 km (around 85 km WLTP).

In the kit department, the new 10-way power-adjustable seats come with eight-point massage, while a 23-speaker surround sound system and 256-colour ambient lighting have also been added. We’ve mentioned the quilted upholstery and new steering wheel; the latter is from the G700 flagship off-roader and has a more conventional rounded top.

Safety-wise, the T2 is available with highly-autonomous city and highway driving functions, although the systems come from different suppliers. The petrol variants feature the Chery Group’s own Falcon 500 technology, while the PHEV uses Huawei’s Qiankun ADS5 system.

In China, the Traveller 7 is priced from 149,900 yuan (RM91,200) to 169,900 yuan (RM103,400) for the petrol model and from 159,900 yuan (RM97,300) to 179,900 yuan (RM109,500) for the PHEV. Again, it will be a while more before the T2 Ultra replaces the current T2 in Malaysia, and we’re estimating 2028 at the earliest if all goes well. For now, what do you think of the Ultra’s cleaner look and revamped interior – this or the current car?

GALLERY: Jetour T2 Ultra in Moganshan, China

GALLERY: Jetour T2 Ultra official images

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The paultan.org Auto Car Expo (ACE), powered by Petronas Primax, is set to take place from October 31 to November 1 this year at the Setia City Convention Centre (SCCC). As with previous editions, ACE 2026 is where you can find amazing deals on a wide range of vehicles under one roof.

Perodua will be at ACE 2026, and its line-up of vehicles will include the Axia 1.0L G, which received a price reduction of RM4,700 and can be yours from just RM33,900. That makes it a great option for first-time car buyers who require something affordable that will not exceed a set budget.

The Axia 1.0L G isn’t just about affordability, as its compact size makes it perfectly suited for city driving, while its practical layout provides you with versatility whether you’re bringing along passengers or cargo.

Couple that with a powertrain that is fuel efficient and a trusted ownership experience that Perodua has built over decades, and the Axia 1.0L G is the sensible choice for those embarking on their first car ownership experience or even those looking for a second runabout.

In addition to Perodua, ACE 2026 will also see the attendance of Audi, BMW, BMW Motorrad, Chery, Dongfeng, GWM, Hyundai, iCaur, Jetour, Leapmotor, Lotus, Mazda, MINI, Mitsubishi, Omoda | Jaecoo, Proton, Proton eMas, smart, Volkswagen and Zeekr, among others. Co-sponsors Jacar and Carro will showcase their own products and services, while TNB Electron is also on board as a co-sponsor.

Buying a car at ACE 2026 brings with it extra benefits beyond just the promotions offered by individual brands, as the first 200 confirmed bookings will also enjoy RM3,000 worth of vouchers from us. Each confirmed booking also enters you into a lucky draw with prizes worth RM57,000.

That includes a grand prize holiday package worth RM10,000, three sets of Llumar window tint by Jacar worth RM4,000 each, five smartphones worth RM3,000 each and five DK Schweizer Prestige Leather Upholstery upgrades worth RM4,000 each. Also up for grabs are goodie bags courtesy of V-Kool, Harman Kardon, DK Schweizer, Dodo, The Carage and Kuzig Glanz Detailing.

If you’ve been waiting for the best time to buy a new car, ACE 2026 is where you can find the best deals, so head on over to SCCC from October 31 to November 1. Find out more details at the ACE 2026 microsite and we hope to see you there!

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There is a little over a week to go before the opening of the paultan.org Auto Car Expo (ACE) 2026 – powered by Petronas Primax – which takes place at the Setia City Convention Centre on October 31 and November 1. This is where you’ll find some of the most generous deals on new vehicle purchases.

Generous, the offers from Volkswagen and Audi certainly are. Starting with Volkswagen, the German brand is offering rebates of up to RM72,000, applicable to all models.

Existing Volkswagen owners, you will also be incentivised to make your next purchase a three-row SUV from the brand; purchase a Tayron Elegance or Tayron R-Line, and you will receive RM10,000 in trade-in support.

Want to have a first-hand sampling of the Tayron before signing on the dotted line? A test drive unit of the Volkswagen Tayron will be available to try at the event. Meanwhile, purchases of a Volkswagen will net you vehicle warranty coverage of up to seven years*.

At Audi, an even more generous offer awaits your purchase of the Audi Q7 S line. Priced from RM369,990 for a YOM2026 model – that’s right, made this year – including the Audi Assurance Package with up to seven years of vehicle warranty, the Q7 S line is now being offered with up to RM90,000 in rebates. There will also be a test drive unit available for sampling at the event.

In addition to Volkswagen and Audi, ACE 2026 will also have the participation of BMW, BMW Motorrad, Chery, Dongfeng, GWM, Hyundai, iCaur, Jetour, Leapmotor, Lotus, Mazda, MINI, Mitsubishi, Omoda | Jaecoo, Perodua, Proton, Proton eMas, smart, and Zeekr. Co-sponsors Jacar and Carro will showcase their own products and services. TNB Electron is also a co-sponsor.

In addition to the promotions from the participating brands, there are RM3,000 worth of vouchers for the first 200 confirmed bookings at the show from us, here at paultan.org.

Each confirmed booking also enters you into a lucky draw with prizes worth RM57,000, which includes a grand prize holiday package worth RM10,000, three sets of Llumar window tint by Jacar worth RM4,000 each, five smartphones worth RM3,000 each and five DK Schweizer Prestige Leather Upholstery upgrades worth RM4,000 each.

Goodie bags will also be up for grabs, from V-Kool, Harman Kardon, DK Schweizer, Dodo, The Carage and Kuzig Glanz Detailing.

All these deals await at ACE 2026, powered by Petronas Primax, taking place at the Setia City Convention Centre (SCCC) from October 31 to November 1, and entry is free of charge. Find out more from the ACE 2026 microsite, here.

*Terms and conditions apply.

The post ACE 2026: Get rebates of up to RM72k on Volkswagen models; up to RM90k rebate on MY2026 Audi Q7 S line! appeared first on Paul Tan's Automotive News.

Zeekr Carro is bringing the Zeekr 7X and Zeekr 009 to Alor Setar for a two-day pop-up this Friday and Saturday, October 23 and 24. You’ll find both cars at Starbucks Alor Setar DT on Jalan Alor Mengkudu, from 9am to 8pm each day.

The pop-up is run by Zeekr House Juru Autocity, Zeekr Carro’s outlet in Penang. Its Product Geniuses will be on hand to take you through both models, and you can take either one out for a test drive. Do that, and your drink is on Zeekr Carro.

October 23-24, 2026
9am – 8pm
Starbucks Alor Setar DT, Jalan Alor Mengkudu, Alor Setar, Kedah

Add to Google Calendar Apple / Outlook (.ics)

Zeekr 7X – the premium SUV, from RM182,800

The 7X comes in three variants. The RWD Standard Range (RM182,800) has a 75 kWh battery good for 480 km of WLTP range, while the RWD Long Range (RM193,800) gets a 100 kWh pack and 543 km. The AWD Performance (RM230,800) adds a second motor for 646 PS, a 3.8-second 0-100 km/h time and air suspension.

Zeekr 009 – the luxury MPV, from RM304,800

The 009 Executive (RM304,800) is rear-wheel drive, with a 116 kWh battery good for a claimed 604 km of WLTP range and seven seats across three rows. The Luxury (RM349,800) adds a second motor for all-wheel drive and 603 hp, still with seven seats, while the Ultra Luxury (RM359,800) has the same dual-motor setup with six seats, including two lounge-style seats in the middle row.

Get a personalised quotation

The Zeekr Carro team at the pop-up can arrange your test drive and prepare a personalised quotation that includes current offers. After the weekend, you can find them at Zeekr House Juru Autocity in Penang.

Can’t make it to Alor Setar? Request your personalised Zeekr quotation here, and the Zeekr Carro team will get in touch via WhatsApp.

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The transport ministry and works ministry are in the process of gazetting a 30 km/h speed limit for school zones in Malaysia, said transport minister Anthony Loke, reported The Star. Once gazetted, a 500 metre stretch outside a school would be designated a 30 km/h zone, said the transport minister.

“Motorists will not be allowed to exceed the speed limit 250 metres before the school entrance and another 250 metres after that. This is important as an average of 70 fatalities are recorded in school zones annually and we want to reduce this,” Loke said following the launch of the Safe School Zone (SSZ) pilot project at SK Taman Seri Pagi and SMK Seri Pagi, according to the report.

Earlier this month, education minister Datuk Seri Fadhlina Sidek told the Dewan Rakyat that the proposed nationwide school zone speed limit of 30 km/h remained ungazetted over two years since its approval, pending a review of legal amendments.

The policy was approved in July 2024 by the cabinet committee on road safety and traffic congestion, chaired by deputy prime minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

Safe school zones were important as children were among the most vulnerable road users in such areas, said Loke.

“Unlike adults, they possess neither the cognitive capacity to accurately gauge vehicle speeds nor the physical resilience to endure the impact of a collision. Consequently, it is incumbent upon us to establish a significantly safer environment for them,” the transport minister said.

The Malaysian Road Safety Council (MKJR), in collaboration with government agencies, local authorities and non-governmental partners, had adopted an approach to reduce vehicle speeds through infrastructure design and interventions in school zones, he added.

“Our objective is to ensure that the roads themselves guide users toward making safer choices. This year, the MKJR is implementing this initiative across nine states,” Loke said. The safe school zone concept will see the construction of raised pedestrian crossings to slow vehicles, provide safer access and improve pedestrians’ visibility to motorists.

Road lanes will also be narrowed to encourage drivers to remain alert, while additional elements will be installed to improve to separation between pedestrians and vehicles, such as median strips and pedestrian islands to provide a safe space for waiting to cross roads.

Signs and road markings will be installed to remind motorists of the speed limit, and schools will be required to prepare traffic management plans, designate pick-up and drop-off areas, and install safety barriers where necessary, the report wrote.

The transport minister hoped that the private sector would support the initiative as part of their corporate social responsibility.

“Since there are more than 10,000 schools nationwide and the MKJR does not have a special allocation for this, we hope others such as private companies will come forward and support the programme,” Loke said.

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The government has no plans to introduce personalised vehicle registration plates even though they may have the potential to generate more revenue, reports The Star. This is according to transport minister Anthony Loke, who revealed the proposal has been discussed previously.

“There was a proposal before, where for example, buyers could have their names as their vehicle registration plates. Since we already have an established registration system using alphabets and numbers, we have decided to stick with it,” he said.

The idea of personalised or vanity plates has been mooted in the past, with vehicle owners paying a premium for customised combinations of letter and numbers – some jurisdictions also allowed for names or words. However, it has never been implemented in Malaysia and Loke’s latest comments suggest this won’t change.

However, special registration plate series will continue to be issued yearly, with the proceeds being used for initiatives to assist the public. The recent ‘H’ series generated RM91.2 million in revenue for the government, with part of the proceeds being directed to assist taxi, rental car and school bus drivers.

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Chery chairman and president Yin Tongyue has publicly apologised for the product quality issues in Chery vehicles in Malaysia, according to a video posted on Chinese site Sohu.

Yin addressed the matter at the World Intelligent Connected Vehicles Conference (WICV) yesterday, October 21, acknowledging that Chery had encountered product quality issues in Malaysia, and had personally apologised to the Malaysian minister of investment, trade and industry earlier that day, he said.

Chery had taken immediate responsibility for its customers following the incident, Yin stated, and emphasised that that international expansion should not be about exploiting overseas markets, but establishing a strong and sustainable local presence.

Yin also stressed the need to remain humble and avoid excessive self-promotion or overconfidence when expanding internationally, as well as the importance of respecting local laws, regulations and business practices in overseas markets.

The carmaker’s chairman and president warned that expanding overseas without adequate preparation could ultimately lead to failure rather than success.

“We are not going overseas to reap quick profits, but to put down roots and cultivate these markets for the long term. We must respect local laws, regulations and business practices. Without proper preparation, going overseas could easily turn into a costly failure. Instead of expanding overseas, we could end up being buried there,” Yin said in his address.

Chery vehicle quality issues in Malaysia came under the spotlight most recently when a Chery Omoda 5 was depicted on social media with its rear axle detached from the vehicle.

The road transport department (JPJ) announced a temporary suspension on the Omoda 5’s vehicle type approval (VTA), thus halting registrations of the model until the technical investigation is concluded and safety risks are identified; Chery issued a statement the day after. On October 14, Chery announced updated details on the recall campaign, indicating that it involves a total of 8,878 Omoda 5 vehicles across both C and H variants.

The Omoda 5 is a discontinued model, having been replaced in September 2025 by the Chery O5 which uses different rear suspension in form of a multi-link layout, instead of the Omoda 5’s rear torsion beam.

Before the latest incident, two years ago another Omoda 5 also had its rear axle detach from the vehicle, and at the time Chery issued a recall for 600 units ahead of JPJ’s own recall and statement on the matter at the time.

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Puspakom has expressed its support for the enforcement action taken by the road transport department (JPJ) against a tyre rental scheme operating in Gebang, Kuantan that offered commercial vehicle operators roadworthy tyres in order to pass mandatory periodic inspections.

The operation was uncovered through Ops Bengkel, a joint operation between JPJ Pahang and the ministry of domestic trade and cost of living (KPDN).

This scheme offered by so-called “cosmetic agents” enabled commercial vehicle operators to temporarily rent high-quality tyres just to pass the Puspakom safety inspection. Once they pass, the good tyres are taken off, and their old, potentially not roadworthy tyres are put back on. Such “services” are offered for a fee of between RM100 to RM150 per vehicle.

According to Puspakom, routine inspections serve to determine if a commercial vehicle meets prescribed safety standards at the time of testing. If components are temporarily replaced just for the inspection and subsequently removed, the inspection does not reflect the actual condition of the vehicle being driven. In such a scenario, the vehicle operator holds a valid certificate while using tyres that would otherwise have failed inspection, which poses a risk to other road users.

“Our inspectors assess the vehicle in front of them, and we do that without compromise. What we cannot do is follow that vehicle home. When a tyre is swapped after the test, the certificate we issue no longer describes the vehicle on the road and it is the driver, and the family in the car behind him, who carry that risk. We support JPJ in pursuing this, and we stand behind the integrity of every inspection we carry out,” said Mahmood Razak Bahman, CEO of Puspakom.

The company also reaffirmed that its inspections are conducted strictly in accordance with requirements prescribed by JPJ, applied uniformly across all vehicles and all centres, and reiterated that it does not set its own standards or grant exemptions from them. It also called on all commercial vehicle owners and fleet operators to treat maintenance as a continuous obligation rather than a checklist.

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Yamaha has unveiled the 2027 Yamaha MT-125 with sharper styling, revised LED lighting and a redesigned seat. These updates could preview changes for the Yamaha MT-15 sold in Malaysia, although news of a local-market refresh yet to be confirmed.

Next year’s MT-125 gets a redesigned fuel tank, a slimmer profile and new side panels featuring textured inserts, a smoked translucent pattern and a prominent MT logo. The front end comes with sharper LED lighting and updated indicators, complemented by a dark, translucent front cowl.

A new Redline White colour scheme with a two-tone seat joins the existing Ice Storm, Icon Blue and Tech Black options. All colours receive updated 125 graphics and stocks of the updated MT-125 is expected to reach European dealerships in the first quarter of 2027.

The mechanical package remains unchanged. Power comes from a 125 cc, liquid-cooled, single-cylinder, four-valve engine with variable valve actuation (VVA), producing 15 PS at 10,000 rpm and 11.5 Nm of torque at 8,000 rpm. A six-speed transmission sends power to the rear wheel while the front brake is a radial-mount unit, clamping a 292 mm single disc.

The MT-125 also retains its Deltabox frame, 41 mm inverted front fork and rear swingarm suspension. It weighs 142 kg, has an 810 mm seat height and carries 10 litres of fuel. Riding equipment includes a five-inch colour TFT display with smartphone connectivity and navigation, traction control and an assist-and-slipper clutch.

In Malaysia, the MT-15 is powered by a larger 155 cc, liquid-cooled, single-cylinder VVA engine producing 19.3 PS at 10,000 rpm and 14.7 Nm at 8,500 rpm. It gets a six-speed transmission, Deltabox frame and digital LCD instrument panel. The Yamaha MT-15 is currently priced at RM12,498 in Malaysia alongside the Yamaha R15M at RM14,998.

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Civil servants who defy the immediate ban on Waze could face disciplinary action, national security council (MKN) director-general Datuk Raja Nushirwan Zainal Abidin has said, reported Bernama.

Department heads will oversee compliance with the directive, issued through a circular by chief secretary to the government (KSN) Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar, said the director-general of MKN.

“The directive takes effect immediately. Its implementation will generally be left to individual department heads. Any breach of a directive issued by KSN carries disciplinary implications,” he said.

The director-general of MKN urged civil servants to stop using Waze immediately to prevent external parties from exploiting their movement data. The government adopted a phased approach, prioritising public education while balancing national data security concerns with individual freedoms, he said.

“We must always balance security concerns with human rights, freedom of expression and freedom of choice. Under this approach, we leave it to Malaysians to make their own decisions,” Raja Nushirwan said.

The government will periodically assess the effectiveness of the approach before deciding whether further measures are necessary, the MKN D-G continued.

He cautioned that an immediate nationwide ban on Waze could send a negative signal to application developers and the broader information and communications technology (ICT) sector.

Yesterday, the Malaysian government issued a ban on civil servants’ use of the Waze nagivation app, taking into account the position of Waze Mobile Ltd, the controller of the app’s user data, which it says is incorporated and operates under Israeli law.

Today, the Malaysian government stated that it is not imposing a blanket ban on Waze as it seeks to strike a balance between national security and personal freedoms.

The banning of the app for civil servants was part of a phased approach to addressing security concerns associated with it, said the MKN director-general. Earlier today, Raja Nushirwan did not confirm if Waze will be banned completely in the future, but noted that nothing could be ruled out when it came to national security.

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Aveta Malaysia has introduced the Nova 200 Limited Edition, a special-edition version of its sporty scooter limited to 1,688 units nationwide and priced at RM8,788. The limited-run model stands out with a Cyber Yellow finish, a revised visor design and gold-coloured rims.

A centrally positioned “Limited Edition” decal completes the visual changes, while the mechanical specifications remain unchanged from the standard Nova 200. The Nova 200 Limited Edition will be sold exclusively through selected Aveta Preferred Dealers.

Power comes from a 183.3 cc, liquid-cooled, single-cylinder, four-stroke SOHC engine with four valves, producing 18.1 hp (13.5 kW) at 8,000 rpm and 17.6 Nm of torque at 5,500 rpm. The engine is paired with an automatic continuously variable transmission (CVT) and belt final drive.

Suspension consists of telescopic front forks and adjustable, gas-charged twin rear shock absorbers. Braking is handled by disc brakes at both ends, with anti-lock braking system (ABS) and traction control system (TCS).

The scooter rolls on 14-inch wheels, fitted with 100/80 tyres at the front and 120/70 tyres at the rear. Other equipment includes full LED lighting with daytime running lights, a smart keyless ignition system, an LCD instrument panel and USB Type-A and Type-C charging ports.

The Nova 200 measures 2,003 mm long, 710 mm wide and 1,138 mm tall, with a 1,370 mm wheelbase and 778 mm seat height. Ground clearance is 135 mm, with 10-litres of fuel carried in the tank. Kerb weight is listed at 112 kg, with a maximum load capacity of 150 kg.

The standard Aveta Nova 200 was launched in Malaysia at RM8,488, making the Limited Edition RM300 more expensive. Both prices exclude road tax, insurance and registration.

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According to a report by NST, the government is not imposing a blanket ban on Waze as it seeks to strike a balance between national security and personal freedoms. This is after the government announced yesterday that all civil servants are banned from using the Waze navigation app, with the prime minister urging the rakyat to stop using it too.

National Security Council director-general Datuk Raja Nushirwan Zainal Abidin said the banning of the app for civil servants was part of a phased approach to addressing security concerns associated with it. “We must always strike a balance between security concerns, human rights, freedom of speech and freedom of choice,” he pointed out.

“This is the first step, and we will assess how well it works. After that, we will see whether further measures are required. We think that, by limiting the ban to civil servants, we are striking the right balance, while at the same time hoping to educate Malaysians on this very important issue,” he added.

Raja Nushirwan did not confirm if Waze will be banned completely in the future, but noted that nothing could be ruled out when it came to national security. In a FAQ posted by the National Cyber Security Agency (NACSA), it was revealed that the Waze ban for civil servants only applies when carrying out official duties.

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Everyone knows a turbo version of the Proton S70 MC2 is coming (so far the MC2 family comprises just the turbo-less Lite and Prime), but these photos are doing the rounds on Threads, suggesting that the turbo line-up could welcome a new variant called the RS (or could all turbo S70s be called RS moving forward, for differentation’s sake?). We’re going to tread very carefully, and here’s why.

Disregard the ‘protoncarsofficial’ handle; Proton does not currently have an official Threads account. The post contains two practically-identical shots of a car on a trailer, with black door mirrors and door handles, and its rear quarter panel and rims taped up. The caption claims that this is the S70 RS, that there are exterior cosmetic changes, that it has the X50 facelift‘s interior and that there will be Flagship and Flagship X variants.

OK, but we noticed something a little off – spot the difference between the two photos. Yup, the pic on the left has ‘KENDERAAN PANJANG & LEBAR’ below the car while the pic on the right adds ‘AWAS’ to the front of the phrase. The likelihood of the same car being on two different trailers is… now, we’re not insinuating anything, but AI is everywhere these days. If just one shot had been posted, nobody would be the wiser, really.

View on Threads

Anyway, another Threads post shows a different car (camo-ed) at a petrol station with its front door open, somewhat corroborating the X50 facelift interior claim because the red centre console (which you’ll only find on the X50 Flagship) can be seen.

The car has been spotted quite a few times in Malaysia already, but the clearest crystal ball to gaze into is none other than the latest fourth-gen Geely Emgrand, which was revealed only last week. Besides the X50 facelift’s interior, we’re expecting new front and rear ends, wheels and tail lamps for the new turbo S70, but the same 181 PS/290 Nm 1.5 litre BHE15-EFZ i-GT turbo direct-injected four-cylinder engine and seven-speed wet DCT. Excited?

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