Jonathan Tan
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Pahang KPDN seizes diesel, lorry worth RM250,000
The Pahang domestic trade and cost of living ministry (KPDN) recently seized about 2,000 litres of diesel and a lorry with a trailer worth almost RM250,000 in total, Bernama reports. Pahang KPDN director Jezlily Jamaluddin said an operation was conducted to track fleet card misuse and diesel storage permit conditions at an oil palm processing factory in Pekan last week.
PM Anwar has not accepted Anthony Loke’s resignation, wants to renegotiate: “among hardest-working ministers”
“Yes, (Anthony) Loke did write to me tendering his immediate resignation (as transport minister), but as prime minister, I have not accepted it. For now, he wants to take a short break, and that is fine. But we need to discuss his resignation again.” So said Malaysian prime minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim yesterday at the Melaka PH Rumah Kita tour’s grand finale, Bernama reports. “We appointed Loke as a minister because he is trustworthy and clean.
Xpeng L03, L05 spotted together in Malaysia – CKD?
We recently chanced upon the Xpeng L03 and L05 on Malaysian roads, camo-ed and undergoing testing. Both have been spotted before, but separately – the L03 last week and the L05 last month. Now, long-term testing with camouflaged vehicles like this is not commonly done for fully-imported (CBU) models, which suggests that they could be locally-assembled (CKD).
Continue road safety efforts, with or without me – Loke
Just-resigned Malaysian transport minister Anthony Loke has urged the road transport department (JPJ) and the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (MIROS) to continue road safety efforts, particularly by acting firmly against offences that endanger road users, Bernama reports. Regardless of any leadership changes at the transport ministry, the JPJ must maintain strict enforcement against overloaded vehicles, illegal racing and speeding, he said.
iCaur Malaysia opens six new 3S/4S centres – KL North, Setia Alam, Rawang, Kluang, Kuching and Miri
iCaur Malaysia has opened six new outlets – KL North (Moda Garage), Setia Alam (CHT Motozoom), Rawang (Autoraya Utara), Kluang (MHG Garage), Kuching (Ghee Hwa Motorpol) and Miri (MP Advanced Automotive). All are 3S (sales, service and spare parts) centres except for Rawang, which is a 4S centre (also offers body and paint services).
Kingdom Of Giants
“Give me evеrything, and meet me at the edge of a dream.” When Kingdom Of Giants released their 2020 album Passenger, it marked a dramatic shift from their melodic metalcore sound to a more synthwave-infused djent-core direction. The pivot towards this sound was a welcome surprise and put them in an interesting niche. Unexpectedly, it would take six years before their next full-length album. Amidst member changes and two EPs of varying degrees of quality, they are finally ready to present Usurper.
JAC T9 PHEV launched – Malaysia’s first PHEV pick-up truck, 489 PS/1,000 Nm, 1,000 km NEDC, from RM156,028
Malaysia’s first PHEV pick-up truck has officially landed. Fully-imported (CBU) from China, the JAC T9 PHEV is priced at RM156,027.60 (OTR before insurance), putting it smack dab between the RM120k T9 diesel and the RM200k T9 EV. There’s also a RM164,027.60 (also OTR before insurance) Adventure variant that gives you Toyo Open Country R/T tyres and black alloys.
Commoner - Former Self - Boolin Tunes
“Feels like I’ll always be stuck with the shame.“ Not to bang the ol’ familiar drum, but the ’00s trend – or revival, to make it sound fancier – is in full force across all fronts. In the alternative space, each facet of sound draws its own influence from the era, giving it that little edge the era had, whether it’s Static Dress drawing on emo, Soul Blind indulging fully in grunge, or Moodring embracing that nu styling.
demeanour - True Ultimate Evil - Boolin Tunes
“Your young heart overflows with greed.“ One of the absolute gems within the UK’s hardcore scene is demeanour, an act that has performed up, across and down the country, except for those who have the misfortune of living in Scotland. They’ve brought their evil hardcore sound to Stoke, Belfast, Cheltenham, Wrexham and many other corners of the country. Their debut EP, My Own Fate, showcased the genesis of their sound of pointed hardcore with the stylings of a Castlevania soundtrack.
My resignation takes effect once Najib is home – Loke
Transport minister Anthony Loke has just finished a press conference in which he said his resignation as transport minister will take effect the moment former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak gets home (to serve the rest of his sentence under house arrest). “My previous stand remains. The minute Najib reaches home, my resignation will take effect,” he said, as reported by The Star. Loke said he submitted his resignation letter to prime minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on September 28.
RM600 one-off aid for Penang e-hailing drivers in 2027
Eligible e-hailing drivers in Penang will receive a one-off RM600 incentive in 2027, Bernama reports. Applications open in January through the i-Sejahtera system. State infrastructure, transport and digital committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari said the eligibility criteria for the Special E-Hailing Incentive Assistance will be announced in December.
Phased implementation for rule mandating that express bus tickets be sold only at licensed terminals – APAD
New regulations requiring all express bus ticket sales to coordinated through licensed terminals and registered operators’ online platforms will be implemented in phases, following the original November 1 enforcement date, Bernama reports.
Lockslip - The Conversation - Boolin Tunes
“Put me somewhere I can be beyond the anguish, beyond the fear.“ Chaos is once again returning to the forefront of metalcore. With Converge, the initiators of the sound, back with two full-length offerings, their influence shines through on the likes of Crowquill and False Body, both of whom display their penchant for this frenetic sound on their full-lengths. Lockslip are one to add to that list, as their debut The Conversation cranks the chaos up even further.
Touch ‘n Go Business Card – share your contact details with others via NFC or QR, RM49.90 introductory price
Always meeting new potential clients and/or business partners at networking events? Check the Touch ‘n Go Business Card out – it’s a Touch ‘n Go (TnG) card as well as a digital contact card. RM49.90 is the introductory price, seven years is the validity period and you can buy it on shop.touchngo.com.my.
GAC opens first overseas battery pack plant in Chonburi, Thailand – 78.85% local sourcing, 7,000 packs a year
GAC has opened its first overseas battery pack assembly plant in Thailand. Operated by GAC’s wholly-owned battery subsidiary Inpow Battery, the over-13,000-square metre Chonburi factory represents an investment of over 50 million yuan (RM30 million). It’s been designed to churn out 7,000 battery packs a year in the first phase, and capacity could increase to 20,000 in the second phase. These packs will initially be used by Thai-CKD GAC vehicles, including the Aion Y Plus.
Underdark - O Come Forth Annihilation - Boolin Tunes
“May you never see the world you claim you want.” Sometimes you observe bands building their legacy from afar, and in other cases, we’re fortunate enough to be on the front row. Underdark have been nurturing a discography of anti-fashist blackgaze within the UK’s fertile underground heavy scene since 2021. Even before Managed Decline they were a force to be reckoned with, and since then we’ve seen them at ArcTanGent twice and observed them as a mainstay on the small venue circuit.
JAC T9 PHEV to be shown at TRX on Nov 11, RM162k est
The JAC T9 PHEV is set to make its Malaysian debut at the Tun Razak Exchange (TRX) Mall on November 11. Its RM162k estimated price was revealed last month – that’s smack dab between the RM120k T9 diesel and the RM200k T9 EV. Has there ever been a pick-up truck offered with so many different propulsion methods in this country?
Kelantan seeks private sector collaboration for more EV chargers – Kota Bharu district currently has 37
The Kelantan state government is stepping up efforts to expand the state’s EV charging network via cooperation between local authorities and the private sector, Bernama reports. According to state local government, housing, health and environment committee chairman Hilmi Abdullah, the state government is assessing the requirements in terms of numbers and strategic locations to ensure that the facilities are provided in high-demand areas.
ALBUM REVIEW: Future Static
“All our fates interlocked like branches on a tree.” Melbourne’s Future Static are one of the most underrated forces to be reckoned with in today’s modern metalcore scene. Consisting of lead vocalist Amiriah Cook, bassist-vocalist Kira Neil, guitarists Ryan Qualizza and Jack Smith, and drummer Jackson Trudel, they blend a myriad of influences in a gritty, unpredictable way. Their debut album in 2023, Liminality, was a dark horse release that year and a great showing of the band’s abilities.
Beyond Compliance: Securing U.S. Defense Batteries
In September 2010, a Chinese fishing trawler collided with Japanese Coast Guard vessels near a disputed island chain in the East China Sea. Within weeks, the Chinese government sharply curtailed rare earth exports to Japan, cutting supply by as much as 40 percent. Prices surged, with neodymium oxide rising nearly 1,400 percent. Japanese factories making motors, electronics and defense components had few alternatives. Several began relocating production to mainland China. That was the point.
Melaka targets 300 EV chargers by 2027, now at 195 – CM
At yesterday’s GWM Wey G9 HEV and Ora 5 HEV line-off ceremony at EP Manufacturing’s (EPMB) Pegoh, Melaka plant, Melaka chief minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh revealed the state’s current number of public EV chargers and its current target. “Melaka is expanding its EV charging network, with 195 EV charging units across 95 locations and another 10 units planned by the end of 2026, bringing us closer to our target of 300 charging units by 2027,” he said in his speech.
GWM Ora 5 sedan, wagon to be CKD by EPMB Melaka?
At yesterday’s GWM Wey G9 HEV and Ora 5 HEV line-off ceremony at EP Manufacturing’s (EPMB) Pegoh, Melaka plant, EPMB executive chairman Hamidon Abdullah mentioned the possibility of local assembly (CKD) of a sedan and a wagon based on the Ora 5 platform. “(The GWM Ora 5 SUV’s) advanced common platform architecture creates opportunities for further models.
EPMB Melaka capacity now 30k – faster assembly, 480 kW charging station, paint shop operational Aug 2027
At this morning’s GWM Wey G9 HEV and Ora 5 HEV line-off ceremony at EP Manufacturing’s (EPMB) Pegoh, Melaka plant, the contract assembler took the opportunity to reveal its current progress and some of its plans moving forward. “We can now assemble more than 30,000 vehicles annually on one extended shift,” EPMB executive chairman Hamidon Abdullah said in his speech.
GWM Wey G9 HEV, Ora 5 HEV rolls off EPMB Melaka – over 10,000 GWM cars CKD, over 1,100 Wey G9 exported
EP Manufacturing (EPMB) this morning held a line-off ceremony for the GWM Wey G9 HEV and Ora 5 HEV at its Pegoh, Melaka plant, bringing the number of vehicle models it assembles to eight – the others being the GWM Haval H6, GWM Wey G9 PHEV, MG ZS, MG S5, Xpeng G6 and Xpeng X9.
Leapmotor B03X makes Malaysian debut at ACE 2026 – RHD unit, 197 PS/200 Nm FWD, launch expected 1H 2027
The Leapmotor B03X has made its first appearance in Malaysia at the ongoing paultan.org Auto Car Expo (ACE) 2026. This right-hand drive Seaweed Green unit is here to gauge market interest and response – it’s not fully representative of what we’re going to get, but it gives us a good idea. The B-segment SUV is set to be locally assembled (CKD) in Gurun, Kedah ahead of an expected first-half-2027 launch. It was born in China last year as the A10, but B03X is its overseas name.
Omoda C7 on display at ACE 2026, test drive available – 1.6T ICE, 1.5T PHEV open for booking, RM160k-180k est
Hello from the paultan.org Auto Car Expo (ACE) 2026! We’re reporting from the Omoda | Jaecoo booth, where the yet-to-be-launched-but-open-for-booking-since-August Omoda C7 is on display. Come and take a closer look – you can also take a test drive. Malaysians can choose between ICE (RM160k estimated) and PHEV (RM180k estimated) powertrains, both locally assembled (CKD) in Shah Alam.
Portugal’s government to subsidise up to 80% of an EV’s value for low-income families – up to 20,000 EVs
The Portuguese government has announced that it will support the purchase of up to 20,000 EVs for low-income families by subsidising up to 80% of each vehicle’s value, Xinhua reports. “Freeing Portugal from dependence on fossil fuels is not a chimaera: it is an essential condition for a better future and less dependence on third parties,” environment minister Maria da Graca Carvalho said in parliament.
NCM to encourage CKD cars to use Malaysian steel: Sim
We all know Malaysia’s investment, trade and industry ministry (MITI) has of late been pushing for more localisation in automotive local assembly (CKD); now, according to a Bernama report, it seems that the use of Malaysian steel is going to be one of the focus points moving forward.
MLFF system can detect toll evasion – works minister
Multi-lane fast flow (MLFF), or barrier-less toll collection, is expected to help address toll evasion, including by identifying fare dodgers, works minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi has said, according to a Bernama report. “The implementation of the MLFF system at toll plaza lanes will also assist in obtaining information regarding individuals who commit toll evasion.
ALBUM REVIEW: Harm – As Age Begins To Shape Us - Boolin Tunes
“Ask us to breathe while standing on our necks.” Harm are one of those hidden-gem bands who refuse to cut corners or compete for clicks, instead working away for years producing something utterly sublime, and with As Age Begins to Shape Us they’ve never sounded so good.
ALBUM REVIEW: Blind Channel
“I’ve been sitting here while waiting for a bus.“ Not to get too harsh from the get-go, but Blind Channel do have one of those names that just blurs into an array of similar nomenclatures in the mind, only likely outdone by bands with “Glass” in their name.
ACE 2026: Mitsubishi Xforce Roving Cloud, AXCR-winning Triton on display; games, giveaways and gifts
We’re just days away from the paultan.org Auto Car Expo (ACE) 2026, powered by Petronas Primax! From October 31 to November 1, visitors are set to be faced with stunning deals at the Setia City Convention Centre (SCCC). Don’t miss it! Remember to visit Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM) while you’re there – on display will be the famous Xforce Roving Cloud (that’s right, the one with the raining cloud above it that you’ve seen around the Klang Valley).
LPT3 to be implemented via public-private partnership, winning bidder to bear full development cost – Nanta
Malaysian works minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi has said that the East Coast Expressway Phase 3 (LPT3) will be implemented through privatisation under a public-private partnership (PPP) arrangement via a competitive bidding process or Request for Proposal (RFP), with the successful bidder bearing the full development cost, Bernama reports. The proposed alignment spans 122 km from Terengganu’s Kampung Gemuruh to Kelantan’s Tunjong and will complement LPT1 and LPT2.
ACE 2026: Up to RM15k off Jetour VT9, Dashing – RM300 shopping voucher, chance to win merch worth RM2,000
The definitive event for car buyers is taking place this weekend! That’s right, the paultan.org Auto Car Expo (ACE), powered by Petronas Primax, is set to provide you with an avalanche of amazing deals from a plethora of carmakers from October 31 to November 1 at the Setia City Convention Centre (SCCC).
JAC T9 PHEV priced at RM162k est – Malaysia’s first PHEV pick-up truck launching soon, ADAS, 15 kW V2L
Evolvelectric Motors has revealed on social media the JAC T9 PHEV’s estimated price, and it’s RM162k. That’s RM42k up on the T9 diesel but RM38k cheaper than the T9 EV. Never before in this country, we’re quite sure, has one pick-up truck model been offered with so many different powertrains.
Transport ministry coordinating distribution of RM1,000 aid to taxi, hire car, school bus drivers nationwide
The transport ministry is coordinating the nationwide distribution of the RM1,000 one-off aid to taxi, hire car and school bus drivers in collaboration with relevant agencies to ensure the distribution of contributions runs smoothly and benefits the recipients. “The transport ministry understands that drivers need to balance the costs of vehicle operation and maintenance with daily expenses and family commitments.
ACE 2026: Power your EV journey with TNB Electron
It’s this weekend! Yup, the paultan.org Auto Car Expo (ACE) 2026, powered by Petronas Primax, is poised to give you, your family and your friends a variety of amazing deals on wheels from October 31 to November 1 at the Setia City Convention Centre (SCCC). Be there or be square! TNB Electron, the EV charging network under the national power company Tenaga Nasional Berhad, is a proud ACE 2026 co-sponsor.
Over half of Chery’s exports to be CKD by year-end, 60% by 2027, 70% by 2030; localise more, create jobs – EVP
Already China’s No 1 car exporter for 23 straight years, Chery is now gunning for overseas manufacturing domination. According to Chery EVP Zhang Guibing, about 48% of the carmaker’s exports this year are not built in China, and the aim is to cross 50% by year-end, 60% by 2027 and 70% by 2030, Reuters reports.
RM1k for Melaka taxi drivers ahead of state polls – Loke
Transport minister Anthony Loke yesterday said taxi drivers in Melaka will receive the RM1,000 assistance announced in Budget 2027 on Monday (today), reports the New Straits Times. “To all taxi drivers in Melaka, please take note: I will be coming down this Monday morning to disburse RM1,000 directly to each taxi driver,” he said, adding that the aid was funded through the sale of special ‘H’ number plates, which has raised RM91 million. “When we recover public money, we return it to the people.
Windwaker - smile, you're on camera. - Boolin Tunes
“I can’t escape what is in my blood.” As the active rock pandemic continues to spread across the globe and claim more and more victims, it’s worth looking at its effects on the local Australian wildlife, given that it’s clear that A) they’re one of the few countries getting hit the hardest by it, and B) its effects on the local wildlife gives us maybe the clearest-cut perspective on who’s cut out for it and who isn’t. For every Thornhill, there’s a Northlane. For every Polaris, a Parkway Drive.
2027 Mitsubishi Pajero launched in Thailand – GLS, GSR, Super Exceed variants, seven seats only, RM182k-242k
The 2027 Mitsubishi Pajero has gone on sale in its first market – Thailand – which is where it’s built. The prices are GLS 1.499 million baht (RM182k), GSR 1.699 million baht (RM206k) and Super Exceed 1.999 million baht (RM242k) – marginally cheaper than in Australia. But unlike Australia, where five- and seven-seat versions will be offered, Thailand only gets seven seats.
ACE 2026: Live life MINI with rebates of up to RM66,700!
The paultan.org Auto Car Expo (ACE) 2026, powered by Petronas Primax, is just around the corner! October 31 to November 1 is the when, Setia City Convention Centre (SCCC) is the where, and as always, unprecedented deals on wheels are what to expect. Remember to bring your family and friends along! Steer them towards MINI while you’re there, because ACE-exclusive rebates of up to RM66,700 await. That headlining figure is for the MINI JCW Countryman and all of its 300 PS and 400 Nm of torque.
Chery open to US partnerships in a bid to enter market; cars without Chinese hardware, software possible – EVP
Chery International EVP Charlie Zhang has told Reuters that Chery, China’s No 1 car exporter for 23 straight years, is open to partnerships with US carmakers in a bid to enter the North American market. “The US, obviously, we are trying to look for different options there. We’re very open to different options, even a potential partnership with American automakers,” he said, without elaborating on the kind of partnerships envisioned.
38 drug-positive drivers caught in Penang so far this year
The Penang road transport department (JPJ) has so far this year caught 38 drivers (23 lorry drivers, 12 private vehicle drivers and three bus drivers) testing positive for drugs, Bernama reports. State JPJ director Zulkifly Ismail said the drivers, aged 30-50, tested positive for various substances including methamphetamine or syabu (23 cases), ketum (6), cannabis (5) and morphine (1). Five driving licences and five vocational driving licences have been suspended.
ALBUM REVIEW: New World Man
“With the devil on the dial I’m listening.“ Hardcore supergroup New World Man aren’t the first band to make weird cool, but holy shit, they’re pioneering that sentiment in modern hardcore today. In a genre where many bands fall victim to repeating the same breakdowns, riffs, and structures, they are throwing all of that out the window.
Proton S70 RS facelift spotted? New variant or new name for S70 MC2 turbo? X50 FL’s interior, end-2026/early-2027
Everyone knows a turbo version of the Proton S70 MC2 is coming (so far the MC2 family comprises just the turbo-less Lite and Prime), but these photos are doing the rounds on Threads, suggesting that the turbo line-up could welcome a new variant called the RS (or could all turbo S70s be called RS moving forward, for differentation’s sake?). We’re going to tread very carefully, and here’s why. Disregard the ‘protoncarsofficial’ handle; Proton does not currently have an official Threads account.
ACE 2026: Turn heads with the iCaur 03 – RWD/iWD, up to 426 km NEDC, up to 279 PS/385 Nm, RM120k-130k
The paultan.org Auto Car Expo (ACE) 2026, powered by Petronas Primax, is set to open its doors in just a little over a week! October 31 to November 1 is the when, Setia City Convention Centre (SCCC) is the where, and as always, unprecedented deals on wheels are what to expect. Remember to bring your family and friends along! iCaur will be there, and besides the V23, the ‘Born to Play’ brand will also be featuring the 03.
KPDN seizes over 10,000 litres of suspected illegal diesel
The Kedah domestic trade and cost of living ministry (KPDN) recently seized 10,920 litres of diesel, valued at RM52,197.60, after intercepting a tanker truck suspected of transporting controlled goods for unlicensed trade on Jalan Sematang Pinang, Kuala Kedah, Alor Setar, Bernama reports. According to state KPDN director Muhammad Nizam Jamaludin, the tanker was inspected and found to be carrying diesel, accompanied by a suspicious invoice.
iCaur brings ‘Born to Play’ to Malaysia CampFest 2026
iCaur Malaysia was the presenting partner of Malaysia CampFest 2026, which took place October 16-18 at Tému Campground in Rawang. The three-day festival saw 246 people camp alongside iCaur owners, enjoying campfires, outdoor games, wellness sessions, tea experiences, food and live entertainment. iCaurs 03 and V23 served as basecamps for their owners in an exclusive camp zone.
Johor JPJ has issued 7,804 VEP-related saman totalling over RM1 million so far this year
The Johor road transport department (JPJ) has issued 7,804 Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP)-related saman from January to October 18, Bernama reports. State JPJ director Zulkarnain Yasin said this came out of 120,740 vehicles inspected at the Sultan Iskandar Building (BSI) and Sultan Abu Bakar Complex (KSAB).
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