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Op Grip – MACC Freezed 16 Company, 25 Individual Accounts

The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has frozen 16 company bank accounts and 25 individual bank accounts involved in an investigation into tyre smuggling and the forgery of tyre import and export documents.

The agency provided this latest update after conducting seizures through “Op Grip” on September 29, 2025.

In this latest seizure, the MACC, via the Malaysian Agency Enforcement Task Force (MATF), also seized four immovable assets valued at approximately RM13 million. The total amount in the frozen bank accounts is estimated to be up to RM70 million.

In this development, MACC Deputy Chief Commissioner (Prevention) Datuk Azmi Kamaruzaman said the MACC has now opened a governance investigation paper related to the case.

“The Governance Investigation Division (BPT) will conduct a documentary investigation related to the procurement of the tyres, as these tyres were found to be unregistered and there are elements of smuggling or illegal importation which could pose consumer safety risks,” he said here today.

BH yesterday reported that the MACC froze and seized a total of assets worth RM83 million in “Ops Grip,” involving an investigation into tyre smuggling that has resulted in hundreds of millions of ringgit in government tax losses.

Among the assets frozen were private bank accounts and company accounts, with the total estimated amount being RM70 million.

Other assets seized, on suspicion of being acquired through money laundering activities, include six plots of land used as sites for warehouses/containers valued at RM4.5 million and two units of two-storey terrace houses with an estimated value of RM2 million.

Also seized was one unit of a townhouse with an estimated value of RM2 million and one unit of a four-storey shoplot valued at RM4 million.

JPJ Selangor to Auction 200 Vehicles on 5 November

The Selangor Road Transport Department (JPJ) will auction 200 various types of vehicles on November 5. The public auction sale will be held in the compound of Dewan Setia, Selangor JPJ, Jalan Padang Jawa, Section 16, Shah Alam.

Selangor JPJ also informed that the vehicles to be auctioned are divided into two categories: those that can be licensed and those that cannot be licensed.

The tender documents containing vehicle details and special sale conditions can be obtained at the Selangor JPJ Management Services Division from October 29 to November 4, from 10 am to 4 pm, at a cost of RM100 cash per copy.

“Interested members of the public need to bring their original identity card or a copy when purchasing the public auction tender documents.

“After payment, the tender documents can be claimed at the Enforcement Division by bringing the original receipt as proof of payment,” JPJ said in a statement today.

Furthermore, Selangor JPJ informed that this auction is open only to Malaysian citizens, and the vehicles to be auctioned will be displayed for public inspection on November 3 and 4 from 9 am to 4 pm.

“Any inquiries can be directed to Selangor JPJ at 03-5566945

New Colour for 2025 Yamaha MT-09

There is a new colour for the 2025 Yamaha MT-09, called Lightning Blue. The previous Tech Black is still available.

The MT-09 is a long-running model since its launch in 2014, and had undergone several updates. But perhaps more importantly is its affordable pricing for a sub-900cc bike.

Yamaha says that the subframe has been redesigned, in addition to the suspension’s spring rate.

Elsewhere, all other parts are unchanged, including the 890cc, inline-triple engine, which produces 117 hp (87.5 kW) at 10,000 RPM and 93.0 Nm at 7,000 RPM. Apart from that the bike features personalised ridemodes via the Yamaha Ride Control (YRC) function, intuitive switchgear, and cruise control.

This new colour will be available at all authorized Yamaha Big Bike dealers nationwide starting from 09th October 2025, with a recommended retail price of RM57,998.00 excluding registration fees and insurance coverage.

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KOVE 800X GT and KOVE 450R Arrive in Malaysia

KOVE Moto, a rising name in global motorcycles, is officially entering the Malaysian market with two new models, namely the KOVE 800X GT adventure tourer and KOVE 450R streetfighter. The launch took place at KEV ADVENDURO Park, Rawang. The two new models add to the previously launched 450 Rally adventure bike.

From the Press Release

MDua Motor Sdn Bhd, a subsidiary of AFY Mobility Industries (AMI) appointed as KOVE Sole & Exclusive Distributor in Malaysia. Although most KOVE bikes are currently offered as CBU units, this partnership ensures that future KOVE models will not only be imported but also fully supported with local assembly, readily available spare parts, after-sales service, and warranty in line with KOVE’s global standards.

Founded in 2017 by a passionate racing-enthusiast in China, KOVE Moto has built its reputation globally on delivering performance motorcycles with serious engineering credentials. With vertically integrated R&D, design, manufacturing and a philosophy summed up in its tagline, “FOCUS ON PERFORMANCE”, KOVE’s machines strive to be lightweight, high strength and competition capable.

KOVE 800X GT

Complemented by a multi-mode riding system and electronic throttle.
KYB suspension.

A light dry weight of approximately 195 kg.

Proven by its international winning credentials, the 800X GT represents the perfect blend of rugged competition pedigree and practical usability for touring and adventure riding.

KOVE 450R

The KOVE 450R stands as the brand’s pure expression of a naked streetfighter, built to thrill fast-riding enthusiasts.
At its core is a race-performance-ready 443cc inline four-cylinder engine, delivering 65.3 hp and 40 Nm.

Lightweight frame tipping the scales at just 164 kg.
Capable of reaching speeds up to 205 km/h.

The 450R combines raw aggression with agile handling, setting a new benchmark in its class for riders hungry for uncompromising street performance.

Prices

The KOVE 800X GT is priced at RM48,888 and the KOVE 450R at RM33,888. The first 20 customers of the KOVE 800X GT will receive an exclusive pannier box set with their purchase. All current KOVE models, including the earlier 450 Rally are available for viewing at the AMI Bumirai Showroom, PJ222 Petaling Jaya. All prices mentioned exclude registration, road tax and insurance.

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Ducati V2 Future Champ Academy Begins in 2026

Ducati will start a new riding academy in 2026, called Ducati V2 Future Champ Academy. It is aimed at getting young riders into racing, for both domestic and international talents.

Stating the obvious, the programme is designed to allow young racers the chance to ride the brand’s Panigale V2 motorcycle, as well as creating a talent pool for the future.

The new racing academy will kick off in 2026, with the project set to form part of the Italian Championship (CIV), World Ducati Week 2026, and the World Superbike paddock. The format will include traditional sessions like pre-season testing, qualifying, and a double race for each round.

Garage51 is a platform that allows young riders to learn about motorcycles and racing, and is run by Michele Pirro, Ducati’s official test rider. Pirro will offer riders from the new Ducati V2 academy technical guidance, with further details about the project to be revealed at next month’s EICMA show, in Milan.

Francesco Milicia, VP Global Sales and After Sales Ducati, said: “Ducati’s history is deeply intertwined with the world of racing, and investing in young riders means building tomorrow’s champions today. This is why we are very proud to launch the V2 Future Champ Ducati Academy, a strongly desired project designed to guide new talents from passion to professionalism, offering them all the tools they need to become protagonists in the motorcycle racing world of the future.

“The format was created for those who want to take a challenge and improve, relying on the support of an excellence like Ducati, which has made racing its essence. The key to this journey is Michele, whose commitment to the development of the Desmosedici GP has contributed significantly to Ducati’s current results. I would like to thank him not only as a professional but also as a friend: with his experience, technical expertise, and enthusiasm, he will certainly be an inspiration to our young riders.”

Please go to the official Ducati V2 Future Champ webpage for more information.

It is a great step for Ducati to take this step as other manufacturers such as KTM with their Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup and Austrian Junior Cup.

No Demand for Electric Motorcycles – BMW Motorad CEO

BMW Motorrad’s CEO, Markus Flasch says that the company is not particularly keen in making electric motorcycles or dirtbikes. However, electric scooters are ongoing.

Speacking to US website Common Tread, Flasch laid out some of BMW Motorrad’s plans, including for their future superbikes.

“You can look forward to seeing something smaller than the 1000 cc [S 1000 RR]. But it’s a bit too early to talk about it.” However, the inline-four engine will stay at 1000cc for the S 1000 range i.e. S 1000 RR/M 1000 RR, S 1000 R/M 1000 R, S 1000 XR/M 1000 XR.

As such the smaller superbike in question could be from the F 900, or even the G 310 range.

Flasch does not want to follow his rivals Triumph and Ducati who have since dabbled into the motocross and enduro segment, as BMW Motorrad’s products are already covering many areas. “We are making this decision talking to our customers and talking to our dealer base and we ended up, for the moment, not going this route,” he told Courts.

Back to electric motorcycles, BMW will not make an electric motorcycle at the moment, as Flasch says customer response is behind that decision, too. Instead, they will continue with electric scooters, since the CE range is leading the 11 kW and above segment.