Local News Archives

Road Maintenance Company Ordered to Pay RM721,000 to Accident Victim

The Johor Bahru Sessions Court ordered a road maintenance company to pay RM721,000 in compensation to an accident victim after he hit a pothole and crashed.

The 49-year-old male victim was injured after crashing due to hitting an unmaintained pothole in Pasir Gudang, near Taman Kota Masai, three years ago.

The judge, Sazlina Safie, made the decision after finding that Razali @ Mohd Leey Subeh, as the plaintiff (the party issuing the suit) successfully proved his claim against Safwa Global Venture (M) Sdn Bhd. Safwa Global Venture is the company appointed by the state government to maintain the road.

He filed a lawsuit against the company and the state government as the first and second respondents, respectively, for the injuries and damages he suffered as a result of the incident.

Judge Sazlina said, “The court can conclude that from the date of the incident (11 Feb 2021) until the excavation works on 29 September 2022, the hole remained at the scene without any repair, as admitted by all the witnesses.

“The court found that the issue of potholes at the scene of the incident had been proven and admitted by the defendant.

“The company also presented contradictory statements in their defense when they initially claimed that they did not see any potholes, but later discovered potholes caused by public utility works,” he said in the grounds of judgment published on the judicial website yesterday.

He said the company argued that the hole was not their responsibility because it belonged to the utility company and should have been maintained by a subcontractor or other party.

“Despite the allegation, the company failed to initiate any third-party proceedings against any of the contractors or related parties in this suit.

“The court also found it reasonable that the victim failed to notice the pothole due to limited visibility and insufficient lighting in the residential area at the time of the incident,” he said.

Therefore, the court believed that the defendant had failed in their duty to maintain the road in question and that they were liable to the plaintiff under Section 7(3) of the Government Proceedings Act 1956 (GPA).

“Although this case refers to the government and the GPA, it is a basic principle that must be applied to the parties responsible to ensure that the roads provided are safe for users.

“Therefore, the Court awarded the plaintiff RM352,947.33 for special damages and RM368,000 for general damages,” he said.

However, the plaintiff will not receive the compensation yet because the company will file an appeal against the judgment in the High Court.

2024 Royal Enfield Bullet 350 Special Edition Launched, New Colours for Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650

Royal Enfield Petaling Jaya has launched the 2024 Royal Enfield Bullet 350 Special Edition. They have also revealed new colours for the Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650.

Royal Enfield Bullet 350 Special Edition

The Bullet 350 Special Edition is powered by the 349cc, fuel-injected, air-cooled, single-cylinder engine which is shared by the Meteor, Classic, and Hunter. It produces 20 hp at 6,100 RPM and 27 NM of torque at 4,000 RPM, which RE says provides “strong, low-end grunt, super smooth linear power delivery.” The power is sent through a 5-speed gearbox.

RE also claims that the chassis is “designed for improved handling and manoeuvrability,” and that it is “firmer” than previous Bullets to enhance cornering prowess while remaining stable on straight roads. There are changes to back this up, now with 41mm forks, a 100/90-19 front tyre, and 120/80-18 rear tyre.

The Bullet 350 is released in two distinct editions and three colourways, all handcrafted
with a premium finish that will delight:

The Bullet Standard in Black or Maroon are fitted with dual channel ABS and rear discs, and are finished with elegant hand-pinstriped body-coloured tanks and components as well as chrome and gold badges. it is priced at RM 23,500.
The Bullet Black Gold is finished with a striking combination of matt and gloss black tank, copper and gold 3D badge, copper pinstriping and on-trend, blacked-out engine and components, and comes with dual channel ABS and rear disc brakes. It is priced at RM 23,900.

New Colours for the Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650

Furthermore, Royal Enfield is excited to unveil the two new distinct colorways of the Super Meteor 650 – Interstellar Grey and Astral Green – in response to market demand and to further enrich Malaysia’s cruiser journey.

The Super Meteor 650 will be available starting from RM 37,900/- in its new distinct colourways.

From Royal Enfield Petaling Jaya’s Press Release:

“A gleaming symbol of limitless resilience and an enduring name in motorcycling and automotive history, the Royal Enfield Bullet 350 continues its legendary legacy in a new avatar as Royal Enfield, the global leader in the mid-size (250cc-750cc) motorcycle segment, today announced the launch of the New Bullet 350 – Special Edition in Malaysia. Introduced on Royal Enfield’s proven, super-refined and smooth J-series engine platform, this iconic motorcycle, with over nine decades of heritage, proudly continues to be a fusion of resilient aesthetics and craftsmanship, a symbol of the vibrant culture it has catalysed over the last nine decades, and the community and characters it represents.

Additionally, in response to the strong demand following the successful launch of the Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650 in September 2024 (sic). Royal Enfield is excited to reveal two new distinct colourways in Malaysia.”

Triumph Speed 400, Triumph Scrambler 400 X Launched in Malaysia

The much awaited Triumph Speed 400 and Triumph Scrambler 400 X were launched in Malaysia, over the weekend.

Both models represent what Triumph calls the T-Series. They offer an easier accessibility into the Triumph lifestyle and incredible value, with prices starting from just RM 26,900 to RM 29,900. It may also serve as the lightweight everyday big bike for those who already bigger cc bikes, especially in the urban environment.

The range of models take their design cues from the ever-popular Triumph Bonneville 900 and 1200 lineups, thus classifying them as modern retros, or the standard motorcycle.

However, as with all Triumphs, there is nothing “standard” (read: low end) about these two bikes, despite the lower capacity and price.

Features shared by both variants:

All-new fuel-injected, liquid-cooled, single-cylinder, DOHC, four-valve, 398cc engine.
The valvetrain features low-inertia finger followers with DLC (diamond-like coating).
It produces 39.5 hp (40 PS) at 8,000 RPM and 37.5 Nm of torque at 6,500 RPM.
It needs to be said that although the bike and engine are produced at the Bajaj plant, they are Triumph’s specifications and designs.
6-speed transmission with torque assist clutch.
Machined and concealed liquid-cooling fins.
Black powder-coated engine casings.
Bosch engine management with ride-by-wire throttle and traction control.
Bosch dual-channel ABS as standard, but the rear ABS on the Scrambler 400 X can be turned off for off-road riding.
Analog speedometer with integrated LCD screen.
All-around LED lighting, with signature Triumph DRL (daytime running light).

Highlights of the Triumph Speed 400

The Speed model lineup is geared towards performance.

Accessible seat height of 790 mm.
Lightweight at just 170 kg, wet.
43mm Big Piston, upside-down forks up front, 140mm travel.
A monoshock with internal reservoir at the back, 130mm travel.
17-inch wheels front and rear.
Large, 300mm front brake disc clamped by a powerful 4-piston caliper. The brake hoses are steel braided.

Highlights of the Triumph Scrambler 400 X

As the name suggests, this variant has some off-road capabilities, as such, there are several key differences to the Speed 400.

19-inch front wheel, 17-inch rear wheel.
43mm big piston, upside-down forks up front, 150mm travel.
Gas RSU monoshock with external reservoir at the back, adjustable for preload, 150mm travel.
320mm front brake disc, served by a four-piston caliper. Brake hoses are steel braided.
Longer wheelbase compared to the Speed 400.
Larger steel brake pedal, and high-grip footpegs for standing riding position.
179 kg wet weight.

Price and availability

As mentioned earlier, pricing is truly attractive.

Triumph Speed 400: RM 26,900
Triumph Scrambler 400 X: RM 29,900

They are open for booking from now. Please head to Triumph Motorcycle Malaysia’s official FB page for more details.

Two Days Remand for Woman who Crossed Road and Caused Death of Motorcyclist

The 35-year-old woman who stopped the vehicle she was driving before crossing the road on foot and causing the death of a motorcyclist has been remanded for two days.

Temerloh District Police Chief, Assistant Commissioner Mazlan Hassan, said the passenger of the female vehicle involved, a 37-year-old Chinese man, was also remanded for three days to assist in the investigation.

“They were remanded from today for further investigation following the accident that involved the death of a man at the scene of the incident,” he said when contacted today.

In an incident at about 4pm yesterday at KM98.6 East Coast Highway 1 (LPT1) in the East direction, a 34-year-old man who worked as a musician at the Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) died after the high-powered motorcycle he was riding crashed into a Mitsubishi Triton pickup.

Preliminary investigation found that the accident occurred as soon as the pickup driver hit the brakes after the woman driving a Mitsubishi Pajero jeep stopped on the left shoulder of the road before crossing to the right of the road.

“At the same time, the Suzuki GSX-R1000 type motorcycle that the victim was riding came from behind hit the pickup, before the victim fell in the fast lane while his motorcycle was thrown into the back of the vehicle,” he said.

The case is being investigated under Section 304(A) of the Penal Code for negligence causing death, he said.

I Want a Malaysian Rider as Well – Razlan Razali

Datuk Razlan Razali plans to start a new Moto3 team and it must have a Malaysian rider. He said, “I don’t want to have only an European rider, I want Malaysian a rider as well” in the team.

He said this because there was a request from a potential investor in Europe for him to run a Moto3 team in the 2025 World Motorcycle Championship.

This is a great opportunity to include a national talent like Hakim Danish Ramli who is currently competing in the JuniorGP World Championship and the Red Bull Rookies Cup.

“Last week, there was a request from sponsors and potential investors (from Europe) asking me to come back, at least for a Moto3 team. They have a rider they want to bring in but want their own team.

“So I used that opportunity, maybe one European rider and another Malaysian rider. For me, if I want to make a Moto3 team, I don’t want the team to be all from Europe (riders), I want to include Malaysian riders as well,” he said.

Datuk Razlan also wants Zulfahmi Khairuddin who leads the ZK Racing team to participate in the project.

“I also have to get Zulfahmi’s opinion on whether I want KTM (machinery). If Moto3 is between Honda and KTM, KTM is better and things like this have to be planned well,” said Razlan.

He expects the final decision about it may be known before the Grand Prix (GP) of Kazakhstan, mid-June.

2024 Yamaha NVX Launched with Four New Colours

Hong Leong Yamaha Motor has launched the 2024 Yamaha NVX, with four new colours.

The perky performance scooter is still a favourite among many Malaysian riders, despite being launched way back in 2017. Seven years is a long production run, and the bike has seen some revisions cosmetics and design wise during that time. That popularity has to do with its sporty demeanour and handling.

The 2024 version features four stylish colours, separated into two respectively for each of the two versions of the Yamaha NVX. Meaning, the standard, non-ABS version gets the Blue, or Bronze colours, while the ABS version gets the Cyan Sky, and Premium Navy colours.

Click here for our review of the Yamaha NVX

Its ABS system made its debut in the 2023 edition and is single-channel which serves only the front wheel, while the rear wheel is (still) served by a drum brake. But to us, having an ABS at the front is much more useful because it is not easy to control a skidding front tyre!

The engine remains unchanged, featuring the single-cylinder, 155cc, liquid-cooled, SOHC with VVA (Variable Valve Actuation) powerplant which also powers the Yamaha Y16ZR and Yamaha YZF-R15. It produces 15 hp (11.3 kW) at 8,000 RPM, and 13.9 Nm of torque at 6,500 RPM.

The ABS version features higher-spec rear shock absorbers with sub-tank, smart key, and stop-start idling system to enhance fuel efficiency.

Hong Leong Yamaha says the new colours will be available at all authorised Yamaha dealers nationwide from 24 April 2024. The recommended retail price for the standard version is RM 9,998.00, while the ABS version is priced at RM 11,698. These prices are not on-the-road. Every buyer comes with a Yamaha disc lock worth RM 100.

Yamaha RX-Z the most Confiscated at Sungai Golok

Apparently there are also hardcore Yamaha RX-Z fans in Thailand because it is the most confiscated item at Sungai Golok.

The Malaysian Customs Department (JKDM) said the motorcycle and other cloned vehicles were the most smuggled goods through illegal bases along the Golok River during the first three months of this year.

JKDM Deputy Director General of Customs Enforcement and Compliance, Datuk Sazali Mohamad said 272 investigation papers were opened as a result of the seizures. The biggest seizure recorded was the motorcycle model and the cloned vehicles, which involved a tax-inclusive value of RM784,738.

Commenting further, he said the increase in smuggling was due to the dry season which made the Golok River shallow.

“There is no denying that with the distance of the Sungai Golok border as far as 106 kilometers, assignments are quite limited but JKDM with a membership of 500 people always helps other agencies that are more important in guarding the national border.

“We identified about 140 illegal bases along the 106 kilometers of Sungai Golok and on average there is one illegal base per kilometer.

The second highest seizure involved contraband cigarettes with a value and tax amounting to RM418,735.79.

New Vehicle Sales Dropped 10 Percent in March 2024

New vehicle sales dropped 10 percent in March 2024, compared to March 2023.

That means 71,052 units were registered compared to 78,881 in the same month last year, said the Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA).

However, the association stated that total industry volume (TIV) in March was +10% higher than February 2024 at 64,290 units.

“This is because the companies were pushing to make deliveries as their financial year ended on March 31, 2024 in addition to promotional campaigns for the Hari Raya festive season,” MAA added.

Of that number, 64,760 were passenger vehicles (PV), which dropped -9% compared to the 70,490 units sold in February 2024. For commercial vehicles (CV), sales dropped -21% to 6,292 units from 7,941 units.

However, the annual total up to March 2024 saw an increase of +5% to 202,245 units compared to 192,615 units registered in the same period in 2023. This included 184,994 PV units (+8%) and 17,251 CV units (-16%).

Production figures

In terms of production, MAA said 66,923 vehicles were produced in March 2024, a reduction of -12% from the 76,069 units witnessed during March last year.

The total included 63,778 PV units, down -11% from 71,731 units in the same month last year, while the remaining 3,145 units were CV (-28%) compared to the previous 4,338 units.

Total production in 2024 up to March increased by +6%, amounting to 210,431 units compared to 198,394 units in the same period last year.

This includes 199,199 PV units (+7%) from the same period last year while the remaining 11,232 (-8%) are CVs.

Sales for April 2024 are expected to be weaker due to a shorter working month following the Hari Raya holiday.

Detained Traffic Policemen in Extortion Case Back on Duty

The two traffic police officers who were detained for assisting in the extortion case against the public at Bangunan Sultan Ismail (BSI) in Johor Bahru have returned to duty as the remand order against them expired today.

South Johor Bahru District Police Chief, Assistant Commissioner Raub Selamat said they were on duty as usual because no work stoppage order had been imposed.

“They are now back on duty under the Johor contingent as usual until there is a stop work order (if any),” he said when contacted by Berita Harian.

Yesterday, the Johor police stated that they would submit a letter to Bukit Aman to obtain a suspension order against the two policemen.

The two policemen on duty at the BSI were arrested on April 5, to assist in the investigation of an extortion case involving a victim by asking for a payment of RM2,000 to avoid being prosecuted for having a record of past offenses in an incident earlier this month.

They were arrested again last Saturday for a complaint submitted by a 50-year-old victim who was allegedly threatened by the two suspects while at BSI, on January 4.

JPJ Penang Concerned about Increase of Foreigners Breaking Laws

The Penang Road Transport Department (JPJ) raised concerns regarding the increase in road offenses involving foreigners. The main and increasingly serious offense is not having a driver’s license.

The state JPJ director, Zulkifly Ismail, said that since the beginning of January until today, a total of 267 summons notices were issued to foreign drivers and 124 vehicles were confiscated, all due to not having a driving license.

He said, that does not include last year where 534 summons notices were issued to foreign drivers of which 416 vehicles were seized.

“We have noticed a trend in recent times of offenses committed by foreigners being quite serious and increasing.

“So I would like to remind vehicle owners to be careful not to arbitrarily let their vehicles be driven by foreigners who do not have valid driving documents.

“Otherwise they will also face action especially under Section 26 of the Road Transport Act 1987 if their vehicles are detected being driven by individuals who do not have a valid driving document,” he said when met while inspecting a special operation in conjunction with Aidilfitri at the JPJ Enforcement Station in Valdor, here. today.

In the operation, a total of 670 vehicles were inspected with 181 being taken action, while 213 summons notices were issued and six vehicles were seized for various offences.

The Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) who were also involved in the same ops issued 30 summons notices, followed by the Immigration Department who arrested eight foreigners.

The Department of Environment (JAS) and Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP) issued two and six compounds respectively, while the National Anti-Drug Agency (AADK) conducted urine tests on 15 drivers, six of whom were found to be positive for drugs.

Hafizh Syahrin Wins at ARRC Zuhai 2024

Malaysian rider, Hafizh Syahrin won at ARRC Zuhai yesterday, and subsequently gave Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) Racing Team their maiden victory.

It was the first race session, in the second round of the Asian Motorcycle Championship (ARRC) 2024. Hafizh rides a Ducati V4 R machine in the ABS1000 category for superbike machines 1000cc and above.

Hafizh who started in the front row showed a consistent ride to be the first rider to cross the finish line.

He beat Honda Asia-Dream Racing Astemo team rider, Andi Farid Izdihar who was satisfied to finish the race in second place while another national rider, Azlan Shah Kamaruzaman representing TKKR BMW Racing Team was third.

For the record, this is the first victory for the JDT Racing Team, who are appearing in their first ARRC season. On his previous debut at the Buriram International Circuit, Thailand, Hafizh took third place in the second race, after experiencing technical problems in the first race.

Hafizh who uses a Ducati Panigale V4R machine dedicated the inaugural championship to the Acting Sultan of Johor, Tunku Mahkota Ismail who is also the owner of the team.

Suzuki Avenis and Suzuki Burgman Street EX Launched

Suzuki Malaysia launched the Suzuki Avenis and Suzuki Burgman Street EX scooters, aimed at strengthening the brand’s presence in Malaysia’s small capacity scooter segment.

While both models share the same platform, Suzuki says the Avenis is aimed at younger riders while the Burgman Street EX is a more premium offering.

Highlights of the Suzuki Avenis

A 4-stroke, air-cooled, SOHC 125cc Suzuki Eco Performance (SEP) engine.
It produces 8.6 HP (8.7 PS) of peak power at 6,750 RPM and 10 Nm of torque at 5,500 RPM.

Compact LCD screen with an intuitive layout and an eco indicator light for fuel-efficient operation.
External hinge-type fuel cap located conveniently at the rear behind the seats.

21.5 litres of under-seat storage, two helmet hooks, and two utility hooks for additional items.
5.2-litre fuel tank capacity.
The three colour options are Metallic Matte Fibroin Grey with Metallic Lush Green, Metallic Matte Black with Glass Sparkle Black, and the special Metallic Sonic Silver with Triton Blue ‘GP Edition’.

The standard colours are priced at RM 6,980.00, while the GP Edition is priced at RM 7,200.00 (nett selling prices, not on the road).

Highlights of the Suzuki Burgman Street EX

A 4-stroke, air-cooled, SOHC 125cc Suzuki Eco Performance-Alpha (SEP-α) engine.
It produces 8.6 HP (8.7 PS) of peak power at 6,750 RPM and 10 Nm of torque at 5,500 RPM.
Equipped with Engine Auto Stop-Start (EASS) and Suzuki Silent Starter System.

Longer wheelbase for better stability, planted feel, and a comfortable riding experience.
Extended floorboards offer both flexibility in foot positioning and comfort during long rides.
21.5 litres of under-seat storage, two helmet hooks, and two utility hooks for additional items.

A closable front compartment with a USB charging port and easy access to front storage compartments.
A larger 5.5 Litres fuel tank capacity, best in its class.

The Burgman Street EX comes in two colour options – Pearl Moon Stone Gray and Metallic Mat Black.
It is priced at RM 7,500 (nett selling price, not on the road).