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Latest Stories

• MBSJ finalising budget for RM80m U-turn ramp on LDP Serdang interchange – developers sharing costs

  In Local News / by Danny Tan / 10 April 2026 6:50 pm

  

  Those who use the LDP and Serdang interchange, good news. MBSJ is finalising the budget for an RM80 million U-turn ramp on the highway, around the Serdang interchange. The ramp will allow motorists coming from Putrajaya towards Puchong to bypass the busy interchange and head directly to Jalan Putra Permai.

  “We have reviewed the design, which is approved by LLM (Malaysian Highway Authority), and we agree that it needs to be built. However, our engineering department is still finalising the project budget,” Subang Jaya mayor Datuk Amirul Azizan Abd Rahim said, reported by The Star.

  He added that the project was expected to take three years to complete and costs would be shared between developers with projects in the vicinity and MBSJ. “We are also finalising the developers who will contribute to the project,” Amirul Azizan said.

  According to the English language daily, the Serdang interchange was opened to the public in 1999 and caters to those travelling from the LDP to Seri Kembangan via Jalan Putra Permai. Congestion on Jalan Putra Permai – a main road that services various townships – often spills over to the interchange, which in turn causes a backlog on the LDP.

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• Proton X70 Sport Edition seen – C-segment SUV with bodykit, black wheels, red highlights; launch soon?

  In Cars, Local News, Proton / by Mick Chan / 10 April 2026 5:34 pm

  

  A Proton X70 of a particularly darkened aesthetic has been sighted via the paultan.org Automotive/Car Discussion Group on Facebook.

  However, this would seem closer in appearance to the X50 Sport Edition with its red highlights and black wheels, rather than the Black Edition limited-run variant that does without.

  Here in the sole image of the X70 on the transporter truck, the red highlights can be seen on the side skirts, rear spats and rear diffuser edges, while an additional badge on the tailgate located below the left tail lamp can be seen to resemble the Sport Edition badge.

  

  A similar look featured on the Proton X50 Sport Edition, launched in January 2025

  It remains to be seen which variant of the X70 will serve as the basis of this upcoming Sport Edition. For reference, the pre-facelift X50 Sport Edition was based on the Premium trim specification, whereas the Black Edition of the refreshed B-SUV model is based on the Flagship range-topper.

  The national brand’s C-segment SUV was updated at the beginning of this year to receive the i-GT 1.5 litre turbocharged inline-four cylinder engine from the facelifted X50, producing 181 PS and 290 Nm in the X70 as it does in its B-segment rangemate.

  Two variants of the updated Proton X70 were offered from launch; the Executive, at RM99,800, and the Premium, at RM112,800. The two-variant line-up is streamlined from the previous iteration that featured four variants. The past X50 Sport Edition commanded a RM3,500 premium over the variant it was based on; how much do you think this X70 Sport Edition will be priced?

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• BYD details global 1,500 kW Flash Charging network – 6,000 stations outside China by 2027, BESS support

  In BYD, International News / by Jonathan Lee / 10 April 2026 4:56 pm

  

  Not long after BYD announced its megawatt Flash Charging technology in China, the Chinese conglomerate confirmed that it would be bringing its innovation to the global market. Autocar has now provided us with the first details of the network, which aims to beat Tesla’s Superchargers in speed and ambition.

  As a refresher, these DC stations – which have T-shaped overhead gantries that emulate petrol stations and allow for charging on either side of the car – will allow compatible BYD and Denza EVs to pull as much as 1,500 kW. As such, they can charge from 10 to 70% (ready to drive, the company claims) in just five minutes and from 10 to 97% (basically a full charge) in nine minutes. This promise extends to the brands’ PHEVs as well, although of course those vehicles will charge at slower rates.

  First, the bit that BYD has already declared – it will introduce 6,000 of these stations outside China over the next 12 months, including 3,000 in Europe. This is in addition to the 5,000 already installed in the Middle Kingdom, which is set to expand to a whopping 20,000 stations by the end of the year.

  

  Still, BYD has a mountain to climb to reach Tesla’s installed base of Superchargers, which has reached over 80,000 globally. One advantage that the firm has on its side is that it doesn’t need to build any chargers in the US, given that it still isn’t feasible for Chinese carmakers to sell cars there.

  Additionally, the British publication reports that the chargers will be open to non-BYD EV owners and, outside of China at least, will use the European standard CCS2 plug that is already commonplace in Malaysia. According to BYD’s European charging director Diego Pareschi, the company will work with third-party partners to install Flash Charging stations at existing locations.

  “We are coming into a mature market [in Europe]. It doesn’t make sense to create your own [locations]. People want a seamless experience and with this they will get that,” he said, adding that the stations will carry Flash branding instead of BYD as the company wants the technology “to be like USB – its own thing.”

  To alleviate concerns of such a high-powered charger causing strain on electrical grids everywhere, Flash Charging stations have been configured to enable the use of battery energy storage systems (BESS) instead of drawing directly from the grid. The batteries can be topped up slowly when the stations are not in use, including via solar power. However, just as with BESS stations here, expect charging speeds to slow down significantly once the batteries eventually run out of juice.

  Although Flash Charging stations will be open to all EVs, BYD wants to make sure that cars that can actually support the technology can get in and out quickly without being held up by those that charge slower, and it may introduce a Tesla-style “congestion fee”. “We are still figuring out a way to disincentivise people charging at 50 kW. This will be market-dependent, but we might put time caps with penalties.”

  The first model to support Flash Charging could already be headed for Malaysia pretty soon – the Denza Z9GT, confirmed for our market, has just been launched in Europe with the technology included. Would you like to see ultra-fast charging on our shores? Let us know in the comments.

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• Hyundai officially launches its Ioniq brand in China – Venus sedan and Earth SUV concepts revealed

  In Cars, Hyundai, International News / by Gerard Lye / 10 April 2026 4:48 pm

  

  Hyundai has announced the official launch of its all-electric Ioniq brand in China as it looks to have more of a presence in the world’s biggest electric vehicle (EV) market. At present, the South Korean company sells two EVs in China: the Ioniq 5 N and EO (also known as the Elexio), with other models in the local line-up being the petrol-powered Palisade and Elantra N.

  To go along with the announcement, Hyundai revealed two concepts developed for China called Venus and Earth. Both not only highlight the company’s readiness for China’s new energy vehicle (NEV) market, but also serve to introduce a model naming convention for the country, as future Ioniq models will be named after planets.

  If you want to be poetic about it, customers are said to represent the ‘sun’ and vehicles are the ‘planets’ orbiting them. Together, they make up what the company is calling the ‘Ioniq universe’, which is a broader mobility ecosystem tailored to local customers. Technologies showcased include autonomous driving systems developed with local partners such as range-extended EVs (REEVs).

  

  

  “Starting with the two concept cars unveiled today, we will continue to present products that reflect deep insight into Chinese customers and our genuine commitment to this market. Built on Ioniq’s uncompromising principles of world-class safety and quality, we will soon introduce production models that seamlessly combine the smart driving and smart cabin experiences that Chinese consumers demand,” said Li Fenggang, president of Beijing Hyundai Motor Company.

  So, what of the concepts then? Well, the Venus is being referred to as an ‘iconic sedan’ that is “inspired by the brightest planet’s timeless beauty.” Finished in Radiant Gold, the futuristic-looking concept features a distinctive one-curve silhouette and frame-structured roof, while its interior sports warm hues and layered mood lighting to evoke Venus’ glowing atmosphere. A large, widescreen display is also present and there is an avatar called ‘Lumi’ that interacts with passengers.

  As for the Earth, it is dubbed as a ‘powerful SUV’ that embodies the “vitality and biological balance of our home planet.” This concept, painted Aurora Shield, veers more into the rugged realm, with skid plates and exposed bolt accents being design highlights on a heavily sculpted shape with plenty of sharp edges.

  

  

  Inside, the Earth features ‘air-hug’ seats where passengers are supported by soft air modules, while the mood lighting is said to mimic tree shadows and whatever ‘shy-tech’ is for a more serene setting. As with the Venus, the Earth invites a lot of natural light into its cabin, which also gets its own fun avatar; this one is called ‘Aero’.

  There is a likelihood that the Venus and Earth concepts will eventually become production EVs, although the company didn’t explicitly state so in its release. According to CarNewsChina, Hyundai will reveal its first production Ioniq model designed for China at the upcoming Auto Beijing later this month. Over the next three years, the brand plans to introduce range of EV and REEV models covering mid-to-large segments in various body styles.

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

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• Denza D9 DM-i goes global – PHEV luxury MPV, 353 PS, 210 km WLTP EV range, 559 kW Flash Charging

  In Cars, Denza, International News / by Jonathan Lee / 10 April 2026 3:29 pm

  

  Nearly two years after bringing the electric D9 to export markets, Denza has now taken the plug-in hybrid version of the luxury MPV global, featuring the Dual Mode Intelligent (DM-i) powertrain. This time, the car is making its debut in Europe first, joining the flagship Z9GT wagon.

  The addition of petrol power means the short bonnet now houses a 120 PS/220 Nm 1.5 litre turbo four-cylinder engine, paired with considerably less powerful dual motors – 231 PS (170 kW) at the front and 61 PS (45 kW) at the rear. While the electric motors perform the vast majority of the car’s propulsion, the combustion mill can also clutch in to help drive the front wheels at higher speeds, resulting in a total system output of 353 PS (260 kW) – still 21 PS (15 kW) less than the AWD version of the EV.

  So equipped, the D9 DM-i can get from zero to 100 km/h in 8.6 seconds on its way to a top speed of 180 km/h. Juicing the electric motors is a 58.5 kWh Blade LFP battery for a pure electric range of 210 km on the WLTP cycle. Combined with the 61 litre fuel tank, this gives the car a total range of 950 km – addressing the EV’s not-so-stellar range, a major gripe we had with the AWD version.

  What’s more, just like the Z9GT, the D9 DM-i supports BYD’s 1,500 kW DC Flash Charging technology, albeit only at up to 559 kW. That’s still enough for the car to keep the Chinese carmaker’s promise of charging from 10 to 70% (ready to drive, as BYD claims) in just five minutes and from 10 to 97% (basically a full charge) in nine minutes. A total of 6,000 Flash Charging stations will be built outside China over the next 12 months, with 3,000 of those being earmarked for Europe.

  

  On the outside, the D9 DM-i looks practically identical to the EV version that we get, with the only difference being the flag-shaped inserts on the grille; these are painted black in Europe. The wheels are also the same 18-inch multi-spoke alloys, which continue to look lost under the massive body.

  Denza has not released any photos of the interior, but we do know that the DM-i version will gain a 10.25-inch passenger display. This is considerably smaller than the 15.6-inch unit found in the latest 2026 D9 in China, but you do now also get twin 50-watt Qi wireless chargers (just the one previously), so the rest of the updated model’s redesign cabin should be carried over.

  The sound system has also updated from the previous 14-speaker Dynaudio setup to a new 16-speaker Devialet system. A 10.25-inch instrument display, a 15.6-inch infotainment touchscreen and a 12-inch head-up display continue to be standard, with European models gaining Google services like Google Maps built-in.

  As per the electric version, the DM-i retains seven seats arranged in a 2-2-3 format, with the second-row captain’s chairs coming with built-in ottomans and Qi wireless chargers, heating, ventilation and massage functions, and armrest touchscreens for controls – plus a heated and cooled refrigerator.

  

  However, occupants seated there finally gain 12.8-inch touchscreens mounted behind the front seat backrests, although the Chinese market’s new 17.3-inch ceiling-mounted monitor is again missing. The zones for the voice control system have also been increased from the previous four to six.

  Boot space measures a minimum of 430 litres with all the seats up, expandable to 570 litres with the rearmost seats pushed all the way forwards. With the third row folded and the second row adjusted to its most forward position, you get 2,310 litres of cargo capacity. Last but not least, the D9 DM-i continues to be suspended on coil springs and DiSus-C adaptive dampers.

  As yet, it is unclear if the D9 DM-i will make its way to Southeast Asia, including in Malaysia. Sales of the electric version have been decent, with 1,200 units sold here last year, and the PHEV version should enable Denza to properly take the fight to the dominant Toyota Alphard and Vellfire, as well as the also plug-in hybrid GWM Wey G9. What should be a shoo-in for our market is the updated EV with the new interior, Blade 2.0 battery and Flash Charging tech.

  

  

  

  

  
  

  
  GALLERY: 2026 Denza D9 in China

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

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• Perak KPDN seizes 5,070 litres of subsidised diesel

  In Local News / by Jonathan James Tan / 10 April 2026 3:01 pm

  

  The Perak domestic trade and cost of living ministry (KPDN) has seized 5,070 litres of subsidised diesel after raiding a timber and hardware premises at Kampung Raja Hitam near Ayer Tawar today, following several days of intelligence gathering, Bernama reports.

  “A man was found transferring liquid believed to be diesel from a three-tonne lorry into an intermediate bulk container (IBC). Further inspection revealed that the lorry had been modified with the installation of an additional fibre tank at the rear, enabling the transportation of diesel in larger quantities without authorisation,” Perak KPDN director Datuk Kamalludin Ismail said in a statement.

  “The diesel collected is believed to have been stored at the location before being resold to industrial parties for profit, in breach of regulations governing controlled goods. Perak KPDN also seized various equipment, including a three-tonne lorry, a skid tank, two IBC tanks, two electric pumps, a fibre tank and four hoses, valued at around RM56,371.40 in total,” he added.

  Kamalludin said checks on documents found at the premises uncovered eight invoices, indicating that the suspect had made repeated purchases at a Sitiawan petrol station to accumulate supplies in stages. “Investigations will also be expanded to include the petrol station suspected of supplying diesel to the suspect, including the possibility of licence revocation if found guilty,” he said.

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• FELDA mulls B100 Biodiesel Malaysia policy change

  In Cars, Local News / by Mohan K Ramanujam / 10 April 2026 2:35 pm

  

  With the price of diesel at RM6.72 per litre, FELDA chairman Datuk Seri Ahmad Shabery Cheek has come out to say B100 biodiesel is an alternative. Calling for the government to support the implementation of B100, the initiative is still at policy stage.

  The price of B100 biodiesel is estimated to be below RM5 per litre, with a factory price of about RM4.50 a litre. Adoption of B100 Biodiesel will reduce Malaysia’s reliance on imported fuel and improve energy security, said Ahmad Shabery in a Bernama report.

  Ahmad Shabery said he has raised the matter with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi. B100 is currently being used inside the FELDA ecosystem, with pilot projects conducted in 2025 involving vehicles covering over 50,000 km in a 12 month period, with a separate four-month trial involving tanker trucks carried out earlier in 2024.

  

  “At this stage, a government policy needs to be in place, as we may not have sufficient crude palm oil supply to roll out B100 immediately,” said Ahmad Shabery. FELDA and FGV Holdings will also need to expand their B100 biodiesel processing facilities to increase production capacity, he added.

  “We are having discussions to determine the form of partnership, whether to involve full private sector participation, government support, or other parties, to meet the requirement of raising B100 capacity,” he said. The second phase of the National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR) calls for diesel vehicles in Malaysia to adopt B30 biodiesel by 2030.

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• MINI John Cooper Works GP Inspired Edition in Malaysia: look-faster variant, still with 231 PS, RM334k

  In Cars, Local Car Launches, Local News, MINI / by Jonathan Lee / 10 April 2026 1:41 pm

  

  As the hottest of the hot MINIs, the MINI John Cooper Works GP is always highly sought after. The trouble is, this pocket rocket not only comes just once in a blue moon (at the very end of each MINI generation’s lifecycle), but it’s also always strictly limited and very expensive. Well, there’s now a more attainable way to get the track-ready look with the JCW GP Inspired Edition, which has just been launched in Malaysia.

  Not that it is in any way cheap – based on the already-expensive “standard” petrol JCW, the GP Inspired Edition costs an extra RM15,000 on top of that, retailing at a whopping RM333,888 on-the-road without insurance. This includes the standard two-year, unlimited-mileage warranty; opt for the four-year warranty and service package and the number jumps to RM345,988.

  Linking the GP Inspired Edition to its, um, inspiration is the Racing Grey paint and a complete JCW Aero Kit – the latter includes a towering biplane tailgate spoiler and winglets on the front, side and rear, all highlighted in red. You also get grey and red stripes all over and diagrams of various famous circuits on the C-pillars, while the big “GP Inspired” decals along the sides make it clear you’re not looking at the real deal.

  

  Mind you, this is still a genuine JCW, kitted out with a sportier front and rear bumper design, a more open grille with a chequered flag pattern, a centre-exit exhaust and 18-inch JCW Lap Spoke alloy wheels, the latter accented with red MINI centre caps on the GP Inspired Edition.

  Inside, bespoke GP Inspired-branded floor mats and skid plates join a JCW steering wheel and MINI sports seats upholstered in Vecsin faux leather and knitted fabric, plus red accents and a chequered flag graphic on the dashboard. A GP Inspired key cap completes the add-ons.

  

  Under the bonnet lies an unchanged B48 2.0 litre turbo four-cylinder engine sending a decent 231 PS and 380 Nm of torque to the front wheels. Those figures are nowhere close to the pukka GP’s 306 PS and 450 Nm, but they’re still enough for the GP Inspired Edition to hit 100 km/h in 6.1 seconds in concert with a seven-speed wet dual-clutch transmission.

  Aside from the GP Inspired Edition, MINI Malaysia has also introduced the (much less expensive) MINI 1965 Victory Edition, based on the electric John Cooper Works E.

  GALLERY: MINI John Cooper Works GP Inspired Edition

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

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• Tesla Model Y Juniper drops white interior option, now with Zen Grey interior colour fr Model Y L; same price

  In Cars, Local News, Tesla Motors / by Mick Chan / 10 April 2026 1:35 pm

  

  The Tesla Model Y in Malaysia has now dropped the white interior option, and in its place is the Zen Grey interior that is a RM5,000 option on the five-seater model. This follows the three-row Model Y L that was launched in Malaysia earlier this month, which also offers the Zen Grey interior at a RM5,000 premium.

  This brings the five-seater Model Y price to RM200,450 with the Zen Grey interior specified, which means that its starting price of RM195,450 is unchanged from before. The new interior upholstery colour offering is subtly different from the white upholstery of before as it remains a light hue.

  

  The white interior option (above, China-market interior) is replaced by the Zen Grey option (top)

  Elsewhere, pricing for key options for the 2026 Model Y five-seater remains as before; the 20-inch “Helix 2.0” wheels are a RM10,000 option over the standard-fit 19-inch “Crossflow” units, and Stealth Grey is the sole no-cost exterior paint choice; Pearl White Multi-Coat and Diamond Black are each a RM5,000 option.

  Meanwhile, the Quicksilver and Ultra Red choices each cost RM11,000 (the Cosmic Silver option, also priced at RM11k for the Model Y L, does not appear to be offered on the five-seater). An accessory glass roof sunshade is priced at RM450.

  

  

  2026 Tesla Model Y

  For assistance systems, Basic Autopilot is offered as standard, with a further two tiers offered on the Tesla website; Enhanced Autopilot for RM16,000, and Full-Self Driving for RM32,000, with both subject to regulatory approval.

  Accompanying the base Model Y Rear-Wheel Drive variant are the Long Range Rear-Wheel Drive (from RM216,450) and the Long Range All-Wheel Drive (from RM242,450), and so pricing for these options on the Model Y are unchanged. The aforementioned Model Y L in All-Wheel Drive guise from RM260,000.

  Charging for the 2026 Model Y can be done at up to 175 kW DC for the Standard Range RWD, adding up to 238 km of range in 15 minutes, or up to 250 kW DC for the Long Range AWD, adding up to 283 km of range in 15 minutes. For acceleration, the Standard Range RWD does 0-100 km/h in 5.9 seconds, while the Long Range AWD does the same in 4.8 seconds.

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• MINI 1965 Victory Edition launched in Malaysia – based on electric JCW 3 Door; rally homage; from RM231k

  In Cars, Local Car Launches, Local News, MINI / by Gerard Lye / 10 April 2026 12:37 pm

  

  MINI Malaysia today launched two new special editions, with the one being spoken about here being the 1965 Victory Edition. This pays homage to the brand’s racing heritage, specifically the classic and legendary Mini Cooper S that defied the odds to win the Monte Carlo Rally in 1965 with Timo Mäkinen behind the wheel and Paul Easter as co-driver.

  The 1965 Victory Edition serves to bridge the gap between that victorious past and MINI’s current-day focus on electrification. As such, it is based on the John Cooper Works E, the high-performance version of the J01 electric hatchback that pairs a 49.2-kWh (net capacity; 54.2 kWh gross) battery with a front electric motor rated at 258 PS (255 hp or 190 kW) and 350 Nm of torque.

  This setup enables a 0-100 km/h time of 5.9 seconds and top speed of 200 km/h, with the battery providing up to 371 km of range following the WLTP standard when fully charged. AC charging peaks at 11 kW and will require five hours and 15 minutes to get from a 0-100% state of charge, while DC fast charging is at up to 95 kW and 10-80% is reached in just 30 minutes.

  While the electrical and mechanical bits are unchanged, the 1965 Victory Edition boasts several design touches to ensure it stands out. As a start, the striking Chili Red body (red was used for the race car) is paired with a sporty white stripe that runs from the bonnet to the rear, with the sunroof-fitted hardtop also finished in white.

  

  

  It’s also not hard to spot the number ‘52’ on the sides of the car, which is a nod to the car that won said 1965 rally race. These graphics also come in white and are accompanied by discreet ‘1965’ stickers on the C-pillars. Elsewhere, you’ll find black 18-inch JCW Mastery Spoke wheels instead of the JCW Lap Spoke units on a regular John Cooper Works E.

  Opening the doors, you’re greeted by door sills that commemorate the historic win, with the interior dressed in JCW anthracite and red. Further reminders of the brand’s victory can be seen on the steering wheel and centre console storage box, both featuring ‘1965’ lettering on them. Even the key fob is unique to this model, as it bears the #52 racing number.

  The asking price for the MINI 1965 Victory Edition is RM230,888 on-the-road without insurance, which includes a standard two-year warranty. Adding in the MINI Service and Repair Inclusive (MSRI) package bumps the warranty to four years and includes a four-year service package, but the final sum goes up by RM6,300 to RM237,188. In case you’re wondering, both figures are RM12,000 more than a regular John Cooper Works E.

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  
  

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• RM300 monthly Budi Diesel benefits over 355k users

  In Local News, Malaysian Fuel Prices / by Jonathan James Tan / 10 April 2026 11:49 am

  

  The Malaysian finance ministry has put up a Facebook post explaining how the government assists diesel users in this global fuel crisis. It starts by saying that since the crisis erupted, the administration has not been fully floating the diesel price; it has been subsidising a portion of it for five straight weeks. It adds that refined diesel is still at US$250 (RM993) a barrel and that our diesel remains among ASEAN’s cheapest.

  The Budi Diesel monthly cash help, upped from RM200 to RM300 in March and continued for April, benefits over 355,000 recipients (apply here if you satisfy the criteria). Note that going by this week’s eye-watering RM6.72 a litre unsubsidised diesel rate, RM300 ‘subsidises’ just 65.6 litres in a month (RM6.72 – RM2.15 = RM4.57 of ‘subsidy’ per litre). As most diesel vehicles in Malaysia have over-70-litre tanks, your second tank this month would literally make you cry.

  

  

  

  

  Outside of this, RM2.15 a litre is what’s to be paid by people in Sabah, Sarawak and Labuan (limited to 50, 100 or 150 litres per transaction depending on vehicle type), as well as goods vehicles (over 343,000 vehicles approved). RM1.88 a litre is for land public transport (over 25,000 vehicles approved including buses, taxis, ambulances and fire engines) while RM1.65 a litre is for fishermen (over 10,000 recipients).

  Since the MyKad system has been quite a success for Budi Madani RON 95 (Budi95) petrol, the government is mulling the same for diesel, although we wonder how the MyKad is going to distinguish between private, public and goods vehicles – all three currently pay different prices for diesel, and there are five different diesel prices (unsubsidised, ‘RM300-subsidised’, RM2.15, RM1.88 and RM1.65). This problem does not exist for the RM1.99 Budi95 petrol, which you simply either get or you don’t.

  

  

  

  

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• SAIC Maxus eTerron 9 sighted in Serdang, Selangor – ROI open for battery-electric pick-up truck in Malaysia

  In Cars, Local News, Maxus / by Mick Chan / 10 April 2026 11:23 am

  

  An example of the SAIC Maxus eTerron 9 has been sighted on Malaysian roads heading in the direction of Minlon, Serdang in Selangor, courtesy of the paultan.org Automotive/Car Discussion Group on Facebook.

  Having made its debut in September 2024 for Europe, the eTerron 9 was billed as “the first 4×4 electric pick-up truck built on a dedicated electric platform,” and it measures 5,500 mm long, 2,005 mm wide, 1,860 mm tall and with a wheelbase of 3,300 mm. This makes the eTerron 9 140 mm longer than the Ford Ranger, or 175 mm longer than the Toyota Hilux.

  The eTerron 9 for the European market gets a 102 kWh battery pack that offers up to 430 km of range on the WLTP testing standard, and can be recharged at up to 115 kW DC to bring a 20-80% recharge in around 40 minutes. Conversely the truck can also supply power at 2.2 kW or 6.6 kW.

  

  

  

  

  Powertrain is a pair of electric motors, with one unit per axle, providing a combined output of 442 PS that propels the eTerron 9 from 0-100 km/h in 5.8 seconds. For load hauling, the eTerron 9 has a towing capacity of 3.5 tonnes, and a payload capacity of 620 kg.

  The eTerron 9 has the added utility of a midgate that opens to allow items up to 2,400 mm in length to fit into the truck’s cabin, while the frunk has a powered lid, and holds 236 litres. Within the cabin of the Terron 9, the front seats can fold down to create a nearly flat sleeping area measuring 1,700 mm long, and there are some 20 storage compartments around the cabin.

  Further equipment in the eTerron 9 includes two-tone leather upholstery and a pair of displays (digital instrument cluster and touchscreen infotainment system), a floating centre console, and a two-spoke steering wheel, while the powered driver’s seat gets ventilation and massage functions.

  Registrations of interest have opened for the SAIC Maxus eTerron 9, and interested parties can get in touch with Maxus dealers via phone.

  GALLERY: SAIC Maxus eTerron 9

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

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• Puspakom extends operations to Saturdays this month – Apr 11, 18 and 25; 28 branches nationwide involved

  In Local News / by Danny Tan / 10 April 2026 11:20 am

  

  It’s not that easy to send your vehicle for inspection on working days, so Puspakom has been extending operations to Saturdays of late, and there are three extra days this month.

  The extended operations – which is scheduled for April 11 (this week), 18 and 25 – is for selected branches across the country, which will be open from 8am to 5pm, like on previous extended Saturdays.

  This time, a total of 28 Puspakom branches will be involved. All customers have to make online appointments via MyPuspakom before showing up – no walk-ins are allowed. Below are the list of outlets involved.

  Klang Valley

  • Wangsa Maju
  • Cheras
  • Taman Bukit Maluri
  • Shah Alam
  • Padang Jawa
  • Glenmarie
  • Banting
  • Bangi
  • Pandan Mewah
  • Batu Caves
  • Sungai Besar

  North

  • Alor Setar
  • Sungai Petani
  • Mak Mandin (Penang)
  • Teluk Kumbar
  • Gopeng
  • Taiping

  South

  • Seremban
  • Alor Gajah
  • Johor Bahru
  • Senai
  • Pasir Gudang
  • Muar
  • Kluang

  East Coast

  • Kuantan
  • Kota Bharu

  East Malaysia

  • Kota Kinabalu
  • Kota Samarahan

  Note that all branches in Kedah, Penang, Kelantan, Sabah, Sarawak and Johor (except Muar) will not open on April 11. Meanwhile, branches in KL, Selangor, Negeri Sembilan, Melaka and Muar (Johor) will not open on April 18.

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• Bangun KL initiative – reduce morning traffic by encouraging drivers to leave earlier with Zus discounts

  In Local News / by Jonathan Lee / 10 April 2026 10:25 am

  

  The government has launched a new initiative called Bangun KL: Ke Arah Kuala Lumpur Yang Lebih Sejahtera, which aims to reduce morning rush-hour traffic congestion in the morning by encouraging motorists to enter the capital earlier, according to Bernama.

  Created in collaboration with Zus Coffee, it will see 250 of the local coffee outfit’s outlets throughout Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya offer a 30% discount on drinks for customers purchasing through its mobile app between 7am and 8am. The promotion will last throughout the rest of the year, ending December 31.

  Minister in the prime minister’s department (federal territories) Hannah Yeoh said the initiative focuses on behavioural change, using incentives and cross-sector collaboration to tackle congestion more holistically. “A good city is not just about how it looks, but how it functions in people’s daily lives.

  

  “That is why we introduced Bangun KL. This is not merely a slogan, but an effort to change how the city moves every morning. We cannot remain comfortable with the old pattern where everyone travels at the same time and ends up stuck in traffic. Bangun KL is about redistributing the morning rush to make it more balanced and humane,” she said.

  Yeoh added that with an estimated 1.2 million vehicles entering KL each morning, even redistributing just 10% of that traffic to earlier hours could significantly improve overall traffic flow. Bangun KL is being posited as part of a long-term strategy to enhance urban living by promoting a better balance between working hours, health and social well-being.

  Over to you now – do you think this is sufficient to get Malaysians to leave home earlier, and are you going to take advantage of the offer? Let us know in the comments.

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• Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live: Glow-N-Fire show coming to Malaysia – Oct 16-17; first stop in Asia

  In Local News / by Gerard Lye / 10 April 2026 10:16 am

  

  Here’s something that’s fun for the whole family. Family Entertainment Live has announced that it is bringing the Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live: Glow-N-Fire show to Asia for the very first time, with Malaysia being the first Asian tour stop.

  This should be exciting news for fans of Hot Wheels Monster Trucks like Mega Wrex, Tiger Shark, Gunkster, Bone Shaker, Bigfoot and Skelesaurus, as they will get to see them brought to life performing never-before-seen stunts. A new truck called Rhinomite will also be part of the tour alongside freestyle motocross (FMX) riders performing a no-handed front flip.

  The event will include three shows set to take place at the Unifi Arena (formerly Axiata Arena) in Bukit Jalil from October 16-17, 2026. The first happens on Friday (October 16) at 8pm, with a VIP pre-show experience taking place earlier from 5.30pm to 7pm.

  

  

  Meanwhile, the remaining two shows are on Saturday (October 17), one at 1pm (VIP pre-show experience from 10.30am to 12pm) and another at 8pm (VIP pre-show experience from 5.30pm to 7pm). In case you’re wondering, the VIP pre-show experience enables fans to access the arena floor and get up close with the monster trucks as well as autograph signings and an autograph card.

  Tickets are at RM118 and will be available for purchase on Tri-Tix from April 16 at 8am, with special kids pricing offered for all shows. There will also be a roadshow for the event at Pavilion Bukit Jalil from April 16-26 where the first 100 on-site ticket buyers will enjoy 10% off and a Hot Wheels Monster Trucks mystery gift.

  The Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live: Glow-N-Fire won the 2025 Pollstar Family Show of the Year award and is looking to continue the momentum into 2026 with shows across North America, Europe, Latin America and now Asia, where Malaysia has the distinct honour of kicking things off. The Malaysian leg of the event is co-organised by Muse Group Asia and Unik Squad.

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

  

  

  

  

  

  
  

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