Author: Helmi Aziz

With the return of Automechanika Kuala Lumpur, there was a sense of renewed economic activity from the automotive sector at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre. 10,267 visitors, a 46 percent increase, outnumbered the exhibitor count by 13 percent. The significant number of guests who came from the neighbourhood to the trade exhibition showed that there was a strong desire for growth and development. By presenting a range of goods, sharing their knowledge, and working with the show to promote Malaysia’s booming automotive industry, strategic and industrial partners improved their market positions.

Key figures from Automechanika Kuala Lumpur:

• Visitors: 10,267 from 77 countries and regions
• Exhibitors: 330 from 17 countries and regions
• Scale: 11,071 sqm (halls 1 to 5 and 7C)
• 14 fringe events
• 16 strategic and industry partners

The 2023 edition of Automechanika Kuala Lumpur returned to the trade fair calendar with a clear ambition of promoting opportunities for growth and development in the regional automotive industry.

“It is great to see that the market is bouncing back in such a dynamic and active way,” said Ms Fiona Chiew, General Manager of Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd. “Thanks to our close-knit network, we were able to recognise how global trends are taking shape in the region and communicate them in easily accessible ways. The main feedback we had from participants was that the rapid rate of advancement has led to assessing products and supply chains more regularly to meet ongoing consumer needs and ensure cost-efficient operational models. Because of this, Automechanika Kuala Lumpur offered an ideal platform for collaboration and trade. Likewise, having the advantage of attracting car owners to the show meant we extended the conversation one step further by putting buyers and suppliers directly in front of end-users.”

New partnerships across the fairground

This year, the show saw a range of new and existing partners descend to the fairground, each building up the coverage of the passenger and commercial vehicle sectors. The 16 strategic and industry partners included ADTEC, ALIENTECH, Caltex Delo, Celette, CL Group, EMG, Hot Wheels, JTM, LAUNCH, Leng Kee Auto Academy, Magic Cube, Pac Auto Marketing, SATA, Schmaco, Vanli, and ZF. The combination of important organisations and vocational institutions highlighted the development of safety, transformation, talent, efficiency and sustainability in the industry.

On this note, 24 local and overseas supporting bodies brought their networks to the show, offering an assembly point for six association meetings. Dato’ Ng Koong Sinn, President of the Malaysia Trucking Federation, noted: “The main objective of our meeting was to gather opinions from various operators across the country and dissect key topics that may then go to the relevant authorities for action. We also aim to raise awareness of new technologies amongst our members. Automechanika Kuala Lumpur can actually bring these two aspects together. It is important to open our minds to digitalisation, autonomous driving and new energy trends to go with current and future changes. And so, the add-on events and conferences are highly recommendable in the sense that they bring in knowledge and new perspectives to prepare the market.”

Internationalism at Automechanika Kuala Lumpur’s return

The show was a hotspot for sourcing with buyers from 76 overseas countries and regions like Australia, Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Japan, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, the UAE, the UK, Vietnam and more.

Ms Cory Tham, Senior Sourcing Manager – SE Asia from GPC Asia Pacific, highlighted: “I am visiting the trade fair as my company is diversifying its procurement procedures. Southeast Asia has some strategic advantages regarding price and location for products in the passenger and commercial vehicle sectors. While this includes meeting up with current suppliers in Malaysia, the platform is a great opportunity to find new partners from the region and benchmark our current product range. The show is beneficial in providing a gateway to the local market as I can connect with many suppliers in a short space of time.”

Global brands like Brembo and TecAlliance also drew attention to their solutions and strategic advantages in the regional aftermarket. For example, Mr Chew Yee Liew, Sales Lead Asia Pacific from TecAlliance, expressed: “With our proven expertise, we can help to digitalise the Southeast Asian aftermarket supply chain. Our data management solution offers standardised information about car parts, which can improve the efficiency and flow of information across manufacturers, brand owners, distributors and workshops.”
The Italian exhibitor, Mr Marco Trupiano, Managing Director of My Supercar Expert, also found: “Over the past three days, I have had many productive business conversations with visitors from Malaysia, as well as Australia, Bangladesh, Singapore, the UK, and all over Southeast Asia in general. My company provides the knowledge, support, and devices for fixing European cars, as everyone has the right to repair them instead of relying on OEMs. There is definitely a niche in Southeast Asia for this, so we joined the fair to create a presence in the aftermarket amongst independent workshops and car owners.”

Capturing trends in the Malaysian market

The show highlighted three major segments seeing huge growth potential from the rise of digitalisation and electrification. The Electric Vehicle, Auto Service and Maintenance, and Commercial Vehicle Zones were crowd favourites, with exhibitors agreeing that buyers were very focused and clear in their needs.

From this point of view, Mr Chia See Yong, General Manager of Launch Future (M) SDN BHD, said: “The visitor traffic to our booth was very strong. Many were interested in our electric vehicle scanners and solutions for ADAS calibration; therefore, it was pleasing to have buyers place orders during the show. Electric vehicles are undoubtedly one of the biggest trends creating new demands for automotive services and maintenance equipment. With this in mind, training mechanics on repairing and maintaining electric cars is fundamental, and I believe Automechanika Kuala Lumpur can support this development. The combination of the EV Zone and Collision Repair Training Workshop helped introduce the technologies underpinning market transformation.”

Praise all around for the vibrant fringe events

The Digitalisation and Electrification Business Networking Event, Fleet Management Conference and AutoFEST@KL embodied Malaysia’s transformation. The collection of highly influential speakers created a dialogue about capturing opportunities and facing challenges in the regional market.

This included experts from Chevron Malaysia Limited, Continental Tyre PJ Malaysia Sdn Bhd, The National ESG Association of Malaysia, Malaysia Commercial Vehicle Traders Association (MCVTA), Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC), Malaysia Trucking Federation (MTF), Malaysian Green Technology and Climate Change Corporation (MGTC), NanoMalaysia, Pos Malaysia Berhad, and Slimstock Asia Pacific Pte Ltd.

One speaker at the Fleet Management Conference explained: “Logistics and fleet operators should integrate higher levels of IoT and digitalisation into their business models. Data management software improves the accuracy and automation of processes as well as resource sharing within the sector.” Mr Kenny Lee, Regional Account Manager at Safe Truck Sdn Bhd, added, “These networking sessions and conferences are great ways of exploring trends as transporters are accepting these technologies very fast because they know there is a need to upgrade.”

The Collision Repair Training Workshop also gathered over 200 attendees. Sessions were highly praised as trainers applied theoretical knowledge to real-life scenarios. Many also appreciated that the course included emerging topics for electric vehicle repair and maintenance. For instance, ZF covered high voltage systems, Launch and Leng Kee Auto Academy touched upon ADAS calibration, Celette brought up measuring systems, and Alientech spoke about ECU repair and tuning. CL Group and Magic Cube also discussed new business formats and management solutions for chain stores.

Ms Michelle Leong, Manager of Hoi Keen Auto Spray Sdn Bhd, a workshop participant, pointed out: “This is my second time attending as there are not many professional courses in Kuantan, where my workshop is based. I brought along a few employees as I would like them to know how to repair and maintain electric vehicles safely. In between sessions, I also explored exhibitor booths as I intend to upgrade our equipment based on the topics just discussed. Asides from the hands-on training, the marketing and corporate culture session was very interesting. It made me think about some new ways to engage staff. The speaker, a local celebrity in our field, spoke about feasible ways to integrate social media into our communication channels.”

Elsewhere, AutoFest@KL offered a diverse range of automotive experiences. For example, the show played host to the EMMA Malaysia Final – Car Audio and Modifications Competition, with over 80 cars each showing off the country’s flair and talent in car customisation.

Living up to their name, Hot Wheels were in even hotter demand. Many attendees enjoyed winning merchandise from social media and buying items off the racks from reputable brands across the fairground. Products from other exhibitors included wrapping, accessories, and perfumes.

Meanwhile, the Auto NITZ Party saw exhibitors, visitors and car enthusiasts celebrate the return of Automechanika Kuala Lumpur. After a busy day, partygoers enjoyed bonding with their colleagues and forming strong relationships with new and existing partners.  

The next edition of Automechanika Kuala Lumpur will take place from 8 to 10 May 2025. It will incorporate new themes like motorsports and high-performance technologies in the market. For more information, please visit www.automechanika-kl.com, or email the organisers at autoasia@hongkong.messefrankfurt.com.

Press information and photographic material:

 www.automechanika-kl.com/press

The brand’s flagship show, Automechanika Frankfurt, will return to the stage from 10 to 14 September 2024. Meanwhile, other Automechanika events organised by Messe Frankfurt’s Greater China offices include:

• Automechanika Ho Chi Minh City: 23 to 25 June 2023

www.automechanika-hcmc.com

• Automechanika Shanghai: 29 November to 2 December 2023

www.automechanika-shanghai.com

Follow Automechanika Kuala Lumpur on social media

https://www.facebook.com/automechanika.kuala.lumpur.amkl

https://www.linkedin.com/automechanika-kuala-lumpur-amkl-00b55ba9/

https://www.instagram.com/amkl_automechanika/

Play it! Channel MY

#EV #digitalisation #automechanika

 

Semangat yang akan diperingati dengan 11 telefilem Raya yang hebat dibuat hanya untuk tontonan pelanggan sempena Syawal ini. Antaranya ialah:

• QURAN PONDOK BURUK (Malam Raya | 8:30 malam / 10pagi)

Kesinambungan daripada telefilem lagenda Pondok Buruk 1 dan 2, Quran Pondok Buruk membawakan kisah obsesi tiga adik-beradik yang derhaka, terdesak mahukan keampunan daripada ibu mereka yang telahpun meninggal dunia.

Para pelakon: Dato Rosyam Nor, Fauziah Nawi, Raja Azura, Vanidah Imran, Dato Jalaluddin Hassan

• SUMPAHAN PETI AIS (1 Syawal | 10pagi)

Kerana mulut badan binasa dan kerana mulut berlagak Tina disumpah menjadi peti ais pada waktu malam. Apa yang disangkakan mimpi rupanya kenyataan. Mampukah Tina mengawal mulut lancangnya dan membatalkan sumpahan peti ais pada aidilfitri ini?

Para pelakon: Sherry Al Hadad, Didie Alias, Sharifah Sakinah

• HEIST-DILFITRI (2 Syawal | 10pagi)

Arahan sulung Zizan Razak, Heist-dilfitri mengisahkan 3 sahabat, Ibrahim, Musa dan Anis, perompak professional yang tidak pernah merasai kemeriahan Aidilfitri bersama keluarga. Musa mendapat idea untuk merompak rumah seorang hartawan dan memaksanya untuk menyambut raya seperti sebuah keluarga bersama mereka.

Para pelakon: Zizan Razak,  Issey, Shiqin Kamal, Jiha Sham, Maria Faridah, Khir Rahman

• DIARI CHINTA (3 Syawal | 10pagi)

Chinta yang selalu gagal dalam kisah cintanya dihadiahkan sebuah diari ajaib untuk dia menulis babak cinta yang diidamkan di dalam diari tersebut. Hidup Chinta mula berubah bila apa sahaja yang ditulis di dalam diari itu, semuanya menjadi kenyataan.

Para pelakon: Ben Amir, Tracie Sinidol

• LANGIT TAK MENDENGAR (4 Syawal | 10pagi)

Apabila abangnya tidak mampu lagi menjaga ibu mereka, Jue terpaksa membawa ibunya yang seakan-akan nyanyuk untuk tinggal bersamanya. Hidup Jue mula terbeban dengan pilihan mahu menjadi anak kepada ibunya atau isteri kepada suaminya.

Para pelakon: Emma Maembong, Fikry Ibrahim, Mak Engku

• PENGANTIN TANGKAP MUAT  (5 Syawal | 10pagi)

Mengisahkan Arif dan Mazwin bertemu jodoh dalam keadaan mengejut apabila mereka dikahwinkan tanpa perancangan. Mereka dijadikan pengantin ganti saat akhir kerana pengantin asal Harishah dan Natasha melarikan diri pada malam akad nikah.

Para pelakon: Raff Roslee, Siti Saleha, Nafiz Zaidi, Kimberly Chua

• BRO JENIN (6 Syawal | 10pagi)

Sedang dia khayal berangan, Mat Jenin terjatuh dari pokok dan tanpa dia sedar, dia telah merentasi masa dan dibawa ke tahun 2023. . Berhadapan dengan kejutan budaya yang ekstrem, Jenin cuba untuk menyesuaikan diri sambil cuba untuk kembali ke zamannya dengan batuan Emily.

Para pelakon: Remy Ishak, Daiyan Trisha

• CHALLENGE ACCEPTED (7 Syawal | 1-pagi)

Setelah Fatimah, seorang gadis misteri berpurdah, menjadi viral apabila muncul di dalam videonya, Jeff seorang tiktokers terkenal dicabar oleh peminatnya untuk mencari, berkenalan dan membuat Fatimah jatuh hati kepadanya. Mampukah dia berbuat demikian?

Para pelakon: Ryan Bakery, Erysha Emyra

• RAYA SEBAGAI ISTERI (8 Syawal | 10 pagi)

Soraya dan Haidar disatukan atas kehendak ibu Soraya dan Soraya tidak pernah rasa bahagia dari hari pertama dia bergelar isteri. Rasa tidak bahagia itu perlahan-lahan berubah menjadi cemburu apabila Haidar dan ibunya menjadi terlalu rapat sehingga Soraya rasa tergugat dengan statusnya sebagai isteri Haidar.

Para pelakon: Hawa Rizwana, Zizan Razak

• BUKAN BIASA BIASA (9 Syawal | 10 pagi)

Sofia diberi tugas untuk memasarkan tudung mewah koleksi raya terbaru daripada pereka fesyen terkenal, Aisha Aminuddin dan dia juga perlu bekerjasama dengan Ketua Pereka syarikat bernama Mael Lambo. Masalah timbul apabila Mael dituduh meniru rekaan sebuah perniagaan tudung kecil-kecilan yang sedang meningkat naik untuk rekaan baru tudung Raya Aisha.

Para pelakon: Siti Khadijah, Adlin Aman Ramlee, Alicia Amin

• DEBUNK (21 April 2023 | 10 Malam)

Sekuel daripada telefilem viral Debunk, perjalanan cerita kali ini membawa Edna yang secara curi-curi mengikuti Sofi balik ke rumahnya dengan niat hendak menyambut hari raya bersama keluarga Sofi. Edna juga jatuh cinta dengan Rafi, abang Sofi, dan kehadiran Edna mula memporak perandakan persiapan raya keluarga Sofi.

Para pelakon: Sharifah Sakinah, Wan Chai

 

Episod terakhir Dapur Tempur Ra-Ra akan memeriahkan sambutan Hari Raya Aidilfitri tahun ini, selepas empat minggu menarik minat peminat dengan pelbagai eksploitasi masakan dan sambutan yang menarik. Rancangan yang dihoskan oleh Yasmin Hani itu akan dibawakan oleh dua pasangan keluarga yang bakal bergaduh. Adakah pemenang minggu ini sukar untuk dipilih untuk dua hakim tetap, Dato’ Cef Ismail dan Michael Ang?

Episod minggu lepas menyaksikan pasangan juara Dapur Tempur musim pertama, Masam Manis yang terdiri daripada Muiz Zulkifli dan Arieni Ritzal mengalahkan pasangan selebriti Dap Err iaitu Bell Ngasri dan Farhana Fauri. Pasangan suami isteri Masam Manis mencuri hati juri secara keseluruhan dengan hidangan mereka ‘Sekaya Nangka dan Masak Lobak Putih Goreng Belacan bersama Lempeng’ dan ‘Bebola Ketupat NONA MN’. Walau bagaimanapun, pasangan suami isteri Dap Err berjaya mencuri hati juri di Cabaran NONA dengan hidangan ‘Ketupat Bebola Api NONA’ mereka. Melalui Cabaran NONA, peserta perlu memasak semula hidangan yang disediakan oleh Cef Ismail yang bernama ‘Bebola Ketupat Berinti Istimewa NONA’ dengan hanya melihat dan merasa hidangan tersebut tanpa bantuan resipi.

Dalam pertempuran akhir Aidilfitri ini, kumpulan Double Trouble yang merupakan pasangan ibu dan anak, Nabila Huda dan Keisha Laila bakal berentap dengan pasangan adik-beradik, Seketul Rasa yang terdiri daripada Shima Samarudin dan Hanis Samarudin. Pada minggu-minggu sebelum ini, setiap kumpulan perlu menyediakan hidangan sahur, berbuka dan moreh. Apa pula hidangan yang perlu disediakan oleh kedua-dua kumpulan dalam episod akhir ini?

Gelagat ibu dan anak ini pastinya mencuri perhatian di Dapur Tempur Ra-Ra apabila Keisha menunjukkan bakat memasak yang diwarisi daripada ibunya malah tidak kekok untuk beraksi di dapur. Kedua-dua pasangan peserta yang lebih kompetitif di episod akhir ini membuatkan dapur pertempuran lebih huru-hara, lebih-lebih lagi dengan penampilan oleh Nabila Huda. Mampukah dinamik anak-beranak Double Trouble memenangi cabaran ini dengan mengalahkan finalis Dapur Tempur musim pertama?

Teruskan menonton episod kelima Dapur Tempur Ra-Ra yang akan bersiaran pada 23 April 2023, hari Ahad, pukul 9.00 malam di TV9 dan strim langsung secara HD melalui Tonton di www.tonton.com.my atau di aplikasi Tonton yang boleh dimuat turun dari Google Play atau App Store serta strim langsung melalui YouTube TV9 Malaysia. Ikuti media sosial rasmi Facebook, Instagram & Twitter di @TV9Malaysia serta TikTok @TV9MalaysiaOfficial dan layari http://www.xtra.com.my/ untuk maklumat lanjut dan perkembangan terkini tentang program TV9.

Kementerian Perdagangan Dalam Negeri dan Kos Sara Hidup (KPDN) merujuk kepada artikel berita China mengenai topik yang sama serta siaran berita Malaysiakini bertajuk “Minyak masak bersubsidi: pegawai KPDNHEP didakwa melebihi perbelanjaan RM9 juta.”

Untuk makluman, kenyataan yang dikeluarkan oleh akhbar tersebut adalah tidak benar memandangkan perbelanjaan subsidi minyak masak adalah di antara 88% hingga 99% daripada jumlah peruntukan kuota sebanyak 60,000 tan metrik sebulan. Semua perbelanjaan tidak melebihi had yang telah ditetapkan oleh Kerajaan.

Walaupun begitu, bagi tujuan operasi, Kerajaan perlu meluluskan kuota tambahan bagi memastikan bekalan minyak masak paket mencukupi di pasaran. Ini kerana setiap bulan syarikat-syarikat pembungkus tidak dapat menggunakan kuota yang diagihkan sepenuhnya kerana terdapat keadaan syarikat tidak beroperasi, penutupan kilang, kerosakan mesin atau digantung kuota akibat kerana disyaki melakukan kesalahan. Kuota yang tidak digunakan akan dirasionalisasi untuk diagihkan kepada pengusaha 2 yang lain bagi menampung kekurangan tersebut. Namun, kuota tambahan ini tidak menyebabkan perbelanjaan melebihi had yang ditetapkan.

Pada masa yang sama, walaupun di peringkat pengeluaran kuota mencapai 60,000 tan metrik sebulan, boleh wujud keadaan bekalan di peringkat runcit tidak mencukupi untuk kegunaan rakyat. Antara sebab kekurangan minyak masak di peringkat peruncitan disebabkan oleh :

1. Rampasan minyak masak oleh Penguatkuasa berdasarkan kes penyelewengan, dan;
2. Penggunaan minyak masak bersubsidi dalam Program Jualan Murah anjuran Kerajaan.

Kekurangan ini dibuktikan dengan peningkatan aduan daripada pengguna bahawa wujud kekurangan bekalan minyak masak paket di pasaran.

Berhubung kenyataan bahawa KPDN akan melaksanakan pemotongan kuota atau rasionalisasi kuota, ianya adalah satu proses biasa yang mengambil kira isu semasa yang dihadapi seperti : a. Berlaku ketidakcukupan bekalan di pasaran; b. Memastikan pengedaran yang efisien, dan; c. Mengawal kos sara hidup bagi menjaga kepentingan pengguna.

Rasionalisasi ini bukanlah kali pertama dilaksanakan, ianya pernah dilaksanakan pada tahun 2018 dan 2021. Kajian rasionalisasi tahun 2022 diadakan kerana isu ketirisan dan prestasi bekalan minyak masak yang dikesan oleh kementerian hasil naziran pengedaran atas arahan Pengawal 3 Bekalan. Rasionalisasi juga dibuat melalui kriteria yang telah ditetapkan.

Bagi isu yang berkaitan kelulusan kuota diberikan kepada dua (2) syarikat yang alamat berdaftar (registered address) yang sama, semakan telah dibuat dengan rekod Suruhanjaya Syarikat Malaysia yang mana didapati kedua-dua syarikat tersebut adalah dua syarikat yang berbeza dengan pemilik (shareholders) yang berlainan.

KPDN sentiasa melaksanakan segala tanggungjawab dan amanah yang diberikan berdasarkan prinsip integriti dan ketelusan seperti mana yang dinyatakan oleh YAB Perdana Menteri dan YB Menteri. Oleh yang demikian, KPDN sentiasa bersedia untuk bekerjasama dengan mana-mana agensi penguatkuasa sekiranya diperlukan.

Pengumuman oleh Yang Amat Berhormat Dato’ Seri Anwar bin Ibrahim Perdana Menteri berhubung pelaksanaan insentif khas kepada pengusaha Menu RAHMAH melalui pemberian diskaun istimewa di pasaraya terpilih mulai pertengahan Mei 2023 disambut meriah oleh Kementerian Perdagangan Dalam Negeri. dan Kos Sara Hidup (KPDN).

Kementerian yakin melalui Insentif Khas ini, pengusaha-pengusaha Menu RAHMAH dapat terus menyediakan Menu RAHMAH kepada pengguna secara berterusan untuk jangka masa yang lebih panjang. Insentif ini juga dijangkakan akan menggalakkan lagi lebih ramai pengusaha restoran untuk menyertai Inisiatif Menu RAHMAH.

KPDN akan memperluaskan Insentif Diskaun Khas Pengusaha Menu RAHMAH ini kepada pembekal-pembekal bahan mentah melalui sesi libat urus yang akan diadakan dalam masa terdekat.

Oleh yang demikian, Kementerian ingin menyeru lebih ramai pengusaha untuk menyertai Inisiatif Menu RAHMAH dengan mendaftar di 2 portal Menu RAHMAH (http://menurahmah.kpdn.gov.my) untuk mendapatkan inisiatif istimewa tersebut.

Pelaksanaan Inisiatif Menu RAHMAH yang diterajui oleh KPDN sejak 31 Januari 2023 ini telah mendapat sokongan yang amat menggalakkan dengan penyertaan pengusaha makanan dan juga pengguna. Sehingga 15 April 2023, sebanyak 1,706 pengusaha Menu RAHMAH telah mendaftar di portal Menu RAHMAH dengan penyediaan menu makanan yang seimbang dan berkhasiat pada harga dibawah RM 5.00.

Untuk sebarang pertanyaan lanjut, pihak pemain industri dan orang ramai boleh menghubungi Sekretariat Perdagangan Pengedaran dan Industri Perkhidmatan (SPIP) di talian hotline 03- 8882 5881/ 5905 atau melalui emel kepada spip@kpdn.gov.my.

Kementerian Perdagangan Dalam Negeri dan Kos Sara Hidup (KPDN) ingin menjelaskan perihal kuota minyak masak bersubsidi yang mungkin dikurangkan kepada 40,000 tan metrik sebulan seperti yang dilaporkan dalam media arus perdana.

KPDN ingin memaklumkan bahawa, setakat ini, kuota sebanyak 60,000 tan metrik minyak masak subsidi adalah kekal dan Kementerian tiada cadangan untuk mengurangkan kuota sedia ada tersebut kepada 40,000 tan metrik sebulan. Ini adalah kerana daripada jumlah kuota 60,000 tan metrik itu yang bersamaan 60 juta pek minyak masak bersubsidi 1kg adalah mencukupi sekiranya digunakan oleh isi rumah sahaja.

Walau bagaimana pun, hasil pemeriksaan harian, didapati kerap berlaku kekurangan minyak masak bersubsidi di kawasan tertentu. Situasi ini banyak dipengaruhi oleh faktor-faktor lain terutama pembelian oleh golongan bukan isi rumah, pembukaan sektor perniagaan yang menggunakan minyak masak dalam perniagaan mereka, syarikat-syarikat 2 pembungkus yang tidak beroperasi pada tahap maksima, masalah pengedaran, tindakan kes-kes oleh KPDN sendiri selain digunakan bagi pelbagai program anjuran Kerajaan.

Kementerian Perdagangan Dalam Negeri dan Kos Sara Hidup (KPDN) mengambil maklum akan aduan yang diberikan oleh pihak Persatuan Pengguna (FOMCA) dalam Buletin Utama 16 April 2023 mengenai perkhidmatan pengangkutan udara terutama berkenaan harga, perkhidmatan, pertukaran jadual dan pembatalan penerbangan.

Kementerian ingin memaklumkan kepada semua pengguna perkhidmatan pengangkutan udara bahawa mulai 1 Mac 2016, melalui Akta Perlindungan Pengguna (Pindaan) 2015, Akta A1498, seksyen 99(1)(c) yang telah dipinda dengan memasukkan seksyen 99(1)(ca) yang memperuntukkan bahawa apa-apa isu pertikaian berkaitan dengan perkhidmatan mana-mana syarikat penerbangan adalah diluar bidang kuasa Tribunal Tuntutan Pengguna, KPDN dan segala aduan berkenaan dengannya hendaklah dirujuk kepada Suruhanjaya Penerbangan Malaysia (MAVCOM).

KPDN menyeru semua pengguna untuk menyimpan/ merakam semua transaksi bila berhubungan dengan syarikat penerbangan dan membuat aduan terus kepada MAVCOM beserta dengan bahan bukti yang telah dirakam dan disimpan. Aduan boleh dibuat melalui pautan https://flysmart.my/en/make-a-complaint/ atau emel enquiries@flysmart.my jika mereka berhadapan dengan masalah seperti yang dinyatakan di atas.

Walau bagaimana pun, segala aduan yang Kementerian terima selama ini telah dimajukan kepada MAVCOM untuk tindakan selanjutnya.

In addition, the Economic Census Portal by YBhg. Dato’ Sri Dr. Mohd Uzir Mahidin, Malaysia’s Chief Statistician, was inaugurated by the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM) today.

DOSM’s New Portal & Mobile Application was developed in line with DOSM’s continuous  modernisation and innovation efforts aimed at providing effective statistical services that  have added value in contributing to government services. It is equipped with a modern  platform based on portal features that use the latest technology, modern design and layout,

minimalistic and neat, bilingual ie the use of Bahasa Melayu and English (default), fully  responsive, prioritise user experience (user centric), supporting all the content required by  the user, can be easily expanded, various latest functions; and support the needs of DOSM  content & functions such as stats release, student corner, ergonomic and user-friendly  layout.

YBhg. Dato’ Sri Dr. Mohd Uzir Mahidin, Malaysia’s Chief Statistician, stated, “This edition  of DOSM’s New Portal & Mobile Application introduces key features such as Fun with  Statistics, Chat Bot, Tableau Integration, Table Builder, Social Media Sharing, Multi

User CMS, Content Analytics, and Data Mining. It also provides additional service  innovation with mobile application features developed using Google Flutter technology and  a simple and user-friendly platform meeting all user needs with mobile apps on Applestore  and Playstore.”

Dato’ Sri Dr Mohd Uzir Mahidin also informed, “DOSM for the first time launch Economic  Census Portal, which main objective is to be a platform for delivering information and  statistics related to the 2023 Economic Census. This portal provides an easy-to-navigate  interface and has various content and links. The portal is a common gateway with a one

stop centre concept to make it easier for users, especially census respondents, to get all  the information related to the implementation of the 2023 Economic Census. Among the  contents of this portal are general information about the 2023 Economic Census, frequently  asked questions (FAQ), questionnaires, a guide to completing the questionnaire, the  previous publications of the Economic Census, and links to online questionnaires (e-Be).  Through this portal, users can also access an economic data dashboard (MyEase) that  covers economic series data starting from the year 2005. In addition, this portal also  displays progress reports on the implementation of the census as well as the latest news  and media coverage related to the economic census.”

Meanwhile, the current portal and the New Portal & DOSM Mobile Application are  compared by upgrading the portal display, which includes the landing page, main page,  directory, stats release theme, gallery (newsletter), and upgrading the CMS function and  display, which includes login, modules content management, and various new functions  such as Table Builder, Student Corner, Fun With Statistics, Forum, and Industry Training  module.

Thus, efforts to upgrade DOSM’s New Portal & Mobile Application and Economic  Census Portal were develop and in response to current needs and to fuel the  dissemination of information for the reference of various levels of users, including  policymakers, businessmen, researchers, youth, students, journalists, data scientists, and  the general public.

For more information,

visit https://www.dosm.gov.my and https://www.economiccensus.dosm.gov.my

The Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM) is conducting the Economic Census in  2023. DOSM greatly appreciates the cooperation of respondents to provide information  and in ensuring the success of this census. Please visit www.dosm.gov.my for more  information.

DOSM has launched OpenDOSM NextGen as a medium that provides a catalogue of data  and visualisation to facilitate users in analysing various data. OpenDOSM NextGen is an  open source data sharing platform and accessible through https://open.dosm.gov.my portal.

Please be informed that the Government of Malaysia has declared National Statistics Day  (MyStats Day) on October 20 each year. MyStats Day theme is “Connecting the World with  Data We Can Trust”.

The overall winners of the prestigious Sony World Photography Awards 2023 were revealed today at a special gala presentation in London presented by broadcaster and art historian Kate Bryan.

The Photographer of the Year title has been awarded to the acclaimed photographer Edgar Martins (Portugal) for his series Our War, a homage to Martins’ friend, photojournalist Anton Hammerl, who was killed during the Libyan Civil War in 2011.  Martins won a $25,000 (USD) cash prize and a range of Sony digital imaging equipment. Additionally, Martins receives a solo presentation of his work as part of next year’s Sony World Photography Awards exhibition. This opportunity allows photographers to further develop their winning project or exhibit a brand new body of work, gaining them additional exposure for their practice.

Martins was selected from the 10 category winners of the Professional competition who were announced today alongside those in 2nd and 3rd place in each Professional category. The overall winners of the Awards’ Open, Youth and Student competitions were additionally revealed.

Also announced is Alessandro Cinque (Italy), the first-time winner of the Sustainability Prize – developed in collaboration with the United Nations Foundation and Sony Pictures’ Picture This initiative – this new $5,000 (USD) award recognises the stories, people and organisations whose actions highlight one of the United Nations’ environmental Sustainable Development Goals.

The Sony World Photography Awards 2023 exhibition opens at Somerset House, London from 14 April – 1 May 2023, featuring over 200 prints and hundreds of additional images in digital displays from winning and shortlisted photographers. Also presented are works by this year’s Outstanding Contribution to Photography, the esteemed Japanese photographer Rinko Kawauchi.

PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR

Our War by Edgar Martins (Portugal) is an original and nuanced tribute to the photographer’s late friend the photojournalist Anton Hammerl, who was abducted and killed on 5 April 2011 by government militia, during the Libyan Civil War.

Frustrated by unsuccessful attempts to ascertain the whereabouts of his friend’s last mortal remains, Martins took matters into his own hands and travelled to Libya. He was brought in covertly by a petrol smuggler and was immediately faced with enormous challenges working in such a volatile environment. Realising that he would not be able to carry out a thorough and independent investigation, Martins instead chose to reflect on the question: ‘how does one tell a story when there is no witness, no testimony, no evidence, no subject?’

In Our War Martins conjures and alludes to the absent central figure through a series of portraits of the people Hammerl had connected with and those involved in the fighting (freedom fighters or their descendants, ex-militia, local residents, Gaddafi loyalists or lookalikes, and so on). They were chosen because they either resembled him, had similar ideas and beliefs, or reminded Martins of him at different stages of their friendship. The project explores the idea of absence, of documenting, grieving, and honouring a subject as well as reflecting on the role of photography within a conflict zone. Martins’ approach is to confront these questions head-on: to embrace the idea of the fragmentary and the many contradictions and ambiguities intrinsic to war.

Commenting on his win Martins says: ‘It is a huge honour to be recognised and although I am philosophical about awards and the subjective nature of someone’s choice, knowing that there were over 180,000 entries to this year’s Professional competition, is very humbling. In this case, it is also quite an emotional experience because I get to honour my friend on a world stage and bring attention to the family’s plight to find his remains. There’s no award that has the reach of the Sony World Photography Awards.’

Commenting on Martins’ winning project, Mike Trow, Chair of the 2023 Professional competition says: ‘Photography is so often about memory and its nature. Long-term memory is about the conscious recollection of past events and our knowledge of them – be it through direct experience or mediated through the myriad of media we use.  Our War by Edgar Martins has used memory and invention to give us a powerful, personal set of portraits that attempt to explain the last days of his friend, the photojournalist Anton Hammerl. His work highlights the lengths photographers will go to to tell a story and create meaning; each image giving a sense of the journey Anton took without ever being explicit about how his life ended. The entire jury this year was fulsome in their appreciation of the work and its narrative force.’

PROFESSIONAL CATEGORY WINNERS

Winning photographers in the Professional competition have been selected by a panel of expert judges for submitting an outstanding body of work of five to 10 images, ranging from stories of war and reconciliation, to the empowerment of women through education, and original approaches to the genres of still life and sport.

All category winners receive Sony’s digital imaging kit. This year’s winners are:

ARCHITECTURE & DESIGN

WINNER: Fan Li (China Mainland) for his series Cement Factory

Finalists: 2nd place Servaas Van Belle (Belgium); 3rd place Andres Gallardo Albajar (Spain)

CREATIVE

WINNER: Lee-Ann Olwage (South Africa) for her series The Right to Play

Finalists: 2nd place Noemi Comi (Italy); 3rd place Edoardo Delille & Giulia Piermartiri (Italy)

DOCUMENTARY PROJECTS

WINNER: Hugh Kinsella Cunningham (United Kingdom) for his series The Women’s Peace Movement in Congo

Finalists: 2nd place Mohammed Salem (State of Palestine); 3rd place Tariq Zaidi (United Kingdom)

ENVIRONMENT

WINNER: Marisol Mendez (Bolivia) & Federico Kaplan (Argentina) for their series Miruku

Finalists: 2nd place Jonas Kakó (Germany); 3rd place Axel Javier Sulzbacher (Germany)

LANDSCAPE

WINNER: Kacper Kowalski (Poland) for his series Event Horizon

Finalists: 2nd place Bruno Zanzottera (Italy); 3rd place Fabio Bucciarelli (Italy)

PORTFOLIO

WINNER: James Deavin (United Kingdom) for his submission Portfolio     

Finalists: 2nd place Marylise Vigneau (France); 3rd place Marjolein Martinot (Netherlands)

PORTRAITURE

WINNER: Edgar Martins (Portugal) for his series Our War

Finalists: 2nd place Ebrahim Noroozi (Islamic Republic of Iran); 3rd place Jean-Claude Moschetti (France)

SPORT

WINNER: Al Bello (United States) for his series Female Pro Baseball Player Succeeds in All Male Pro League

Finalists: 2nd place Andrea Fantini (Italy); 3rd place Nicola Zolin (Italy)

STILL LIFE

WINNER: Kechun Zhang (China Mainland) for his series The Sky Garden

Finalists: 2nd place Carloman Macidiano Céspedes Riojas (Peru); 3rd place Jagoda Malanin (Poland)

WILDLIFE & NATURE:

WINNER: Corey Arnold (United States) for his series Cities Gone Wild

Finalists: 2nd place Adalbert Mojrzisch (Germany); 3rd place Sriram Mural (India)

To find out more about this year’s winning and finalist projects please visit our online winners galleries

OPEN PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR

The Open competition celebrates the power of a single image. Winning photographs are chosen for their ability to communicate a remarkable visual narrative combined with technical excellence. Chosen from the 10 Open category winners, Dinorah Graue Obscura (Mexico) is Open Photographer of the Year 2023 and the recipient of the $5,000 (USD) cash prize, Sony digital imaging equipment and global exposure.

Graue Obscura won for her arresting image entitled Mighty Pair, entered in the Natural World & Wildlife category. The black and white photograph depicts a pair of crested caracara birds in Southern Texas, perched together upon a branch, and staring fixedly in the same direction. The photographer felt as if the majestic birds of prey were almost posing for the camera, as they sat motionless and identical, gazing out beyond the frame.

Speaking of her win, Graue Osbcura says: ‘It is an absolute honour to receive the Open Photographer of the Year 2023 award. I am absolutely certain that this recognition will contribute to the dissemination of my work as a wildlife photographer, which aims to transmit and show people the beauty I see in Nature.  I believe that photography is a very powerful tool that can be used to raise awareness about the fragility of our natural world.’

STUDENT PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR

For this year’s Student competition, students were invited to submit a series of five to 10 images responding to the brief In a Changing World, highlighting positive stories of development and progress from across the globe.

Long Jing (China Mainland) of Yunnan Arts University, has been awarded Student Photographer of the Year,  winning Sony digital imaging equipment worth €30,000 for his university. Jing’s winning series Keep the Yunnan Opera goes behind the scenes to show the dwindling groups of performers and spectators of the opera in Yunnan. In vivid colour the series celebrates the multiculturalism of southwestern China reflected in the performances.

Commenting on his win Jing says: ‘A picture is worth a thousand words, and my goal has always been to give warmth to images and to uncover the stories behind them. Being chosen as the Student Photographer of the Year 2023 has given me the confidence to believe that I can create even more warm and engaging works in the future.’

YOUTH PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR

This year entrants to the Youth competition were invited to respond to the theme Your Everyday and share their unique view of the world around them. Selected from a shortlist of 7 photographers under the age of 19, Hai Wang (China Mainland, 17 years-old) is the Youth Photographer of the Year, receiving Sony digital imaging kit and global exposure.

Wang’s winning photograph depicts seemingly endless rows of deserted brightly coloured chairs at a school ceremony cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The strong composition and striking framing highlight the sense of emptiness and give a surreal quality to the image.

Commenting on his win Wang says: ‘I appreciate all the attention and support the public gives to global teenage photographers. As a member of this age group, I can say that we are trying to make a change throughout the world in a brand-new way, to try not to waste a single second of our lives.’

SUSTAINABILITY PRIZE

Alessandro Cinque (Italy) is announced as the first-time winner of the Sustainability Prize, receiving a $5,000 cash prize and a presentation of his project as part of the Sony World Photography Awards exhibition in London. This brand new prize, developed in collaboration with the United Nations Foundation and Sony Pictures’ Picture This initiative, recognises the stories, people and organisations whose actions highlight one of the United Nations’ environmental Sustainable Development Goals.

Cinque won for his series Atrapanieblas (Fog Nets) which documents an innovative solution helping to tackle chronic water shortages in Lima, Peru. Cinque shows how fog nets are used to catch droplets of airborne moisture and can collect about 200 litres (53 gallons) of water per day for local residents.

Commenting on his win Cinque said: “I am very honoured and happy to have won this prize. I like to think that, through my photography and thanks to the wide reach of this award, we are helping give a voice to people who struggle daily with water scarcity, a problem that affects more than 40% of the world’s population according to the United Nations. It is important to highlight the efforts in Lima to combat this shortage, in the hope that these stories will stir consciences and that, finally, we will understand the importance of joining together to address climate change and create a fairer world for all.”

OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTION TO PHOTOGRAPHY

This year’s Outstanding Contribution to Photography has been awarded to the celebrated photographer Rinko Kawauchi. One of the most important Japanese photographers working today, Kawauchi has achieved international renown for her intimate and luminous images, capturing ephemeral moments of everyday life.

More than 20 images by the photographer will be shown at the Sony World Photography Awards 2023 exhibition. The selection, made by the artist, spans over two decades of her career and highlights significant milestones and themes across some of her most iconic series: Illuminance (2011), AILA (2004), Utatane (2001), and Ametsuchi (2013).

ADAM FERGUSON | SOLO PRESENTATION

In addition to the work of this year’s overall and category winners the Sony World Photography Awards exhibition features a solo presentation by the 2022 Photographer of the Year winner Adam Ferguson (Australia).

The acclaimed photographer presents a selection of images from his series Silent Wind, Roaring Sky, documenting the remote lives of communities in Australia’s Outback. The exhibition charts repeated journeys deep into rural Australia, revealing a landscape and a community in a state of dramatic transition.

For professional sound engineers and musicians, Sony has unveiled the MDR-MV1 Reference Monitor Headphones. The headphones combine high-quality audio with durability and dependability. They are a good choice for mixing and mastering immersive spatial sound, such as 360 Reality Audio, as well as stereo sound with high-resolution capabilities because of its open back design, which enables accurate reproduction of a large sound field. The C-80, a uni-directional condenser microphone excellent for vocal/voice recording, instrumental recording, vlogging, webcasting, and podcasting, was also introduced by Sony as a new microphone for home studios. The technology of Sony’s renowned C-800G and well-liked C-100 microphones is carried over into this new device, making high quality sound even more affordable.

“With the rise in spatial sound and high quality streaming music services, we are seeing a demand for headphones that can adaptably address and enrich all of these immersive needs,” said Andy Munitz, Sr. Product Manager, Sony Electronics. “Sony’s deep heritage in audio is on display with the introduction of the MDR-MV1, a flexible and stylish new option for home or studio use. The headphones prioritise comfort, showcase Sony’s craftsmanship and provide long-term durability while offering users the ability to accurately reproduce sounds, as the artist intended them to be heard.”

“The C-80 takes advantage of Sony’s heritage in professional audio, providing users with an affordable introductory model that incorporates high-end professional features,” said John Studdert, Head of Media Solutions, Sony Electronics. “With unrivaled sound quality and thoughtful construction, the C-80 is a great addition to any audio enthusiast’s microphone collection and a perfect complement to Sony’s full line of professional audio technologies.”

MDR-MV1

Sound Characteristics

The MDR-MV1 offers extended spatial sound reproducibility and accurate sound object positioning within a 360-degree space, as well as clear, hi-resolution, nuanced sound with a super-wide frequency range and accurate soundstage. The headphones’ uniquely developed driver units provide ultra-wideband playback (5Hz – 80 kHz) with natural high frequencies. This makes it easier for professionals to capture localization, spaciousness and detailed changes in sound processing.  The open back structure of the headphones reduces internally reflected sounds and eliminates acoustic resonances while accurately reproducing natural, rich spatial information and sounds. These robust features support their use in professional mixing and mastering environments while accommodating audio engineers’ highest standards.

Comfort and Design

Engineered with comfort in mind, the MDR-MV1 feature breathable earpads and are intentionally lightweight, soft and fitted to provide a pleasant wearing experience, even after hours of use. The MDR-MV1 includes a high quality replaceable, detachable cable with machined aluminum connectors and a stereo mini-jack adapter for ease of use in a professional setting.

“To create great listening experiences for streaming and immersive audio, it’s important for artists and studio professionals to have sound equipment tuned for these technologies,” said Mike Piacentini, Mastering Engineer, Battery Studio, Sony Music Entertainment. “The MDR-MV1, developed by Sony’s Headphone Engineering team in collaboration with Sony’s Music engineers, provides creators mixing both in studios and at home with a new reliable reference point for modern sound design needs.”

C-80

Key Features of the C-80

The C-80 inherits the essence of Sony’s revered C-800G and popular C-100 microphones, utilising the microphone capsule derived from the C-100 and a two-part metallic anti-vibrational body structure used in the C-800G. Its “Noise Elimination Construction” also prevents microphone body acoustic vibration, resulting in low noise and clear sound. A dual diaphragm configuration is also present within the C-80, suppressing sonic changes with distance (proximity effect) and allowing more stability in the vocal recording process.

Sonic Characteristics of the C-80

Tight and rich mid-range capture in the C-80 provides a vocal sound with a clear core and presence, allowing vocals to stand out even when mixed with other instrumental sounds. The C-80 also provides a realistic reproduction of the characteristics of an instrument, such as the sound of guitar strings and the resonance of the body, and a natural and clear recording is achieved by suppressing boomy low frequencies and noise when close to the microphone.

Availability

The SRP for the MDR-MV1 is RM1,690 and C-80 is RM2,190. Both will be available in Malaysia from May 2023.