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Another treat awaited the Malaysian motorcycle media during our tour among Chinese motorcycle manufacturers in China. This time, it was ARIIC where we previewed the ARIIC Touch 250, and ARIIC Gobi 250 during a visit to their factory, while the ARIIC 400GS prototype was revealed at the ARIIC mega party later.

The brand made their first appearance in Malaysia with ARIIC 318 GT earlier this year. Local distributor, MForce Bike Holdings Sdn. Bhd. said that it has been seeing encouraging sales.

Here is the preview of the models we saw today:

1. ARIIC Gobi 250

Named after the Gobi desert which is located inn Central Asia, covering some 1.2 million square kilometres and spanning across southern Mongolia and northwestern China, the bike is the latest addition to adventure scooter segment.

  • Powered by a 249cc, single-cylinder, water-cooled engine.
  • It produces 22.5 hp @ 7,500 RPM and 23.5 Nm @ 5,000 RPM.
  • The engine is mated to a 2-stage CVT with belt final drive.

  • A dual-channel ABS supports the 240mm front and rear brakes.
  • The fuel tank has a 12.5-litre capacity.
  • Seat height is 780 mm.

  • ARIIC claims a 176kg curb weight.
  • Adjustable windscreen which moves by up to 60mm front/back.
  • 7″ TFT screen with smartphone connectivity.

  • Front facing dashcam camera.
  • One-touch start button.
2. ARIIC Touch 250

Compared to the 318 GT, the Touch 250 is more of an urban scooter, due to its compact size.

  • Powered by a 249cc, single-cylinder, water-cooled engine.
  • It produces 22.5 hp @ 7,500 RPM and 23.5 Nm @ 5,000 RPM.

  • The engine is mated to a 2-stage CVT with belt final drive.
  • A dual-channel ABS supports the 240mm front and rear brakes.

  • The fuel tank has a 11-litre capacity.
  • Seat height is 760 mm.

  • ARIIC claims a 147kg curb weight.
  • Adjustable windscreen which moves vertically.

  • 7″ TFT screen with smartphone connectivity.
  • Front facing dashcam camera.

  • One-touch start button.
  • The most novel feature of this model is the expandable storage space.

3. ARIIC 400GS

The bike is still in its prototype stage at this moment, although it appears to be almost ready for production. Not much was revealed apart from that it is powered by a 469cc single-cylinder engine.

Interestingly, MForce is proud of this model as they have a direct role in its development. As such, the production-ready bike will be officially launched at the upcoming MForce Autoshow in May 2026.

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MForce Bike Holdings also launched four new Morbidelli models during the Top 68 Dealers event, held in Taizhou, China. They are the:

  1. Morbidelli F252;
  2. Morbidelli T250X;
  3. Morbidelli T252X; and
  4. Morbidelli T502X.

Here are more details and their respective net selling prices.

1. Morbidelli F252 (RM14,888)

The F252 takes the form of a naked/roadster. However, the maker told us that the “F” designation is for “Fighter” as in “Streetfighter.” Honestly, the bike looks great and the finishing on the components are up to par with the best. The “252” designation means 250cc, 2 cylinder engine. If the specifications sound familiar, they are because most of it shared with the Keeway RKR250, as Morbidelli is now under Keeway’s umbrella.

  • Powered by a 249.5cc, liquid-cooled, DOHC, 8-valve, parallel-twin engine.
  • It produces 31.5 hp @ 11,000 RPM and 21.0 Nm at 9,500 RPM.

  • The engine is mated to a slipper clutch and 6-speed transmission.
  • Seat height is 790 mm.

  • Its fuel tank has a capacity of 15 litres.
  • Front forks are 41 mm and USD.

  • The front brake system consists of a 300mm floating disc and 4-piston caliper, while there is a 240mm disc at the back.
  • The rear suspension features a monoshock with Pro-Link attachement.

  • 5″ TFT display.
  • Electronic rider aids include Bosch dual-channel ABS, TCS, and 3 ride modes.

  • Morbidelli listed its wet weight at 175 kg.
2. Morbidelli T250X (RM9,988)

The T250X is the entry-level adventure model of the family, suitable for adventure beginners. The air-cooled engine is also a good advantage for those who travel to isolated places as it is easier to maintain.

  • Powered by a 249cc, air-cooled, single cylinder, SOHC, four-valve engine.
  • It delivers a maximum power output of 24.4 hp @ 7,500 RPM, and maximum torque of 22.3 Nm @ 6,000 RPM.

  • Seat height is not too tall at 820 mm.
  • The fuel tank has a capacity of 11.7 litres.

  • The front suspension uses 41 mm telescopic forks, while the back has a monoshock with adjustable preload.
  • There is a 265mm brake disc up front and 2-piston caliper.

  • Rim sizes are 19 inches, front, and and 17 inches, rear.
  • Electronics include a 7″ colour TFT display mounted in a vertical position, dual-channel ABS, and TCS.

  • The maker listed its curb weight at 154 kg.
3. Morbidelli T252X (RM16,888)

As with the aforementioned F252, this model utilises a 250cc, 2-cylinder engine, which is in fact the same 252 platform.

  • Powered by a 249.5cc, liquid-cooled, DOHC, 8-valve, parallel-twin engine.
  • It produces 31.5 hp @ 11,000 RPM and 21.0 Nm at 9,500 RPM.

  • The engine is mated to a slipper clutch and 6-speed transmission.
  • 820 mm seat height.

  • 180 kg curb weight.
  • 18-litre fuel tank.

  • 41mm USD front forks with longer travel than the F252’s.
  • The rear suspension features a monoshock with Pro-Link attachement.

  • The front brake system consists of a 300mm floating disc and 4-piston caliper, while there is a 240mm disc at the back.
  • Rim sizes are 19 inches, front, and and 17 inches, rear.

  • Electronics include a 7″ colour TFT display mounted in a vertical position, dual-channel ABS, and TCS.
4. Morbidelli T502X (RM28,888)

Following the brand’s naming convention, the T502X denotes a 500cc, 2-cylinder, adventure bike.

  • 486cc, liquid-cooled, DOHC, 8-valve, parallel-twin, with Marelli EFI.
  • It makes 47.0 hp @ 8,500 RPM, and 45.0 Nm @ 6,750 RPM.

  • The engine is mated to a slipper clutch and 6-speed transmission.
  • 840mm seat height.

  • 210kg curb weight.
  • 18-litre fuel tank.

  • 43mm USD front forks.
  • The rear suspension features a preload adjustable monoshock with Pro-Link attachement.

  • The front brake system consists of twin 300mm floating discs and J.Juan 2-piston calipers, while there is a 240mm disc at the back.
  • Rim sizes are 19 inches, front, and and 17 inches, rear.

  • Electronics include a 7″ colour TFT display mounted in a vertical position, dual-channel ABS, and TCS.
Additional features

One shared feature among all four models is the SOS call function. In the event of an emergency, the rider only needs to hold it down for 3 seconds, making the bike call the emergency number stored in your phone.

These models will be available in Malaysia soon.

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Here is another warrior in the Malaysian scooter war, proudly brought to you by MForce Bike Holdings Sdn. Bhd. Called the KEEWAY BX200i, it is set to fight in the 150-200cc sporty scooter segment.

Its sharp profile, fat tyres, and bright col announce its intentions from the get-go, and the spec-sheet is truly impressive, showing that Chinese motorcycle makers are serious in building a worldwide empire in the two-wheel market.

Highlights of the KEEWAY BX200i
  • Powered by a 174cc, liquid-cooled, DOHC, 4-valve, single-cylinder engine.
  • It produces 18.2 hp @ 8,500 RPM and 17.2 Nm @ 6,500 RPM.

  • Engine power is sent to the rear wheel through a CVT transmission.
  • The bike is built around what Keeway calls a ‘flat frame’ – we shall cover more about this in the future.

  • The seat height is a low 790 mm off the ground.
  • Its fuel tank has a capacity of 11 litres.

  • Keeway claims a wet weight of 153 kg.
  • The front suspension consists of conventional telescopic hydraulic forks.

  • Suspending the rear is a pair of shock absorbers with remote reservoirs, that are adjustable for spring preload.
  • Braking duties up front is handled by a 2-piston caliper squeezing on a 220 mm disc.

  • The rear brake also features a 220mm disc, gripped by a 1-piston caliper.
  • The brakes are supported by dual-channel ABS.

  • Moving on to the electronics and electrics, the meter panel features a colour LCD screen.
  • As with contemporary scooters, ignition is via a Keyless Start system.

  • Front-facing dashcam.

MForce Bike Holdings Sdn. Bhd. launched the KEEWAY BX200i along with 5 other models in Taizhou, China, as part of their Top 68 Dealers’ Gala Dinner. Selling price for the bike is RM7,998.

The KEEWAY RKR250 was launched last night, bringing a new contender into the lightweight sportbike ring.

It was launched during the MForce Top 68 Dealers Gala Dinner, held at the Taizhou Sheraton Hotel. As the name suggests, the event honoured the top 68 motorcycle dealers in Malaysia who carry the brands distributed by MForce Bike Holdings Sdn. Bhd., such as ARIIC, Benda, CFMoto, Keeway, Morbidelli, and Motomorini.

Highlights of the KEEWAY RKR250
  • Powered by a 249.3c, DOHC, 8-valve, parallel-twin.
  • It produces 31.5 hp @ 10,500 RPM, and 22.5 Nm @ 9,500 RPM.

  • The engine is mated to a slipper clutch and 6-speed transmission.
  • The bike’s frame is a diamond type which uses the engine as a stressed member.

  • Seat height is a low 770 mm.
  • Its front suspension utilises 40mm USD forks with 100 mm of travel.

  • The rear suspension features a monoshock with a Pro-Link.
  • Brakes feature a 320mm floating disc up front with a 4-piston caliper, while the rear has a 240mm disc with a 1-piston caliper.

  • The fuel tank carries 12 litres of unleaded.
  • Keeway claims a curb weight of just 165 kg.

  • Electronic rider assistance systems include dual-channel ABS, traction control system (TCS), and tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS).
  • There is a 5-inch TFT display.

  • Lighted switchgear.
  • LED lighting.
  • Type-A and Type-C charging ports.

Interestingly, the model was first shown off in January this year, along with its pricing but had not been available yet, possibly undergoing testing.

Fast forward to last night, it now wears a performance exhaust muffler complete with a carbon fibre end cap and heat shield.

As with MForce’s objective in providing an opportunity for Malaysian enthusiasts to enjoy the sport without mortgaging the house, the KEEWAY RKR250 carries a net selling price tag of just RM13,888 (not on-the-road), making it the most affordable multi-cylinder 250cc sportbike in the country.

Bentong Member of Parliament, Young Syefura Othman, hopes that the toll rate collection on Genting Highlands Road will be reasonable and not burdensome to users.

This is part of several proposals presented to Genting Malaysia, which will impose a Private Road Charge rate on the entry route to the Genting area from the Karak Highway and the entry route from Batang Kali.

In a statement, she said Genting Malaysia also needs to ensure an efficient payment collection mechanism that does not cause multiplied traffic congestion.

Additionally, Genting Malaysia should also provide special exemptions or discounts for the Private Road Charge, at the very least to residents, workers, and those with children attending school in Genting Highlands.

According to her, the company needs to ensure continuous monitoring and maintenance of the road conditions and slopes along the Genting Highlands route on a regular basis.

“Therefore, I hope all parties receive a clear explanation for the safety and comfort of visitors and users of the road to Genting.

“I will continue to hold discussions with Genting Malaysia to ensure its implementation is done well and does not adversely affect the residents,” she said.

Young Syefura said, in conjunction with the Visit Malaysia Year 2026, the Genting Highlands resort is a popular area that will receive a very large number of visitors.

“Therefore, I support any efforts and cooperation to ensure the road and slope conditions in the Genting highlands are always in a safe state,” she said.

She also clarified that the 24-kilometer Genting Highlands Road route has been confirmed by the Ministry of Works (KKR) as a private road and not a federal road.

She said since the 1960s, the maintenance of the road, slopes, and disaster mitigation works along that route have been borne cost-wise by Genting Malaysia to ensure user safety and comfort.

According to her, the construction of the Private Road Charge collection structure was done not under the jurisdiction of the Malaysian Highway Authority because it is on private land.

“However, the construction specifications and Planning Permission (KM) have already been approved by the Bentong Municipal Council.

“From discussions with Genting Malaysia, I understand the decision regarding the justification for collecting the Private Road Charge,” she said.

Gracshaw is a homegrown helmet brand that has a long and established standing in the motorcycle market. Their popularity stems from bold designs, colours, and graphics that set them apart. In fact, 2026 marks the brand’s 20th anniversary. As such, Gracshaw had unveiled their new brand identity today (13 November).

From Gracshaw’s Press Release

GRACSHAW marks its upcoming 20th anniversary by introducing a new brand identity. This new chapter positions GRACSHAW as a lifestyle-driven helmet brand striving to become a trendsetter that unites riders through experiences that celebrate passion and creativity. On top of that, GRACSHAW’s new helmet lineups are designed to meet the needs of Malaysia’s fast-evolving scooter-riding community.

For Street. For Riders.

In celebration of its 20-years journey, GRACSHAW is taking a bold leap forward to become a lifestyle-led brand. Its new logo features a bold stroke across the letter “G”, capturing motion in its purest form – a design stripped to conviction, expressing power with precision and confidence without excess. The new tagline, “FROM STREET” shapes the brand’s design philosophy, drawing inspiration from bold, unapologetic street culture that celebrates enthusiasm and expression. In addition, it stands tall as the ‘Alpha from the Street’ by setting new trends and redefining the riding scene. Together, the new logo and tagline embody a culture where helmets become expressions of riders’ personalities and stories.

In this new chapter, GRACSHAW puts helmets and the riding community at the heart of everything it does. It defines itself by three core manifestos: radical, uncompromising, and human-first, by launching designs underpinned by a brand ideology built on the three pillars of style, attitude, and authenticity. Through this movement, GRACSHAW aims to resonate with riders who seek to explore new experiences, connect with others who share their passion and dare to express their identity.

“GRACSHAW rebranding initiative aims to cultivate a riding culture inspired by street culture – our root,” shared Mr. Chiong Sai Weng, Senior Business Development Manager. “Through this new identity, we’re creating a lifestyle that connects with local riders and celebrates passion and creativity.”

GRACSHAW began its journey in 2006 as a helmet manufacturer producing SIRIM-approved helmets to ensure riders’ safety. The evolution came in 2013 when GRACSHAW distinguished itself as a design-forward brand with the launch of GRACSHAW Originals and limited-edition collaborations.

New Generation of Helmets

Following its rebranding, GRACSHAW officially launches three new helmets engineered for scooter enthusiasts  – GENNEX II, GLAIVE, and GLADEON.

GENNEX II

The open-face GENNEX II follows its predecessor’s ethos as a helmet designed for maxi and touring scooter riders. Mature urbanites will appreciate its stylish yet functional design, easily pairing it with their pillion’s gear for a coordinated look, it features a micrometric buckle system for safer and easier fastening.

GLAIVE

Bold and contemporary, the open-face GLAIVE resonates with urban riders who live fast and ride in style. It serves as an ideal companion for compact urban scooters, allowing riders to weave through narrow streets and busy beltways effortlessly. Riders can enhance the helmet’s appearance by installing a rear ducktail spoiler which helps improve aerodynamics and stability at high speeds.

GLADEON

The full-face GLADEON embodies the adventurous spirit of long-distance riders, it is the perfect match for high-performance scooters, tough enough to handle speed and endurance on every ride. This helmet comes with a KlearAF Anti-Fog insert, an ultra-thin lens that keeps the view crystal clear for various weather conditions. Eac GLADEON helmet purchase includes complimentary riding essentials, including  the GRACSHAW Balaclava for extra comfort and GRACSHAW Ear Plugs to protect the rider’s hearing.

GRACSHAW also introduces the Fit Check Measurement System, a smart invention that helps riders find the perfect fit for total comfort. This system further reinforces GRACSHAW’s position as a user-centric brand that  prioritises riders’ needs and safety.

Every GRACSHAW helmet is built around three core principles: integrated safety, style-forward design, and tech-engineered comfort. All of which are reflected in the new helmet models – GENNEX II, GLAIVE, GLADEON – upgraded features, which include:

  • ContourFit Advance Comfort Padding and Inner Liner System: offers a pressure-free fit that adapts at any speed.
  • SpecFit Eyeglasses Friendly System: integrated directly into the padding to keep eyewear securely in place even on long rides.
  • AeroFlow Ventilation System: delivers continuous cooling through a precisely engineered intake-to-exhaust airflow system.
  • Aero-G Cool Comfort Fabric Liner: combats sweat-related odour and bacteria by ensuring lasting freshness and hygiene during long rides under hot weather.
  • KlearView High Clarity Visor: provides UV and glare protection while allowing riders express their individuality.
  • KlearAF Anti-Fog System: for uncompromised clarity in all weather conditions.

These enhancements reinforce GRACSHAWS commitment to user-centric design principles, allowing riders to experience maximum enjoyment and confidence on the road.

Best of all, scooter riders can enjoy a safer riding experience with GENNEX  II priced at RM398, GLAIVE at RM478, and GLADEON at RM565. The new series of GRACSHAW helmets will be available from December 2025.

More GRACSHAW Excitement

Riding on the wave of its anniversary celebration, GRACSHAW proudly announces the opening of its first concept store, offering riders a more immersive experience of the GRACSHAW culture. Adding to the excitement, the brand is also planning on new collaborations and partnerships across various industries to create fresh, impressive designs.

GRACSHAW remains committed to redefining riding culture through continuous innovation, refined style and lifestyle-driven design. Stay tuned for further updates.

As expected, there are new colours for the 2025 Yamaha Y15ZR. The rest of the bike remains the same.

The Yamaha Y15ZR soldiers on since its launch in August 2015. The decade-old model has seen several updates, but mostly confined to the colours and graphics. Hey, why fix what is not broken? And it continues to sell well, regardless of what detractors say. And this is one bike that has a huge aftermarket industry built in its shadow.

The engine remains the same 150cc, liquid-cooled, SOHC, single-cylinder unit, producing a maximum power of 15.1 hp (11.3 kW) at 8,500 rpm and 13.8 Nm of torque at 7,000 rpm.

Back to the 2025 model, the three new colours are called Blue Spark, Aqua Violet, and Mecha Green. The new colour selection are already available at all authorised Yamaha dealers nationwide starting from 06th November 2025, with a recommended retail price of RM8,998.00, excluding registration fees and insurance coverage.

New owners of the Yamaha Y15ZR can enjoy additional benefit by receiving a Yamaha safety disc lock
worth RM100, with their purchase.

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A Malaysian man was charged in a Singaporean court on November 7 for allegedly offering a S$50 bribe to a Singapore traffic police officer.

Lee Keh Meng allegedly did so to persuade the traffic police, Sargeant Ahmad Hafiz Bin Abdul Sukur, to not report a case of unauthorised cross-border ride-hailing service on Oct. 23, 2025.

Sargeant Ahmad Hafiz rejected the bribe.

The case was subsequently referred to the Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau (CPIB) by the Singapore Police Force.

Lee faces one charge punishable under Section 6(b) of the Prevention of Corruption Act for his attempt to bribe a police officer.

Any person convicted of a corruption offence under Section 6 of the Prevention of Corruption Act can be fined up to S$100,000 or sentenced to imprisonment not exceeding five years or to both.

By comparison, the fine for carrying out illegal ride-hailing services in the Republic would have been up to SGD3,000 and/or a jail sentence of up to six months. Additionally, the vehicle involved may be confiscated.

Singapore adopts a strict zero-tolerance approach towards corruption, CPIB said in a press release. – Mothership.sg

The 2024 Malaysian MotoGP generated a significant economic impact by contributing a return of approximately RM694 million to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), said the Second Finance Minister, Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan.

He said the return on investment or ROI was estimated to reach 6.3 times for every RM1.00 spent by the government to host the premier motorcycle racing event.

“The hosting of MotoGP also provided over 4,000 job opportunities and supported the tourism sector through the attendance of more than 16,000 international visitors,” he said when wrapping up the committee-level debate for the Supply Bill 2026 in the Dewan Rakyat today.

Amir Hamzah said the government’s acquisition of the Sepang International Circuit (F1 Circuit) operations was a strategic move to strengthen the national motorsports ecosystem and promote Malaysia as an international motorsports destination.

“The current utilization level of the SIC circuit now exceeds 75 percent of its capacity through the hosting of regional races such as Asia Le Mans, GT World Challenge Asia, and Asia Road Racing. The government will continue to explore ways to optimize SIC facilities to generate additional economic returns,” he said.

Once upon a time (about 20 years ago), the maximum vehicle loan repayment period was just 5 years. After that, the loan period was extended to 7 years, and later, it was extended further to 9 years.

Generally, the longest loan tenure for motorcycles up to 250cc is 5 years, while loans of up to 7 years are granted for high-powered motorcycles. There are also one or two credit companies that offer loan tenures of up to 9 years, but at higher interest rates.

Longer loan tenures were welcomed by vehicle sellers as a positive development because more buyers could purchase vehicles with lower monthly payment amounts. However, it might not necessarily be a good thing because buyers actually bear higher interest due to the longer repayment period. At the same time, a vehicle is considered quite outdated after 9 years, and the owner can only sell it at a very low price.

Therefore, there is an opinion that vehicle loan tenures should be shortened. This recommendation has been voiced for a long time, but there has been no development until now.

Recently, automotive industry observers suggested that the vehicle loan financing period in this country be shortened to a maximum of seven years compared to nine years.

This measure, if implemented, is seen as capable of helping to control household debt levels and encourage more prudent financial management among consumers in this country.

Currently, Malaysia’s household debt is reported to be among the highest in ASEAN, totaling RM1.65 trillion as of the end of March 2025, representing 84.3 percent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

Of that total household debt, the main contributor is housing loans at around 60.5 percent; while vehicle financing is 13.2 percent, and personal loans are about 12.4 percent.

The President of the Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA), Mohd Shamsor Mohd Zain, said that shortening the vehicle loan tenure could not only curb long-term debt burdens but also educate consumers to be more disciplined in making financing commitments.

He acknowledged that the measure might temporarily affect demand in the affordable segment, but the market would naturally adjust according to consumers’ affordability.

“Financing companies can also play a role by introducing more flexible packages to help customers better manage their purchase commitments,” he told BH.

Commenting further, Mohd Shamsor said that adjustments to financing terms would also encourage manufacturers and distributors to reassess their sales strategies and cooperation with financial institutions.

“In the long term, a change in consumer behavior is expected, with some shifting from long-term ownership to vehicle rental or subscription models, in line with modern mobility trends that are more dynamic and needs-based,” he said.

The Chief Operating Officer of GWM Malaysia, Roslan Abdullah, said sales might be affected in the initial implementation phase when potential buyers need to reassess their ability to make monthly payments due to the shorter financing period.

“At the initial stage, sales are expected to slow down because monthly installment payments will increase. The difference could reach between 15 to 20 percent depending on the vehicle price,” he said.

However, he expects manufacturers and distributors to launch more aggressive strategies, including massive promotions and a focus on after-sales services to maintain market momentum.

Industry observers previously opined that one of the issues arising when hire-purchase loans are extended is that borrowers have to bear lower monthly payments, but for a longer period.

This would cause borrowers to have to pay more interest, and this could affect cash flow if they have many loans with long tenures.

The Dewan Rakyat recently passed the Hire-Purchase (Amendment) Bill 2025, which abolishes the use of the flat rate and the Rule of 78 method for fixed-rate hire-purchase loans.

In its place, the effective interest rate and reducing balance methods will be introduced to ensure fairer and more transparent monthly installment calculations.

The reducing balance method ensures that interest rates are only charged on the outstanding loan balance, unlike the old method which focused more on interest payments in the early stages of the loan. – Berita Harian

Two friends who impersonated traffic police officers and extorted two teenagers were each fined RM5,000 each by the Ipoh Magistrate’s Court.

Magistrate Mohd Harith Mohd Mazlan imposed the sentence on Wong Jiun Wei, 24, and Lim Boon Ping, 40, with a 12-month jail term if they failed to pay the fine.

According to the charge, the two men impersonated and deceived the 17 and 15-year-old teenagers by demanding money from them in exchange for not issuing a summons or taking them to the police station.

The offense was committed in front of a restaurant at Jalan Lebuh Bercham Selatan 1, Taman Ipoh Timur Baru, in the Kinta district, at 12:38 a.m. on November 1 last year.

The charge was framed under Section 419 of the Penal Code, which carries a maximum punishment of seven years imprisonment, a fine, or both.

Meanwhile, in the same court, Jiun Wei was also fined RM2,000 and sentenced to five months in jail if he failed to pay the fine after pleading guilty to possessing police equipment, namely a cap with the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) logo inscribed with “Jabatan Siasatan Polis Trafik (JSPT)” and JSPT boots inscribed with PDRM, at the same time and date.

The charge was framed under Section 89 of the Police (Amendment) Act 2004, which carries a maximum punishment of six months imprisonment, a fine not exceeding RM5,000, or both.

Deputy Public Prosecutor S Nishaalini requested a proportionate sentence, taking into account public interest and the fact that the offense committed by the two accused had damaged the integrity of PDRM, in addition to evidence of a money transfer amounting to RM400.

Lawyer K Nathan appealed for a lenient sentence on the grounds that it was his clients’ first offense and that both of them worked as a food stall assistant and an electrician, earning RM1,500 each.

According to the case facts, the accused detained the complainant and impersonated traffic police officers by wearing clothing resembling police uniforms, such as traffic boots, black pants with cream stripes, and a cap with the PDRM logo.

During the incident, the accused were found to have intimidated the victims with threats of issuing a summons and taking them to the police station for riding a modified motorcycle, and also demanded money from the complainant to settle the matter without further action.

One of the biggest questions following the implementation of the RON95 petrol targeted subsidy program – Budi Madani RON95 (BUDI95) – is why the T15 group is also eligible, despite the government initially said that group would be exempted. The Prime Minister of Malaysia, Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim, explained that the group will be exempted once the BUDI95 system is more robust.

“If there is a need in the future, when the system is more robust, then we can impose (the exemption from receiving RON95 subsidies for T15) for those with truly high (incomes) or (who use) truly luxury vehicles,” he said during the minister’s question time in the Dewan Rakyat today.

He said this in response to a supplementary question from Syerleena Abdul Rashid (PH-Bukit Bendera) regarding why the government decided to implement BUDI95 which benefits all citizens including the T15 group.

Elaborating further, Anwar said that with the implementation of BUDI95, the government can save approximately RM2.5 billion.

Meanwhile, the government has also agreed to further increase the monthly RON95 quota to 800 liters from 600 liters for e-hailing drivers.

“For October, (for active BUDI95 e-hailing drivers) it was increased from 300 liters to 600 liters. How many (drivers) received it? 58,000 e-hailing drivers are eligible to receive up to 600 liters per month.”

“(But) there are still our friends, our children from the e-hailing (sector) who feel it is still not enough.”

“If they truly have records and needs, then the government, I want to announce here, agrees to increase the eligibility limit for BUDI95 for eligible e-hailing drivers to 800 liters per month,” he said during the minister’s question time in the Dewan Rakyat yesterday.

He said this in response to a question from Syerleena Abdul Rashid (PH-Bukit Bendera) regarding the progress of the first month of the RON95 Subsidy Targeting Program’s implementation and the actions taken by the government in resolving arising issues, particularly concerning airport taxi drivers, e-hailing drivers, and river boat users regarding their eligibility under BUDI95.

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