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  • Malaysian fuel prices, April 9 to 15, 2026 – petrol up 40 sen, RON95 to RM4.27; diesel up 70 sen, RM6.72/litre

    Malaysian fuel prices, April 9 to 15, 2026 – petrol up 40 sen, RON95 to RM4.27; diesel up 70 sen, RM6.72/litre

    Today is Wednesday, which means it is once again time for the weekly fuel price update by the ministry of finance for the coming week of April 9 to 15, 2026.

    Diesel of the B10 and B20 grades climbs by 70 sen to RM6.72 per litre, up from the RM6.02 per litre price of last week. Therefore, the Euro 5 B7 blend of diesel, which is 20 sen more per litre, is at RM6.92 per litre for the coming week.

    The retail price of diesel fuels in Sabah, Sarawak and Labuan stays unchanged at RM2.15 per litre. The Budi Madani diesel fuel cash assistance continues to be offered at RM300 for the month of April 2026.

    For petrol, subsidised RON 95 under the Budi Madani RON 95 (Budi95) scheme remains at RM1.99 per litre; Malaysians with a valid driving licence are eligible for the fuel at a monthly quota that is temporarily adjusted to 200 litres per month. The price of unsubsidised RON 95 petrol climbs 40 sen to RM4.27 per litre, and RON 97 by the same amount to RM5.35 per litre, up from its RM4.95 per litre price of last week.

    These prices take effect from midnight tonight until Wednesday, April 15, 2026. This is the 16th edition of the weekly fuel pricing format for 2026, and the 379th in total since the format was introduced at the start of 2019.

     
  • Fuel subsidies for the rich unfair, those who can afford the full price should pay the market rate – Nik Nazmi

    Fuel subsidies for the rich unfair, those who can afford the full price should pay the market rate – Nik Nazmi

    While the switch from a blanket petrol subsidy approach to a targeted one under the Budi Madani RON 95 (Budi95) scheme has reduced leakages and trimmed Malaysia’s expenditure on fuel, a former cabinet minister argues that more could have been accomplished in the way of reform.

    Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, the MP for Setiawangsa, said that while petrol subsidies continue to ease the burden on Malaysians, the current structure has also allowed higher-income groups to benefit disproportionately, despite having the means to pay market rates, as Sinar Daily reports.

    “I think, to be fair, the government is trying its best under the current circumstances. But one of the things is that we missed the opportunity to do more in terms of fuel reform,” the former natural resources and environmental sustainability (NRES) minister said.

    Fuel subsidies for the rich unfair, those who can afford the full price should pay the market rate – Nik Nazmi

    He pointed out that the move to make Budi95 available to all eligible Malaysians meant that high-income earners were still enjoying subsidised fuel. “Although the subsidy has been reduced to 200 litres, the rich are still receiving it and to me, that is unfair,” he said.

    He stressed that subsidies should remain for those who need it, but not for those who can afford to pay full price. “For ordinary Malaysians, it’s fine, but the richest should pay the market rate. If it’s RM5 or RM6 per litre, then they should pay that,” he stated.

    Of course, defining a ceiling for cut-off and “richest” would take us back on a journey to before the targeted petrol subsidy was rolled out, when maha kaya was used to describe the T15. In 2024, the department of statistics’ (DOSM) classification for that segment was a household income of RM13,000, a threshold that was felt to be too low.

    Fuel subsidies for the rich unfair, those who can afford the full price should pay the market rate – Nik Nazmi

    Nik Nazmi said removing subsidies for the wealthiest groups could encourage more responsible fuel consumption and accelerate the shift towards cleaner alternatives. “If you remove subsidies from the very rich, it would push them towards using EVs. Right now, people are still making unnecessary journeys because fuel is relatively cheap,” he said.

    He also highlighted how fuel pricing can influence behaviour, citing that happening in other places. Using Manila as an example, he said the roads are less congested because fuel prices are higher. He said people either switch to EVs or use public transport.

    Beyond immediate reforms, Nik Nazmi said Malaysia must accelerate its long-term energy transition to reduce its exposure to global price volatility. “Prices fluctuate depending on global events, especially in West Asia, which is quite unstable at the moment. We need to gradually decouple from that,” he said. He said that diversifying energy sources, including renewables and alternative energy options, would be key to strengthening the country’s energy security.

     
  • Denza B3 in Thailand – BYD Tai 3 has military looks, is actually a C-segment EV SUV with 501 km CLTC range

    Denza B3 in Thailand – BYD Tai 3 has military looks, is actually a C-segment EV SUV with 501 km CLTC range

    Parked at the back corner of the BYD stand at the recent Bangkok International Motor Show (BIMS) was the Fangchengbao Tai 3, lost behind the new launches and previews. But its appearance – wearing Denza B3 model plates, no less – was an interesting look at the near future for the Chinese premium brand as it moves downmarket. Like its B8 (née Bao 8) sibling, it’s set to wear Denza badges when it gets exported.

    The car’s chiselled design is pure military chic, with prominent hollowed-out fender flares, slim head- and taillights, chunky bumpers and a storage “backpack” at the rear. The overall look is enhanced by stylish 19-inch turbine-style alloy wheels that add a refined air to the B3’s rough-and-tumble aesthetic.

    But while the car appears battle-hardened and ready to tackle the nearest jungle trail, in reality the B3 is a regular five-seater unibody electric C-segment SUV, slotting between BYD’s own Atto 3 and Sealion 7 in size. It measures 4,605 mm long, 1,900 mm wide and 1,720 mm tall, with a wheelbase of 2,745 mm.

    Denza B3 in Thailand – BYD Tai 3 has military looks, is actually a C-segment EV SUV with 501 km CLTC range

    The B3 is also fairly middle of the road in terms of specs, with the base model getting a single rear motor making 218 PS (160 kW) and 310 Nm of torque – getting the car from zero to 100 km/h in 7.9 seconds on its way to a top speed of 201 km/h. The all-wheel-drive model adds a front motor with 150 PS (110 kW) and 200 Nm, for a total system output of 421 PS (310 kW) and 510 Nm and a century sprint time of 4.9 seconds.

    Blade LFP battery sizes of 65.28 kWh on the RWD car and 72.96 kWh with AWD both deliver a range of 501 km on China’s ridiculously lenient CLTC cycle; expect a WLTP figure closer to 410 km. Meanwhile, a maximum DC fast charging input of 195 kW (RWD) or 215 kW (AWD) fill both batteries from 30 to 80% charge in 18 minutes.

    In China, the Tai 3 has recently been upgraded with a new standard-fit 75.6 kWh battery, delivering a CLTC range of 620 km for the RWD model and 565 km with AWD; we estimate WLTP numbers of around 510 km and 460 km respectively. It also gains BYD’s new DC Flash Charging technology that allows the pack to be topped up from 10 to 70% (ready to drive, as BYD claims) in five minutes and 10 to 97% in nine minutes.

    Denza B3 in Thailand – BYD Tai 3 has military looks, is actually a C-segment EV SUV with 501 km CLTC range

    In stark contrast to the army bro exterior, the interior is more conventional, with elements taken from the B8 such as the chunky steering wheel, a “tank” gear selector and crystalline toggles. The bridge-style centre console is rather unique, housing a flashlight on the driver’s side and a karaoke microphone on the passenger side – both removed on the display unit you see here.

    Of course, it wouldn’t be a BYD product without all the tech, such as a 15.6-inch infotainment touchscreen, DiSus-C adaptive dampers, God’s Eye C highly-automated city and highway driving and even an available DJI drone package. There’s also a 151 litre front boot, accessible through a powered bonnet, although the tailgate is oddly still manually operated (and quite heavy too, no thanks to the sideways opening).

    With the Z9GT and the B8 set to arrive onto Malaysia shores fairly soon, the B3 would make sense as a subsequent offering to expand the Denza range. However, given its status as an entry-level model, its viability may hinge on whether BYD will be able to resolve its dispute with the ministry of investment, trade and industry (MITI) that is holding up its CKD local assembly plans.

     
  • Autobacs Super GT 2026 Malaysia postponed – ticket holders can opt for refund or grid walk access upgrade

    Autobacs Super GT 2026 Malaysia postponed – ticket holders can opt for refund or grid walk access upgrade

    GT Association (GTA) and Haro Sports & Entertainment have released a joint statement announcing that the Malaysian round of the 2026 Autobacs Super GT, which was originally scheduled to take place from June 19-21, will be postponed. Malaysia is the third stop for the 2026 season and the only one outside of Japan, with ticket pricing revealed early last month.

    According to the release, this decision was made due to the current global environment, notably the uncertain situation in the Middle East that has introduced significant operational and logistical challenges. These developments, along with a substantial increase in international freight costs and air travel expenses, have had a disproportionate impact on the planning and delivery of the event.

    “While this was not what we envisioned for the second year running of the Malaysian round, we would like to thank GTA, the teams and all valued stakeholders – our partners, sponsors, the media and especially all fans – for their strong support and understanding in these challenging times. The race will be back in Malaysia, and when it does, we are committed to making it twice as exciting!” said Haro Sports & Entertainment managing partner Fahrizal Hassan.

    “We would like to thank Haro Sports & Entertainment and everyone involved in Malaysia for their efforts in preparing for the event. This was a difficult decision to make, but we would like to thank our Japanese fans, entrants, sponsors and media for their understanding. We will continue to build a cooperative relationship with Haro Sports & Entertainment and everyone in Malaysia so that Malaysian fans can once again enjoy an exciting Super GT,” commented GTA president and CEO Masaaki Banboh.

    Autobacs Super GT 2026 Malaysia postponed – ticket holders can opt for refund or grid walk access upgrade

    The release ends by stating that the postponement is temporary and that both companies reaffirm their commitment to bring Super GT back to Malaysia when “when conditions allow for a safe, stable and high-quality event.”

    So, what happens to those who have already bought tickets? As per a post on the Super GT Malaysia Facebook page, tickets booked remain fully valid for the rescheduled race date. If you choose not to request for a refund (more on this later) and hold your booking until May 1, 2026, your ticket will be automatically upgraded to include free grid walk access. Additionally, you will be guaranteed of entry at your original purchase price.

    On the other hand, if you want a refund, you will need to submit a request by April 30, 2026. Doing so means you forfeit the automatic upgrade mentioned above and you will need to purchase tickets again, possibly at higher prices or limited availability.

     
  • Can you drive eMas 7 PHEV without plug-in charging? Proton says yes, batt warranty will still apply, but…

    Can you drive eMas 7 PHEV without plug-in charging? Proton says yes, batt warranty will still apply, but…

    The Proton eMas 7 PHEV is a modern plug-in hybrid from China, where PHEVs are all the rage now. Cars with two sources of power isn’t a new idea, but the latest ones from China work a bit differently from their European counterparts, and this applies to Conti PHEVs from a decade ago right up to the ones in premium brand showrooms today.

    Before we get to Pro-Net’s answer to some popular questions about the eMas 7 PHEV, here’s a brief recap. Launched in February, the eMas 7 PHEV is powered by a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated four-pot engine with 99 PS/125 Nm, which is combined with a 218 PS/262 Nm electric motor for total system output of 262 PS/262 Nm.

    Prime and Premium variants come with an 18.4-kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery from CATL for a pure electric range of 83 km, or 943 km combined. The top Premium Plus variant gets a 29.8-kWh Geely Aegis short blade LFP battery for 146 km EV range and a combined range of 996 km.

    By the way, we’re using WLTP figures, as we usually do on this website. For the eMas 7 PHEV, Pro-Net has – in a departure from its own norm – chosen to publish less-realistic NEDC range numbers, which are 1,000 km (Prime, Premium) and 1,065 km (Premium Plus) respectively, with pure EV range figures of 105 km and 170 km, respectively.

    For charging, the smaller battery’s max DC charging rate is 30 kW, and going from 30-80% state of charge takes under 20 minutes. The Aegis battery can handle up to 60 kW charging, taking SoC from 30-80% in under 16 minutes. AC charging maxes out at 7 kW. With the RM4,000 launch rebate included, the three eMas 7 PHEV variants are priced at RM105,800, RM119,800 and RM125,800, respectively. You can get the full specs and galleries from our launch report.

    So, can you drive the eMas 7 PHEV just like you would a normal ICE car, without plugging it in to charge? We’re not talking about a week or two without charging – that’s not an issue, of course – but on a longer term.

    The short answer from Pro-Net – backed by Geely’s engineers in a live Q&A tech workshop with the media – is yes, you can drive the eMas 7 PHEV on petrol power alone. Even in extreme cases (they gave an example of one year without charging), this would not damage the battery as safeguards have been put in place to counter the potential ill-effects of this habit.

    Like some other new-wave PHEVs from China, the eMas 7 PHEV’s battery is not allowed to be fully drained to 0%, which happens in European PHEVs. The idea behind this reserve of 20% to 25% SoC, or ‘ballast charge’ as Proton calls it, is to preserve the health of the battery. Note that even when the EV range shows zero on the dash, the battery SoC is actually still at 20% (Premium Plus) or 25% (Prime, Premium).

    As is the case with your mobile phone, frequent full discharge of a battery isn’t good for its health, so the system ensures that charge never falls to below 20%. The engine will play generator to maintain this ballast charge, and keep battery degradation at bay.

    Can you drive eMas 7 PHEV without plug-in charging? Proton says yes, batt warranty will still apply, but…

    With this self-preservation mechanism in place, Proton would be confident with its eight-year or 160,000 km warranty for the SUV’s EV bits (battery, drive motor, motor controllers), which includes a one-to-one replacement if the battery’s state of health falls below 70%. For the record, Pro-Net says that no matter how one drives the eMas 7 PHEV, it will not affect the warranty.

    However, it must be noted that Proton recommends eMas 7 PHEV users to fully charge their cars at least once a month – this is stated in the manual, and we’ve just been told that a reminder will pop up in the screen too. The reason for this isn’t what you might think.

    Battery health, right? No, because the battery degradation issue is already covered by the ballast charge safeguard – and warranty – stated above. Instead, plugging in periodically helps the battery to recalibrate. If the battery is left idle for long, the driver might see inaccurate range figures, so do it (and yourself) a favour and allow the battery to ‘clear the mind’, so to speak, at least once a month. This applies to EVs with LFP batteries too, but with no other source of propulsion, EV owners probably won’t need reminders.

    Can you drive eMas 7 PHEV without plug-in charging? Proton says yes, batt warranty will still apply, but…

    Conversely, Pro-Net has said that it’s OK to use the eMas 7 PHEV purely as a EV, which means that you can fully charge it up (no problem, because LFP) and repeat the cycle every 100 or so km. This car’s fuel tank is pressurised, which reduces the evaporation of the RON 95 stored there, and slows down the natural process of fuel degradation. Yes, petrol can go basi.

    The pressurised tank is the reason why one needs to go into the screen or long press the left side mirror button to open the fuel filler flap. The system needs to depressurise the tank before you can open the flap, for safety reasons.

    So, to summarise it, you can use this ‘dual-powered’ car purely as an ICE car or an EV, keeping the other propulsion source purely as a backup. But why would you want to do that? There are better ICE SUVs out there in terms of performance compared to a 1.5L NA eMas 7 PHEV without electric assistance; likewise, there are EVs with far greater range, and you can find one such car in the same showroom, and it’s cheaper too!

    Can you drive eMas 7 PHEV without plug-in charging? Proton says yes, batt warranty will still apply, but…

    Concept wise, the eMas 7 PHEV is for those who want a car that straddles both worlds (Hafriz calls it a dua alam car), giving you what’s good from each side of the divide, with a back up. Charge it up at home every day and you’ll have a serene EV daily that’s efficient in traffic jams and the urban crawl. But when the need arises, you can use that same car to balik kampung or go for an outstation event without the need for research and a charging plan.

    Speaking of charging, do it in the comfort of your own home whenever possible. Not only is home AC charging much more cost-efficient, you’ll also avoid the jeling and kecam from EV owners who say that they need the public DC chargers (especially those on the highways) more than you do – right or wrong, you don’t want to be that guy in their WhatsApp/Facebook groups.

    So, what do you think of the Proton eMas 7 PHEV and this new breed of Chinese plug-in hybrids with batteries that don’t fall to 0%? I often think in football terms, and this reminds me of a utility player, as opposed to a specialist. Personally, I’d rather have one good attacking midfielder and a world-class defensive midfielder behind him, rather than a guy who can do both, but not as well. Then again, not every squad has the budget and room for two top operators – in that case, the eMas 7 PHEV would serve your team very well.

     
  • Geely 900V Energee Golden Brick Battery unveiled – 10-70% in 4 mins 22 secs, 10-97% in 8 mins 42 secs

    Geely 900V Energee Golden Brick Battery unveiled – 10-70% in 4 mins 22 secs, 10-97% in 8 mins 42 secs

    Pic from Car News China

    Geely’s Lynk & Co brand has unveiled the 900V Energee Golden Brick Battery that Car News China reports is claimed to be capable of a 10-70% charge in four minutes 22 seconds, 10-80% in five minutes 32 seconds and 10-97% in eight minutes 42 seconds, beating the BYD Blade 2.0 battery‘s Flash Charging (10-70% in five minutes, 10-97% in nine minutes).

    This is really crazy – we’re talking about a difference of half a minute here, give or take. Reminds me of the Mercedes-BMW-Audi horsepower race back in the day, but obviously that’s so yesterday now. Anyway, the test involved a Lynk & Co 10 fitted with the 95 kW battery. A max charging power of 1,100 kW was recorded, over 500 kW was maintained even after 80% was reached, and it was still 350 kW at 97%.

    Geely 900V Energee Golden Brick Battery unveiled – 10-70% in 4 mins 22 secs, 10-97% in 8 mins 42 secs

    Pic from Car News China

    It would be easy to just think Geely has beaten BYD and go home, but the former’s test was conducted using Zeekr’s V4 megawatt flash charging pile (max 1,300 kW, 1,300A), for which no mass-rollout timeline has been announced yet. Conversely, BYD last month installed its 5,000th megawatt Flash Charging station (max 1,500 kW, 1,000V) and expects to build 20,000 stations by end-2026.

    So there you go – we’ve officially gone from “Car A is X seconds faster than Car B to 100 km/h” to this.

    Geely 900V Energee Golden Brick Battery unveiled – 10-70% in 4 mins 22 secs, 10-97% in 8 mins 42 secs

    Pic from Car News China

     
  • GWM Haval HX – new flagship 4×4, dual-motor PHEV with 239 PS 2.0L turbo four, 800V, Beijing debut

    GWM Haval HX – new flagship 4×4, dual-motor PHEV with 239 PS 2.0L turbo four, 800V, Beijing debut

    There’s a new player in the Chinese flagship 4×4 market, and it comes from GWM. The as-yet-unnamed SUV from the Haval sub-brand, codenamed HX, is set to debut at the Auto China show in Beijing later this month.

    As you can see in these first images, the styling riffs off its large, boxy and rugged rivals, with an upright body and a wraparound windscreen design that almost apologetically ape the Land Rover Defender. At the front, you’ll find a rectangular fascia housing quad dual-tier headlight projectors on each side, plus a grille made up of inverted U-shaped silver frames, topped by a surprisingly small Haval badge. The beefy bumper is also silver but does not house any fog lights, looking oddly blank.

    Moving to the side, the HX receives squared-off flared wheel arches, sturdy door pulls, vent-like front fender appliqués and a window line that kinks upwards at the C-pillars before dropping back down. The rear end gets the obligatory external spare tyre, framed by vertical taillights and a handle for the sideways-opening tailgate. The look is completed by 20-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels, looking a little lost under such a big body.

    Despite what its appearance might suggest, the HX is not based on the Tank 500. Instead, it rides on GWM’s new One platform, which also underpins the Wey V9X – another top-of-the-line SUV. But whereas that car looks to be a unibody SUV, this appears to be a proper ladder-frame 4×4.

    According to Autohome, the two are expected to share the same powertrain – a Super Hi4 plug-in hybrid system consisting of a 239 PS 2.0 litre turbo four-cylinder, front and rear electric motors, and a four-speed dedicated hybrid transmission. The One platform supports an 800-volt electrical architecture, so the battery should charge very quickly on DC.

    The HX will be named through a contest, with a final vote set to take place on April 10 ahead of its Beijing debut. The car is under consideration for right-hand-drive markets such as Australia, per CarExpert, but if it does come to Malaysia, it won’t come cheap, given that the Tank 500 is already well north of RM300,000. It will have plenty of rivals, however, with the Denza B8 and Zeekr 9X both earmarked for our market.

     
  • Malaysia studying use of MyKad for targeted diesel subsidies to reduce risk of leakages, achieve savings

    Malaysia studying use of MyKad for targeted diesel subsidies to reduce risk of leakages, achieve savings

    The Malaysian government is studying the possibility of using the MyKad mechanism for a targeted subsidy system for diesel fuel, following its implementation for RON 95 petrol through the Budi Madani RON 95 (Budi95) programme, reported New Straits Times.

    The use of the MyKad under the Budi95 scheme is more organised and helps reduce the risk of leakages, while achieving savings without drastically altering the purchasing patterns of consumers, said finance minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan.

    The successful distribution of Sumbangan Asas Rahmah in both urban and rural areas provides a positive indication that a MyKad-based distribution system for diesel subsidies is not impossible to implement, and as such the government is assessing its feasibility, however transitioning to this approach requires a detailed study as diesel usage patterns vary by region, particularly in Sabah and Sarawak, he said.

    Malaysia studying use of MyKad for targeted diesel subsidies to reduce risk of leakages, achieve savings

    “There are also areas without access to conventional petrol stations, relying instead on alternative distribution methods. If we want to implement (MyKad usage) for diesel, we must ensure that supply is not disrupted. We need time to ensure there is nothing we do not understand that could become an obstacle. That is one of the aspects the finance ministry, together with the domestic trade and cost of living ministry, is currently examining,” he said.

    For diesel fuel, the finance ministry announced at the beginning of this month that the monthly cash assistance under the Budi Madani Diesel initiative will be maintained at RM300 for the month of April 2026, having been increased from RM200 to RM300 in March.

    Meanwhile for RON 95 petrol, the move to temporarily adjust the monthly RON 95 quota to 200 litres under the Budi Madani RON 95 (Budi95) scheme from 300 litres instead of raising the subsidised price of the fuel is aimed at protecting the welfare of the majority of Malaysians, and the rakyat would be affected if the government opted to raise the subsidised price of RON 95 rather than reduce the allocated quota, according to Amir Hamzah.

     
  • Gov’t chose Budi95 quota adjustment rather than price hike to protect majority of Malaysians – Amir Hamzah

    Gov’t chose Budi95 quota adjustment rather than price hike to protect majority of Malaysians – Amir Hamzah

    The government says the move to temporarily adjust the monthly RON 95 quota to 200 litres under the Budi Madani RON 95 (Budi95) scheme from 300 litres instead of raising the price of the subsidised fuel is aimed at protecting the welfare of the majority of Malaysians, in light of ongoing supply disruptions and surge in global oil prices.

    According to finance minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan, the rakyat would be affected if the government opted to raise the price of subsidised RON 95 rather than reduce the allocated quota. He said that even a minor increase in the price of subsidised RON 95, for example from RM1.99 to RM2.05 per litre, would have a direct impact on all consumers, without exception.

    He added the decision to lower the Budi95 quota was based on data analysis and a comprehensive assessment of the implications. He said the majority of users in Malaysia consume around 100 litres of RON 95 per month, making the adjustment targeted and not burdensome for most of the population.

    Gov’t chose Budi95 quota adjustment rather than price hike to protect majority of Malaysians – Amir Hamzah

    “Adjusting the usage quota only affects a small portion of users, as data shows that about 90% of the population is not impacted by the reduction from 300 litres to 200 litres per month. Although some parties are affected by the policy adjustment, this step is considered the best for now in navigating global economic uncertainty,” he said in an exclusive interview with Berita Harian, as cited by the New Straits Times.

    Amir Hamzah said that all measures being taken are part of a medium- and long-term strategy to ensure the resilience of the national economy, while addressing current challenges. “The priority is to ensure sufficient supply, followed by efforts to stabilise prices and reduce leakages, while continuing to assist those who truly need it,” he said.

    He said recent global geopolitical developments, brought about by the conflict in Middle East, has had a significant impact on the global energy market. With the Strait of Hormuz handling about 20% of global oil supply, any disruption could lead to supply shortages and a spike in international oil prices, he explained. “Global data shows petrol prices have risen by about 80%, while diesel has increased by as much as 160%. This puts pressure on all countries, including Malaysia,” he said.

    Gov’t chose Budi95 quota adjustment rather than price hike to protect majority of Malaysians – Amir Hamzah

    For diesel, he said the government is adopting a different approach through targeted cash assistance. At present, assistance for individuals and the agricultural sector has been increased from RM200 to RM300 following the rise in global diesel prices.

    The move is aimed at offsetting the impact of higher prices, while controlling price gaps that could encourage smuggling and leakages. “If the price gap becomes too large, the risk of smuggling increases, and this ultimately harms the country as the subsidies are funded by public funds,” he explained.

    Amir Hamzah added that the country is studying the possibility of expanding the use of the MyKad format in the targeted subsidy system to diesel, although that may be some time away as there are many considerations to take into account.

     
  • 2026 Mitsubishi Xforce launched in Malaysia – CKD; 1.5L NA; priced fr RM110k; RM5k rebate until April 12

    2026 Mitsubishi Xforce launched in Malaysia – CKD; 1.5L NA; priced fr RM110k; RM5k rebate until April 12

    Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM) today officially launched the Mitsubishi Xforce, a B-segment SUV locally assembled (CKD) in Pekan, Pahang that comes in two variants. First shown to the media here back in February this year – pre-orders also started then – the Xforce was initially estimated to range between RM110,000 and RM120,000.

    With finalised pricing announced, we can now tell you that the Xforce’s base variant, the Urban, goes for RM109,980 on-the-road without insurance. Meanwhile, the range-topping Ultimate is RM10,000 more at RM119,980. These figures are RM20 less than estimates, so they aren’t that far off.

    For the money, you’re getting a 4A91 1.5 litre naturally-aspirated MIVEC inline-four petrol engine that serves up 105 PS at 6,000 rpm and 141 Nm of torque at 4,000 rpm. This engine, which is shared with the Xpander, is the only option for the Xforce and is paired with an Aisin-sourced CVT driving the front wheels – we don’t get the hybrid powertrain. Other driving-related features being an electronic parking brake with auto hold function, hill start assist and Mitsubishi’s Active Yaw Control (AYC) made famous by Lancer Evolution models.

    In terms of kit, the Urban comes with analogue gauges accompanied by a 4.2-inch TFT multi-info display as well as an 8-inch touchscreen head unit placed within a large black housing. Also included are automatic LED headlamps, LED daytime running lights, LED taillights, leatherette seat upholstery, support for wired Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a six-speaker sound system, dual-zone air-conditioning (with lap cooling vent) and a front digital video recorder (dashcam).

    2026 Mitsubishi Xforce launched in Malaysia – CKD; 1.5L NA; priced fr RM110k; RM5k rebate until April 12

    Pay the RM10,000 extra for the Ultimate and you gain a a customisable 8-inch digital instrument cluster (inspired by the Pajero) and 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, the latter with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. There are also selectable drive modes (Normal, Wet, Gravel and Mud), nanoe X air purification for the AC system, a wireless charging pad, blue ambient lighting, a powered tailgate with hands-free function, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror and an additional rear DVR.

    Another reason to get the range-topper is the Dynamic Sound Yamaha Premium System with eight speakers and four unique sound types (Lively, Signature, Powerful and Relaxing), a result of the carmaker’s partnership with the audio equipment company. This isn’t simply a case of using branded speakers, as Yamaha actually joined in early on during the development of the Xforce to optimise the sound system to match the car’s cabin acoustics. The system also features a unique two-way coaxial setup in the rear door cards, allowing tweeters to be fitted without the need for a separate housing.

    The Ultimate also sports a White Mélange weave for its fabric-covered dashboard – a rarity in this segment – and Mocha accents for the seats, while it is primarily black inside the Urban. All variants of the Xforce are fitted with manually-adjustable front seats (a shame at this price range) and 40:20:40 split-folding rear seats, the latter offering eight levels of manual recline and a centre armrest.

    While both variants ride on 18-inch two-tone alloy wheels in a five-spoke design wrapped with 225/50 profile tyres, you can identify an Ultimate from the outside by its bonnet emblem and tailgate spoiler. On that mention, the Xforce remains rather true to the XFC Concept that previewed it way back in October 2022 – the global debut took place in Indonesia in August 2023.

    2026 Mitsubishi Xforce launched in Malaysia – CKD; 1.5L NA; priced fr RM110k; RM5k rebate until April 12

    Design cues carried over from that concept include the brand’s Dynamic Shield face accompanied by T-shaped lighting signatures front and rear. Adding to the dynamic look are muscular fender flares, recessed wheel arches as well as a sloping roofline that meets with a partially blacked-out C-pillar to create a “floating roof” look. The ground clearance is 222 mm.

    In case you’re wondering about the size of the Xforce, it is comparable to other B-segment SUVs, although the Mitsubishi wins overall when it comes to wheelbase. Here’s how it stacks up against the competition:

    • Mitsubishi Xforce – 4,390 mm long, 1,810 mm wide, 1,660 mm tall, 2,650 mm wheelbase, 1,235-1,250 kg kerb weight
    • Honda HR-V – 4,347-4,385 mm long, 1,790 mm wide, 1,590-1,591 mm tall, 2,610 mm wheelbase, 1,274-1,396 kg kerb weight
    • Proton X50 – 4,380 mm long, 1,795 mm wide, 1,609 mm tall, 2,600 mm wheelbase, 1,351-1,378 kg kerb weight
    • Chery Omoda O5 – 4,400 mm long, 1,830 mm wide, 1,588 mm tall, 2,630 mm wheelbase, 1,434 kg kerb weight
    • Chery Tiggo Cross – 4,318 mm long, 1,830 mm wide, 1,670 mm tall, 2,610 mm wheelbase, 1,468-1,565 kg kerb weight
    • Perodua Traz – 4,310 mm long, 1,770 mm wide, 1,655 mm tall, 2,620 mm wheelbase, 1,145-1,150 kg kerb weight
    • Toyota Corolla Cross – 4,460 mm long, 1,825 mm wide, 1,620 mm tall, 2,640 mm wheelbase, 1,405-1,430 kg kerb weight

    Moving on to safety, the Xforce has already been awarded with a five-star rating by ASEAN NCAP (New Car Assessment Program for Southeast Asian Countries). The Urban comes with four airbags, blind spot warning, rear cross traffic alert, lane change assist, front and rear parking sensors as well as an around view monitor.

    2026 Mitsubishi Xforce launched in Malaysia – CKD; 1.5L NA; priced fr RM110k; RM5k rebate until April 12

    Should you want ADAS, you’ll need to step up to the Ultimate that comes with forward collision mitigation with autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lead car departure notification and auto high beam. These go on top of additional two airbags (bringing the total up to six) and a tyre pressure monitor.

    As for colours, the Xforce is available in Diamond Black Mica, Red Metallic, Graphite Gray and Quartz White Pearl across all variants, with the white hue being a RM400 cost option. MMM also offers a range of genuine accessories bundled into packages, including the Urban Level Up for RM1,000 that is only for the Urban variant and includes a tailgate spoiler and engine hood emblem – this basically makes the Urban look like the Ultimate from the outside.

    There’s also the Excitement package (front under garnish, side door garnish and rear under garnish) for RM4,100, while the Practicality package (luggage tray and mud guard) goes for RM700. These are available for both variants although you can combine them because the Excitement’s parts don’t match with the Practicality’s mud guard.

    For the first 50 customers who purchase these packages, a 20% discount is available that brings their prices down to RM3,280, RM1,760 and RM560 respectively. There are also accessories that aren’t part of a package, and these include roof rails (RM2,200), scuff plates (RM355), door visors (RM205) and a fabric cleaner (RM50).

    2026 Mitsubishi Xforce spec sheet and pricing; click to enlarge

    Each Xforce purchased comes with a five-year, unlimited-mileage warranty and there are a few early bird promos offered as well. For starters, the RM5,000 cash rebate offered when pre-orders started, which was previously limited to the first 2,000 buyers, has now been extended to April 12, 2026. With this, there’s technically no limit to how many customers can enjoy the cash rebate, so long as they make a booking by said date.

    On top of this, existing Mitsubishi owners and their immediate family members who purchase an Xforce will be entitled to a loyalty programme, which brings with it an additional RM1,000 cash rebate. This add-on rebate is also applicable to government servants. There’s more too, as all Xforce buyers will also be entered into a “Buy 1 Free 1” contest for a chance to win another Xforce in its top spec. MMM also claims the lowest maintenance cost in this class at RM3,978.03 over five years.

    So, that is the Mitsubishi Xforce. What do you think of MMM’s latest offering? It has been some time since a Mitsubishi B-segment SUV was sold here, and the Xforce serves as the true successor to the ASX, which was one of the earliest B-segment SUVs launched here many moons ago. Will you pick this over others in the market? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

    GALLERY: 2026 Mitsubishi Xforce Ultimate with optional accessories

    GALLERY: 2026 Mitsubishi Xforce Ultimate

    GALLERY: 2026 Mitsubishi Xforce launch event

    GALLERY: 2026 Mitsubishi Xforce Ultimate colours

    GALLERY: 2026 Mitsubishi Xforce Urban colours

    GALLERY: 2026 Mitsubishi Xforce brochure and price list

     
  • Driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs is an offence under Road Transport Act 1987 – JSPT PDRM

    Driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs is an offence under Road Transport Act 1987 – JSPT PDRM

    The traffic investigation and enforcement department (JSPT) of the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) has issued a notice reminding the public that driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs is an offence under the Road Transport Act 1987, and that doing so may result in traffic incidents which endanger the lives of others and their own.

    The offences listed are under Section 45A, for driving under the influence of alcohol, which carries an imprisonment term of no more than two years, a fine of RM10,000 up to RM30,000, and driving licence suspension of two years, and under Section 45A(1), for driving or being in charge of a motor vehicle with alcohol concentration above the prescribed limit, which carries an imprisonment term of no more than two years, and a fine of RM1,000 up to RM5,000.

    The notice also lists the offences under Section 44 of the Road Transport Act 1987, for driving while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or drugs and causing death or injury to any person.

    For Section 44(1A) for driving while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or drugs and causing injury to any person, the offence carries an imprisonment term of seven to 10 years, a fine of RM30,000 to RM50,000, and a driving licence suspension of seven years.

    For Section 44(1), for driving while under the influence of intoxicating liquor or drugs and causing death to any person, the offence carries an imprisonment term of 10 to 15 years, a fine of RM50,000 to RM100,000, and a driving licence suspension of 10 years.

     
  • 2027 BMW i7 facelift gets Rimac batteries for more range, faster charging – reveal in Beijing April 22

    2027 BMW i7 facelift gets Rimac batteries for more range, faster charging – reveal in Beijing April 22

    The facelifted (Life Cycle Impulse or LCI in BMW speak) G70 BMW 7 Series will be revealed at Auto China in Beijing on April 22, bringing with it a refreshed design already teased last month. Now it’s been confirmed that the electric version, the i7, will gain a new battery developed in partnership with Rimac Technology.

    Still independent despite the automotive division merging with Bugatti, the Croatian outfit worked with Munich to fit the latter’s latest Gen6 cylindrical cells – which deliver a 20% increase in volumetric energy density over the previous prismatic cells, as seen in the Neue Klasse iX3 and i3 – within the confines of the i7’s existing Gen5 module design.

    This upgrade not only increases range from the already impressive current WLTP maximum of 624 km, but also makes for faster DC charging, up from 195 kW. However, it isn’t mentioned if the i7 LCI will be built on the iX3 and i3’s 800-volt electrical architecture – enabling charging at up to 400 kW – or remain on a 400-volt system. The batteries will be assembled by Rimac in Croatia before being shipped to BMW’s Dingolfing plant.

    “We are quickly rolling out the technologies of the Neue Klasse across our entire model portfolio – including in our all-electric luxury sedan. The teams of both companies have developed a tailor-made solution for the new BMW i7,” said BMW’s senior VP of high-voltage storage and charging development Thomas Engelhardt. “The excellent collaboration with Rimac Technology is a good example of European innovative strength.”

    2027 BMW i7 facelift gets Rimac batteries for more range, faster charging – reveal in Beijing April 22

    Rimac Group founder and president Mate Rimac added: “BMW has always been known for pushing engineering to the highest level, which made this collaboration especially exciting for us. Together, we developed a high-voltage battery system that unlocks the full potential of the new cylindrical cells in record time, delivering significant improvements in energy, range, and charging performance. We are proud to now see this system being produced at scale at our new Rimac Campus.”

    The new battery will be part of a suite of improvements coming for the G70 7 Series, such as an even more imposing face with large angular double kidney grilles. We also expect the car to feature the latest Panoramic iDrive interface, including a pillar-to-pillar Panoramic Vision display at the base of the windscreen. Additionally, it’s been reported that the sedan will spawn the first model from the rejuvenated Alpina sub-brand, now fully owned by BMW.

     
  • Hyundai Petaling Jaya grand launch bonanza from April 10-12 – win lucky draw prizes worth up to RM10k

    Hyundai Petaling Jaya grand launch bonanza from April 10-12 – win lucky draw prizes worth up to RM10k

    Hyundai Petaling Jaya, operated by Palm Motor, is set to host its grand launch bonanza this weekend, and if you’re in the market for a Hyundai, you can look forward to exciting lucky draw prizes worth up to RM10,000. Up for grabs when you purchase a new or demo Hyundai is the grand prize of an iPhone 17, followed by a Sharp 40-inch smart television in second place as well as a Xiaomi portable Bluetooth speaker in third place.

    There will also be plenty of consolation prizes, including dashcams, free service vouchers, car care products, window tints, official Hyundai merchandise, petrol vouchers, Touch ‘n Go cards, SmartTags and more. On top of this, there will also be a separate lucky draw where you stand a chance to win an all-expense paid trip to watch the FIFA World Cup 2026 live!

    It’s easy to find a Hyundai that fits your lifestyle, as the line-up includes models designed to meet a variety of needs. For example, the Tucson is a C-segment SUV that is offered with three types of powertrains, including a fuel-efficient hybrid with 235 PS. The stylish C-segment also comes packed with innovative technologies and almost all variants get Hyundai’s SmartSense suite of advanced driver assistance systems as standard.

    For something larger, there’s the three-row Santa Fe, which boasts a robust-looking exterior and an interior that can accommodate up to seven passengers. Powered by turbocharged petrol engines, the Santa Fe is rich in features meant to make short and long trips a comfortable and safe.

    If you need even more space for your expansive family, the Staria is the answer with seating for up to 10 passengers. With a torquey turbodiesel engine and available SmartSense suite, the futuristic-looking MPV turns heads on the move while keeping occupants cocooned in comfort and safety.

    Regardless of which Hyundai you go for, you will receive a free dual dashcam system and window tint with your purchase. There’s also a trade-in bonus worth up to RM5,000 available. Also on offer are demo Hyundai cars that are being offered with rebates worth up to RM38,888. Purchasing a demo car also puts in the first lucky draw to win prizes worth up to RM10,000.

    Sounds enticing, doesn’t it? Well, register your interest and make your way to Hyundai Petaling Jaya (located behind PJ Midtown) for Palm Motor’s grand launch bonanza from April 10-12 (10am to 6pm) to find your new Hyundai ride and stand to win some amazing prices. Find out more by visiting Hyundai Petaling Jaya’s Facebook and Instagram pages.

     
  • Budi95: Claims of being able to apply for a higher personal allocation limit untrue – finance ministry

    Budi95: Claims of being able to apply for a higher personal allocation limit untrue – finance ministry

    The finance ministry says that claims regarding Malaysians being able to apply for a higher allocation limit for subsidised RON 95 petrol under the Budi Madani RON 95 (Budi95) scheme are untrue and unfounded.

    In a statement, the ministry said that while an application function on the Budi95 portal was introduced during the initial phase of the programme’s implementation, this was intended only for specific cases involving defined and verified operational needs, for instance with regards to e-hailing driver (which already have an 800-litre monthly quota) and boat operators, subject to eligibility.

    The ministry said that the additional allocation function on the Budi95 portal has been misinterpreted by some quarters as a means to make unrestricted requests to increase subsidy limits, and as such, the application button has been deactivated to avoid further confusion.

    Budi95: Claims of being able to apply for a higher personal allocation limit untrue – finance ministry

    It said the current 200-litre monthly eligibility limit, which was temporarily adjusted from 300 litres on April 1, remains unchanged. The measure was introduced due to the conflict in the Middle East, which had disrupted global supply chains and hiked crude oil prices. This has required more a prudent management of resources by the country.

    The ministry said data showed that the 200-litre monthly quota was sufficient for around 90% of Budi95 users. It added that at a subsidised RM1.99 per litre, Budi95 recipients are able to purchase up to RM398 worth of RON 95 fuel each month, with the government absorbing about RM500 in subsidy per recipient.

    The ministry concluded by saying that it will continue to safeguard the welfare of the public, strengthen enforcement to prevent leakages, closely monitor global energy trends and make adjustments where necessary.

     
  • Jaecoo J7 was the UK’s best-selling car in March

    Jaecoo J7 was the UK’s best-selling car in March

    With so many UK publications and YouTube channels falling down the apples and pears to review this thing, should we actually be surprised?

    The Jaecoo J7 (simply called the Jaecoo 7 in Blighty) beat usual high-performers Ford Puma (9,193 units), Nissan Qashqai (8,718) and Kia Sportage (7,310) to become Britain’s best-selling car last month (10,064), Autocar reports. First time ever for a Chinese car. I mean, I know they’re both tea-drinking nations, but I think the similarities well and truly end there.

    The SUV is also in second place in terms of year-to-date (YTD) sales, its 15,569 units hot on the heels of the Puma’s 16,128. Jaecoo entered the UK with the J7 only in January 2025. That means the model took just a year to reach the top of what is known to be a very particular, mature, discerning, sophisticated, supercilious and historically-traditional car market. Without – shock horror – any Brooklands racing pedigree!

    Plus, the fact that it flatters (of which imitation is the sincerest form) the Range Rover – A Very, Very British Institution – makes its quick rise all the more impressive. The Jaecoo J7 is available in petrol, hybrid and PHEV flavours in the UK. In Malaysia, the SUV managed 19th in March and is now 20th YTD.

     
 
 
 

Latest Fuel Prices

PETROL
BUDI 95 RM1.99
RON 95 RM3.87 (0.00)
RON 97 RM4.95 (-0.20)
RON 100 RM7.30
VPR RM8.28
DIESEL
EURO 5 B10 RM6.02 (+0.50)
EURO 5 B7 RM6.22 (+0.50)
Last Updated Apr 02, 2026

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