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Bank Negara maintains OPR at 3% after January 2025 meeting – hire purchase rates should remain the same
Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) has once again decided to maintain the overnight policy rate (OPR) at 3% following a monetary policy committee (MPC) meeting held today on January 22, 2025. The previous MPC meeting was held on November 6, 2024, and before that was on September 5, 2024, with both seeing no change to the OPR, which has remained at 3% since it went up by 25 basis points from 2.75% back on May 3, 2023.
The OPR has an effect on bank loans, as the higher it is set, the more expensive it is to borrow money. Borrowers will be faced with higher financing rates as a result, which makes things like car loans (hire purchase typically) more expensive and potentially harder to gain approval.
According to the central bank, maintaining the OPR at 3% is in line with the health of the Malaysian economy and remains supportive of its continued growth. It adds that the MPC remains vigilant to global development and its impact on the country’s economy. Furthermore, sustained credit growth is possible as financing continues to be available to households and businesses. The next MPC meeting is scheduled to take place on March 6, 2025.
Here is BNM’s full statement:
Monetary Policy Statement January 2025
At its meeting today, the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of Bank Negara Malaysia decided to maintain the Overnight Policy Rate (OPR) at 3%.
The global growth for 2024 turned out higher than expected, reflecting better outturns in the major economies and stronger global trade. For 2025, the global economy is anticipated to be sustained by positive labour market conditions, moderating inflation and less restrictive monetary policy. Global trade is expected to remain broadly sustained, supported by the continued tech upcycle. However, this outlook could be affected by the uncertainty surrounding more trade and investment restrictions. The elevated policy uncertainties could also lead to greater volatility in the global financial markets.
For the Malaysian economy, the overall growth for 2024 was within expectations. Moving forward, the strength in economic activity is expected to be sustained in 2025, driven by resilient domestic expenditure. Employment and wage growth, as well as policy measures, including the upward revision of the minimum wage and civil servant salaries, will support household spending. The robust expansion in investment activity will be sustained by the progress of multi-year projects in both the private and public sectors, the continued high realisation of approved investments, as well as the ongoing implementation of catalytic initiatives under the national master plans. These investments, supported by higher capital imports, will raise exports and expand the productive capacity of the economy. Exports are expected to be supported by the global tech upcycle, continued growth in non-electrical and electronics goods and higher tourist spending. The growth outlook is subject to downside risks from an economic slowdown in major trading partners amid heightened risk of trade and investment restrictions, and lower-than-expected commodity production. Meanwhile, growth could potentially be higher from greater spillover from the tech upcycle, more robust tourism activity, and faster implementation of investment projects.
Headline and core inflation averaged 1.8% in 2024. Going into 2025, inflation is expected to remain manageable, amid the easing global cost conditions and the absence of excessive domestic demand pressures. Global commodity prices are expected to continue to trend lower, contributing to moderate cost conditions in the near term. In this environment, the overall impact of the recently announced domestic policy reforms on inflation is expected to be contained. Upside risk to inflation would be dependent on the extent of spillover effects of domestic policy measures, as well as global commodity prices and financial market developments.
Ringgit performance continues to be primarily driven by external factors. The narrowing interest rate differentials between Malaysia and the advanced economies is positive for the ringgit. While financial markets could experience bouts of volatility due to global policy uncertainties, Malaysia’s favourable economic prospects and domestic structural reforms, complemented by ongoing initiatives to encourage flows, will continue to provide enduring support to the ringgit.
At the current OPR level, the monetary policy stance remains supportive of the economy and is consistent with the current assessment of inflation and growth prospects. The MPC remains vigilant to ongoing developments to inform the assessment on the domestic inflation and growth outlook. The MPC will ensure that the monetary policy stance remains conducive to sustainable economic growth amid price stability.
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2025 Proton X50 facelift spied – extensive MC to introduce new four-cylinder turbo engine this year?
It’s barely 2025 and already we’ve gotten a good look at Proton’s two big product updates this year. Just last week we clapped our eyes on the facelifted Saga MC3, and now it’s the turn of the facelifted X50 to make the rounds. This year, the B-segment SUV will be treated to a far more comprehensive makeover than last year’s disappointing RC update, with a massively redesigned exterior and possibly even a new interior.
Spotted by reader Chun Yin Chan at the Kampung Pandan roundabout in downtown Kuala Lumpur, the prototype you see here is very obviously based on the latest Geely Binyue L, despite Proton’s best attempts to keep it under wraps via heavy camouflage. Only the rear end can be seen, but even here you can spot some of the sheetmetal changes, such as a redesigned tailgate that houses the chiselled full-width taillights and moves the number plate recess lower down.
Also visible is the redesigned bumper, which retains the X50’s quad tailpipes but gains a new diffuser design. The Binyue L-specific rear bumper is less aggressive than the previous Binyue Cool (the left-hand-drive prototype seen in 2023 was based on this earlier model), ditching the diffuser fins and fake vents (there are also L-shaped bumper corners, but these are not visible here). However, the car you see here gets the Cool’s outlandish Batmobile-style rear wing.
Geely Binyue L The front end is obscured in these images, but you can expect the car to gain an entirely new front fascia, featuring slimmer headlights (with dashes for the daytime running lights, similar to the S70) and grille, a massive full-width lower grille and L-shaped bumper corners that mirror those at the rear, with the bonnet and front fenders being re-profiled to fit. Last but not least are the new 18-inch turbine-style alloy wheels, which can be seen on the test mule.
No look at the interior here, obviously, but the Binyue L does come with a completely revised cabin, incorporating new air-con vents, toggle switches for the climate controls and a revamped centre console with twin grab handles, configurable storage and a thin translucent gear selector.
The tech is entirely new as well, the Binyue L gaining the latest Flyme Auto infotainment system that made its Malaysian debut on the electric eMas 7. This runs the 8.8-inch slimline instrument display and the 14.6-inch centre touchscreen, both upgrades over the existing X50’s seven- and 10.25-inch displays respectively. Other new bits include novel new sunvisors with a transparent lower half that retains forward visibility while still cutting out glare.
Geely Binyue L We should point out, however, that the X50 MC (or minor change) may not necessarily follow the Binyue L in getting the all-new interior. Last year’s facelifted X70 got a bespoke cabin design that was different from both the Geely Boyue Pro/Azkarra and the 2022 Boyue facelift, incorporating a larger “floating” 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen and 64-colour ambient lighting, among other things.
Last but certainly not least are the mechanicals. The X50 has hitherto soldiered on with the same 1.5 litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine since its October 2020 launch, but the facelift could see a switch to Geely’s latest four-cylinder unit, used since the Binyue Cool. In the L, the mill produces 180 PS at 5,500 rpm and 290 Nm from 2,000 to 3,500 rpm.
Geely Binyue L This is 3 PS and 35 Nm up on even the highest-spec direct-injected TGDI version of the existing GEP3 engine, enabling the Binyue L to sprint from zero to 100 km/h three tenths of a second quicker at 7.6 seconds. No matter which engine the MC comes with, it will be mated to the usual seven-speed wet dual-clutch transmission.
Given that the X50 RC was only launched last June, expect the MC facelift to be launched closer to the end of the year. Are you excited? Sound off in the comments after the jump.
GALLERY: Geely Binyue L
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Malaysian fuel prices January 2025 week 4 – RON97 up 5 sen to RM3.43/litre; diesel up 5 sen to RM3.13/litre
It is Wednesday, which means it is once again time for the weekly fuel price update in Malaysia, as the ministry of finance announces the retail prices of fuels for the coming week of January 23 to 29, 2025.
The price hikes continue once more, with both RON 97 petrol and diesel fuels each going up by five sen per litre. The premium grade of petrol will thus be priced at RM3.43 per litre, and diesel will be priced at RM3.13 per litre, also as a result of the five sen price hike.
This increase in the retail price of Euro 5 B10 and B20 will also be reflected in that of Euro 5 B7 diesel, which is 20 sen more per litre, and will therefore be priced at RM3.33 per litre for the coming week.
No change in the more affordable grade of petrol that is RON 95, which continues at its ceiling price of RM2.05 per litre, as set by the Malaysian government in February 2021. Meanwhile, the retail price of diesel fuel in Sabah, Sarawak and Labuan continues unchanged at RM2.15 per litre.
These fuel prices will take effect from midnight tonight until Wednesday, January 29, when the next set of fuel price updates will be announced. This is the fourth edition of the weekly fuel pricing format for this year, and the 315th in total since the format was introduced at the start of 2019.
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Malaysian paralympians bought Chery SUVs with big discounts – Omoda E5 EV for Liek Hou, ICE for Ziyad
Click to enlarge Chery Malaysia has delivered brand new SUVs to our country’s paralympians who competed at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games last year. Unlike the free cars given to our Olympic athletes, these cars were purchased by the paralympians with generous discounts.
The delivery ceremony was held at Chery’s Glenmarie showroom, attended by minister of youth and sports Hannah Yeoh. Badminton gold medallist Cheah Liek Hou took delivery of an Omoda E5 EV, while shot put silver medallist Muhammad Ziyad Zolkefli got the keys to his new Omoda 5. Powerlifting gold medallist Bonnie Bunyau Gustin booked a Tiggo 8 Pro but was not able to attend the ceremony.
Paralympic gold medallists were eligible for a 50% discount on Chery’s SUVs, while silver medallists and athletes who reached the semi-finals and finals got a 30% discount. All other athletes who qualified for the games were given a 15% discount.
Click to enlarge “Our paralympians exemplify the strength and resilience that inspire us all. At Chery, we are honoured to stand beside them in their journey, celebrating their victories and supporting their aspirations,” said Michael Chew, VP of Chery Malaysia.
Prior to this, Team MAS badminton players Aaron Chia, Soh Wooi Yik and Lee Zii Jia received new Chery SUVs upon their return from Paris. Men’s doubles duo Aaron and Wooi Yik, as well as singles star LZJ received a Tiggo 7 Pro each for winning bronze medals. Women’s doubles player Thinaah Muralitharan also took delivery of a Chery Omoda 5, purchased with a 30% discount offered to semi-finalists.
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Denza D9 open for booking in Malaysia – up to 374 PS, 520 km range, starting from under RM300k?
That was quick. Just a day after announcing job openings for its Kuala Lumpur and Penang outlets, Denza Sime Motors has revealed that the Denza D9 electric MPV is open for booking. This is in line with the planned timeframe for an introduction of BYD’s premium brand in the first quarter of the year and hints that the car will be launched very soon.
For those not familiar, the D9 is a luxury electric MPV that competes with the likes of the Toyota Alphard and Vellfire and the Zeekr 009. Measuring 5,250 mm long, 1,950 mm wide and 1,920 mm tall, the Denza is longer and taller but narrower than the 009, while its 3,110 mm wheelbase is about 100 mm shorter; both dwarf the circa-five-metre-long Toyota twins.
In China, the D9 is available both as a full EV and a plug-in hybrid, but we’re putting our money on the electric version coming here, as that’s the only one sold overseas. Two variants are available in other markets, the first being a front-wheel-drive model that puts out 313 PS (230 kW) and 360 Nm of torque, enabling it to get from zero to 100 km/h in 9.5 seconds.
The all-wheel-drive version adds a rear motor for a total output of 374 PS (275 kW) and 470 Nm, shaving over two and a half seconds off the century sprint, in which it completes in 6.9 seconds.
Both models come with a 103 kWh Blade lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery that delivers a WLTP-rated range of 520 km for the base model and 480 km with AWD. The car accepts up to 166 kW of DC fast charging and 11 kW of AC charging power. The D9 is also equipped with BYD’s DiSus-C Intelligent Damping Body Control System, adding adaptive dampers.
Malaysian specifications should closely mirror those of the Thai market, where the D9 comes fully decked out with features such as a 10.25-inch digital instrument display, a 15.6-inch (non-rotatable, unlike BYD’s screens) infotainment touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, four-way power-adjustable second-row captain’s chairs with lumbar adjustment, ventilation and massage functions, three 50-watt Qi wireless chargers for the first and second rows and a 14-speaker Dynaudio sound system.
Other bits of standard kit in the Land of Smiles include automatic LED head- and taillights, 18-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels, powered front and sliding doors, keyless entry, push-button start, a panoramic glass sunroof, triple-zone climate control, real wood trim, power-adjustable and ventilated front seats, four-way manually-adjustable third-row seats and a powered tailgate. The AWD model adds front seat massage and driver’s side memory, Nappa leather upholstery, suede headlining and a digital rear-view mirror.
Denza claims the D9 can seat seven 180 cm tall adults and swallow up to seven 20-inch suitcases and seven business backpacks. Sound insulation has also been touted, with noise levels kept at just 64.6 dBA when cruising at 120 km/h.
As for safety, the D9 is fitted with eight airbags and the usual raft of driver assists, including autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane centring assist, blind spot monitoring, front and rear cross traffic alert with auto brake, rear collision warning, a door opening warning, a driver attention monitor and automatic high beam.
No information on Malaysian pricing has been released just yet, but expect the D9 to be priced similarly to the Thai-market version. There, the car is being offered at a promotional price of 1,999,900 baht (RM262,700) for the regular Premium version and 2,699,900 baht (RM354,700) for the Performance AWD until the end of the month. Read more about the Denza brand here.
GALLERY: Denza D9 RHD in Changsha
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PETRA commits to 10,000 EV chargers by year-end
The energy transition and water transformation ministry (PETRA) is committed to ensuring 10,000 electric vehicle (EV) charging stations are established nationwide by year-end, deputy prime minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof has said, according to a Berita Harian report.
Fadillah, also PETRA minister, said that the charging stations must be located in both urban and rural areas, and that it was necessary to encourage more people to switch to environmentally-friendly vehicles in an effort to address climate change.
“EVs actually fall under the investment, trade and industry ministry (MITI), but PETRA is responsible for increasing the number of charging stations. If we want to encourage (EV use) there must first be charging stations for public convenience because most EVs have a range between 300 and 400 km. Increasing the number of charging stations is among MITI and PETRA’s joint agendas,” he said.
As outlined in the Low Carbon Mobility Blueprint (LCMB) 2021-2030, Malaysia’s target is 10,000 EV chargers – 1,500 DC and 8,500 AC – by end-2025. According to the Malaysia Zero Emission Vehicle Association (MyZEVA), the numbers as of November 2024 are 956 DC + 2,398 AC = 3,354 chargers. Therefore, we need at most 544 more DC and a whopping 6,102 more AC chargers in the next 11 months.
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Touch ‘n Go eWallet to launch SOS Balance – prevents users from getting stuck at tolls due to baki kurang
For years, we have been calling on Touch ‘n Go eWallet to offer a “pay later” function to prevent road users with insufficient balance or baki kurang from getting stuck at toll plazas and causing congestion. Well, our prayers look set to be answered, as the payment service is set to introduce an SOS Balance feature that is basically everything we have asked for, as unearthed by BFM News on X.
As the name suggests, SOS Balance puts a temporary hold on toll fees being charged on the eWallet, allowing users who have unknowingly run out of credit to pass through the toll plaza as normal. Users will simply need to reload their eWallet within 24 hours and any outstanding fees will be automatically deducted from their balance. In its support website for the feature, TNG eWallet said that only toll payments are supported for now, although more services will be added soon.
There are caveats, of course. Initially, SOS Balance will only be offered to “our most loyal users” who have consistently demonstrated they have cleared all outstanding payments promptly, frequently reload their eWallet and actively use their eWallet for transactions. Eligible users will be enrolled automatically and notified via a push notification on their phones.
The service will also be suspended once the 24-hour grace period (activated from the first time SOS Balance is triggered) is up, and users will need to reload their eWallet to continue using SOS Balance. The good news is that TNG eWallet will not charge any additional fees or interest on top of the delayed payments.
Users can check their outstanding SOS Balance toll payments by tapping on either the car icon at the top of the app’s main menu or on a notification displayed below your eWallet balance. Just like your eWallet, SOS Balance only works at toll plazas with RFID lanes or have PayDirect enabled; in other words, it won’t save you if your TNG card balance is low.
As yet, it is unclear when SOS Balance will officially be launched. We will, of course, be on hand to provide you with the latest information on the service as and when we get them.
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Geely now operates as direct subsidiary in Philippines; Geely Motor Philippines takes over from Sojitz G Auto
Geely now operates as a direct subsidiary in the Philippines – Geely Motor Philippines (GMP) takes over from Japan’s Sojitz G Auto Philippines as distributor, following the expiration of the latter’s five-year contract in 2024, Visor reports.
GMP said on Facebook that it, “as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Geely, will officially assume full responsibility for all business operations related to the brand in the country”, and that it will honour all existing warranties and promotions from the previous distributor.
According to Visor, the new subsidiary is set to be officially launched within the year’s first quarter, and a press release touted advantages such as closer alignment with market demand and expectations, faster decisions, more agile and efficient operations, enhanced customer engagement, superior service and more effective business strategies leading to better adaptation to local policies and market conditions.
The publication further reports that although Geely was once the most popular Chinese car brand in the Philippines, a series of after-sales issues surfaced in 2023 from which it couldn’t really recover, and the flagship North EDSA dealership closed down in end-July 2024.
Geely’s Philippine line-up currently comprises the Emgrand (Proton S70), GX3 Pro (a sub-X50 SUV), Coolray (Proton X50), Azkarra (Proton X70) and Okavango (Proton X90).
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MAA wants more hybrid incentives: long-term policies for new investments, not short bursts like before
The Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA) will continue to engage with the government on incentives for hybrid vehicles. This is to support the government’s target of having electrified vehicles (xEVs), which include both hybrids and battery electric vehicles (BEVs), make up 50% of new car sales by 2040.
“As far as the MAA is concerned, we want to continue to advocate the need and necessity of hybrid vehicles for the government to consider,” said MAA president Mohd Shamsor Mohd Zain during a press conference following the association’s recent media briefing.
“If you remember, I think in 2014 when we first introduced (locally-assembled) hybrids, there was a big surge (in demand) and after two years, everything start dropping again. In order for our industry to continue growing, the momentum should be longer because that’s where we will be able to have a more significant market before any investments are considered. So, a short burst of volume is difficult for any principal to plan long-term production of expansion,” he added.
Over a decade ago, the government discontinued tax incentives for fully-imported (CBU) hybrid and BEVs as part of the National Automotive Policy 2014. However, hybrids and EVs that were locally assembled (CKD) in Malaysia continued to enjoy tax breaks until December 31, 2017.
MAA was already pushing for the tax breaks to be extended for CKD electrified vehicles in 2014, which also saw the introduction of Energy Efficient Vehicles (EEVs), a programme that provided customised incentives to carmakers that locally assembled vehicles that met defined specifications in terms of carbon emission level (g/km) and fuel consumption (l/100 km).
The EEV programme has affected the pricing of CKD cars, including hybrids, although not to the degree of being tax-free in the past. In recent times, the MAA proposed new incentives for all types of xEVs, including hybrids, rather than just battery electric vehicles (BEVs).
Looking at the data, sales of hybrid vehicles have increased from 7,875 units in 2021 to 19,988 units in 2022 and to 28,055 units in 2023. Last year saw a nearly 10% increase from 2023 to 30,796 units, which is about 67% of all xEV sales in Malaysia (BEVs made up 14,766 units). The MAA expects stronger demand for electrified vehicles with the impending RON 95 petrol subsidy rationalisation.
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LLM expects 2.6m vehicles daily on highways over CNY – no roadworks, Smartlane, extra toll counters
The Malaysian Highway Authority (LLM) is expecting 2.6 million vehicles a day on the highways over the Chinese New Year holiday period. Two peak periods – January 24-28 for traffic heading out of the Klang Valley and February 1-2 for the return trip to the city.
Of the 2.6 million total, LLM is expecting 2.2 million vehicles on the PLUS North South Highway, 198,000 on the KL-Karak Highway, 82,000 on the Lebuhraya Pantai Timur Phase 1, 48,000 on the Lebuhraya Pantai Timur Phase 2 and 120,000 on the West Coast Expressway (WCE).
LLM is taking efforts to ensure that traffic on the highways are as smooth as possible, and among them are ensuring that there will be no roadworks/lane closures by concessionaires unless for emergencies (tomorrow till February 3), activating 25 Smartlane stretches along the PLUS, and management of traffic at toll plazas and interchanges.
The latter includes measures such as traffic channelisation/segregation, tidal flow and additional toll payment counters via portable readers. There’s also a road ban in place for goods vehicles on January 27-28 and February 1-2.
For user comfort, LLM says that the repair and upgrading of facilities at 38 R&R areas and toll plazas were completed in 2024. This initiative will be continued throughout this year. This travel season, PLUS will be making available 50 temporary toilets – these cabin style units are more comfortable than the standard ‘portaloo’.
Follow the travel time advisories by PLUS (MyPLUS-TTA on the app) or AFA Prime for the KL-Karak Highway and LPT1. Drive safe everyone.
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2025 BMW Motorrad R18 range updated, now Euro 5+
Getting updates for the new year is the 2025 BMW Motorrad R18 cruiser range. The biggest change for BMW Motorrad’s cruiser range is the update of the Big Boxer engine to Euro 5+ emissions compliance.
This gives the 1,802 cc boxer twin an increase of 5 Nm in maximum torque, now rated at 163 Nm at 3,000 rpm. Power remains at 91 hp while more than 150 Nm of torque is available between 2,000 to 4,000 rpm.
Another major change is wheel sizing, the R18 now coming with an 18-inch rear wheel with 180/55 tyre. The wheel design is new, now a seven double-spoked design while the previous 19-inch front and 16-inch rear wheel becoming a factory option.
There is a new rear silencer with a circular cross section as well as redesigned front and rear mudguards. The single seat is fitted with thicker padding and recontoured for comfort, with removal now using a push button release located under the side cover.
Suspension is also revised with new spring and damping rates for better ride comfort. DRLs and USB-C charging socket is now standard equipment and there is a Blacked Out equipment variant for the R18.
Changes to the R18 Classic include a new front mudguard with a 19-inch front wheel replacing the previous 16-inch unit. As per the R18, the R18 Classic also gets DRLs and USB-C charging socket, as well as the Blacked Out option.
For the R18 Roctane, a new paint scheme is offered – Two-Tone Dragonfire Red Metallic – while the filler panel in the same colour is an option. Dark Chrome is applied to the push rods, intake silencer and headlamp inner ring to accentuate the new colour.
The same changes are applied to the R18 B and R18 Transcontinental, with both big cruisers getting a “Favourites” button on the right handlebar pod for easy access to often used functions. Coming as an extra cost option is the “Comfort” package, which adds Hill Start Control, tyre pressure monitor (RDC), lockable fuel cap, heated grips and central locking, depending on model variant.
In Malaysia, the BMW Motorrad R18 Classic is priced at RM154,500. Meanwhile, the R18 Bagger is priced beginning from RM186,500 while the R18 Transcontinental retails beginning from RM198,500.
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Proton eMas 7 production to be boosted by 3k units
Proton is boosting the eMas 7 EV SUV’s production by an additional 3,000 units to cope with high demand, Bernama reports. Deputy CEO Roslan Abdullah said the carmaker previously targeted 3,000 bookings within six months, but that figure was surpassed in under a month.
“Demand is rising, reflecting the public’s acceptance of EV cars. I am confident that in the next three or four years, people will scramble to use EVs and move further away from buying petrol or diesel vehicles,” he told a press conference at the launch of JM Otomobil (EV)’s Wakaf Siku, Kota Bharu Proton EV showroom yesterday.
“The (eMas 7’s) price is not much different than that of the Proton X50 or X70. What is important is the country’s move towards zero carbon mobility,” Roslan said, adding that the EV targets those interested in the latest technology.
Fully imported (CBU) from China for now, Proton’s first production EV is currently being offered with a RM4,000 introductory rebate and a special launch package worth RM8,000 for the first 6,000 customers (extended from the original 3,000 at launch).
The launch package consists of a free 7 kW home charger, a free vehicle-to-load (V2L) adaptor, as low as 1.98% interest from Proton Commerce, a five-year unlimited data package and a RM1,200 trade-in rebate.
The RM4,000 rebate means you pay RM105,800 for the Prime and RM119,800 for the Premium. Both have a front-mounted 218 PS/320 Nm electric motor (0-100 km/h in 6.9 seconds), but the Prime has a 49.52 kWh battery and a 345 km WLTP range; the Premium 60.22 kWh and 410 km.
Warranties are six years/unlimited mileage for the vehicle and eight years/160,000 km for the EV components and battery, and if the battery’s state of health dips below 70% within those eight years, Proton will replace the whole battery for free.
Learn all about the Proton eMas 7 in our launch story, first drive report and walk-around video.
GALLERY: Proton eMas 7 Premium
GALLERY: Proton eMas 7 Prime
GALLERY: Proton eMas 7 colour variants
GALLERY: Proton eMas 7 brochure, price list
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More than RM806.9 million in unpaid JPJ fines since 2010; motorists with unpaid fines may face restrictions
More than six million fines issued by the road transport department (JPJ) with an estimated value of RM806.9 million have remained unpaid from 2010 until October 2024 due to motorists who have not settled payment for their fines, reported New Straits Times.
The fines issued were for traffic offences including speeding, running red lights and disobeying traffic rules, which were the main contributors to the growing number of fines issued, according to the report. The largest sum for outstanding fines was recorded last year at RM286 million, compared to RM203 million in 2023, RM87 million in 2022, RM30 million in 2021 and RM9 million in 2020.
During this period, the JPJ issued more than 26 million fines for various offences, with 15 million fines settled and generating over RM2.3 billion in revenue, NST reported.
Restrictions can be imposed on motorists with outstanding fines and are reluctant to settle them, such as disallowing the renewal of driving licences or vehicle road tax, said JPJ director-general Datuk Aedy Fadly Ramli.
These measures are among those that the JPJ can take against the public for failing to resolve outstanding fines, while the JPJ has been actively educating the public on settling outstanding fines, the JPJ director-general said.
The road transport department plans to introduce new features to the MyJPJ mobile app to notify users about payment of fines, as the public currently do not receive these messages through the app, Aedy Fadly said, who also said that the public should take advantage of the special discount on fines, as announced by transport minister Anthony Loke.
“We are offering a special fine discount of RM150 for three categories of fines under Section 53A of the Road Transport Act 1987 (Act 333), including fines from the Automated Awareness Safety System (AwAS) cameras, fines under Notice 114, and fines under Notice 115,” Aedy Fadly said.
“For these three categories of fines, the public is required to pay RM300. I urge Malaysians to take advantage of this opportunity, as it is a one-time offer. The JPJ has never provided such a reduction before,” he said, adding that the JPJ would take legal action if the public continues to refuse to pay the fines.
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Honda City driver using non-standard number plate to spell her name stopped by JPJ, receives saman
Non-standard number plates are unfortunately very common in Malaysia, running the gamut from fonts that deviate from the specification to even playing around with the spacing to spell out certain words or names. While enforcement in this country is rather lax, you can still get booked for this sort of tomfoolery, as a motorist in Alor Star found out.
Road Transport Department (JPJ) officials were on their routine beat patrolling the North-South Highway when they spotted a Honda City RS with a non-standard number plate. The driver, who admitted that the number plate modified to spell out her name was a gift from her husband, was stopped at kilometre 49.5 and fined under Rule 6(7) of the Motor Vehicle (Registration and Licensing) Rules 1959.
The rule states that a person using a motor vehicle with a number plate that is not displayed according to the regulations, is blurry or has been left or allowed to not be clearly visible is guilty of an offence and can be compounded not more than RM300.
The director of JPJ Kedah, Stein Van Lutam, said the authorities issued a JPJ (P) 22 notice as well as a notice to inspect the vehicle under Section 61(1) of the Road Transport Act (APJ) 1987. “As such, JPJ Kedah stresses that action will be taken against any individual found violating road rules, regardless of the reason or intention behind the offence,” he told Harian Metro.
Plans are in place to introduce standardised number plates in the future. In September, the ministry of transport and JPJ introduced the JPJePlate, stamped in aluminium with a standard font and spacing to prevent any “adjustments”. The plates, which are issued by a single vendor, Handal Ceria, is currently mandatory for new electric vehicles and will eventually trickle down to all new vehicles.
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JPJ Ops CNY 2025 starts, beware of the 9 deadly sins
JPJ has launched the Operasi Khas Tahun Baru Cina 2025 with the aim of reducing road accidents. The special ops with the theme of ‘Pandu Cermat, Sampai Selamat’ started on January 20 and will be active till February 9.
The department says that officers will be looking out for nine main offences under the Road Transport Act 1987. These ‘nine deadly sins’ are driving over the speed limit, jumping the red lights, overtaking on a double line, driving on the emergency lane, queue cutting, mobile phone use, not wearing seatbelts (helmets for motorcycles), heavy vehicles on the fast lane and overweight lorries.
JPJ says that in this campaign, they will employ various methods of road safety advocacy through 30 programmes such as displays, speeches, the distribution of safety kits and advocacy programmes with strategic partners such as the media.
The department is urging motorists to always adhere to traffic regulations and ensure that your vehicle is well-maintained and safe before embarking on the journey home. Plan your journey and take a break at R&R areas if you’re tired.
Motorists can submit traffic offences to JPJ via the MyJPJ app, in the e-Aduan@jpj menu, or email to [email protected]. Drive safe.
