Malaysia, China collaborate to establish first next-gen vehicle hub in SEA
Malaysia is collaborating with China to pave the way for the development of South East Asia’s first next-generation vehicle (NxGV) hub. Three memoranda of understanding (MoUs) were signed by Malaysian and Chinese automotive researchers and Malaysian automaker Proton Holdings Bhd, focusing on the development of NxGV testing facilities in the country. Among the MoUs signed included one on knowledge transfer, standardisation of technical standards and the construction of facilities within the test centre for the establishment of the full-fledged NxGV test centre in Malaysia. Another was to establish academic and human capital development programmes under advanced automotive technologies modules, while the third was between CATARC and Proton, providing Proton direct access to CATARC’s wide array of testing facilities in China, spanning different climate conditions and multiple technologies. (The Edge)
PR1MA to be national housing corporation, says Zuraida
The Ministry of Housing and Local Government is planning to mould Perbadanan PR1MA Malaysia (PR1MA) into a national housing corporation to ensure a centralised and standardised housing industry for easy monitoring and enforcement, among others. Its minister Zuraida Kamaruddin in brushing off the allegation that PR1MA would be dissolved soon said the government was looking at the way forward for the corporation where housing projects under the education and defence ministries, respectively as well as Felda’s new generation would be placed under PR1MA. (Malay Mail)
Sand Nisko to proceed with diversification into property, construction
Sand Nisko Capital Bhd (SNCB) has decided to continue with its housing project in Malacca and its proposed diversification of its existing business to include property development, construction and property investment. In 2016, there was a joint venture between its wholly owned subsidiary Len Cheong Resources Sdn Bhd (LCR) and Goldpeace Corp Sdn Bhd (GCSB) to develop a parcel of land in Malacca. However, the JV project encountered delays thus the company did not pursue its proposed diversification plans. The estimated GDV and gross development cost for the project are now RM7.63 million and RM6.11 million respectively. The project will entail the development of 18 units of two-storey semidetached houses and a unit of electrical substation. (The Sun Daily)
VEP to be deferred for six months as Singapore backlog remains
The Road Transport Department (RTD) has deferred the implementation of the Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP) scheme on all foreign-registered vehicles entering Malaysia as many Singapore-registered vehicles still do not have the Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Tag. The move will most affect outbound traffic at Johor’s two main land checkpoints. RTD director-general Datuk Seri Shaharuddin Khalid said based on the department’s record, more than 230,000 Singapore-registered vehicles have registered for the VEP but only 60,000 have had the VEP-RFID fitted. In 2017, it was announced that foreign-registered vehicles entering Malaysia would need a VEP as part of the country’s efforts to tackle car theft and the cloning of syndicates, as well as to prevent vehicles with outstanding fines from leaving. (Malay Mail)
Malaysian passport ranked 13th most ‘powerful’ worldwide
The Malaysia passport is ranked as the 13th most “powerful” in the world, as holders enjoy visa-free access to 178 countries. Although Malaysia’s ranking on the 2020 Henley Passport Index and Global Mobility Report dropped by one compared with last year, it is still among the top four Asian countries holding “passport power”. Three other Asian countries – namely Japan, Singapore and Korea – were ranked first, second and third respectively on the global index. The United States of America and the United Kingdom were both ranked at eighth place. Afghanistan remained at the bottom of the index, as its nationals could only visit a mere 26 destinations visa-free. (The Star Online)
