Tiggo 24-31 July | Jaecoo 1 Aug

<h6 style="text-align: justify;"><div><img src="https://static-content-live.caricarz.com/media_library/mediatemp/1/15837659/conversions/PRO-NET-smart-HapSeng-3-full.jpg" data-media-id="15837659" alt="PRO-NET-smart-HapSeng-3.jpg" data-temp="true" style="font-size: 0.8125rem; background-color: transparent; width: 705.25px;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">Archive photo of Hap Seng smart Balakong, also known as Hap Seng Star Balakong Autohaus. It appears the dealership firm has quietly dropped smart Automobiles.</div></h6> Whilst&nbsp;<a rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.carz.com.my/2025/07/pro-net-and-amtel-inks-ev-battery-recycling-deal" target="_blank">PRO-NET</a>&nbsp;– Proton’s electric vehicle (EV) arm –&nbsp;revels in the publicity of its&nbsp;upcoming new&nbsp;<a rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.carz.com.my/2025/08/proton-emas-5-six-things-we-learnt-about-p1s-small-ev-hatch" target="_blank">e.MAS 5</a>&nbsp;EV hatchback&nbsp;today, there seems to be development with its&nbsp;<a rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.carz.com.my/2024/06/pro-net-bags-best-overseas-pioneer-partner-award-by-smart-automobile" target="_blank">smart Automobiles brand</a>&nbsp;that it elected keep mum about.Perhaps the Sino-German brand’s sales pace hasn’t reached a certain expected pace, thus leading to the brand being dropped by a key dealer –&nbsp;<a rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.carz.com.my/2023/05/pro-net-appoints-hap-seng-smart-as-first-smart-brand-dealer" target="_blank">Hap Seng smart.</a>&nbsp;Carz.com.my&nbsp;was first alerted of this today following a report by industry colleagues at&nbsp;<a rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" href="paultan.org.https://paultan.org/2025/08/07/hap-seng-no-longer-a-smart-ev-dealer-in-malaysia-smart-sales-network-down-to-10-outlets-nationwide/" target="_blank">PaulTan.org.</a> <h6 style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://static-content-live.caricarz.com/media_library/mediatemp/1/15837679/conversions/PRO-NET-smart-HapSeng-2-full-full_normal.jpg" data-media-id="15837679" alt="PRO-NET-smart-HapSeng-2-full.jpg" data-temp="true" style="font-size: 0.8125rem; background-color: transparent; width: 705.25px;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">As a refresher, Hap Seng smart was one of the earliest appointed authorised smart Automobiles dealers by PRO-NET back in 2023.</div></h6> Besides a quick check online, we also drove past&nbsp;the firm’s key Balakong outlet&nbsp;located nearby us earlier today. From which, we can confirm that&nbsp;the firm is no longer listed as an authorised dealer&nbsp;on the&nbsp;<a rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" href="https://my.smart.com/#findAdEaler" target="_blank">smart Automobiles Malaysia official website</a>.As a result, we can also verify that&nbsp;said Balakong outlet&nbsp;– which primarily serves as a&nbsp;<a rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.carz.com.my/2023/04/mbm-hap-seng-star-launch-new-mercedes-benz-autohaus-in-bukit-tinggi-klang" target="_blank">Mercedes-Benz brand ‘Autohaus’</a>&nbsp;– no longer bears any&nbsp;<a rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.carz.com.my/2025/07/smart-5-ehd-plug-in-hybrid-first-images-unveiled-in-china" target="_blank">smart Automobiles</a>&nbsp;branding on-premise, and we suspect it’s the same story over at&nbsp;the firm’s Menara Hap Seng, KL outlet. <h6 style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://static-content-live.caricarz.com/media_library/mediatemp/1/15837687/conversions/Screenshot-2025-08-08-at-6.26.45%E2%80%AFPM-full.jpg" data-media-id="15837687" alt="Screenshot-2025-08-08-at-6.26.45 PM.png" data-temp="true" style="font-size: 0.8125rem; background-color: transparent; width: 705.25px;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">Even the official Hap Seng smart Facebook page has been revamped clear of its past smart Automobiles brand content, and now renamed as Hap Seng Automotive.</div></h6> Moreover, the&nbsp;<a rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.hapseng.com.my/en/#" target="_blank">official Hap Seng smart Facebook page</a>&nbsp;has since been&nbsp;revamped&nbsp;to see all its past smart Automobile brand contents removed. The page has even been&nbsp;renamed as ‘Hap Seng Automotive’&nbsp;– though its URL continues to use the /hapsengsmart/ suffix.Presently, neither&nbsp;Hap Seng&nbsp;nor brand principals&nbsp;PRO-NET&nbsp;have issued an official statements, though it’s clear to see at this point that the former has quietly dropped the brand from its portfolio. <h6 style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://static-content-live.caricarz.com/media_library/mediatemp/1/15837706/conversions/smart-Malaysia-network_-16-full.jpg" data-media-id="15837706" alt="smart-Malaysia-network_-16.jpg" data-temp="true" style="font-size: 0.8125rem; background-color: transparent; width: 352.625px;"><img src="https://static-content-live.caricarz.com/media_library/mediatemp/1/15837705/conversions/smart-Malaysia-network_-12-full.jpg" data-media-id="15837705" alt="smart-Malaysia-network_-12.jpg" data-temp="true" style="font-size: 0.8125rem; background-color: transparent; width: 352.625px;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">File photos of Hap Seng smart outlets at Menara Hap Seng, KL (left) and a closer look at the Hap Seng smart Balakong outlet (right) mentioned.</div></h6> Unclear too is if&nbsp;Hap Seng&nbsp;will continues to serve owners who’ve purchased their&nbsp;<a rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.hapseng.com.my/en/#" target="_blank">smart #1</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.carz.com.my/2024/08/driven-smart-3-brabus-sportier-sleeker-and-better" target="_blank">smart #3</a>&nbsp;EVs through the firm. However, we’ll point out that in cases as such, the outgoing dealer will usually refer owners to the next nearest authorised dealership firm.And given that&nbsp;<a rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.carz.com.my/2025/06/pro-net-opens-three-new-proton-emas-smart-dealerships" target="_blank">PRO-NET still actively manages the smart Automobiles brand locally,</a>&nbsp;existing owners from the now shuttered&nbsp;Hap Seng smart&nbsp;should not have anything to worry about in terms of&nbsp;warranties.&nbsp;We’ll have more once details are made available. <h6 style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://static-content-live.caricarz.com/media_library/mediatemp/1/15837707/conversions/smart-Malaysia-network_-35-full.jpg" data-media-id="15837707" alt="smart-Malaysia-network_-35.jpg" data-temp="true" style="font-size: 0.8125rem; background-color: transparent; width: 705.25px;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">With PRO-NET still actively operating the smart Automobiles brand, existing owners from Hap Seng will likely be forwarded to other nearby authorised dealers for after-sales.</div></h6> From which,&nbsp;Carz.com.my&nbsp;speculate that the decision by parent firm&nbsp;<a rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.hapseng.com.my/en/#" target="_blank">Hap Seng Consolidated</a>&nbsp;to wind down its&nbsp;Hap Seng smart&nbsp;subsidiary was prompted by one simple fact –&nbsp;very slow&nbsp;sales pace.A quick check on&nbsp;<a rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" href="data.gov.myhttps://data.gov.my/" target="_blank">Data.gov.my</a>&nbsp;earlier today revealed that both the&nbsp;<a rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.carz.com.my/2024/01/review-smart-1-brabus-stylish-sporty-and-simply-too-good" target="_blank">smart #1 Brabus</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.carz.com.my/2024/08/driven-smart-3-brabus-sportier-sleeker-and-better" target="_blank">smart #3 Brabus</a>&nbsp;range-toppers specifically have jointly recorded just 134 units shifted as of end of June 2025.&nbsp;Though data presented here aren’t exactly accurate, this is indeed concerning. <h6 style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://static-content-live.caricarz.com/media_library/mediatemp/1/15837708/conversions/smart-1-Brabus-Rolling-11-full.jpg" data-media-id="15837708" alt="smart-1-Brabus-Rolling-11.jpg" data-temp="true" style="font-size: 0.8125rem; background-color: transparent; width: 352.625px;"><img src="https://static-content-live.caricarz.com/media_library/mediatemp/1/15837709/conversions/web_TA_CariCarz_Review_smart--3-Brabus_-6-full.jpg" data-media-id="15837709" alt="web_TA_CariCarz_Review_smart--3-Brabus_-6.jpg" data-temp="true" style="font-size: 0.8125rem; background-color: transparent; width: 352.625px;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">smart #1 Brabus (left) and smart #3 Brabus (right) pictured. It goes without saying that sales of both EV SUV models have been rather slow of late.</div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://static-content-live.caricarz.com/media_library/mediatemp/1/15837710/conversions/web_CariCarz_TA_MAS2025_smart--5_-3-full.jpg" data-media-id="15837710" alt="web_CariCarz_TA_MAS2025_smart--5_-3.jpg" data-temp="true" style="font-size: 0.8125rem; background-color: transparent; width: 705.25px;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">Could the planned introduction of the new smart #5,pictured above from its MAS 2025 preview, sometime in Q3 or Q4 revive the brand's sales pace?</div></h6> Nevertheless, with&nbsp;Hap Seng&nbsp;now out,&nbsp;PRO-NET&nbsp;still has an&nbsp;existing network of nine&nbsp;<a rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.carz.com.my/2025/06/pro-net-opens-three-new-proton-emas-smart-dealerships" target="_blank">smart Automobiles showrooms and dealerships&nbsp;</a>operating nationwide.Perhaps brand sales could rebound should the firm fast-track introducing new metal like the&nbsp;<a rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.carz.com.my/2025/05/smart-5-makes-rhd-debut-in-hong-kong-malaysia-next" target="_blank">smart #5.</a>&nbsp;The brand’s&nbsp;largest-sized EV SUV offering&nbsp;to-date was&nbsp;<a rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.carz.com.my/2025/05/mas-2025-smart-5-previewed-rhd-units-coming-soon" target="_blank">previewed locally during MAS 2025</a>&nbsp;with a&nbsp;third (Q3) or fourth quarter (Q4) launch touted. <img src="https://static-content-live.caricarz.com/media_library/mediatemp/1/15837711/conversions/web_CariCarz_TA_smart--1-Premium_-2-full.jpg" data-media-id="15837711" alt="web_CariCarz_TA_smart--1-Premium_-2.jpg" data-temp="true" style="width: 705.25px;">

Renowned legacy local dealership firm Hap Seng star quietly drops smart Automobiles brand from its portfolio.

Report: Hap Seng Drops smart Automobiles Brand

<img src="https://static-content-live.caricarz.com/media_library/post/18895/15836938/wcepont1_1731206722-full_normal.jpg" style="width: 100%;" data-media-id="15836938" alt="wcepont1_1731206722.jpg">


A new 230km stretch of the <a rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.carz.com.my/2024/11/wce-extension-banting-gelang-patah-set-to-provide-nse-alternative" target="_blank" style="">West Coast Expressway (WCE) from Banting, Selangor, to Gelang Patah, Johor</a>, could be on the cards, with its feasibility study slated for completion by December 16.<a rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.carz.com.my/2024/11/wce-sees-83-increment-in-traffic-128-increment-in-toll-collection" target="_blank" style="">Johor Works, Transport, Infrastructure and Communications Committee chairman Mohamad Fazli Mohamad Salleh</a> said the highway would give motorists another option besides the North-South Expressway, which often grinds to a halt during festive seasons and weekends.<span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre;white-space:pre-wrap;">The route would snake through Selangor, Negeri Sembilan, Melaka and Johor, linking 11 districts and 14 local authorities. In Johor, it would pass Batu Pahat, Johor Bahru, Muar, Pontian and Tangkak.


<img src="https://static-content-live.caricarz.com/media_library/post/18895/15836939/wce_1731300684-full_normal.jpg" style="width: 100%;" data-media-id="15836939" alt="wce_1731300684.jpg"> 

“The study began in June and runs until December. We’re also holding three focus group sessions to get input from stakeholders. Once it’s done, we’ll have a full report and traffic model to decide the way forward,” Mohamad Fazli said.He believes the project will be a <a rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.carz.com.my/2025/01/wce-section-2-opens-with-240-kw-dc-handal-charging-station" target="_blank" style="">game changer for southern connectivity, easing traffic, cutting travel times and boosting logistics and investment opportunities.</a>


<img src="https://static-content-live.caricarz.com/media_library/post/18895/15836940/26bt02WCE_1729851084-full_normal-full_normal.jpg" style="width: 100%;" data-media-id="15836940" alt="26bt02WCE_1729851084-full_normal.jpg"> <span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre;white-space:pre-wrap;">Photo: BH.

“By 2030, we expect about 26% of traffic to move to this new route. <a rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.carz.com.my/2025/06/wce-sec-2-toll-enabled-responds-to-klang-eviction-claims" target="_blank" style="">It’s a long-term fix for mobility issues </a>in the southern region, and we’re hopeful the development goes smoothly,” Fazli added.

Study underway on 230km WCE from Banting to Gelang Patah to ease North-South Expressway jams.

230km Southern WCE Feasibility Study To Conclude By Dec

<img src="https://static-content-live.caricarz.com/media_library/post/18891/15834261/conversions/1000250408-full_normal.jpg" style="width: 100%;" data-media-id="15834261" alt="1000250408.jpg"> <a rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.carz.com.my/2022/10/setel-partners-with-baterikucom-to-offer-auto-assistance-services" target="_blank">Bateriku (M) Sdn Bhd</a> has launched its <a rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.carz.com.my/2024/12/chery-omoda-e5-becomes-first-to-earn-sirim-ev-battery-certification" target="_blank">SIRIM-certified</a>&nbsp;(IEC 60095) Astra automotive batteries line-up. It consists of 28 stock-keeping units (SKU) that now meets international quality and safety standards.The launch also came as part of the opening of the Bateriku Quality Lab - an in-house facility that tests every Astra battery for performance, durability and safety before it reaches customers.The launch event was officiated by YB Datuk Hanafi Sakri, MITI Deputy Sec-Gen (Industry), in the presence of senior representatives from SIRIM Berhad. <img src="https://static-content-live.caricarz.com/media_library/post/18891/15834262/conversions/1000250417-full_normal.jpg" style="width: 100%;" data-media-id="15834262" alt="1000250417.jpg"> Since its introduction three years ago, Astra has sold more than one million units, supported by 225 physical outlets nationwide and over 1,500 mobile gig technicians trained by the Bateriku Academy.The Astra range includes Maintenance Free, Enhanced Flooded Battery and Absorbent Glass Mat types, all certified under the IEC 60095 standard.Every purchase also comes with free Group Takaful Personal Accident insurance worth up to RM7,000, the first initiative of its kind in Malaysia’s battery industry. Customers also enjoy Nationwide Warranty Assist, which provides on-site help anywhere in the country. <img src="https://static-content-live.caricarz.com/media_library/post/18891/15834263/conversions/1000250431-full_normal.jpg" style="width: 50%;" data-media-id="15834263" alt="1000250431.jpg"><img src="https://static-content-live.caricarz.com/media_library/post/18891/15834264/conversions/1000250405-full_normal.jpg" style="width: 50%;" data-media-id="15834264" alt="1000250405.jpg"> The Bateriku Quality Lab, operated under Makmal Hijau Sdn. Bhd., ensures every battery meets strict performance requirements. In his speech, Datuk Hanafi praised Bateriku for raising the bar in quality and transparency, noting that local companies can compete globally through high standards as well as competitive prices.He also commended Bateriku’s operational model, which connects mobile gig technicians (BHero), entrepreneurs (BPreneur) and workshop or tow truck partners (BBuddy). Bateriku also runs Briged Hijau, a programme that collects and disposes of used batteries and <a rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.carz.com.my/2024/06/petron-malaysia-and-doe-selangor-launches-e-waste-recycling-initiative" target="_blank">electronic waste</a> responsibly. <img src="https://static-content-live.caricarz.com/media_library/post/18891/15834285/conversions/1000250426-full_normal.jpg" style="width: 100%;" data-media-id="15834285" alt="1000250426.jpg"> According to Bateriku CEO Tuan Haji Azarol Faizi, the Astra series offers quality, after-sales support and peace of mind for motorists. He added that mechanics prefer Astra because warranty claims are handled directly by Bateriku, meaning workshops no longer have to deal with returns or complaints.

Astra batteries from Bateriku are now SIRIM-certified,  free insurance and warranty assist on offer too.

Bateriku Launches SIRIM-Certified Astra Batteries

<img src="https://static-content-live.caricarz.com/media_library/post/18890/15833553/conversions/529298408_18497878114067698_1595106361175759198_n-full_normal.jpg" style="width: 100%;" data-media-id="15833553" alt="529298408_18497878114067698_1595106361175759198_n.jpg"> His Majesty Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Ibrahim is on a state visit to NAMI in Moscow. During which, he had a moment that would make any car enthusiast excited, taking the wheel of the Aurus Senat - Russia’s homegrown luxury sedan that serves as <a rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.carz.com.my/2022/06/the-presidential-state-car-of-russia-a-6350-kg-limousine-the-aurus-senat" target="_blank">President Vladimir Putin’s official state car</a>.The test drive capped off a programme that saw His Majesty receive a detailed briefing on Russian automotive technology and tour of NAMI’s research and development facilities. These were established in 1920 by the automaker responsible for designing, engineering and building the Aurus Senat. They are also home to some of the country’s most advanced engineering projects. <img src="https://static-content-live.caricarz.com/media_library/post/18890/15833555/conversions/528015667_18497877871067698_1534190461211262815_n-full_normal.jpg" data-media-id="15833555" alt="528015667_18497877871067698_1534190461211262815_n.jpg" style="width: 50%;"><img src="https://static-content-live.caricarz.com/media_library/post/18890/15833556/conversions/527951597_18497877886067698_507247969543287180_n-full_normal.jpg" style="width: 50%;" data-media-id="15833556" alt="527951597_18497877886067698_507247969543287180_n.jpg"><img src="https://static-content-live.caricarz.com/media_library/post/18890/15833554/conversions/528637242_18497878099067698_2376912660596794929_n-full_normal.jpg" style="width: 50%;" data-media-id="15833554" alt="528637242_18497878099067698_2376912660596794929_n.jpg"><img src="https://static-content-live.caricarz.com/media_library/post/18890/15833611/conversions/528704470_18497878210067698_424092751913051440_n-full_normal.jpg" style="width: 50%;" data-media-id="15833611" alt="528704470_18497878210067698_424092751913051440_n.jpg"> Sultan Ibrahim’s passion for cars is no secret. His personal collection is vast and varied, and he was recently presented with a <a rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.carz.com.my/2024/04/agong-becomes-worlds-first-overseas-ruler-to-take-delivery-of-a-hongqi-l5-chinas-rolls-royce" target="_blank">Hongqi sedan</a> - tipped as an ‘equal’ to the Aurus Senat - by the <a rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.carz.com.my/2025/04/beast-from-the-east-chinas-hongqi-n701-rolls-into-malaysia" target="_blank">Chinese government</a>, a gesture that reflected both his automotive enthusiasm and close diplomatic ties.&nbsp;The Aurus Senat now joins that exclusive roster of state-level vehicles he has personally experienced. <img src="https://static-content-live.caricarz.com/media_library/post/18890/15833560/conversions/476140433_1188803002604319_6218357969283187521_n-full_normal-full_normal.jpg" style="width: 100%;" data-media-id="15833560" alt="476140433_1188803002604319_6218357969283187521_n-full_normal.jpg"> Aurus Motors was established in 2018 under the guidance of NAMI to create a fully homegrown fleet of luxury state cars. Today, the line-up includes the Senat sedan, the Komendant SUV and the Arsenal luxury MPV.The Senat made its debut in 2018 during President Putin’s inauguration. civilian versions of which then reportedly entered production in 2021 alongside long-wheelbase and limousine models. <img src="https://static-content-live.caricarz.com/media_library/post/18890/15833665/conversions/senat_ext_03-full_normal.jpg" style="width: 50%;" data-media-id="15833665" alt="senat_ext_03.jpg"><img src="https://static-content-live.caricarz.com/media_library/post/18890/15833672/conversions/senat_int_01-full_normal.jpg" style="width: 50%;" data-media-id="15833672" alt="senat_int_01.jpg"> Under the bonnet, the Senat pairs a 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 producing about 598 HP with a 62 HP electric motor paired with it. Altogether, the powertrain drives all four wheels via a 9-speed automatic transmission.As for size, the standard Senat measures 5,630 MM long and 2,020 MM wide, while the limousine variant stretches the former to 6,630 MM in total. That puts it in the same territory as the Rolls-Royce Phantom EWB, and it even sits slightly longer than the Hongqi N701 used by China’s Premier. <img src="https://static-content-live.caricarz.com/media_library/post/18890/15833707/conversions/senat_int_02-full_normal.jpg" style="width: 50%;" data-media-id="15833707" alt="senat_int_02.jpg"><img src="https://static-content-live.caricarz.com/media_library/post/18890/15833708/conversions/14a6185ea9fac652cd704a751dc5da51-full_normal.jpg" style="width: 50%;" data-media-id="15833708" alt="14a6185ea9fac652cd704a751dc5da51.jpg"> By comparison, the US President’s Cadillac “Beast” is shorter at around 5,500 MM. it does however stand taller and is far more heavily armoured.The Senat features a broad grille and clean lines inspired by the Soviet-era ZIS-110, with more than a passing resemblance to the formality of a Rolls-Royce. Inside, the cabin is decked in leather and rich wood trim, complemented by modern infotainment displays. Rear passengers can choose between two fully reclining seats or a traditional bench.Despite its size and armour-ready structure, the Aurus Senat is no slouch. It can sprint from 0 to 100 KM/H in around 6 secs whilst en route towards a top speed of 250 KM/H. <div style="text-align: center;"><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fofficialsultanibrahim%2Fposts%2Fpfbid02Q5YQAJ77wiHdC9W8i4eRZSUrXiWhJjREjJ7N1TqfA96RdY9CQ8oDdS39ZPRnzBp9l&amp;show_text=true&amp;width=500" width="500" height="793" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 0.8125rem; border-width: initial; border-style: none; overflow: hidden;"></iframe></div>

Agong Sultan Ibrahim gets behind the wheel of the Aurus Senat - Russia’s homegrown presidential limo.

Agong Gets To Grips With Aurus Senat In Russia

<img src="https://static-content-live.caricarz.com/media_library/post/18889/15833526/526084278_18523687450035774_1863209100591743832_n-full_normal.jpg" style="width: 100%;" data-media-id="15833526" alt="526084278_18523687450035774_1863209100591743832_n.jpg"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre;white-space:pre-wrap;">


Starting Thursday (Aug 7), the Road Transport Department (JPJ) will get tougher on companies that hire foreigners to drive commercial vehicles and that includes taking the vehicles off the road.“This will apply to lorries, public service vehicles and tour buses. Foreigners are not allowed to hold vocational licences such as the <a rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.carz.com.my/2025/08/jpj-warns-against-kopi-o-licences-as-fake-driving-school-goes-viral" target="_blank" style="">Goods Driver’s Licence or the PSV</a>. If they do, it’s a serious offence,” said JPJ Senior Director of Enforcement Muhammad Kifli Ma Hassan.He explained that under the <a rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.carz.com.my/2025/08/jpjeid-registration-now-available-at-driving-institutes" target="_blank" style="">Land Public Transport Act 2010</a>, operators who break permit conditions can face action in court, and if found guilty, their vehicles can be confiscated.




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According to Kifli, the decision follows a worrying trend of companies paying foreign drivers about RM2,500 a month, with some repeat offenders ignoring the rules.
<span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre;white-space:pre-wrap;">“From January to July this year, we issued 2,733 summonses to foreign drivers of commercial vehicles. Most were for not having a GDL, some had no PSV, and others were caught overloading,” he said.<span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre;white-space:pre-wrap;">Kifli urged operators to comply with the law and hire only qualified, licensed drivers. <span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre;white-space:pre-wrap;">“We will continue to inspect, monitor and take firm action. No one should take this lightly,” he stressed.The warning came after JPJ’s Selayang operation, where officers stopped a foreign lorry driver who had been using a fake MyKad, a <a rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.carz.com.my/2025/07/over-rm62mil-in-summonses-cleared-by-freight-and-bus-companies-jpj" target="_blank" style="">fake driving licence and a fake GDL. </a><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre;white-space:pre-wrap;"> <span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre;white-space:pre-wrap;"> <span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre;white-space:pre-wrap;">“This is a serious forgery case. We will be investigating the syndicate behind it,” Kifli said.


<img src="https://static-content-live.caricarz.com/media_library/post/18889/15833527/2857146-full_normal.jpg" style="width: 100%;" data-media-id="15833527" alt="2857146.jpg"> 

In another case in Sungai Pusu, Gombak, an Indonesian lorry driver was caught without any documents at all and handed over to the Immigration Department for further action.<span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre;white-space:pre-wrap;">Past raids have also uncovered several foreign drivers using forged licences, and JPJ says more investigations are underway.

JPJ will get tougher on companies hiring foreigners to drive commercial vehicles, with the possibility of vehicle seizure.

JPJ Will Seize Vehicles From Firms Hiring Foreign Commercial Drivers

<img src="https://static-content-live.caricarz.com/media_library/post/18880/15829136/conversions/Untitled-design---2025-07-04T163921.973-full_normal-full_normal.jpg" style="width: 100%;" data-media-id="15829136" alt="Untitled-design---2025-07-04T163921.973-full_normal.jpg"> The absence of platform barriers at many Light Rail Transit (LRT) stations has been flagged as a safety concern, especially for <a rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.carz.com.my/2024/11/platform-automatic-gate-system-at-kl-sentral-tun-sambathan-now-operational" target="_blank">passengers with disabilities</a>.Transport Minister Anthony Loke said the issue stems from older LRT stations being built without physical barriers between the platforms and train tracks. In contrast, newer MRT stations are fully equipped with safety systems that include these barriers.To address the gap, Loke said operator <a rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.carz.com.my/2025/04/prasarana-implements-safety-measures-following-fatal-lrt-incident" target="_blank">Prasarana is now looking into adding platform barriers</a> at older LRT stations. While they might not completely close the space between trains and platforms, the aim is to reduce risks by introducing some form of physical separation. <img src="https://static-content-live.caricarz.com/media_library/post/18880/15829137/conversions/Loke-DashCam-(7)-full_normal.jpg" style="width: 100%;" data-media-id="15829137" alt="Loke-DashCam-(7).jpg"> Loke however also admitted this won’t be a simple fix. Retrofitting <a rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.carz.com.my/2025/07/kelana-jaya-lrt-delayed-after-passenger-falls-onto-track" target="_blank">existing stations</a> would require a major redesign, involve high costs and take time to carry out.He was speaking in the Dewan Rakyat in response to a question from Khairil Nizam Khirudin (PN Jerantut), who brought up the tragic death of a visually impaired man who fell onto the tracks and was struck by a train at the Wangsa Maju LRT station in Feb.As a short-term solution, auxiliary police officers have been deployed at key stations. These personnel are specially trained to be more alert and responsive to the needs of disabled passengers, helping to prevent similar accidents. <img src="https://static-content-live.caricarz.com/media_library/post/18880/15829138/conversions/Untitled-design---2025-07-04T163954.926-full_normal-full_normal.jpg" style="width: 100%;" data-media-id="15829138" alt="Untitled-design---2025-07-04T163954.926-full_normal.jpg"> Loke also stressed that the government remains committed to making <a rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.carz.com.my/2025/06/lrt-fatality-train-runs-over-taiwanese-man" target="_blank">public transport safer</a> and more accessible for everyone. That includes ongoing upgrades to facilities for people with disabilities and the installation of lifts at older and rural KTM stations.He added that rail operators continue to train their frontline staff to provide assistance with professionalism, efficiency, and empathy, ensuring passengers with special needs are treated with care and respect. Source: <a rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2025/08/07/lrt-platform-barriers-may-be-introduced-to-improve-safety-for-pwds-says-transport-minister/186801" target="_blank">MalayMail</a>

Prasarana studying plans to install barriers at older LRT stations for enhanced passenger safety.

Loke: Accessibility, Safety Upgrades Coming To LRT Stations

<img src="https://static-content-live.caricarz.com/media_library/post/18886/15830563/GRAB_06-full_normal.jpg" style="width: 100%;" data-media-id="15830563" alt="GRAB_06.jpg">


<a rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.carz.com.my/2024/02/grab-needs-to-explain-declining-payment-for-riders-loke" target="_blank" style="">Grab Malaysia</a> has paused a new feature that allowed riders to book Mandarin-speaking drivers, following online criticism that it was racially biased.The option, introduced as a <a rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.carz.com.my/2025/06/proton-partners-with-grab-to-expand-vehicle-fleet-programme" target="_blank" style="">test for GrabCar</a>, was meant to help Chinese tourists who may not speak Malay or English. <span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre;white-space:pre-wrap;"> <span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre;white-space:pre-wrap;"> <span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre;white-space:pre-wrap;">The company says data shows 1.4 million visitors from China arrived between January and April this year, and the feature, which carried a slightly higher fare was optional, with passengers still able to book the standard GrabCar service.




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<span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre;white-space:pre-wrap;">
But it quickly sparked debate when public transport activist Nathan Mathivanan tested it twice and claimed both times he was assigned a Chinese driver.<span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre;white-space:pre-wrap;">“This is Malaysia. If you don’t know Bahasa, change the app to English. If you don’t know English, there’s an automatic translation plug-in,” he said in a TikTok video that went viral.<span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre;white-space:pre-wrap;">The comments divided netizens. Some agreed with Nathan, while others defended the move as practical. 

<span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre;white-space:pre-wrap;">
<img src="https://static-content-live.caricarz.com/media_library/post/18886/15830564/KLANG-HOP-ON-HOP-OFF-BUS-(27)-full_normal.jpg" style="width: 100%;" data-media-id="15830564" alt="KLANG-HOP-ON-HOP-OFF-BUS-(27).png"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre;white-space:pre-wrap;"> <span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre;white-space:pre-wrap;">

One user wrote, “Chinese tourists who can’t speak Malay or English need a way to communicate with drivers. This helps both sides.” <span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre;white-space:pre-wrap;"> 
Another pointed out that Mandarin speakers aren’t always Chinese, and language skill doesn’t necessarily match race.

Grab later explained the feature was part of a wider experiment to explore <a rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.carz.com.my/2025/06/klia-goes-electric-with-grabs-ev-fleet" target="_blank" style="">language-based ride options</a>, with plans to expand to other languages depending on tourism trends and driver surveys. 

<img src="https://static-content-live.caricarz.com/media_library/post/18886/15830565/Grab_Mandarin_2-full_normal.jpg" style="width: 100%;" data-media-id="15830565" alt="Grab_Mandarin_2.jpg"><span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre;white-space:pre-wrap;"> <span style="font-size:12pt;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;color:#000000;background-color:transparent;font-weight:400;font-style:normal;font-variant:normal;text-decoration:none;vertical-align:baseline;white-space:pre;white-space:pre-wrap;">

“Any future rollout will be inclusive, open to all qualified drivers regardless of background,” the firm stated.The Land Public Transport Agency (APAD) has since reminded all e-hailing companies that booking systems must treat every driver fairly. Any breach, it warned, could result in fines of up to RM200,000 or two years in jail.

Grab has paused its Mandarin-speaking driver option after backlash, saying it was only a test to help Chinese tourists.

Grab Halts Mandarin Driver Option After Backlash

<img src="https://static-content-live.caricarz.com/media_library/post/18877/15828321/conversions/federal_highway_traffic2501c-full_normal.jpg" data-media-id="15828321" alt="federal_highway_traffic2501c.jpg" style="width: 1122.25px;"> <h6 style="text-align: center;">A total of RM20 million will be allocated to upgrade the motorcycle lanes on the Federal Highway, the Works Ministry says.</h6>The&nbsp;<a rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.carz.com.my/2025/08/rm25-million-allocated-to-light-up-dark-federal-roads-kkr" target="_blank">Works Ministry (KKR)</a>&nbsp;has laid out plans to upgrade the existing motorcycle lanes along the Federal Highway, with&nbsp;a budget of around RM20 million&nbsp;set to be allocated.<img src="https://static-content-live.caricarz.com/media_library/post/18877/15828323/conversions/Works-Minister-YB-Datuk-Seri-Dr-Alexander-Nanta-Linggi-full_normal.jpg" data-media-id="15828323" alt="Works-Minister-YB-Datuk-Seri-Dr-Alexander-Nanta-Linggi.jpg" style="width: 1122.25px;"> <h6 style="text-align: center;">Works Minister YB Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi</h6>As reported by&nbsp;<a rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2025/08/07/no-plans-to-add-motorcycle-lanes-on-all-federal-roads-says-nanta" target="_blank">The Star</a>, KKR minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi said this plan, which is part of an ongoing effort by the government to enhance motorcycle safety, is in line with the Rolling Plan 5 under the 12th Malaysia Plan (RMK12) that will end this year.<img src="https://static-content-live.caricarz.com/media_library/post/18877/15828319/conversions/27763390-full_normal.jpg" data-media-id="15828319" alt="27763390.jpeg" style="width: 1122.25px;"> Nanta, however, pushed back on a suggestion to build dedicated motorcycle lanes on all major roads and highways in a bid to reduce high motorcycle accident rates. The minister explained in his written answer in the parliament to Baling MP Hassan Saad that the ministry has no plans to do so due to the high cost involved, adding that the ministry has already built more motorcycle lanes on selected roads and highways in Malaysia.“We have carried out construction of motorcycle lanes in selected locations on federal roads for over a decade, he said. “These include exclusive motorcycle lanes, physically separated from the main road, and non-exclusive lanes built on widened road shoulders.”<img src="https://static-content-live.caricarz.com/media_library/post/18877/15828320/conversions/motor-lane-full_normal-full_normal.jpg" data-media-id="15828320" alt="motor-lane-full_normal.jpg" style="width: 1122.25px;"> The minister also added that before the government can decide to add more motorcycle lanes, a comprehensive study must be conducted first in order to avoid new conflicts on roads with numerous entry and exit points.“Technical justifications are essential, covering traffic volume, motorcycle composition, accident rates, and side friction scores (FS).“Financial considerations are also crucial, given the high costs associated with construction, land acquisition, and utility relocation,” he added.<img src="https://static-content-live.caricarz.com/media_library/post/18877/15828322/conversions/Untitled-design---2023-08-07T120533.000-full_normal.jpg" data-media-id="15828322" alt="Untitled-design---2023-08-07T120533.000.png" style="width: 1122.25px;"> Nanta concluded his written answer by saying that the government is committed to ensuring motorist safety and comfort, particularly for motorcyclists, with the continued studying of the need for dedicated lanes. The minister previously said that&nbsp;<a rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.carz.com.my/2025/04/works-ministry-considering-motorcycle-lanes-on-future-highways" target="_blank">KKR was considering building motorcycle lanes on new highways</a>&nbsp;and was working with highway concessionaires like PLUS to&nbsp;<a rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.carz.com.my/2023/08/119-motorcycle-shelters-will-be-built-on-highways-nationwide" target="_blank">build more dedicated rain shelters for motorcyclists</a>.Source:&nbsp;<a rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2025/08/07/no-plans-to-add-motorcycle-lanes-on-all-federal-roads-says-nanta" target="_blank">The Star</a>

A total of RM20 million will be allocated to upgrade the motorcycle lanes on the Federal Highway, the Works Ministry says.

Two men injured in helicopter crash at Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport (LTSAAS)

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