MalaysianUpdates

Author: Yasmin Zainal

  • Sime Motors Charges Up Northern Region with All-New BYD Mansion Macalister

    BYD Malaysia, in partnership with Sime Motors, the official distributor of BYD vehicles in the country, has officially expanded its commercial footprint in the northern region with the grand opening of BYD Mansion Macalister in George Town, Penang. Operating as the brand’s new northern flagship showroom, the facility is situated within a meticulously restored heritage property, strategically capturing the intersection of localized cultural preservation and premium electric vehicle (EV) innovation.

    The corporate launch was officiated by the Chief Minister of Penang, YAB Tuan Chow Kon Yeow, alongside YB H’ng Mooi Lye, Penang State Executive Councillor for Local Government and Town & Country Planning. The event also marked a key volume milestone for the brand, celebrating the delivery of the 5,000th BYD unit within the northern regional market.

    The establishment of this flagship showroom is a core component of BYD and Sime Motors’ aggressive infrastructure expansion strategy. The companies currently manage a nationwide network comprising more than 43 showrooms and over 25 dedicated aftersales centres.

    Engineered to optimize the customer touchpoint matrix, BYD Mansion Macalister integrates premium consultation lounges, digital interactive spaces, a dedicated charging infrastructure, and an advanced service center under a single operational framework. This centralized model is designed to maximize transactional efficiency and elevate customer relationship management in the northern territory.

    From a global corporate perspective, this investment underscores a long-term commitment to capitalizing on Malaysia’s transition toward sustainable mobility through human capital development and localized research. Liu Xueliang, Vice President of BYD Co., Ltd and General Manager of BYD Asia Pacific Auto Sales Division, stated that the company is consistently channeling its technological innovations and research capabilities into the Malaysian market.

    He emphasized that continuous corporate investment in upskilling local talent in proprietary EV technologies remains a foundational promise to the nation, with BYD Mansion Macalister serving as the physical embodiment of world-class innovation operating in harmony with regional heritage.

    Sime Motors is supporting this product rollout by strengthening its downstream operational capabilities and service-level agreements (SLAs). Jeffrey Gan, Managing Director, Southeast Asia, Sime Motors, noted that consumer trust is measured through the deployment of an elite, certified team of local technicians and service advisors engineered to elevate regional automotive care standards.

    To validate product performance, highway refinement, and long-range battery efficiency to corporate stakeholders and media partners, BYD Sime Motors executed a 360-kilometre fleet road trip from its corporate hub in Ara Damansara to the new Penang facility, demonstrating the operational reliability that has driven their regional market penetration.

    As EV adoption rates scale across Malaysia, the joint venture remains focused on supply chain optimization and service readiness. Supported by a 95% aftersales parts fill rate, the brand mitigates operational downtime, ensuring rapid vehicle turnaround times and high-quality lifecycle support for owners. Through systematic professional training programs and proactive infrastructure placement, BYD and Sime Motors continue to fortify their corporate ecosystem, ensuring a stable, premium ownership experience as sustainable mobility demand expands nationwide.

  • Bersama Amira Othman, Rissa Skin Raikan Pelancaran Produk Terbaharu, Night Silk Cream

    Rissa Skin terus mengorak langkah dalam industri kecantikan tempatan apabila menganjurkan majlis rumah terbuka eksklusif bersempena pelancaran produk terbaharunya, Rissa Night Silk Cream, bersama duta jenama, Amira Othman. Bertempat di Concorde Hotel Shah Alam, acara ini berjaya menghimpunkan pelbagai pihak termasuk media, pempengaruh, rakan kolaborasi dan pelanggan setia dalam suasana yang penuh elegan dan profesional, mencerminkan nilai jenama yang menitikberatkan kecantikan holistik dan keyakinan diri.

    Pelancaran Rissa Night Silk Cream menjadi fokus utama acara, dengan penekanan terhadap kelebihan produk sebagai solusi penjagaan kulit menyeluruh. Diformulasikan untuk mencerahkan kulit, memberikan kelembapan intensif, memperbaiki tekstur serta meningkatkan keanjalan, produk ini turut membantu mengurangkan kesan regangan dan sesuai digunakan pada seluruh badan. Fleksibiliti penggunaannya menjadikannya relevan untuk keperluan gaya hidup masa kini, tanpa mengira jantina.

    Sejak menjalinkan kerjasama pada awal 2025, Rissa Skin dan Amira Othman telah berjaya membina sinergi yang kukuh melalui pelbagai kempen digital dan program komuniti yang memberi impak positif kepada pengguna. Amira menyifatkan penjagaan kulit sebagai elemen penting dalam membina keyakinan diri, dan beliau berbesar hati dapat mewakili jenama yang selari dengan nilai tersebut.

    Majlis ini turut diperkaya dengan pengisian istimewa termasuk perkongsian mengenai perkembangan jenama serta persembahan hiburan daripada Ameng Spring dan Bella Astillah yang menambah kemeriahan acara. Dalam pada itu, pengasas Rissa Skin, Maam Nurul, menegaskan bahawa kepercayaan pelanggan merupakan tunjang utama dalam perjalanan jenama. Beliau turut menyatakan komitmen untuk terus membina hubungan jangka panjang bersama komuniti. Dengan pencapaian yang memberangsangkan, Rissa Skin kini berada di landasan kukuh untuk memperluaskan pengaruhnya, termasuk menembusi pasaran serantau dalam masa terdekat.

  • HONOR 600 Series Unveiled First in Malaysia, Redefining Accessible Flagship Power 

    Malaysia steps into the global spotlight as the launchpad for the all-new HONOR 600 Series, signalling a bold leap forward in the brand’s innovation journey. Designed to bring flagship-level performance to a wider audience, the lineup introduces both Pro and standard models loaded with next-generation features.

    Merging intelligent AI with premium hardware, the HONOR 600 Series redefines what users can expect from a smartphone. From its powerful camera system to the upgraded AI Image to Video 2.0, every feature is built to enhance creativity and everyday use. Backed by a massive 7,000mAh battery and driven by Snapdragon flagship processors, the devices deliver long-lasting performance alongside a stunning display and durable build, all starting from RM2,599.

    Early buyers are in for added value, with pre-orders open until 29 April 2026. Customers can enjoy an instant RM200 rebate, along with exclusive gifts worth up to RM1,935. Depending on the model, perks include the Fujifilm Instax Mini LiPlay+ or the HONOR CHOICE Watch 2 Epic, as well as extended warranty and protection coverage for extra peace of mind.

    Photography takes centre stage with a cutting-edge 200MP main camera and advanced zoom capabilities, capturing remarkable detail in any setting. The enhanced AI Image to Video 2.0 further pushes creative boundaries, turning static images into dynamic short videos effortlessly with no editing apps required.

    Under the hood, performance remains seamless and responsive. The Pro variant, powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, handles demanding tasks with ease, while both models feature ultra-bright displays with eye-comfort technology, ensuring a smooth viewing experience even under harsh sunlight.

    Built for real-world use, the HONOR 600 Series combines endurance and resilience, offering fast charging, long battery life, and strong protection against water, dust, and accidental drops. Wrapped in stylish finishes of Orange, Golden White and Black, the HONOR 600 Series will be available nationwide from 30 April 2026, reinforcing HONOR’s mission to make powerful, intelligent technology more accessible than ever.

  • Tragedi Tahfiz: Estika Medispa Segera Salur Bantuan Kepada Mangsa Terjejas 

    Kebakaran yang melanda Maahad Tahfiz Miftahul Ulum di Hulu Langat baru-baru ini bukan sahaja mengakibatkan kemusnahan fizikal, malah meninggalkan kesan emosi yang mendalam kepada para pelajarnya. Prihatin terhadap situasi tersebut, Estika Medispa tampil menghulurkan bantuan dengan menyalurkan sumbangan kewangan bagi memenuhi keperluan segera pengurusan maahad serta pelajar yang terjejas.

    Menurut pengasasnya, Dr Haq, kehilangan tempat belajar dan keperluan asas dalam tempoh singkat menjadi faktor utama yang mendorong pihaknya untuk bertindak pantas. Beliau menyifatkan keadaan yang dialami para pelajar sebagai sangat menyentuh hati, apatah lagi mereka bukan sahaja kehilangan kemudahan pembelajaran, tetapi turut terkesan dari segi emosi dan rasa selamat.

    “Dalam setiap musibah yang menimpa komuniti, kita semua mempunyai tanggungjawab untuk tampil membantu,” katanya. Dr Haq turut menjelaskan bahawa sumbangan yang disalurkan merupakan langkah permulaan, dengan pihak Estika kini sedang merancang bentuk sokongan susulan yang lebih komprehensif bagi membantu usaha pemulihan Maahad Tahfiz berkenaan.

    Dalam masa sama, beliau menegaskan bahawa inisiatif tersebut bukan sekadar bantuan bersifat sementara, sebaliknya mencerminkan komitmen berterusan syarikat dalam melaksanakan tanggungjawab sosial korporat (CSR). “Bagi Estika, CSR adalah satu komitmen jangka panjang untuk memberi impak positif kepada masyarakat. Pemilihan komuniti yang dibantu adalah berdasarkan tahap keperluan serta sejauh mana sesuatu kejadian memberi kesan kepada kehidupan mereka.

    “Situasi seperti ini jelas memerlukan tindakan segera, dan kami memastikan bantuan disalurkan kepada golongan yang benar-benar memerlukan,” ujarnya. Mengulas lanjut, Dr Haq menekankan bahawa nilai empati dan tanggungjawab sosial menjadi asas dalam membina jenama Estika, selain memastikan kejayaan syarikat turut memberi manfaat kepada masyarakat secara menyeluruh.

    Beliau turut menyatakan bahawa syarikat swasta mempunyai kelebihan dari segi kepantasan bertindak serta keupayaan menggerakkan sumber bagi membantu keperluan mendesak, termasuk menyediakan sokongan jangka sederhana seperti pemulihan emosi dan kemudahan asas. Sehubungan itu, beliau menyeru lebih banyak pihak untuk bersama-sama menghulurkan bantuan kepada Maahad Tahfiz Miftahul Ulum dalam usaha mempercepatkan proses pemulihan institusi berkenaan.

  • Malam – Malam’: Kembalinya Nuha Bahrin dengan Sentuhan Unik Arabic dan Spanish 

    Penyanyi berbakat Nuha Bahrin, yang sebelum ini dikenali menerusi lagu popular Casablanca, kembali dengan single terbaharu berjudul “Malam – Malam”. Lagu ini merupakan hasil kolaborasi bersama komposer terkenal Ezra Kong di bawah projek kreatifnya, mimpi..

    Menariknya, “Malam – Malam” menggabungkan elemen muzik Arabic dan Spanish dengan sentuhan pop Melayu moden, menghasilkan bunyi yang unik serta sarat emosi. Lagu ini mengisahkan kerinduan terhadap seseorang yang jauh, diiringi kenangan lama yang masih terasa dekat meskipun masa telah berlalu. Simbol bulan turut digunakan bagi menggambarkan detik-detik indah yang tidak mungkin kembali, sekali gus menambah suasana sayu dalam karya ini.

    Menurut Ezra Kong, projek mimpi. menjadi ruang untuk beliau berkarya dengan lebih bebas dan jujur. Inspirasi lagu ini pula datang daripada kisah sebenar, khususnya pengalaman rakan-rakan yang terpaksa bekerja ketika orang lain meraikan detik penting seperti hari raya. Perasaan rindu tersebut kemudiannya diterjemahkan dalam bentuk lagu yang penuh sentuhan romantik dan emosi.

    Bagi Nuha, lagu ini membawa makna yang sangat peribadi. Selain menggambarkan kerinduan terhadap seseorang, ia juga mencerminkan rasa rindu terhadap diri sendiri, mengubah versi diri yang lebih yakin dan tidak terlalu memikirkan pandangan orang lain. Dalam penyampaian vokalnya, Nuha mengekalkan kejujuran emosi secara lebih “raw” agar pendengar dapat merasai kekosongan dan kerinduan yang ingin disampaikan.

    Muzik video “Malam – Malam” turut menampilkan konsep visual yang puitis dan simbolik. Ia mengisahkan seorang wanita yang masih terperangkap dalam kenangan cinta lalu, di mana kehadiran lelaki tersebut seolah-olah nyata, namun hakikatnya hanyalah bayangan memori. Visual ini menguatkan lagi tema kehilangan dan kesunyian yang menjadi teras lagu.

    Kolaborasi ini juga menjadi pengalaman berharga buat Nuha, apatah lagi ini merupakan kali kedua beliau bekerjasama dengan Ezra Kong bersama penulis Sufairah Mohd. Ia memberi ruang untuk beliau keluar daripada zon selesa dan meneroka sesuatu yang baharu. Dengan gabungan bunyi yang unik serta emosi yang mendalam, “Malam – Malam” dijangka mampu menyentuh hati pendengar, khususnya ketika suasana sunyi di waktu malam. Lagu ini akan mula tersedia di semua platform penstriman digital bermula 24 April 2026.

  • Sunway Medical Centre Velocity Teams Up with Institut Sukan Negara to Strengthen Athlete Medical Support

    Sunway Medical Centre Velocity (SMCV) and Institut Sukan Negara (ISN) have entered into a strategic partnership through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), marking a significant step forward in elevating healthcare standards for athletes and sports professionals in Malaysia. The collaboration is set to deliver a more seamless, coordinated and specialised medical journey tailored to the unique demands of high-performance sports.

    Built on a shared vision, the partnership focuses on providing comprehensive care across the entire treatment spectrum—from diagnosis and surgical intervention to rehabilitation and safe return to competition. By strengthening clinical collaboration and enabling smoother referral pathways, both institutions aim to ensure that athletes receive timely, precise and high-quality medical attention at every stage of their recovery.

    Through this initiative, ISN athletes and staff will gain access to a wide range of specialised services at SMCV, including outpatient and inpatient care, advanced diagnostic imaging such as MRI and CT scans, orthopaedic treatment for sports-related injuries, as well as dermatological care. This integrated approach ensures that medical support is not only comprehensive, but also responsive to the physical demands of each sporting discipline.

    Central to the collaboration is the development of a structured and efficient referral system, enabling both organisations to leverage their combined expertise and facilities. Treatment strategies will be carefully aligned with each athlete’s specific needs, supported by evidence-based recovery protocols designed to facilitate a safe, confident and high-performing return to sport.

    Beyond patient care, the MoU also serves as a platform for continuous knowledge exchange, fostering collaboration between medical specialists and sports science professionals. This ongoing partnership is expected to enhance clinical practices, improve recovery outcomes and contribute to a stronger, more resilient sports healthcare ecosystem in Malaysia—one that supports athletes not only in overcoming injuries, but in sustaining long-term performance and excellence.

  • 15 Years of Innovation: Auto Bavaria Kuala Lumpur Enhances the BMW Journey

    Auto Bavaria Kuala Lumpur, one of Malaysia’s leading BMW Authorised Dealers, is celebrating its 15th anniversary — a meaningful milestone that reflects its journey of growth, innovation and dedication to customer service. Since opening its doors in 2010, the dealership has grown from a traditional showroom into a modern premium mobility hub, now offering BMW, MINI and BMW Premium Selection to provide a smooth and complete ownership experience.

    Over the past 15 years, the dealership has expanded significantly, increasing its customer base from around 300 in its early days to more than 8,000 active customers today. This growth highlights its consistent performance and strong focus on customer satisfaction, supported by 14 consecutive years of awards across sales, aftersales services and overall customer experience.

    Sharing his thoughts on the milestone, Managing Director Vi Thim Juan said the company’s journey has been driven by the trust of its customers, the commitment of its team and a shared goal of delivering high-quality experiences, while continuing to look ahead to future opportunities.

    Auto Bavaria Kuala Lumpur has also achieved an important milestone in the industry by becoming the first BMW dealer in Malaysia to receive EV Certification, showcasing its role in supporting the shift towards electric mobility. At the same time, it continues to improve customer convenience through services like mobile i-Service, which brings aftersales support directly to customers, as well as a Courtesy Shuttle Service for easier travel within Kuala Lumpur city centre.

    To celebrate this achievement, Auto Bavaria Kuala Lumpur will be hosting its 15th Anniversary Celebration from 17 to 19 April 2026, between 9:00am and 6:00pm. The event is open to both customers and the public, with one of the main highlights being the unveiling of a special BMW X3 M Performance Parts Limited Edition, created to mark the occasion. As it moves forward, the dealership remains focused on delivering quality experiences and shaping the future of premium mobility, guided by strong customer trust and the values of the BMW Group.

  • Di Sebalik Kenaikan Tarif, Pengilang Klang Catat Penjimatan Besar Melalui Solar

    default

    Kenaikan tarif elektrik Malaysia sekitar 14% kepada 45.62 sen/kWj di bawah Tempoh Kawal Selia 4 (RP4), bersama pelaksanaan cukai karbon dalam Belanjawan 2026, meningkatkan tekanan kos terhadap sektor perindustrian, khususnya pengilang berintensif tenaga.

    Sebagai langkah proaktif, sebuah syarikat kejuruteraan di Klang beralih kepada penggunaan tenaga solar. EFS Group telah memasang sistem solar bumbung berkapasiti 403 kWp untuk Cheng Hua Engineering Works Sdn Bhd di fasiliti mereka. Dalam bulan pertama operasi, sistem ini berjaya mengurangkan hampir 50% bil elektrik serta menampung sekitar 30% keperluan tenaga. Secara tahunan, ia dianggarkan menjana 362,280 kWj tenaga bersih dan mengurangkan kira-kira 400 tan metrik pelepasan karbon.

    Ketua Pegawai Eksekutif EFS Group, Darren Tan, menyatakan bahawa pengurusan tenaga kini menjadi faktor penting dalam meningkatkan kecekapan kos dan daya tahan kewangan syarikat, sejajar dengan pelaksanaan RP4 dan mekanisme AFA yang menjadikan tarif lebih dinamik.

    Dalam masa sama, pengilang turut berdepan cabaran dasar seperti cukai karbon dan tekanan eksport melalui mekanisme CBAM Kesatuan Eropah, yang menuntut komitmen penyahkarbonan yang lebih jelas. Cheng Hua Engineering telah menggunakan tenaga solar sejak 2014 di bawah skim FiT. Perluasan terkini melalui skim SelCo, yang dibiayai sepenuhnya oleh syarikat, mencerminkan keyakinan terhadap solar sebagai pelaburan jangka panjang.

    Menurut Ketua Pegawai Eksekutifnya, Lim Chee Keong, penggunaan solar meningkatkan kecekapan tenaga sambil menyokong peralihan ke arah ekonomi rendah karbon. Selari dengan sasaran NETR, langkah ini turut memperkukuh daya saing jangka panjang pengilang di Malaysia.

  • HONOR N Series Achieves Rapid Expansion Across Southeast Asia in 2025

    HONOR’s N Series has experienced strong growth worldwide, with Southeast Asia emerging as a standout region following key improvements to its flagship-level offerings. A report by Counterpoint Research dated 1 April 2026 revealed that sales of the series jumped by 333% in Southeast Asia during 2025. This surge is largely linked to the success of the HONOR 400 Series, which delivered enhanced camera systems, longer-lasting battery performance, and advanced AI features compared to earlier models. The brand also saw encouraging results in other regions, including the Middle East & Africa, Latin America, and Europe, further strengthening its international presence.

    Malaysia has become a key driver behind HONOR’s regional success. Throughout 2025, HONOR recorded notable growth in the country, rising to become the top brand in overall smartphone sales. The company also gained momentum in the premium segment, particularly within the accessible flagship category.

    HONOR continues to build its presence in Malaysia’s premium Android segment. The brand has moved ahead of competitors such as Google and Xiaomi, establishing itself among the leading players in the accessible flagship space. With this upward trajectory, HONOR is now edging closer to Samsung and reinforcing its competitiveness in the premium market.

    As demand grows for high-quality smartphones that offer strong value for money, HONOR is well-positioned to continue its upward trend. The shift towards affordable flagship experiences is expected to support the brand’s ongoing expansion in Malaysia and other key regions.

  • Toyota Eco Youth 2026 Kicks Off with Hands-On Learning and Nationwide Participation

    UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT), in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, has officially launched the Toyota Eco Youth (TEY) 2026 programme, beginning with a two-day workshop held from 30 to 31 March, followed by its official opening at Wyndham Acmar, Klang. Earlier this year, the programme received an encouraging response nationwide, with 327 submissions from secondary schools across Malaysia. This strong participation highlights the growing interest among students in tackling environmental challenges within their communities.

    Now celebrating its 25th edition, Toyota Eco Youth has grown into a well-established national initiative aimed at nurturing environmental awareness while encouraging students aged 13 to 16 to develop practical solutions to real-world issues. Participants are guided to identify local environmental problems and address them using Toyota’s structured problem-solving approach. According to Datuk Ravindran K., President of UMW Toyota Motor, the programme goes beyond theoretical learning by equipping students with essential skills, confidence, and mentorship. It provides them with the opportunity to turn their ideas into impactful projects that can create meaningful change within their communities.

    From the total submissions, 30 schools have been selected to move forward into the workshop and project implementation phase. Each school will receive a RM3,000 grant, contributing to a total of RM90,000 in funding to support their initiatives. This hands-on approach reflects TEY’s focus on experiential learning, allowing students to test and refine their ideas in real-life settings.

    In addition, TEY 2026 offers RM80,000 in prize money, bringing the total programme allocation to RM170,000. The top three winners will receive RM30,000, RM20,000, and RM10,000 respectively. Throughout the workshop, students and their teacher-advisors are provided with guidance and mentorship to strengthen their project plans, set clear implementation strategies, and monitor progress effectively. This phase emphasises collaboration, creativity, and a strong sense of environmental responsibility.

    Following evaluations and progress reviews, the top 15 schools will advance to the final stage at the TEY 2026 Convention and Exhibition, scheduled to take place from 2 to 4 November 2026, where they will compete for the main awards. Toyota Eco Youth continues to play an important role in inspiring young Malaysians to become proactive environmental leaders by offering structured support, hands-on experience, and recognition for their efforts in driving sustainable change.