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Latest Stories

• Malaysian government to roll out heavy vehicle licensing initiative for armed forces retirees, veterans

  In Local News / by Mick Chan / 17 March 2026 4:40 pm

  

  The Malaysian government will implement a special programme for military retirees and veterans to obtain a Class E license in order to operate heavy vehicles, Bernama has reported.

  The initiative was considered necessary to address the shortage of heavy vehicle drivers in the haulage and logistics industry, said transport minister Anthony Loke.

  “For that, [the government] will match the retired drivers who are skilled in driving and have a military (heavy vehicle) licence to convert directly to an E license. Through the recent National Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Council meeting, we agreed to provide them with a (special programme) license,” Loke said.

  The transport minister called upon all logistics companies to cooperate in providing job opportunities in the future for armed forces’ retirees, and he said that he is certain that “many companies will be interested because former soldiers are certainly disciplined, tough and can drive,” adding that the JPJ has a programme with the Armed Forces Veterans Affairs Corporation (Perhebat).

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• 50% toll discount for Hari Raya 2026 from March 18-19

  In Local News / by Gerard Lye / 17 March 2026 3:41 pm

  

  The government has announced a 50% discount on highway toll charges nationwide for the upcoming Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebrations.

  This discount will take effect at 12.01am on March 18 and will end at 11.59pm on March 19, applicable only for Class 1 private vehicles and will not apply to tolls at the country’s borders (Sultan Iskandar Building and Tanjung Kupang).

  According to prime minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, the move is expected to cost the government about RM21.03 million in compensation to toll concessionaries. We should point out that the 50% discount matches last year’s Hari Raya Aidilfitri and is in line with festival discounts in 2025 – no more free toll.

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• Nissan to sell US-built Murano in Japan from 2027

  In Cars, International News, Nissan / by Gerard Lye / 17 March 2026 3:23 pm

  

  Nissan has announced it will begin selling the United States-built Murano in Japan beginning early 2027. As with Honda and Toyota, Nissan is using the new certification system for US-made passenger vehicles established by Japan’s ministry of land, infrastructure, transport and tourism in February 2026.

  The new system allows for cars that have been certified by US regulators to be imported into Japan and sold without any additional local safety tests. This is part of an agreement reached in the course of tariff negotiations between the US and Japan last year.

  At present, the fourth-generation Murano is built at the company’s Smyrna plant in Tennessee alongside the fifth-generation Pathfinder, with the move reportedly meant to soak up the excess capacity at the underutilised facility. The Murano is currently not sold in Japan.

  “I’m excited to share with you that Murano is coming back to Japan. The Murano has earned high praise from customers in the US market for its elegant design and exceptional comfort. It was named the most dependable midsize suv in the JD Power 2026 US Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) for the second year in a row. With the introduction of this model, Nissan aims to further strengthen its product lineup in Japan and meet the diverse needs of Japanese customers,” said Ivan Espinosa, president and CEO of Nissan.

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• Transport ministry proposes heavier penalties for LRT, MRT cable thieves – home ministry to take action

  In Local News, Public Transport / by Danny Tan / 17 March 2026 2:57 pm

  

  Last week, PDRM arrested four suspects believed to be involved in cable theft on the MRT Putrajaya Line, which happened near the MRT Sri Damansara Barat station on March 3. That incident caused service disruption to the rail line for three days, affecting thousands of public transport users.

  That’s good news, but catching the thieves is one thing, locking them up is another. If thieves can get away with just a small fine, they might find the risk/reward ratio to be worthwhile, and Prasarana has said that they’ve found the same individuals back on the tracks, back to their old habits. More needs to be done on the legislation side to curb this worsening trend.

  The transport ministry understands this, and has proposed to the home ministry that the existing law be amended to impose heavier punishment on individuals cable theft. Minister Anthony Loke says that rail line cable theft is a very serious crime as it has the potential to threaten public safety and affect public transport operations.

  

  “It is not just an offence to steal cables as it is also an offence to threaten public safety because the cables, when stolen, could cause accidents in the country’s public transport system. So this is a very serious offence,” he told the media yesterday, reported by Bernama.

  The Seremban MP said he held discussions with home minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail to discuss the matter in December 2025 and further action would be taken by latter’s ministry. Here’s hoping that the required amendments to the law can be accelerated to make thieves think twice before ripping cables off our rail lines.

  In December, Prasarana said that cable theft is directly affecting millions of commuters in the Klang Valley. This is in addition to losses of RM20.6 million in the past three years. In 2024, 41 cases of cable theft were recorded, but there were at least 69 cases in 2025 (until mid-December), which is a 68% increase. The trend is spurred by demand and the market price of the cables, specifically the copper inside. More on rail cable theft here.

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• JPJ to ramp up enforcement on buses without speed limiters ahead of 2026 Hari Raya Aidilfitri travel period

  In Local News, Public Transport / by Mick Chan / 17 March 2026 1:57 pm

  

  The road transport department (JPJ) will be ramping up enforcement nationwide on express buses and tour buses which have yet to comply with the mandatory speed limiter device (SLD) fitment requirement, reported New Straits Times.

  Enforcement will be stepped up, in particular for the upcoming Hari Raya travel period to ensure the safety of passengers, said JPJ director-general Datuk Aedy Fadly Ramli.

  The enforcement framework for speed limiter devices in commercial vehicles is to be implemented in three phases, and JPJ has been prompted to take stricter enforcement action as the first two phases have expired, the department’s director-general said.

  The first phase required operators to verify existing SLD installations by October 1, 2025, while the second phase required operators to activate the devices in commercial vehicles from January 1 this year. The third phase requires commercial vehicles without SLDs to have them retrofitted by July 1 this year.

  

  Enforcement of speed limiter devices on commercial vehicles in Malaysia started on October 1, 2025. The devices are mandatory for goods vehicles with a gross weight (BDM) above 3,500 kg, and tour and express buses with a BDM above 5,000 kg and passenger capacity of more than eight.

  “Until March 16, about 12 per cent of the 2,544 active express buses registered nationwide have yet to complete the required SLD verification process. For tour buses, the figure is significantly higher, with 49% of the 3,371 active vehicles still failing to submit confirmation of SLD verification,” Aedy Fadly said.

  Yesterday, the JPJ dircetor-general said that speed limiter verification compliance currently stands at just 15%. The remaining 85%, or 439,127 vehicles, have yet to notify JPJ of their SLD installation, and a special SLD enforcement operation was carried out from October 1 to March 12.

  “Among the reasons for the low compliance is that some companies have applied for a postponement of installation as they do not have access to local hardware and have to source installations abroad, which requires additional time,” he said.

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• 2026 Zeekr 009 to be updated in China – now with 900-volt system, up to 925 PS; expected debut in April

  In Cars, Zeekr / by Gerard Lye / 17 March 2026 12:42 pm

  

  The Zeekr 009 is set to receive another update in China, with the country’s ministry of industry and information technology (MIIT) revealing early specifications in a filing. The revised MPV is likely to make its debut at this year’s Auto Beijing in late April, according to a report by CarNewsChina.

  Visually, the new 009 retains the same look as its predecessor while keeping the same dimensions as well. Six- and seven-seat layouts will continue to be offered, and as per the 2024 update, the MPV will continue to be offered with a roof-mounted LiDAR sensor in its home market.

  The big change here is the powertrain, which sees the adoption of a 900-volt electrical architecture. The 009 initially launched with a 400-volt system back in 2023 before a switch to an 800-volt system in 2024, the latter also seeing the introduction of a front-wheel drive variant.

  

  Thanks to a 900-volt system, the 009’s peak power output has gone up to reach 925 PS (912 hp or 680 kW), with the front electric motor reportedly making 421 PS (416 hp or 310 kW) while the rear unit serves up 503 PS (496 hp or 370 kW). The outgoing model with all-wheel drive currently packs 789 PS (778 hp or 580 kW) for context.

  The filing does not mention battery capacity but it is understood the MPV will be fitted with a nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) battery from the CATL-Geely joint venture. With the 900-volt system, the MPV will be able to hit 12C charging rates, with a 10-80% state of charge achieved in seven minutes.

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• BMW M3 Touring 24H – M4 GT3-based station wagon to enter Nürburgring 24 Hours endurance race in May

  In BMW, Cars, International News / by Mick Chan / 17 March 2026 12:14 pm

  

  What began as a BMW M3 Touring-shaped edition of the German manufacturer’s long-running line of April Fool’s jokes has now materialised as a real-life machine that will take part in racing events this year.

  Enter the BMW M3 Touring 24H, the suffix referencing its endurance racing intent, and the most generously bewinged station wagon is set to enter the Nürburgring Langstrecken-Serie (NLS) at the Nürburgring Nordschleife for its competitive debut next weekend followed by the Nürburgring 24 qualifiers next month, and the 24-hour race at the venue on May 16 and 17.

  

  

  BMW cites public response on social media as the driving force, and the “previously conceived plans to realise a racing version of the BMW M3 Touring became concrete” in mid-2025. The resulting M3 Touring 24H was completed in eight months, according to the manufacturer.

  Sharing a technical base with the M4 GT3 Evo that BMW has already entered into competition, the M3 Touring 24H has identical technical specifications with the racing coupé. Powertrain is the competition P58 inline-six-cylinder turbocharged engine displacing 2,993 cc, which produces up to 590 hp and 700 Nm. This drives the rear wheels through a six-speed sequential transmission with an electro-hydraulic clutch.

  

  

  

  

  Key exterior dimensions see the M3 Touring 24H measure 200 mm longer than the M4 GT3 Evo, and 32 mm taller than the coupé including the wagon’s rear wing. Modifications include a new bodyshell from the A-pillars rearwards, front and rear doors (the latter now functioning as trim panels on the 24H, and are no longer functioning as doors).

  Also new are the rear side panels, roof, tailgate, front door extension, luggage compartment trim, rear bumper, windows and rear wing mount, while minor changes apply to the front side panels, sills and cowl panel.

  The M3 Touring 24H will be fielded in the NLS by Schubert Motorsport, which will enter the car in the invitational SPX category and therefore will not be in direct competition with the three M4 GT3 Evo race cars in the top SP9 category. Four BMW works drivers will be at the wheel of the M3 Touring 24H, and these are Jens Klingmann, Ugo de Wilde, Connor De Phillippi, and Neil Verhagen.

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  BMW M3 Touring GT3 Shooting in den BMW M Stuidos – Foto: Gruppe C Photography

  
  

  

  BMW M3 Touring GT3 Shooting in den BMW M Stuidos – Foto: Gruppe C Photography

  

  BMW M3 Touring GT3 Shooting in den BMW M Stuidos – Foto: Gruppe C Photography

  

  BMW M3 Touring GT3 Shooting in den BMW M Stuidos – Foto: Gruppe C Photography

  

  BMW M3 Touring GT3 Shooting in den BMW M Stuidos – Foto: Gruppe C Photography

  

  BMW M3 Touring GT3 Shooting in den BMW M Stuidos – Foto: Gruppe C Photography

  
  

  

  BMW M3 Touring GT3 Shooting in den BMW M Stuidos – Foto: Gruppe C Photography

  

  

  BMW M3 Touring GT3 Shooting in den BMW M Stuidos – Foto: Gruppe C Photography

  

  BMW M3 Touring GT3 Shooting in den BMW M Stuidos – Foto: Gruppe C Photography

  

  
  

  

  

  

  BMW M3 Touring GT3 Shooting in den BMW M Stuidos – Foto: Gruppe C Photography

  

  BMW M3 Touring GT3 Shooting in den BMW M Stuidos – Foto: Gruppe C Photography

  

  BMW M3 Touring GT3 Shooting in den BMW M Stuidos – Foto: Gruppe C Photography

  
  

  

  BMW M3 Touring GT3 Shooting in den BMW M Stuidos – Foto: Gruppe C Photography

  

  

  

  

  BMW M3 Touring GT3 Shooting in den BMW M Stuidos – Foto: Gruppe C Photography

  
  

  

  BMW M3 Touring GT3 Shooting in den BMW M Studios – Foto: Gruppe C Photography

  

  BMW M3 Touring GT3 Shooting in den BMW M Studios – Foto: Gruppe C Photography

  

  BMW M3 Touring GT3 Shooting in den BMW M Studios – Foto: Gruppe C Photography

  

  BMW M3 Touring GT3 Shooting in den BMW M Studios – Foto: Gruppe C Photography

  

  BMW M3 Touring GT3 Shooting in den BMW M Stuidos – Foto: Gruppe C Photography

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  GALLERY: 2024 G81 BMW M3 Touring facelift

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  
  

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• MForce issues recall for QJMotor AX200S in Malaysia

  In Bikes, Local Bike News, QJMotor / by Mohan K Ramanujam / 17 March 2026 12:14 pm

  

  A recall notice has been issued by MForce Bike Holdings for the QJMotor AX200S scooter in Malaysia. The recall is for a muffler replacement, the currently supplied muffler being replaced by a unit with better durability and performance.

  Owners of affected AX200S scooters are advised to contact or visit the auhrotised QJMotor dealer where they purchased their vehicle. The muffler replacement process will be conducted free of charge, covering both the cost
  of parts and labour, and is estimated to affect between 15,000 to 17,000 units.

  

  Customers may also check the status of their specific AX200S through the official recall portal at: https://productrecall.mforceservice.my/. This recall is part of MForce Bike Holdings’ initiative to be proactive on quality improvement, in line with the company’s commitment to providing the highest levels of safety, reliability and after-sales support to its customers.

  The upgraded muffler is incorporated in all new production units of the AX200S beginning March, ensuring that these
  improvements are integrated into the latest production batch. For more information, AX200S customers are encouraged to visit their nearest authorised QJMotor dealer or visit the official MForce website.

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

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• PDRM arrests MRT Putrajaya Line cable thieves that sparked March 3 incident, 3 days of service disruption

  In Local News, Public Transport / by Danny Tan / 17 March 2026 11:52 am

  

  PDRM has arrested four suspects believed to be involved in cable theft on the MRT Putrajaya Line, public transport operator Prasarana revealed.

  The arrests are the result of information gathered from intelligence and surveillance by both Prasarana’s auxiliary police unit and a PDRM team from IPK Selangor. The suspects, aged between 30 and 45, have been brought to the scene to assist with investigations on the case items that were found.

  This comes after a police report by Prasarana regarding cable theft that happened near the MRT Sri Damansara Barat station on March 3. That incident caused service disruption to the MRT Putrajaya Line for three days, affecting thousands of public transport users.

  

  Prasarana president and CEO Amir Hamdan said that the close cooperation between its polis bantuan unit and PDRM will be further strengthened via monitoring and surveillance, as well as sharing of information to ensure that cable theft can be fully eradicated. He thanked and congratulated the PDRM team from IPK Selangor for their swift and professional work in arresting the suspects.

  The Klang Valley rail and bus operator says that it will continue to reinforce safety measures along the MRT Laluan Putrajaya alignment, including increasing safety patrols, monitoring and strategic cooperation with the authorities to ensure the safety of public transport infrastructure is always preserved. The public is urged to report any suspicious activities or information to the authorities.

  Catching the thieves is one thing, locking them up is another. If thieves can get away with just a small fine, they might find the risk/reward ratio to be worthwhile, and Prasarana has said that they’ve found the same individuals back on the tracks, back to their old habits. More needs to be done on the legislation side to curb this worsening ‘trend’.

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• More workshops to be added for installation of speed limiter devices (SLD) in commercial vehicles – Loke

  In Local News, Public Transport, Safety / by Anthony Lim / 17 March 2026 11:10 am

  

  The transport ministry says it is in the process of increasing the number of workshops authorised to install speed limiter devices (SLD) to ensure that all heavy vehicles comply with the requirement. According to transport minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook, only about 20% of heavy vehicles have installed the device since the requirement was introduced last year, as Bernama reports.

  “So far, only about 20% have installed the SLD, which means many have yet to do so, and enforcement action will continue. We urge the industry to take this matter seriously. We are also improving the system by increasing the number of workshops nationwide where SLD installations can be carried out,” he said.

  Loke added that the list of authorised workshops would also be updated, to make it easier for heavy vehicle owners nationwide to carry out the process. All SLD installation, configuration and activation must be verified by a panel recognised by the road transport department (JPJ), with the list of companies accessible here.

  

  Earlier, JPJ said that as of March 12, only 15%, or 74,552 of the 513,679 commercial vehicles required to install an SLD had notified the JPJ of their SLD installation. It was reported in December that the compliance rate was at 48.37%, but details were not elaborated upon then, and it was not indicated just how many vehicles had devices ‘installed’ and ‘verified’.

  On June 13 last year, Loke had announced that the use of SLD for commercial vehicles, including express and tour buses, would be mandatory and enforced in stages beginning from October 1, 2025. In the initial phase, the requirement applies to all express and tour buses, as well as goods vehicles with a maximum weight of 3,500 kg registered from January 1, 2015.

  Phase 2, which came into effect on January 1 this year, involves the activation of the SLD for commercial vehicles built before January 1, 2015, and Phase 3 will require the retrofit installation of SLDs, with approval from the JPJ, on any commercial vehicles not already equipped with the system, with enforcement to start from July 1, 2026.

  

  

  To comply with the process, SLDs – which limit speed to 90 km/h – installed by the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) must submit the SLD functional verification slip from the OEM. For vehicles with retrofitted SLDs (installed after purchase), owners must submit the SLD functional verification slip from a JPJ-recognised certifier.

  Following that, the relevant documents have to be kept in the vehicle for enforcement purposes, and the verification must be renewed every two years to ensure the SLD is still working as intended. All parties involved in the verification must upload each vehicle’s verification slip and functionality report on JPJ’s online system as evidence, and updating must be done weekly.

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• Mazda files trademark that may prevent Ferrari from using the name ‘Luce’ for its upcoming EV in Japan

  In Cars, International News, Mazda / by Gerard Lye / 17 March 2026 10:32 am

  

  According to a report by CarExpert, Mazda could block Ferrari from using the name ‘Luce’ for its first electric vehicle (EV) in Japan. As highlighted by the Australian publication, Mazda had filed to trademark ‘Luce’ in Japan in March, just a few weeks after Ferrari revealed the name and early details of its upcoming in EV in February.

  Mazda fans will know that Mazda previously sold a sedan called the Luce (also known as the 929 in export markets) for decades between 1966 and 1991. In 2017, the Japanese brand revealed the beautiful Vision Coupe Concept and specifically mentioned the Mazda Luce Rotary (also known as the R130) and R360 as sources of inspiration. The name ‘Luce’ translates to ‘light’ in Italian.

  While the Luce has been out of production for a long time and there’s no indication that Mazda plans to revive it for a new model, the company still has the right to lay claim to the name, hence the trademark. The move isn’t sheer pettiness but a business decision to protect its trademark to the name, although this (potential) dispute will very likely be limited to the Japanese market.

  

  Having to come up with a new name due to trademarks isn’t new to automakers. The Fiat Panda was supposed to be called the Gingo before Renault objected as it sounded too similar to its Twingo, while Volvo decided not to use S4 for the first-generation S40 because Audi made noise.

  On the other hand, some brands are okay with others using the same name, like Bentley and Lincoln both selling cars that have ‘Continental’ in their name. BMW and GAC both sell cars called the ‘M8’, while Audi and MG have vehicles called the ‘S5’.

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• Explore the improved Xpeng G6 Standard Range – RM10k rebate plus RM5k wallbox or unlimited charging

  ADVERTORIAL / by Harvinder Sidhu / 17 March 2026 10:31 am

  

  With useful features, a smart and practical cockpit as well as a technology stack that makes day-to-day driving easy and effortless, the Xpeng G6 RWD Standard Range perfectly combines traits that appeal to those looking to enter the world of electric vehicles (EVs).

  Priced from just RM158,888, the latest G6 is built on Xpeng’s advanced SEPA 2.0 platform with an 800-volt electrical architecture. This enables 5C ultra-fast charging, with a 10-80% state of charge achieved with just 12 minutes of being plugged into a DC charger.

  Fully charged, the safe and highly efficient lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery provides up to 480 km of range, with the figure being based on the more realistic WLTP standard. That’s more than enough for the daily drive and even the trip outstation.

  

  

  

  If you’re planning for that long trip, the new G6 pampers you with its lounge-like interior featuring premium seat upholstery and XOpera surround sound system. The airy cabin with its 86.5% space efficiency is also highlighted by the large panoramic glass roof that is heat insulated and comes with a sunshade to maintain comfort levels.

  On that mention, the new G6 offers best-in-class rear legroom with a near-flat floor and occupants will have 18 smart storage spaces to use. For larger items, the rear boot that normally provides 571 litres of space can be expanded to 1,374 litres so the occasional furniture or two isn’t a problem.

  On the technology front, the new MTK8676 chip improves upon the SA8155P used in the previous G6 in terms of CPU, GPU and NPU computing power. The more powerful “brain” of the G6 drives the Xmart OS smart cockpit that is represented by a 15.6-inch infotainment touchscreen and includes full-scene voice control for convenient access to an intelligent, full-scene voice control system.

  

  

  The new chip also enhances advanced driver assistance systems that make up the XPilot Assist suite, enabling quicker detection of parking spaces with Automatic Parking Assist engaged. Additionally, the Adaptive Cruise Control works more consistently with Lane Centring Control in more conditions, with other standard functions included being Adaptive Turning Cruise, Forward Collision Warning, Autonomous Emergency Braking, Blind Spot Detection and more.

  The comprehensive suite means you’re getting a host of useful functions as standard, which is unlike some other brands that gatekeep certain functions behind a paywall. With over-the-air (OTA) updates, future upgrades can be implemented easily into the G6. Ownership is also kept low with the 18-inch wheels that require less expensive tyres.

  With all these advantages, the G6 RWD Standard Range is exceptional value by being priced from just RM158,888. To sweeten things further, a special RM10,000 Raya rebate is being offered on top of a choice of one of two rewards: a complimentary 11-kW AC wallbox charger worth RM5,000 or two years free unlimited charging by JomCharge worth over RM10,000. Either one are a perfect welcome gift as you kickstart your EV journey. Find out more about the G6 by visiting Xpeng Malaysia’s official website or visit any Xpeng showroom in major cities.

  *Terms and conditions apply.

   

• No KL Car Free Morning on March 22, 29; Raya hols

  In Local News / by Danny Tan / 17 March 2026 10:20 am

  

  The KL Car Free Morning (KLCFM) working committee has announced that there will be no KLCFM on March 22 and 29, which are the next two Sundays. The weekly Sunday morning open circuit around the city has been cancelled due to the Hari Raya Aidilfitri holidays.

  Earlier this week, prime minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced an extra public holiday for Raya — either March 20 or 23 depending on the anak bulan sighting. If the first day of Raya falls on Friday, March 20, then Monday, March 23 will be the extra public holiday. If the first day of Raya falls on Saturday, March 21, then Friday, March 20 will be the extra PH.

  Fans of the KLCFM – where 5/7km of city centre roads are blocked off to traffic to allow cyclists, runners and skaters full freedom on Sunday mornings – will have to wait for the next round in April.

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• Penang Mutiara Line LRT on schedule – chief minister

  In Local News, Public Transport / by Mick Chan / 17 March 2026 9:42 am

  

  The Penang Mutiara Line Light Rail Transit (LRT) project continues to be on track despite the tender for Package 2 being delayed, Penang chief minister Chow Kon Yeow has said, reported The Star.

  The tender involves rail systems, trains, electricity supply and signalling systems, however the timing of the tender does not affect progress of works to be carried out under Package 1, Chow said.

  “Although it is important, the tender does not affect civil works under Package 1. Work on Package 2 can only begin after Package 1 is completed, as tracks cannot be laid if the pillars have yet to be erected. The slight adjustment to the schedule will not pose a problem as the substructure and superstructure works must be completed first,” the state’s chief minister said.

  “The stations also need to be ready before the rail system, electrical system, signalling system and rolling stock can be installed. Those stages are still some way off,” he added, and said that the RM16.8 billion project is aimed at beginning operations in December 2031.

  When completed, the 29.67-km Mutiara Line LRT will connect Penang’s island and mainland through 20 stations and two provisional stations, including a cross-sea connection connecting Macallum on Penang Island, as well as the Penang South Reclamation area to Penang Sentral and Komtar Station in George Town.

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• Toyota Gazoo Racing Malaysia launches team for 2026 Thailand Super Series with GR Supra GT4 Evo2

  In Local News, Motorsports, Toyota / by Mick Chan / 16 March 2026 6:01 pm

  

  UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) has officially launched the Toyota Gazoo Racing Malaysia team that will contest the 2026 season of the Thailand Super Series, with a full season entry in the GT4 category with a pair of Toyota GR Supra GT4 Evo2 race cars.

  The outfit is led by team principal Jason Ong, with Japan GT GT500 winner, Nürburgring 24 Hours SP8 and SP Pro class winner and Asian Le Mans GTE class winner Akira Iida as team director. Forming the driver line-up is a quartet of drivers with a wealth of experience in international racing, consisting of Shaun Thong and Weiron Tan in the #81 car, alongside Nazim Azman and Putera Adam in the #83 car.

  Both will enter the GT4 class contested by the likes of the Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS Clubsport, Mercedes-AMG GT4, Aston Martin Vantage GT4, along with five other units of the GR Supra GT4 in TSS this year, including one entered by Malaysian team Wing Hin Motorsport.

  

  Shaun Thong, aged 31 this year is the most experienced driver of the quartet, having started in Asian Formula Renault at the age of 16 and has now accrued 45 race wins, seven titles and 250 race starts. Among the series Thong has entered includes British Formula Renault, Formula Ford UK, Euro Formula Open F3 Nurburgring 24H with Audi, GT World Challenge Asia, Asian Lemans LMP3 Series, Super GT300, Super Taikyu Endurance and more.

  His partner in the #81 car, Weiron Tan, also aged 31 this year is winner of the 2011 Lotus Supercup GT4 Series, and has raced in the Asian Le Mans Series in the prototype class, the China GT Championship, FIA World Endurance Championship, GT World Challenge Asia Series, as well as having been works driver for Audi Sport Asia and junior development driver in the Caterham F1 team.

  

  Nazim Azman, 24, comes to the outfit having begun in Italian Formula 4 in 2018, and then moved on to British Formula 3, Euro Formula Open Championship and then the FIA Formula 3 Championship. More recently, Nazim was in the Porsche Carrera Cup Asia (PCCA) one-make series for the 2023 and 2024 seasons.

  The youngest of the drivers is Putera Adam at 19 years of age, and stands out as a product of Toyota’s young talent development programme, having come through the Toyota Gazoo Racing Vios Challenge series in the Rookie, Sporting and Super Sporting classes, and is a race winner in the GR86 Cup Malaysia series. Most recently, Putera Adam has clinched the Lamborghini Super Trofeo Europe Pro category title for 2025, becoming the first Asian to do so.

  

  

  

  The GR Supra GT4 Evo2 racer, as its name indicates, is built to GT4 category specifications; powertrain is comprised of a 2,996 cc inline-six cylinder engine with a single twin-scroll turbocharger, with peak power dependent on Balance off Performance (BoP) restrictions which vary over the course of a season; peak torque is 660 Nm.

  Transmission is a modified seven-speed ZF automatic transmission, and the driveline is comprised of a high-torque spec driveshaft by GKN, and a limited-slip differential by Drexler. Engine management is by Marelli, and the exhaust is a catalytic converter-equipped racing setup by Akrapovic.

  

  

  

  Suspension layout is similar to the road car with MacPherson struts in front and a multi-link setup at the rear, with KW adjustable racing dampers. Steering is by rack-and-pinion with electric power assistance, and braking is comprised of steel discs measuring 390 mm in front and 355 mm at the rear, using six-piston and four-piston calipers front and rear, respectively. Wheel and tyre sizes are a “square” setup, using Pirelli 305/660-18 tyres on 18-inch OZ wheels at all four corners.

  For the coming 2026 season of the Thailand Super Series, teams commence pre-season testing on April 22-23 at the Chang International Circuit in Buriram, prior to Round 1 of racing on May 21-24 at the same venue. Round 2 will be held at the Bangsaen street circuit, before the series heads to the Petronas Sepang International Circuit for Rounds 3 and 4 on August 21-23. and September 18-20 respectively. The season finale sees the series return to Buriram on October 31-November 1.

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  Toyota Gazoo Racing Malaysia GR Supra GT4 Evo2, official images

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

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