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Local Councils (Dewan Bandaraya) Now Empowered to Enforce Traffic Laws

Amendments to the Road Transport Act (RTA) allow local councils to appoint their own traffic wardens.
These wardens can enforce traffic laws instead of just issuing parking fines.
The amendments also mean traffic enforcement agencies can only issue court summons instead of compound fines.

We have seen motorists flout traffic laws under the noses of Dewan Bandaraya enforcement officers, but the officers could nothing about them. That will soon change when the Road Transport (Amendment) Bill 2018 takes effect.

Local Traffic Wardens

The Dewan Rakyat passed an amendment to Section 3(4B) of the Road Transport Act on 11^thDecember. According to the section, local councils (Dewan Bandaraya and Majlis Perbandaran) can now appoint their own traffic wardens. These wardens can enforce traffic laws, for example against a motorcyclist running the red light. This is great news indeed as the police need assistance in enforcing the laws.

However, a restriction was added to Section 4 of the act. It details that the local council traffic wardens can only enforce laws within the areas under their jurisdiction only. It means Dewan Bandaraya Kuala Lumpur wardens cannot act on offences in Shah Alam.

So, please stop at the red light and park in allocated spaces.

Court Summons Instead of Compound Fines

An amendment to Section 120 of the RTA states that traffic enforcement agencies no longer have the discretion to compound offences. A fine (saman) means you can pay it at your own leisure. however, a court summons means you have to attend court and answer to the magistrate.

The agencies will need to first obtain the consent of the Attorney General in writing in order to issue a fine.

Failure to appear in court will result in an arrest warrant being issued.

This is serious, so please do remember. It may sound draconian, but it is probably one of the more effective ways to stop errand motorists.

Source: asklegal.my

Thailand MotoGP Best of 2018

asThe inaugural MotoGP round in Thailand was voted as the best in 2018.
More than 220,000 spectators show up over three days.
The votes were cast among the Grand Prix Commission.

Sawadeekahp! The Thailand MotoGP was voted as the best round in the 2018 season. It was MotoGP’s inaugural round in the country.

At final count, more than 220,000 spectators descended on the Chang International Circuit in Buriram over the event’s three days. It was the highest number of attendances throughout the entire season. It was even more remarkable if you factor in that the little town of Buriram lies in the middle of nowhere. To be exact, the location is some 379km to the east of Bangkok and takes 5 hours to reach by road.

The MotoGP race was won by Marc Marquez after a thrilling race-long battle with Andrea Dovizioso. Maverick Vinalez and Valentino Rossi finished in third and fourth on the resurgent Yamaha.

The Grand Prix Commission made their appreciation known to MotoGP.com. The commission consists of the FIM, IRTA (International Road Racing Teams Association), and Dorna, MSMA (Motorcycle Sports Manufacturers’ Association).

IRTA’s statement

Speaking to MotoGP.com, Herve Poncharal, president of IRTA said, “The whole MotoGP paddock was keen to discover how the new Thai GP would be, we were impatient for it to arrive and there was plenty of expectation. In the end we can be assured it was the best GP of the season due to many different aspects – we expected good, but we didn’t know quite what they would be able to achieve.”

“Everything went smoothly, the commitment of the organisers was fantastic, and they faced any problems through the weekend quickly, trying to find solutions as soon as possible. The crowd, the people…every single person involved was happy and always smiling.”

“The fans’ support was incredible, the access to the circuit was fast and they demonstrated that they understood MotoGP – creating a commercial area close to the paddock, giving good exposure to our businesses, investors, sponsors, teams and riders.”

“It’s also significant that a new event in this area – an important region for MotoGP – has achieved this result. It’s a perfect example for other countries to follow and this prize is fully deserved. From my point of view, it will be hard for them to improve!”

Dorna’s statement

Carmelo Ezpeleta, CEO of Dorna Sports, called Buriram “a perfect blueprint for future events and we’re excited to return to Buriram already.”

President of Chang International Circuit’s statement

Newin Chidchob, President of the Chang International Circuit said: “On behalf of both the people of Buriram and Thailand, we are extremely honored to receive the MotoGP Grand Prix of the year 2018.”

“We must also thank the people of Buriram, for showing the capability of Thai people to the world… Everyone really came together to make this sports entertainment experience for our visitors from around the world unforgettable.”

Possible New Triumph Rocket III Leaked

Pictures of a possible new Triumph Rocket III were leaked on the internet.
The “new bike” is styled more aggressively than its current crop.
It will bring the Rocket III to compete directly with the current power cruisers.

Want to ride something audacious? Something which blows your neighbour’s mind when you tell him your bike’s engine is bigger than his Honda Accord’s? Ride a Triumph Rocket III, then.

At 2,294cc, the Triumph Rocket III’s engine holds the record as the world’s largest production motorcycle engine. It produces 145 bhp, but that’s not the entire story. Because at 221 Nm, forget about “mountainous torque,” instead the torque moves mountains.

Now pictures of the “new” Rocket III have started showing up on the internet. According to Visordown, they were snapped during the Triumph Global Dealer Conference last October.

Judging from the picture, the new bike or variant will look more aggressive than the current classic-looking model. Check out the Brembo Monobloc calipers, upside-down forks, dual exhaust pipes exiting on the right, and most of all, the single-sided swingarm.

Yes, we admit too. It does look like the Ducati Diavel power cruiser.

Revamping or adding such a model is good for the Hinckley-based manufacturer as they can have a more modern-looking cruiser. It can compete with the power cruisers from other manufacturers like Harley-Davidson, Indian and the aforementioned Ducati. The timing is good too, since BMW has just teased with a new 1800cc Boxer.

We hope the new Rocket III project is a go. Watch out, mountains.

Death of Mohd. Hafiz Nor Azman a Wake-Up Call?

Mohd. Hafiz Nor Azman passed away after crashing at the Cub Prix final race over the weekend.
The organizers promised a thorough investigation.
The tragedy was the second in the space of 18 months.

“What about runoff areas? See that food truck over there?”

The unfortunately incident and passing of Mohd. Hafiz Nor Azman at a motorcycle race ought to serve as a wake-up call.

This was the second death of a Cub Prix rider in 18 months. Two-time National Champion Norizman Ismail passed away at Kemaman, Terengganu in May last year when he slid into an air fence followed by his bike.

What happened

Hafiz paid the ultimate price at the final round of the Petronas AAM Malaysian Cub Prix 2018 Championship, held at Dataran Bandar Penawar in Johor on Sunday. He had been competing in the CP150 race.

Heading into a chicane, a rider in front of Hafiz had contacted a board at the side of the track, sending him to the ground. Hafiz ran over the rider and crashed heavily himself. According to NST’s report, he was unconscious and passed away at Hospital Bukit Tinggi.

The aftermath

The disaster sent shockwaves throughout all walks of life in Malaysia. Condolences poured in for Hafiz’s family. His team’s main sponsor, Petronas issued a press statement, announcing their sadness for the rider’s team.

However, shock gave in to dismay and people started to speculate about what happened in the same breath. What had caused the young rider’s demise has yet been determined, but there are already many Horatio Canes in Facebook. Here’s when fingers start pointing in every direction.

However, the paramount issue here is about safety. Hafiz’s grieving father queried, “Was the track safe or not? I felt the track was a little lacking in safety.”

Past champion and national rider, Wazi Abdul Hamid shared his views at the funeral.

Opinion

We are not criticizing the organizers for they have done the best they could. The air fences have certainly reduced rider injuries by a wide margin since their introduction many years back. On the other hand, the best needs to evolve to stay the best.

150cc cubs are already super-fast these days in stock form. We tested the Yamaha Y15ZR when it debuted in 2015 and it hit almost a 150 km/h top speed. Just imagine how much faster they are in race trim.

Having a fast bike where there’s lots of space isn’t much of a problem, but Cub Prix races are usually held on open air car parks. Car parks have high concrete curbs, typical deplorable surfaces and tight confines when converted into a racetrack. What about runoff areas? See that food truck over there?

Solution?

Is widening the track a better solution? That would seem good idea at first glance, but it would only create higher corner speeds. Faster crashes are not pleasant.

The obvious choice is to hold the races at purpose-built facilities. Yes, there aren’t many in Malaysia apart from the Sepang International Circuit (SIC). On the other hand, there are many go-kart tracks scattered throughout the country. Problem is, these go-kart tracks are situated in hard-to-reach areas. Conversely, large numbers of spectators present another challenge as some go-kart tracks usually lack exciting views. Currently, Cub Prix spectators stand behind fencing that’s right up next to the track.

But whatever is decided, it better be decided on by next year’s first practice. We Malaysians have an annoying obsession with the status quo until tragedy strikes. But what’s worse is that we start pointing fingers again.

Like the bereaved father said, “I hope the relevant parties will look into the incident and prevent another tragedy.”

Twice is once too many times. A third fatality, if due to lack of improvements to track safety is criminal.

Bikes Republic and our sister site MotoMalaya would like to extend our condolences to Mohd. Hafiz’s family. Al-fatihah.

Learn to understand your bike and how to be a better biker!

So you think you know your bike and your riding gear?
But how much do you actually know?
Sheng Fatt Motor Sdn Bhd of Penang is organising a special ‘shop talk’ session for all bikers.
Talk includes a knowledge sharing session as well as a talk hosted by Aprilia Malaysia’s Aftersales Manager!
Open to all bikers!

As part of its customer outreach program for Aprilia as well as all bike owners, Sheng Fatt Motor Sdn Bhd is organising a special “shop talk session”.

The talk which will be hosted by Kheoh Hock Seng (bottom, first), Managing Director of Sheng Fatt Motor Sdn Bhd, as well as Idon Pang, the Aftersales Manager of Aprilia Malaysia (bottom, right), will include topics such as bike care and maintenance, a guide on buying and using the correct riding gear as well as a tour of the new official workshop for Aprilia motorcycles.

There will be a special certificate of attendance handed out to everyone who attends the talk, and it will take place at Sheng Fatt Motor Sdn Bhd, No 24, Jalan Dato Keramat, Pulau Pinang, 10150, Georgetown, Pulau Pinang.

“The shop talk session is not only for all Aprilia owners, but all bikers near and far. This is a chance to get to know their bikes better, to understand the proper usage of riding gear and why using the correct riding gear is so crucial. Our talented aftersales manager Idon Pang will also be sharing his riding experiences, and this is a great knowledge sharing session for all bikers. I believe it is a must attend event for all bikers,” said Kheoh Hock Seng.

The talk is ideal for all bikers, regardless of whether they are new or veteran riders. It is the perfect opportunity to get to know their bikes better, and to share riding experiences with all bikers.

For more information, call 0194009339.

Breaking Through: Female Automotive Students at TOC

The automotive industry is male-dominated but more and more ladies are getting involved.
We came across a few female students at the TOC Automotive College
They are set to break through the stereotype.

We ran into a couple of female students who are studying automotive subjects at the TOC Automotive College (TOC). We decided to interview them about their desires, inspiration, challenges and expectations from studying such courses.

It is beyond doubt that the automotive industry is male-dominated, probably to the point of being chauvinistic. More often than not, ladies are delegated to non-technical roles. However, there are ladies who love cars and bikes just as much, if not more, than guys.

Siti Kamilia Alisa Binti Kamarudzaman, Diploma in Automotive Technology

First up, Ms. Siti Kamilia Alisa Binti Kamarudzaman, who is currently studying for her Diploma in Automotive Technology course.

Bikes Republic (BR): What your reason in studying automotive subjects?
Siti Kamilia Alisa (SKA): When I was little, I used to help my Dad fix cars. It was his hobby, I guess. We didn’t own a workshop, (so) we only did simple (and) basic stuff like replacing the timing belt and all that.

My siblings are all girls but I’m the closest to my father and he’d always ask me to help out. The passion (for cars) developed from there.

BR: What made you choose TOC?
SKA: A friend of mine studied here and introduced it. He said the system here is different from other universities.

BR: What do you think of TOC, so far?
SKA: Everything’s great, everything’s good. Classes are good, the practical (sessions) are good; it’s a lot of fun.

BR: The automotive scene in Malaysia is dominated by men, so what’s your experience in surround by a majority of male students?

SKA: People here are okay with it, impressed even, in some cases. I haven’t gotten any backlash or negativity, so far.

BR: What are your expectations when you graduate?
SKA: Learning new things, for sure. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience, I think. I’m just living the moment now and see what comes about in the future.

Ms. Nurul Hazirah Binti Musa, Master Technician Course.

Bikes Republic (BR): What stoked your interest in automotive?
Nurul Hazirah (NH): My Dad and Brother love technical stuff, so I was influenced by them. They’d usually repair cars, bikes or the house.

BR: Why did you choose TOC over other technical colleges?
NH: It because there’s lots of practical lessons compared to just studying theories. It means there are fewer assignments. Additionally, the facilities here are more comprehensive compared to other places. Also, the quality of the lecturers is very good as they have experience.

BR: What’s your opinion about ladies studying technical subjects, given the male-dominated industry?
NH: Personally, there’s nothing to it because it’s already ingrained in me. Yes, there were who questioned me about studying to be a (certified) technician. But there’s no distinction between what industry is male or female dominated these days.

BR: You’ve done your internship. What did you experience?
NH: The only problem I came across was on the strength factor. We can do it but just need a little bit of help once a while.

BR: Looking forward, what do you want to do?
NH: I’d like to start my own workshop.

BR: Do you see an advantage since you’ve studied automotive before starting your business?
NH: It is advantageous. For example, I can spot the mistakes made by technicians easier. Training him and correcting his mistake will be good for all parties. In the short term, at least I won’t get cheated by workshops when I send in my car!

CONCLUSION

There you have it. Given the right lead, ladies can develop a love for cars and bikes, instead of the stereotypical Barbie dolls or a Shiseido make-up kit. However, passion can only go so far if one does not seek formal training to walk on the right path.

If you are parent reading this, it is okay if your daughter loves cars and bikes. There is always a need for certified technicians, and they can command higher salaries. These students should also find it easy to move up the corporate ladder, or, like Nurul Hazirah, become her own business owner.

So, send in your daughters. TOC will take good care of them.

Please click here to find out more about the TOC Automotive College. Please click here if you are interested in the Superbike Technician Course. TOC has a programme called Bina Bakat to assist potential students in need of an education loan.

TOC Automotive College can be reached at (+603) 7960 8833