Batik Air has introduced an updated policy to further strengthen onboard safety measures in response to recent safety concerns regarding power banks.
Effective immediately, passengers may carry a maximum of two power banks, which must be kept On-Person, at all times and must not be placed in Carry-on Baggage. Power banks remain strictly prohibited in Checked Baggage on all Batik Air flights.
However, for enhanced safety, the use of power banks inside the cabin is strictly prohibited.
Passengers are also advised to exercise caution when carrying auto-magnet charge power banks, as these may pose additional risks.
In compliance with International Air Transport Association (IATA) Dangerous Goods Regulations, power banks carried onboard must not exceed 100 watt-hours (Wh) or 20,000 milliampere-hours (mAh).
“Safety reminders will be prominently displayed at check-in counters and reinforced through boarding announcements and in-flight briefings to ensure smooth implementation.
“Check-in staff will also inspect power banks before boarding to confirm they are in good condition and meet the required watt-hour (Wh) limitations,” the airline said in a statement.
Minister of Works Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi has announced that the speed limit on all Federal roads across the country will be reduced from 90 km/h to 80 km/h starting tomorrow until February 2 in conjunction with the Chinese New Year celebrations.
According to Nanta, this temporary speed limit reduction for six days during the Integrated Operation aims to minimise the risk of road traffic accidents.
“During this period, road repair and maintenance works that are not critical will also be temporarily halted so as not to disrupt traffic flow while emergency works for the safety of road users will be properly planned.
“If necessary, alternative routes will be provided so as not to disrupt the journey of road users,” he said.
In addition, Nanta stated that he has also directed the North-South Expressway Project (PLUS) to temporarily halt the widening of lanes along the Sedenak-Kulai stretch from January 23 to February 3 to ensure smooth traffic on the highway.
The school holiday and festive season is upon us once again, and as you know, parents will use this time to spend with family in their hometowns or at holiday destinations across the country.
For those planning to use their car to reach their destinations, here are some tips to ensure your journey is comfortable and safe.
Plan your journey in advance
Once you have chosen your destination, it’s important to plan your route ahead of time to save time and reduce stress. Those opting to travel via highway can benefit from the digital travel schedule provided by PLUS.
Ensure your vehicle is in top condition
A few days before setting off, it is advisable to check some basic components, such as tyres, engine oil, headlights, brake lights, brakes, air conditioning, and windscreen wipers. Or simply take your car to a service centre or workshop to be inspected by trained technicians.
Get adequate rest
In addition to the vehicle, drivers must ensure they are in good health. Make sure you have enough sleep, especially if you plan to leave early in the morning.
Switch drivers
The likelihood of feeling fatigued decreases if you take turns driving with other passengers. However, ensure that the driver change is done in a safe place, such as a rest stop.
Wear comfortable clothing
This is something usually done by those who frequently travel abroad, but it is also suitable for those using ground transport. Wear loose-fitting clothing to ensure you can move freely in the car, and consider bringing a small cushion for added support in the lower back.
Take breaks every two hours
To combat fatigue and drowsiness, it is recommended to take breaks every two hours or every 200 km. Use this opportunity to have a short nap, stretch your body, or answer the nature’s call.
Bring snacks
Even if you’ve had enough sleep, factors such as comfortable air conditioning or even hot, sunny weather can still make you drowsy. Snacks like fruit, nuts, or sweets can help keep you alert and energised.
When driving on the road, you should be able to see clearly in front of, beside, and behind your vehicle.
However, did you know that there are certain areas around your vehicle that are hidden from your field of vision and cannot be seen through your mirrors? These areas are known as blind spots.
Where are the blind spots?
Every vehicle has blind spots, but their size varies depending on the type of vehicle. Larger vehicles such as lorries, vans, and buses typically have larger blind spots compared to smaller vehicles like saloons and hatchbacks.
Generally, blind spots are located behind the wing mirrors and adjacent to the front and rear doors of the vehicle.
Image: GoodCar
Why are blind spots dangerous?
As the name suggests, blind spots prevent you from seeing other vehicles and road users. This can be extremely dangerous and increases the risk of accidents, especially if you change lanes without checking your blind spots first.
How can you avoid blind spots?
Essentially, you cannot eliminate blind spots unless you are an alien with an extra pair of eyes at the back of your head.
In other words, blind spots will always exist, but as a driver, you can reduce them by following these steps:
1. Ensure that your rear-view and wing mirrors are adjusted accordingly
When adjusting your mirrors, make sure you are sitting normally in the driver’s seat. The rear-view mirror should give you a full view of the rear, while the wing mirrors should show a small portion of the sides of your vehicle.
2. Use the SMOG technique when changing lanes.
S for signal – use your indicators when changing lanes.
M for mirrors – check your wing mirrors and rear-view mirror.
O for over your shoulder – look over your shoulder.
G for go – change lanes if it is safe to do so.
3. Consider aftermarket accessories
You can obtain blind spot mirrors (usually small and round in shape) to attach to your wing mirrors. If you have extra bucks to spend, you might also consider an aftermarket blind spot monitoring system if your car doesn’t already have this feature.
For the uninitiated, the term ‘defensive driving’ refers to a set of techniques and practices designed to reduce the risk of accidents while on the road.
However, defensive driving isn’t just about focusing solely on your own driving; a truly skilled defensive driver anticipates the behaviour of others and recognizes potential hazards on the road.
While there are numerous defensive driving courses available, you certainly don’t need to spend hundreds or thousands of ringgit to learn how to drive defensively. Instead, just follow these simple yet effective tips:
1. Ensure your driving position is correct
Many drivers overlook the importance of posture while behind the wheel. A proper sitting position not only helps prevent back pain and fatigue but also enhances your ability to control the vehicle in emergencies. So, adjust your seat and mirrors to ensure you are comfortably and correctly positioned for optimal visibility and control.
2. Look far ahead
It goes without saying that eyesight is crucial when driving. In defensive driving, your eyes should be engaged in scanning both the road and traffic conditions. A good practice is to look 10 t0 15 seconds ahead of your vehicle. The forward gaze allows you to identify potential hazards and traffic flows well in advance, giving you time to react accordingly.
3. Always keep an eye on your mirrors
Again, your eyes are your best allies when it comes to driving defensively. While it’s important to watch the road ahead, don’t forget to regularly check your side and rear-view mirrors. This will give you a comprehensive view of your surroundings and help mitigate blind spots, enabling you to make informed decisions swiftly.
4. Maintain a safe distance between vehicles
One common bad habit among drivers in Malaysia is tailgating. The irresponsible behaviour significantly increases the risk of accidents, as drivers often don’t have enough time to react to sudden stops. Always maintain a safe distance of at least three seconds from the car ahead to ensure ample reaction time.
5. Minimize distractions while driving
Many distractions can divert your attention on the road, including smartphones, infotainment screens, food, and drinks. To maintain focus, avoid using your phone and refrain from eating or drinking while driving. If you need to use a navigation system, ensure that you enter your destination before you start your journey.
The Northeast Monsoon, or the monsoon season, reared its ugly head last November and is expected to continue until March 2025.
During this period, numerous regions have been affected by flooding due to incessant heavy rainfall lasting several days. Naturally, we advise against driving in these areas. However, if you must do so for unavoidable reasons, here are some useful tips to consider:
Assess the depth of floodwaters
The first thing you should do before attempting to drive through floodwaters is to assess their depth. Look for various indicators to gauge the level of flooding. For instance, ensure that the water does not exceed the midpoint of your vehicle’s tyres.
Additionally, observe the waterline on nearby objects, such as trees, walls, or road dividers. Keep in mind that vehicles like pickup trucks and SUVs can navigate deeper waters than sedans or hatchbacks.
Turn off the air-conditioning system
Before you enter the water, ensure that your vehicle’s air conditioning system is switched off. This is crucial, as the fan can potentially draw water into the engine through the intake, which may cause severe engine damage.
Moreover, turning off the air conditioning will give your engine a bit of extra power to help you navigate through the floodwaters more smoothly.
Avoid accelerating excessively
Some may think that driving faster is a better way to quickly traverse flooded areas. This is a misconception. The safest approach is to enter the water slowly, as this minimises splashing and reduces the risk of water entering the vehicle.
Also, ensure that you wait until the vehicle in front of you has completely cleared the floodwaters before proceeding. Once you emerge from the water, gently pump the brakes several times over a short distance to dry the brake discs.
Do not attempt to restart the engine if it stalls
It’s important to remember that there is a constant risk of your vehicle’s engine stalling while navigating floodwaters. If this occurs, do not attempt to restart the engine, as doing so may cause further damage.
Instead, exit the vehicle as quickly as possible and move to a safe area. Contact your insurance provider for towing services and wait for help to arrive.
The rainy season has arrived once more, and given the frequency of rainfall over the past few days, it is certain that the roads are always wet and slippery.
Not only that, the presence of water puddles on the road surface can lead to an unwanted phenomenon known as hydroplaning if you are not careful enough.
If you fall victim to hydroplaning, the likelihood of an accident occurring is significantly high, as you will lose control of your vehicle.
In this article, we dive into ways to avoid hydroplaning and what you should do if it happens to you.
But before we go any further, let’s first understand what hydroplaning is. Also known as aquaplaning, it is a condition where the tyres lose contact with the road surface when driving on wet roads.
This occurs when the tyres are unable to disperse water quickly enough, causing water to come in between the tyre surface and the road.
As a result, the tyres cannot grip the road effectively, and you may lose control of your vehicle.
How can hydroplaning be avoided?
First and foremost, ensure that your vehicle’s tyres are in good condition before you start driving. Tread depth plays a vital role in effectively dispersing water, so if the tyres are worn down, the likelihood of hydroplaning increases.
Also, remember to regularly rotate your tyres to ensure they wear evenly.
Don’t forget to check your tyre pressure as well. Excessively high pressure will reduce the contact patch between the tyre and the road, which can certainly increase the risk of hydroplaning.
Additionally, you can reduce the risk by driving more slowly in the rain. If possible, avoid driving through puddles and standing water.
But sometimes things can go wrong unexpectedly. If hydroplaning occurs while you behind the wheel, the first and best thing you can do is to remain calm and not panic.
Next, ease off the accelerator pedal to allow the vehicle to slow down gradually. Though it may sound the most logical thing to do, avoid slamming on the brakes as this can worsen the situation.
Finally, try to control the direction of the car by gently steering. Do not turn the steering wheel aggressively, as this can cause the car to spin.
The alarming cases of children who died after being left behind in cars have become a little too common, not only in Malaysia but also in other countries.
Recognising the seriousness of the issue, Toyota has introduced the Advanced Rear Seat Reminder system that is capable of detecting movement in the rear seats after the vehicle has been turned off and locked.
The first model to receive the new system is the 2025 Toyota Sienna, a three-row MPV available in the North American market.
While rear seat reminder systems are not new to the automotive world, Toyota’s Advanced Rear Seat Reminder is more sophisticated as it is capable of making calls to the user’s phone.
According to Toyota, the system utilises sensors concealed in the headliner and a 60GHz band millimeter-wave radar to scan the second and third row seats for potential movement.
If the system senses movement after the vehicle is shifted into park and ignition is cycled off, the driver’s door has been opened then closed and the vehicle has been locked, the initial warning will trigger the hazard lights and to flash and sound the door lock chime nine times.
If movement is still detected by the sensor and a door has not been opened approximately 90 seconds after the initial warning, the system will sound the horn as part of the escalation warning.
If the driver has opted into Advanced Rear Seat Reminder notifications via the Toyota app and has an active Safety Connect subscription, they will receive a push notification and a text message four minutes after the horn escalation warning starts.
Finally, after an additional two minutes has elapsed, the system will attempt to generate an automated phone call from Toyota Safety.
However, if the vehicle is left unlocked, the hazard lights will not activate, nor will the door alarm or horn sound. Instead, users will be notified via SMS after 10 minutes, followed by a phone call two minutes later.
Will Toyota introduce the Advanced Rear Seat Reminder system in other markets? We certainly hope so, as it has the potential to save many lives.
With stricter laws in place, we should consider ourselves lucky as there are various safer family car options to choose from.
However, one thing we should all be aware of is that the number of cars on the road is also increasing every year.
This means that the accident rate is unlikely to decrease suddenly.
The safety debate between cars and SUVs occasionally fills the spaces of Facebook groups, forums, and WhatsApp.
Some claim that larger cars have better safety levels.
This claim is further reinforced by official data where the driver fatality rate is highest among small vehicles compared to larger vehicles.
From a physics standpoint, larger vehicles have higher momentum compared to lighter vehicles.
So, when a collision occurs between vehicles of different sizes, it is certain that the smaller vehicle will experience a more severe impact when both vehicles suddenly come to a stop.
Therefore, are SUVs and other large vehicles such as pickup trucks much safer than small cars?
Not if you consider the typical feature present in any SUV/pickup truck, which is the high ground clearance.
Due to this feature, most SUVs and pickup trucks have a higher center of gravity and are more at risk of being involved in accidents due to weather conditions or rollovers.
Accidents involving SUVs and pickup trucks driven at high speeds also frequently occur, as some drivers do not understand the limits and constraints of vehicles with high ground clearance.
Just because you drive a taller vehicle, your ego should not rise equally high, completely disregarding the safety of other road users.
Lastly, regardless of the vehicle you drive, make sure it is in good condition and regularly maintained.
Also, ensure that you are aware of your own health condition and take a break if you feel fatigued while driving.
ASEAN NCAP has announced that Mitsubishi’s latest SUV, the XFORCE has successfully obtained a five-star rating in the assessment test for new vehicles conducted recently.
Based on the test results, the Mitsubishi XFORCE scored a total of 79.15 points, evaluated across four categories as follows:
Adult Occupant Protection (AOP) – 34.89/40.00
Child Occupant Protection (COP) – 17.03/20.00
Safety Assist (SA) – 14.85/20.00
Motorcycle Safety (MS) – 12.39/20.00
As standard, the Mitsubishi XFORCE comes equipped with features such as four airbags, ABS, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), seatbelt reminder for front and rear passengers, and pedestrian protection technology.
Additionally, it also offers safety aids like Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Blind Spot Detection (BSD), Forward Collision Warning (FCW), and Automatic High Beam (AHB) assistance.
The Mitsubishi XFORCE is powered by a 1.5-liter inline-four engine producing 103 hp and 141 Nm of torque, paired with a CVT transmission and front-wheel drive.
Even though it operates with a 2WD system only, the XFORCE still possesses typical off-road SUV features, including a ground clearance of 222 mm, approach angle of 21 degrees, departure angle of 35 degrees, and four driving modes (Normal, Gravel, Mud, Wet).
The somewhat scorching afternoon weather and congested traffic make some of us prefer to drive at night.
However, driving at night is not the same as driving during the day.
There are many factors that can limit our visibility and increase the risk of accidents.
If you intend to drive at night, here are some tips to keep in mind:
1. Ensure your body is well-rested
Lighting factors will help you focus more on what is coming from the front. As a result, the brain will become more tired, and the situation will worsen if you are not aware that you are actually experiencing microsleep.
What the author practices is to sleep early to get enough rest before embarking on a journey in the middle of the night.
2. Ensure the headlights are functioning properly
Most of the time, we rely on the headlights to determine the distance and objects ahead. If the lights are not in good condition or the beam position is too low, it can limit clear visibility.
High beam position can also endanger oncoming drivers due to excessive glare issues, especially with average modern cars using LED lights.
3. Ensure the front and side mirrors are clean from dirt
Clean front windshield provides a clearer field of vision, and are safer especially at night. If the front windshield is dirty or oily, this condition will scatter light, worsening the glare effect of headlights from the front.
Look for an old newspaper not in use to wipe these areas.
4. Avoid ambient lights that can disrupt driving
Modern cars are now equipped with ambient lighting systems akin to roadside “tomyam” stalls. Some offer beautiful lighting graphics, while others can disrupt driving at night.
If this happens, try adjusting the cabin ambient light brightness to a minimum level, or simply turn it off. No one wants to see the condition of your car’s “tomyam” stall from the outside anyway.
5. Drive at a controllable speed
One advantage of night driving is quieter road conditions, but it is not a license to exceed the speed limit. Driving more cautiously is the best way to ensure you have enough time to react to any unexpected situations such as animals crossing, cars skidding, or the end of the road having no proper lighting system. Remember the distance rule taught in driving school? Practice it.
Another common tip the author follows when driving at night is to have a mapping navigation app running at all times, especially when driving on unfamiliar routes, so you can estimate the road structure and know about road damage/incident reports uploaded by other users.
6. Avoid driving for extended periods
Driving at night will make your body more tired than usual. Therefore, it is advised to stop and rest every one or two hours to get fresh air, do some quick body stretching exercises, or have a hot cup of coffee to refresh your brain.
If you feel very tired, take a short nap, but make sure your car windows are not tightly closed to reduce the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Driving on the beloved roads of Malaysia is a form of high-risk gambling.
You may reach your destination safely but if unfortunate, you might get stranded in the middle of the road/highway due to a punctured or burst tire.
This problem can occur due to several factors such as sharp foreign objects puncturing the tire, the sidewall possibly tearing due to impact from potholes, or possibly a leakage issue within the valve structure itself.
If this problem occurs, you might experience heavy steering response, difficulty in starting, and increasingly loud tire noises.
Your car may also tend to veer to the left or right, or lose control even when driving on a straight road.
If an unexpected incident occurs (such as a tire burst), do not panic and try to follow the five steps you should take:
1. Control the braking force
Sudden braking may cause your vehicle to lose control and endanger not only your own life but also the lives of other road users.
So, the first thing you should do is gently press and pump the brake pedal until the vehicle is at a controllable speed.
For non-ABS car owners, this is the time to realize ABS by yourself – Aku Brek Sendiri!
2. Control the steering direction gently
In emergency situations, you may feel the car pulling to the left or right, depending on which tire has burst.
Just like the brakes, the steering wheel also needs to be controlled gently against the car’s tendency, and most importantly, ensure the car is in the appropriate lane.
Aggressively turning the steering wheel will cause your car to spin and lose control.
3. Use a lower gear
One way to slow down the car is to use the engine braking technique.
Manual transmission car owners are likely familiar with this technique – just switch to a lower gear position.
4. Turn on the hazard lights
Ensure the hazard lights are turned on while controlling and stopping the car to warn other road users.
Modern cars now have automatic hazard light activation in distressing situations.
If you belong to the old-school car owners, do not worry and panic because your car’s hazard lights can also be activated manually. You just need to know where the emergency light button is in your car.
What you need to worry about is drivers who intentionally turn on hazard lights while driving in the rain.
5. Warning triangle board – where to place it?
When stopping in the emergency lane, make sure to place the warning triangle 45 meters behind your car.
Most new cars are now equipped with this emergency kit, so it is not an excuse to overlook this very safety aspects while waiting for assistance.
Vehicle manufacturers today are placing increasing numbers of screens in their cars, some with up to three or four screens.
This time, ZF will ‘join in’ on the addition of screens in vehicles. The latest design, called ZF Lifetec, will have a screen on the steering wheel. The airbag is retained but it does not deploy from the center, instead from the top of the steering wheel.
In this way, it will provide space in the middle of the steering wheel for a ‘smartphone-like display’, says ZF. The company is considering placing the screen in the center or multiple displays.
This provides more freedom for manufacturers to design steering wheels without compromising safety.
The team behind this project explains that it doesn’t necessarily have to be a full screen in the steering wheel area. It could also be a mixed configuration like several physical buttons.
The space in the middle of the steering wheel also allows engineers to place additional sensors in cars equipped with autonomous driving systems. Such sensors can determine whether you are paying attention to driving or not.
What if an accident occurs when our hands are at the 12 o’clock position? Ideally, our hands should be at 9 and 3 or 10 and 2.
Some argue that we are not Formula One drivers who need to adjust various settings on the steering wheel while driving. Others say that engineers should focus on other aspects rather than redesigning the steering wheel.
With the instrument display in front of the steering wheel and infotainment on the center console, it seems like we already have plenty of screens. What do you think of this?
IN light of recent developments surrounding the safety test at Daihatsu Motor Co Ltd (DMC), UMW Toyota Motor Sdn Bhd (UMWT) has released a statement ensuring customers and the public that it is committed to transparency and accountability.
This follows the statement released by Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) highligthing a procedural irregularity in in the testing of models by DMC, impacting three models distributed by UMWT in Malaysia.
President of UMW Toyota Motor, Datuk Ravindran K. said, “We emphasise our dedication to maintaing the highest standards and quality in our vehicles. Rest assured, we are actively working to ensure that all our vehicles in Malaysia strictly adhere to the relevant regulations and rules.”
Ravindran stated that UMWT is also working closely with regulatory authorities to promptly and transparently address this matter, maintaining its commitment to delivering high-quality vehicles to the Malaysian market.
“We understand the importance of trust, and we we want to reinforce the confidence our customers place in us. Our dedication to customer satisfaction has always been and remains our top priority,” he added.
In a statement issued on December 20th, TMC stated that an investigation conducted by an independent third-party committee found new irregularities in 174 items within 25 test categories. This is in addition to the door lining irregularity in April and the side collision test irregularity in May.
These encompassed a total of 64 models and three engines of vehicles (total of models currently being produced, developed, or ceased in production), including 22 models and one engine being sold by Toyota. The affected Toyota models sold in Malaysia are the Rush, Veloz, and Yaris/Vios.
In light of this, TMC and DMC have temporarily suspended shipments of all affected models both in Japan and overseas.
FOLLOWING the announcement by Daihatsu Motor Co., Ltd. (DMC) today regarding the suspension of its models due to “procedural irregularities,” Perodua has also issued a response in relation to the independent audit committee report.
The “procedural irregularities” were conducted by DMC during vehicle safety tests on several original equipment manufacturers (OEM), which were announced early this morning.
The independent audit committee report, as announced by DMC, stated: “The inspection and tests confirm that all 174 irregularities identified by the independent audit committee meet the standards set by laws and regulations.”
Perodua is conducting a detailed assessment of the issue and is in discussions with the Malaysian authorities regarding the impact of these developments on its vehicles.
On April 28, 2023, DMC announced the occurrence of “procedural irregularities” during safety tests on vehicles in Japan. Following this announcement, DMC established an independent audit committee comprising legal and technical personnel.
“We apologize to our valued customers and the public for the concerns arising from this announcement,” stated today’s release by Perodua.
“Our intention is to provide assurance to our valued customers.
“We will share the results of these discussions with all our customers in the near future.”
Malaysia’s Leading Automotive News | ENGEAR ENGLISH
