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Latest Stories

• Keeping 800L quota likely to boost e-hailing, but one group says it’s still insufficient for high-mileage users

  In Local News / by Anthony Lim / 27 March 2026 8:08 pm

  

  The upcoming Budi95 quota adjustment, which will see the 300 litre monthly quota for RON 95 petrol under the Budi Madani RON 95 fuel subsidy programme being temporarily adjusted to 200 litres a month – at the present subsidised rate of RM1.99 per litre – from April 1 will not impact e-hailing drivers, as their monthly quota of 800 litres will remain in place.

  The retention of that quota has drawn a mixed response from different e-hailing groups. Sahabat E-hailing Malaysia (SEM) believes that the 800-litre amount is insufficient for high-mileage drivers, some of which consume up to 40 litres of petrol a day, forcing them to pay the unsubsidised market rate for RON 95 after exhausting their quotas before the end of the month.

  As such, the group has urged the government to review the subsidy mechanism for e-hailing, the New Straits Times reports. “Even before the Middle East conflict, e-hailing drivers were facing a dire financial situation as fares were inadequate to cover operating costs. Now, some are forced to pay for unsubsidised RON 95 starting from the middle of the month after hitting their limit,” SEM said in a statement.

  

  The group criticised the different eligibility criteria and quotas set for e-hailing drivers, diesel-based vehicles and airport taxis. It said using the previous month’s travel record as a prerequisite to determine a quota was unfair. “The requirement for e-hailing drivers to meet a minimum travel distance is a biased policy that primarily benefits service provider companies,” it said.

  Under the current tiered system, e-hailing drivers must clock over 5,000 km a month to qualify for the maximum 800-litre quota. Those covering between 2,000 km and 5,000 km receive 600 litres, while those under 2,000 km are entitled only to the base quota.

  The group said many drivers risked losing their additional quotas because the eligibility criteria failed to account for unforeseen circumstances, such as losing access to their vehicle through accidents or vehicle breakdowns. “By April, more drivers are expected to lose their additional quotas because they could not meet trip requirements during the Ramadan and festive period,” it added.

  

  The government’s decision to maintain the monthly ceiling of 800 litres under the Budi95 programme for e-hailing drivers and gig workers is seen as a timely move to stabilise operating costs amid subsidy scheme adjustments.

  Separately, Malaysian E-hailing Coalition (GEM) chief activist Masrizal Mahidin said the move to retain the 800-litre quota is expected to boost demand for e-hailing services, as Bernama reports. “The temporary quota adjustment is expected to encourage more users, especially in urban areas, to opt for e-hailing instead of using their own vehicles, thereby creating opportunities for higher income among drivers,” he said.

  Masrizal added that maintaining the quota for e-hailing and gig workers provides immediate relief to drivers but stressed the need for long-term solutions to address global oil price uncertainties. He proposed a more comprehensive approach, including supporting the gradual transition of the e-hailing sector to electric vehicles (EVs) to reduce the dependence on petrol.

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• 2026 Xpeng X9 EV facelift in Thailand – REEV looks, new 537 PS AWD, 615 km WLTP range, 542 kW DCFC

  In Cars, International News, Xpeng / by Jonathan Lee / 27 March 2026 5:28 pm

  

  Another year, another “facelift” for the Xpeng X9, which went on sale in Thailand last week – just two weeks after it was launched in China. This time, the changes, seen at the ongoing Bangkok International Motor Show (BIMS), are much more substantial, albeit not ones that we haven’t seen before.

  That’s because the seven-seater electric MPV’s new design touches have actually been lifted from the PowerX range extender model, revealed in the Middle Kingdom in October. These include a new front bumper with a larger centre air intake that replaces the body-coloured hexagonal array, fitted with an active grille shutter. The latter works with the also-new corner air curtains to cut drag by 22 points.

  Meanwhile, the rear bumper features a body-coloured lower section with a black valance – the inverse of what was offered before, in other words. The new-for-2025 20-inch multi-spoke wheels with Rolls-Royce-style self-righting centre caps have been retained for higher-end models, while the colour palette has been expanded to include two new colours – Polar Violet and Lambent Cyan.

  

  The changes are just as minor on the inside, with a new steering wheel that centralises the Xpeng logo and adds a 360-degree camera shortcut button and a “Mode” switch, plus ayous wood trim and a new cloud rose and brown and white colour scheme.

  Beyond that, the car is identical to before, sporting the same metallic ripple-effect air-con vents, a massive 17.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, a 10.25-inch digital instrument display, a 21.4-inch roof-mounted rear monitor, a rear fridge and 18-way power-adjustable second-row captain’s chairs with heating, ventilation, massage and one-touch “zero gravity” recline.

  It’s good to see that the export X9 also gains features added to last year’s Chinese-market car, such as soft-closing front doors, ISOFIX child seat mounts on both outer second-row seats (previously only on the right side) and the third row, and physical rear side window switches. The latter replaces the old capacitive ones.

  

  Mechanically, the X9 EV’s single front motor has been boosted by 27 PS (20 kW) to 346 PS (255 kW), while torque holds steady at 450 Nm. New for global markets is a dual-motor all-wheel-drive setup that produces a sum total of 537 PS (395 kW) and 640 Nm.

  Battery sizes have also been increased to 94.8 kWh (up from 84.5 kWh) for the LFP pack and 110 kWh (up from 101.5 kWh) for the NMC unit; the dual-motor all-wheel-drive version is only available with the larger battery. This, together with the aerodynamic improvements, have netted a decent increase in WLTP range – 535 km (up from 500 km) for the smaller battery and 615 km (up from 590 km) with the bigger one, both with the single motor. The dual-motor AWD version obviously has a shorter range, at 580 km.

  Charging speeds have also seen a massive jump to a whopping 537 kW for the 94.8 kWh battery and 542 kW for the 110 kWh pack (previously 317 kW max). All models now charge from 10 to 80% in a blistering 12 minutes, down from 20 minutes – deeply impressive for such large batteries.

  

  

  

  Last but not least, the X9 EV gains the latest Turing AI chip for driver assists, offering up to 2,250 TOPs of power. In China, this enables a second-generation visual-language-action (VLA) model that is said to improve the car’s highly-automated driving features. The company is working towards full Level 4 autonomy with the system in “one to three years,” it said in a press release. Obviously, this won’t be offered in export markets, which get the usual Level 2 semi-autonomous driving functionality.

  Prices start at 2,399,000 baht (RM292,400) for the base 94.8 kWh Premium model, rising up to 2,599,000 baht (RM316,800) for the 110 kWh Executive and 2,799,000 baht (RM341,200) for the top-spec Luxury AWD. Given that product updates tend to arrive in Malaysia quite soon after they were introduced in China, expect the revamped MPV to go on sale imminently, possibly once CKD local assembly kicks off.

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

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• Budi95: Malaysian government exploring all options for RON95 subsidy to continue beyond May – Anwar

  In Local News / by Mick Chan / 27 March 2026 4:42 pm

  

  The Malaysian government will explore all avenues to ensure that the Budi Madani RON 95 (Budi95) petrol subsidy programme will be extended beyond May this year, said prime minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, reported New Straits Times.

  The government would make use of all available resources, including expertise from Petronas to identify alternative petroleum sources from other countries such as Brazil and Canada, the prime minister said, adding that the government is confident that it can sustain the Budi95 programme beyond May this year.

  Anwar, who is also finance minister, announced yesterday that the Budi95 monthly quota for RON 95 petrol – currently priced at RM1.99 per litre – will be temporarily adjusted from its initial 300 litres to 200 litres from April 1, 2026.

  

  For the week of March 26 to April 1, 2026, the price of unsubsidised RON 95 petrol is at RM3.87 per litre, while RON 97 is at RM5.15 per litre, with both petrol fuels having climbed 60 sen from their respective prices last week. Euro 5 B10 diesel is priced at RM5.52 per litre, while Euro 5 B7 at 20 sen per litre more, is RM5.72 per litre this week.

  Today, home minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail has said that nine out of 10 Malaysians will not be affected by the quota adjustment, effectively echoing an earlier statement by secretary-general of the treasury at the ministry of finance Datuk Johan Mahmood Merican that 90% of those eligible for Budi95 used less than 200 litres per month.

  In a statement issued yesterday, the ministry of finance revealed that the nation’s subsidy expenditure for petrol and diesel fuels is estimated to reach around RM4 billion a month, with Brent crude oil prices reaching USD100 per barrel. By contrast, based on market prices two weeks ago when Brent crude oil was around USD90 per barrel, the subsidies were estimated to be around RM3 billion a month.

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• Freelander teased – new EV/REEV brand with Land Rover name and design, Chery tech; March 31 reveal

  In Cars, Chery, International News, Land Rover / by Jonathan Lee / 27 March 2026 4:07 pm

  

  In 2024, it was revealed that Chery struck a deal with its joint venture partner in China, Jaguar Land Rover, to licence the Freelander name for its own use. That was essentially JLR capitulating to its inability to respond to the advancement of Chinese brands, with Chery ironically being the tip of that spear.

  From here on out, Chery Jaguar Land Rover will phase out locally-built JLR models in favour of the new Freelander series of EVs, previewed by a concept car set to debut in Shanghai on March 31, ahead of the Auto China show in Beijing the following month.

  A few soft-focus teasers show that the as-yet-unnamed show car will continue to feature traditional Land Rover design cues, such as a boxy and upright body, interlocking square headlights and black round wheel arch flares. These are interspersed with some classic outlandish concept car touches, including suicide doors and large wheels with criss-cross spokes.

  

  

  While the production version isn’t due out for some time yet, Autohome has already released some spyshots of a prototype that has undergone China New Car Assessment Programme (C-NCAP) crash tests. The mules sport some more production-ready headlights and a beefy Defender-esque front bumper, along with flush-fitting rectangular door pull cutouts and the ditching of the aforementioned suicide doors (sorry).

  At the rear, the Freelander gets small square taillights and the “Freelander” script stamped across the tailgate; ditto the front bumper. Inside, the car gets an oblong steering wheel, a massive floating touchscreen with physical controls below it, the usual Chinese car dual phone holders and a distinctive full-width instrument display below the windscreen – similar to BMW’s Neue Klasse models like the new iX3 and i3, but without the expensive projection technology. One can also spot the lidar sensor atop the windscreen.

  

  

  

  What’s clear is that Freelander models won’t be quite as off-road-capable as proper Land Rover models, given that they will ride on Chery’s ubiquitous T1X SUV platform, which underpins everything from the Tiggo Cross to the Jaecoo J8. However, the presence of six-lug wheels on the crashed cars indicates that some strengthening will have been performed to unlock a bit more ability.

  While Freelander was created on the outset to be an EV brand, the prototypes bear the “REEV” label, confirming that the cars will be offered with a petrol range extender, at least as an option. It’s also been reported that the first model will be a large SUV with up to six seats.

  Freelander will join a whole host of Chery SUV brands – in addition to the main marque, there’s also Jetour, Exeed and iCar. That’s even before you consider the export-only Omoda, Jaecoo, Lepas and iCaur divisions that it will have to compete with if plans for global sales come to fruition.

  

  

  

  

  
  

  
  GALLERY: Freelander crash test leaks

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

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• Temporary Budi95 quota adjustment won’t affect 90% of Malaysians, no change to their daily life – Saifuddin

  In Local News / by Anthony Lim / 27 March 2026 3:45 pm

  

  Nine out of 10 Malaysians will not be affected by the Budi95 quota adjustment, says home minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail. From April 1, the 300 litre monthly quota for RON 95 petrol under the Budi Madani RON 95 fuel subsidy programme will be temporarily adjusted to 200 litres a month, at the same subsidised rate of RM1.99 per litre.

  Given that the majority of consumers use only about 100 litres of RON 95 each month, daily life for 90% of the population would continue as normal without additional costs, he said, reiterating that indicated by prime minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim when he announced the upcoming quota adjustment yesterday.

  Saifudding added that the adjusted quota will remain in place until global conditions stabilise, and assured e-hailing drivers that their quota would remain at 800 litres a month to protect their livelihoods, as the New Straits Times reports.

  

  The Pakatan Harapan secretary-general said the national fuel subsidy bill had surged sixfold from RM700 million to RM4 billion a month due to the conflict in the Middle East, forcing the government to balance the figures through the temporary quota adjustment.

  “The government maintains a clear stance that the people must be protected by continuing the Budi95 subsidy despite increasingly challenging global pressures,” he said. He added that while other nations had passed the burden to their citizens, Malaysia was choosing to absorb the price increase to prevent a drastic impact on the cost of living.

  “Today’s world is facing increasingly challenging global pressures. The surge in crude oil prices past US$100 per barrel has had a major impact on many countries. In Hong Kong, petrol prices have reached around RM14 per litre. In Singapore, it is about RM10 per litre. This is the reality the world is facing today. However, in Malaysia, the government has taken a clear stand to protect the people,” he said.

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• Geely Galaxy Battleship 700 – “AI-powered” 4×4 with PHEV powertrain, Beijing debut; up to 1,400 PS?

  In Cars, Geely, International News / by Jonathan Lee / 27 March 2026 2:12 pm

  

  Having managed to stay away from the pseudo-hardcore 4×4 market currently dominated by Chinese brands, Geely has finally decided to wade into battle with the appropriately-named Geely Galaxy Battleship 700. The car, previewed by the Galaxy Cruiser concept at Auto Shanghai last year, is set to debut at Auto China in Beijing at the end of next month.

  If these initial images are anything to be believed, then the boxy design – clearly inspired by the likes of the Land Rover Defender and Ford Bronco – has translated very well from show car to production. The upright glasshouse, wraparound windscreen look, kinked window line, broad shoulders and blistered squared-off wheel arches have all been retained, as has the full-width rectangular grille housing circular headlights, a horizontal light strip and an illuminated Geely Galaxy logo.

  Also carried over are the beefy silver front bumper with orange recovery hook-like elements, chunky pull-type door handles and even the bonnet scoop. In fact, the only styling cues not to have made the cut are the clamshell bonnet and the driving lamps (replaced by circular…plastic pieces?), which aren’t huge losses. An external spare tyre can also be seen in some images.

  

  We also get a glimpse of the interior with its enormous aeroplane throttle-like gear selector, flanked by toggles that presumably control the drive and off-road modes. Below these are a row of physical buttons for the variety of off-road features, such as a locking rear differential, low-range gearing and even a tank turn function similar to the GWM Tank 300 and 500, among many others.

  The Battleship 700 is expected to utilise the same hugely-powerful plug-in hybrid powertrain as the Lotus Eletre X Hybrid and Zeekr 9X. The latter is available in dual- and triple-motor guises producing 897 PS and a whopping 1,400 PS respectively, with a 279 PS 2.0 litre turbo petrol engine helping to juice the 55 kWh or 70 kWh NMC battery. The car is also claimed to use AI technology to determine the right power source (petrol, electric or both) for a given terrain.

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  
  GALLERY: Geely Galaxy Cruiser concept at Auto Shanghai 2025

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

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• 2026 BYD Sealion 5 DM-i – 1.5L petrol PHEV, 18.3 kWh battery, 95 km WLTP EV range; from RM93k in Thailand

  In BYD, Cars, International News / by Mick Chan / 27 March 2026 1:46 pm

  

  The BYD Sealion 5 that is shown at the ongoing 2026 Bangkok International Motor Show (BIMS 2026) is on sale in Thailand in two plug-in hybrid variants, the Sealion 5 DM-i Dynamic at 759,900 baht (RM92,742), and the Sealion 5 DM-i Premium at 799,900 baht (RM97,623).

  Measuring 4,735 mm long, 1,860 mm wide and 1,710 mm tall with a wheelbase of 2,712 mm, the Sealion 5 is a five-seater that offers 530 litres of luggage space with the 60:40 split-folding rear seats in place, or up to 1,830 litres with the rear seats folded. Kerb weight for the Sealion 5 DM-i across both variants is 1,720 kg.

  Against the Jaecoo J7 (4,500 mm long, 1,865 mm wide, 1,680 mm tall, 2,672 mm wheelbase), the Sealion 5 is the larger vehicle in some exterior dimensions, bar its width which is 5 mm narrower than the J7 that is also offered as a PHEV.

  Powering the Sealion 5 DM-i is a 1.5 litre Atkinson-cycle petrol engine that outputs 99 PS and 125 Nm, fuelled by a 52 litre tank. Electric drive from this powertrain comes from a 163 PS/210 Nm motor and together with the internal combustion engine, produces a combined 210 PS and 210 Nm sent to the front wheels. Thus equipped, the Sealion 5 DM-i does 0-100 km/h in 8.5 seconds.

  

  

  

  

  Both variants of the Sealion 5 DM-i get a 18.3 kWh Blade battery that offers 110 km of EV driving on the NEDC cycle (94 km WLTP), and charging is supported at up to 18 kW DC through a CCS2 connection, or up to 3.3 kW AC via a Type 2 connection. This model also provides V2L power supply for external devices.

  Suspension is by MacPherson struts in front and a multi-link arrangement at the rear, while brakes are by ventilated discs in front and solid discs at the rear. Wheels are 18-inch alloys, shod in tyres measuring 225/60R18.

  Standard exterior kit on the Dynamic consists of automatic LED headlamps with a follow-me-home function, LED daytime running lights, LED tail lamps, sequential rear indicators, LED third brake light, rear fog lamps, power-adjustable and heated exterior side mirrors, roof rails and a rear wiper.

  The Premium variant adds a power-folding function and puddle lamps for the exterior mirrors, electrically unlocking tailgate with one-touch opening and closing, and rain-sensing wipers.

  

  

  

  

  Inside, the Sealion 5 DM-i gets an 8.8-inch digital instrument panel and a 10.1-inch infotainment touchscreen (12.8-inch in the Premium) supporting wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, six-speaker audio (eight speakers in the Premium), one USB-A and one USB-C port in the front and the same again for the rear occupants, and a 12-volt socket, while the Premium additionally gets a wireless device charger.

  Driving assistance features on the Dynamic include automatic high beam, ACC, intelligent cruise control, intelligent speed limit control, intelligent speed alert, traffic sign recognition, AEB, front collision warning, lane departure warning and prevention, and front vehicle departure alert.

  The Premium adds rear collision warning, emergency lane keeping assist, rear cross traffic alert and braking, blind spot detection and door open warning. Further active safety kit as standard includes ABS, EBD, hill hold control, hill descent control, tyre pressure monitoring, front and rear seat belt reminder, while passive safety kit includes front, side and curtain airbags.

  The 2026 BYD Sealion 5 DM-i is offered in three exterior colours – Horizon White, Space Grey and Quantum Black, while its synthetic leather upholstery is offered in black. Pricing in Thailand is 759,900 baht (RM92,742) for the Dynamic, and 799,900 baht (RM97,623) for the Premium. Do you think the Sealion 5 would do well in Malaysia?

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  
  

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• Diesel purchase limited in Sabah, Sarawak and Labuan

  In Cars, Local News / by Mohan K Ramanujam / 27 March 2026 12:35 pm

  

  In view of potential disruption to fuel supplies in Malaysia, diesel users in Sabah, Sarawak and Labuan are limited in the quantity of diesel purchased. Taking effect April 1, this measure aims to limit diesel hoarding and smuggling in East Malaysia.

  For light vehicles such as cars, taxis, vans and pickups, every diesel purchase is limited to a maximum of 50 litres. For commercial and goods vehicles, as well as passenger transport not exceeding three tons, the purchase limit is a maximum of 100 litres.

  As for vehicles exceeding three tons, the limit for diesel purchase at every fill-up is 150 litres. In Sabah, Sarawak and Labuan, the subsidised diesel price is RM2.15 per litre.

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• Honda shows Super Four E-clutch concept in Tokyo

  In Bikes, Honda Motorcycles, International Bike News / by Mohan K Ramanujam / 27 March 2026 12:12 pm

  

  Set to debut at the Tokyo Motorcycle Show is the Honda CB400 Super Four E-Clutch Concept. It will be joined by the full-fairing CBR400R Super Four E-Clutch Concept.

  The CB400 Super Four has a vaunted reputation in Malaysia, dating back to the 1990s. For 2026, the CB400 Super Four comes with an all-new chassis and suspension, combined with Honda’s E-Clutch, as well as a new 16-valve, DOHC, inline-four cylinder engine.

  Aside from the E-Clutch, the CB400 comes with a TFT-LCD, replacing the previous monochrome LCD screen, as well as throttle-by-wire. The international introduction of the CB400 Super Four E-Clutch Concept and the CBR400R Super Four E-Clutch will happen at the 53rd Tokyo Motorcycle Show 2026 on March 27 to 29 and the 5th Nagoya Motorcycle Show on April 10 and 11.

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• Lepas L6 EV world premiere in Bangkok – 242 PS, 510 km NEDC range, RM91k est; coming to Malaysia?

  In Cars, International News, Lepas / by Jonathan Lee / 27 March 2026 11:07 am

  

  Chery’s new Lepas brand has made it to Thailand, and at the ongoing Bangkok International Motor Show (BIMS), the L6 EV is making its world premiere. As the name suggests, this is the electric version of the C-segment L6, which is also expected to be offered in petrol and plug-in hybrid guises.

  Details are pretty thin on the ground, but a report from Autoinfo provides us with some initial specs. The publication states that the car has a single front motor producing 242 PS (178 kW) and 275 Nm of torque, getting it from zero to 100 km/h in 7.9 seconds.

  Meanwhile, a 67.08 kWh LFP battery reportedly delivers a range of 510 km on the NEDC cycle; expect a WLTP range closer to 430 km. The L6 EV is also said to support up to 120 kW of DC fast charging – topping up the battery from 30 to 80% in 20 minutes – as well as up to 7 kW of AC charging.

  

  Among the ragtag team of identikit Chery Group C-segment SUVs, the L6 is pretty much the biggest one. Measuring 4,570 mm long, 1,852 mm wide and 1,683 mm tall, it’s 57 mm longer but ten millimetres narrower and 13 mm lower than the Chery Tiggo 7 Pro, while its 2,700 mm wheelbase is 30 mm longer.

  On the outside, the EV version is differentiated from the regular L6 through the new nose, which ditches the rectangular chrome-pinned grille and the split headlights with upper “leopard eye” daytime running lights, opting instead for conventional one-piece headlights with L-shaped DRLs. There are also large triangular black panels housing the air curtain inlets, framing the downturned centre intake.

  The side view is characterised by rounded front and rear haunches and jutting lower section, meant to reference the body of a leopard. The upswept window line and sloping roof, on the other hand, provide a look akin to the Porsche Macan – an illusion enhanced by the full-width taillights and bumper-mounted number plate recess. The 19-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels were also seen on the revamped Jaecoo J7 PHEV.

  

  Bangkok marks the first time we’re getting a look at the inside of the L6, which features a typically Chinese minimalist interior with the J7’s three-spoke steering wheel and a waterfall centre console. The latter houses a large portrait infotainment touchscreen and rather cheap-feeling and scratchy beige plastic trim, extending to the dashboard. The “floating” Sony speakers on the doors do look rather neat, however.

  The L6 EV carries an estimated price of “7XX,XXX baht” (around RM91,000), putting it within the ballpark of the recently-facelifted Omoda C5 EV (also known as the Chery Omoda E5 and O5). The Lepas brand is set to be launched in Malaysia in the first half of the year, with the L4, L6 and L8 due to be the first models.

  Whether the EV versions of the L4 and L6 will be offered here hinges on Chery Malaysia’s appetite for electrification. The company currently only sells the E5 and the iCaur 03 and V23 – none of which are CKD locally assembled, necessary to continue receiving tax breaks into 2026 – and is focused on offering Chery and Jaecoo PHEVs instead. It also notably ran counter to countries like Thailand and Indonesia by choosing to launch the Jaecoo J5 with a petrol engine, rather than as a standalone EV.

  Perhaps Chery Malaysia is simply gearing up for CKD EVs in the background. We’ll just have to wait and see.

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

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• Budi95, diesel subsidies now at RM4bil a month – MoF

  In Local News / by Anthony Lim / 27 March 2026 10:26 am

  

  The government says that due to the rise in global crude oil prices, the country is bearing petrol and diesel subsidies estimated at up to RM4 billion a month under the Budi95 and Budi Diesel programmes. With crude oil prices now exceeding USD100 per barrel, the country’s subsidy burden has also significantly increased, the finance ministry said.

  “Based on market prices two weeks ago, when Brent crude was around USD90 per barrel, petrol and diesel subsidies were estimated at RM3 billion per month. Now, with crude oil prices reaching USD100 per barrel, the subsidy bill is estimated to rise to around RM4 billion per month,” the ministry said in a statement issued last night.

  This comes following prime minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s announcement that the 300 litre monthly quota for RON 95 petrol under the Budi Madani RON 95 fuel subsidy programme will be temporarily adjusted to 200 litres a month effective April 1, 2026, at the same subsidised rate of RM1.99 per litre. Anwar, who is also finance minister, reiterated that 90% of RON 95 petrol users will not be affected by the reduced quota.

  The ministry said the government had taken early and targeted measures to ensure the country’s fuel supply remains secure amid global supply uncertainties arising from the conflict. It said that these proactive measures were being implemented in a planned manner to manage current supply pressures without affecting the majority of consumers, while ensuring sufficient fuel supply for a longer period, as Bernama reports.

  

  “Although the country’s fuel supply remains under control for now, the government cannot adopt a wait-and-see approach in strengthening supply security and managing demand prudently,” the statement said.

  The ministry said the adjustment to the Budi95 eligibility cap is a temporary measure until global supply conditions stabilise. “The adjustment takes into account that nearly 90% of eligible users consume less than 200 litres per month and will not be affected, with average monthly consumption at around 100 litres,” it said.

  The ministry added that authorities will also continue to strengthen enforcement to curb misuse and leakages of subsidies, and not hesitate to suspend Budi95 eligibility in cases of abuse or misuse of subsidised RON 95.

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• Driving licences expired more than 36 months not eligible for Budi95 subsidised RON95 petrol – JPJ

  In Local News / by Mick Chan / 27 March 2026 9:56 am

  

  Holders of Malaysian driving licences which have been expired more than 36 months will not be eligible for the Budi Madani RON 95 (Budi95) petrol subsidy programme, JPJ director-general Datuk Aedy Fadly Ramli has said, reported Bernama.

  Eligibility for the Budi95 subsidy depends on the individual’s licence status, and the JPJ D-G reminded all licence holders to renew their licences within the prescribed period. “An active driving licence is defined as a licence that has not expired for more than 36 months from its last renewal date. Within this period, holders remain eligible for the Budi95 subsidy,” Aedy Fadly said.

  Licences which have expired for more than 36 months cannot be renewed automatically, and holders of these licences must re-take their driving competency test at an accredited driving institute, he said, adding that anyone driving a motor vehicle must ensure their driving licence remains valid and has not expired.

  “JPJ remains committed to delivering services that are efficient, transparent, and integrity-driven, in line with the Malaysia Madani aspiration to safeguard the well-being of the people,” the director-general of the road transport department said.

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• Sony, Honda cancel Afeela 1 EV just months from production – SUV also canned, SHM JV to be reviewed

  In Cars, Honda, International News / by Jonathan Lee / 26 March 2026 7:26 pm

  

  Well, it was bound to happen. With Honda ditching its 0 Series sedan and SUV earlier this month, it would little sense to keep the related Afeela models around, so the company and its partner Sony have jointly announced their cancellation.

  The news affects both the Afeela 1 sedan – which, like the 0 Series, was only months away from entering production at Honda’s shiny new EV hub in Ohio – as well as the SUV that was previewed by a prototype at CES just this year. According to the press release, the cancellation of the 0 Series had “fundamentally altered” the tenets of the business operation, such as the use of Honda’s technologies and assets.

  Sony and Honda said it would review the business direction of their joint venture, Sony Honda Mobility (SHM), evaluating the initial purpose to “develop and sell high value-added mobility products and to provide mobility-related services,” as well as the current EV market. They added that they plan to jointly announce their future direction and their mid- to long-term positioning “at the earliest possible opportunity.”

  

  While anticipated, the news is a further blow to the Ohio EV plant, which cost Honda a massive US$1 billion (RM3.99 billion) to build. The company now stands to lose up to 2.5 trillion yen (RM6.5 billion) over the next couple of years as a result of this and other missteps.

  It also puts paid to Sony’s ambitions to enter the automotive sector, at least for now. At CES in 2020, just before the COVID-19 pandemic gripped the world, the electronics giant showed the Vision-S, a curiously well thought-out concept showcasing its technologies. Although the company denied the car was headed to production, it then released an SUV version in 2022, before ultimately partnering with Honda later that year.

  The cancellations may provide some respite from the impact of US tariffs, the dismantling of EV incentives there and the decline in Honda’s competitiveness in Asia, particularly in China. It does mean, however, that the company will lose out on the current uptick in EV sales as fuel prices continue to skyrocket in the wake of the Iran war.

  GALLERY: Afeela 1

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  
  GALLERY: 2026 Afeela Prototype

  

  

  

  

  
  

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• Budi95 quota temporarily adjusted to 200L, e-hailing still gets 800L; temp diesel limit in E. Malaysia – Anwar

  In Local News, Malaysian Fuel Prices / by Mick Chan / 26 March 2026 7:02 pm

  

  In a special broadcast today, prime minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has announced that the 300 litre monthly quota for RON 95 petrol under the Budi Madani RON 95 fuel subsidy programme will be temporarily reduced to 200 litres a month effective April 1, 2026, at the same subsidised rate of RM1.99 per litre.

  Anwar, who is also finance minister, reiterated that 90% of RON 95 petrol users will not be affected by the reduced quota, and that the supply remains sufficient and stable. Earlier this year, secretary-general of the treasury at the ministry of finance Datuk Johan Mahmood Merican said that 90% of those eligible for Budi95 used less than 200 litres per month.

  The prime minister also said that eligible e-hailing drivers will continue to enjoy the higher usage ceiling of 800 litres a month. For diesel fuel in Sabah and Sarawak, retail pricing is unchanged at RM2.15 per litre, though temporary restrictions will apply in the East Malaysian states aimed at combatting smuggling and leakage of the fuel.

  To that end, private and light commercial vehicles in East Malaysia will be limited to 50 litres of diesel per purchase, while land public transport and goods vehicles of no more than three tonnes will be limited to 100 litres of diesel per purchase. Vehicles exceeding three tonnes are permitted a maximum of 150 litres of diesel per purchase. The government added that enforcement will be strengthened to curb leakages.

  For neighbouring Kalimantan on the borders of Sabah and Sarawak, the price of diesel in Indonesia is currently around IDR15,000 (RM3.55), or IDR6,800 (RM1.61) for subsidised biodiesel. Meanwhile, Brunei has regular diesel at BND0.31 (RM0.97) and premium diesel at BND0.95 (RM2.96).

  By comparison, diesel fuel is significantly more expensive in the Philippines relative to East Malaysia, with diesel in the Philippines priced between PHP92 (RM6.11) and PHP126 (RM8.37). Elsewhere, in Thailand, the price cap on fuels implemented earlier this month have been abandoned, and fuel prices have risen as a result, with diesel prices up by 18%. The cheapest diesel grade, high-speed diesel, is now THB38.94 a litre (RM4.86), while gasoline 95 is THB49.64 (RM6.04).

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• RON95 petrol – enforcement of ban on purchase by foreigners to take effect April 1, 2026: Armizan

  In Local News / by Mick Chan / 26 March 2026 5:31 pm

  

  Enforcement of the ban on the sale of RON 95 petrol to foreign-registered vehicles is to take effect from April 1 this year, the ministry of domestic trade and cost of living (KPDN) has stated.

  The move is to strengthen the existing legal framework, under which penalties were previously imposed solely on petrol station operators, said KPDN minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali. “Beginning April 1, the offence will also extend to drivers and owners of foreign-registered vehicles,” Armizan said.

  The enforcement move follows a decision that was presented in Parliament on January 29, 2026, and the ministry revealed in late-January that new regulations are being drafted to enable action to be taken against owners of foreign-registered vehicles for the purchase of RON 95 petrol.

  Enforcement would be intensified through the implementation of Ops Tiris 4.0 in response to heightened risks of fuel smuggling amid ongoing tensions in West Asia, said Armizan.

  

  Last week, the ministry of finance revealed that it costs the Malaysian government over RM3 billion a month to subsidise RON 95 petrol at RM1.99 per litre under the Budi95 programme, as well as to keep the price of diesel at RM2.15 per litre for vehicles in the public transport and goods land transport sectors.

  Earlier today, a report emerged claiming that the Malaysian government is planning to reduce the quota for subsidised RON 95 petrol, which currently stands at 300 litres per month. Sources told the publication that the move could be announced as early as this week.

  Earlier this month, prime minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who is also finance minister, said that Malaysia would be able to maintain the current price of RM1.99 per litre for up to two months.

  Should the reduction in quota proceed, it is not expected to affect the majority of RON 95 users as it was previously reported that the average consumption of subsidised fuel was 83 litres of petrol per month, and 90% of users eligible for Budi95 consumed less than 200 litres a month.

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