Archive for Local News

Toyota has launched the Toyota Fortuner here in Malaysia with two models, a 2.7V and 2.5G model.

Click here to read the rest of Toyota Fortuner in Malaysia

Dr. M has spoken again on the AP issue after a long silence. He was in Gurun, Kedah recently attending the 80th birthday bash that Naza Automotive Manufacturing Sdn Bhd had hosted for him.

There must be a balance. If the APs are to be issued, let them not reach a point where they can kill Proton and if Proton is allowed to progress, let it not come to a point where it kills other parties.

He didn’t mention any particular formula or ratio though. Anyone think this would work?

Source: Bernama

Another eye-opener at the recent R3 Street Shootout at Batu Kawan, Penang. Tengku Djan participated in the Drift session and emerged champion in a Proton Waja.

Click here to read the rest of Proton Waja FR (with Video)

Autoworld reports on the R3 Street Shootout at Batu Kawan, Penang. The highlight of the day for the average Malaysian car enthusiast would be the shoot-out between the Proton Savvy and the Perodua Myvi in the “Pre-viagra” leg of the competition.

Modified Perodua Myvi

Click here to read the rest of Proton Savvy and Perodua Myvi Handling

For those that are wondering where on earth your Perodua Myvi is, this latest move by Perodua should be able to get your eager hands on your brand new car’s steering wheel faster.

Click here to read the rest of Perodua revs up Myvi production

Updated at 1:01PM 21/8/2005

Malaysia’s Meteorological Services Department warns that the haze might return on Monday due to the predicted change in wind direction.

Click here to read the rest of Haze might be back on Monday

I previously blogged about Karamjit Singh’s plight here. Here is a quote from that blog.

Karamjit will not be participating in the current round, Round 3, which is in Rotorua, New Zealand on the 17th and 19th. Round 4 would be in Hokkaido Japan. But guess where is Round 5s venue? No where else but MALAYSIA! (19-21 August 2005) It would be a shame to see that our own Flying Sikh (Karamjits nickname) cannot even compete in his home grounds because he could not secure sponsorship!

That was back in June. Two months has passed and he still has not been able to get sponsorship for the Malaysian leg of the championship.

Click here to read the rest of Karamjit will not be able to defend APRC title

To me, the entire AP system should be abolished. It goes against the World Trade Organisation agreement. This is my personal opinion although others may not agree with me.

These were Datuk Seri Rafidah Aziz’s words she gave at the opening of a seminar organised by the Malaysian Associated Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry.

Over 300 businessmen attending the seminar clapped hands when they heard that.

Not sure whether she means APs should be abolished, or giving out free APs should be replaced with a bid and pay system. This doesn’t sound like her at all. Before this she was defending the recipients so furiously… and now she’s saying this?

Meanshile, the Anti-Corruption Agency has been reported to have carted away several boxes of files from the MITI regarding the investigation of the AP issue. This was ACA’s 2nd visit to MITI.

There were also rumours of Rafidah’s resignation but the PM had denied it.

Source: New Straits Times, The Star

The government has declared a state of emergency for the entire Klang Valley area. What does it mean? I’m still in the office working.

So what does it really mean?

Click here to read the rest of Klang Valley State of Emergency

Unrelated to cars… but I’d just like to share. You can click for an an enlarged version of it. Source is from NASA’s Earth Observatory Newsroom.

This photo was taken back on 25th June 2005. I guess the white smog that was previously over the ocean is now right over Malaysia.

Click here to read the rest of Sumatra Fire Satellite Photo