It’s Monday, 12 October, and these are the updates for you.
Firstly, the Road Transport Department, or JPJ, has temporarily suspended approval for new Chery Omoda 5 registrations following a safety incident in Johor Bahru.
The decision follows a widely circulated incident in which the vehicle’s rear axle reportedly detached.
JPJ director-general Datuk Aedy Fadly Ramli said the suspension of Vehicle Type Approval would remain in place while technical investigations are carried out and potential safety risks are identified.
Chery Malaysia has been instructed to identify potentially affected vehicles and arrange inspections and corrective action, including a recall of units found to be at risk.
JPJ will also audit the vehicle’s manufacturing and assembly processes, along with those of the relevant component supplier.
The suspension will only be lifted after corrective measures have been implemented and the department confirms that the safety risks have been addressed.
The investigation will determine which vehicles are affected and what further action is needed to protect road users.
Secondly, the government says completion of the first Littoral Combat Ship, or LCS 1, will not depend on whether a Royal Commission of Inquiry is established to investigate delays surrounding the naval project.
Defence Minister Mohamed Khaled Nordin said the shipbuilder had been instructed to accelerate work and prevent further delays.
He stressed that completing the vessel and investigating the project’s setbacks are separate matters.
The ship’s delivery date has reportedly been pushed back from December this year to April 2027. An Auditor-General’s report also found that the project was 7.55 per cent behind schedule as of 25 June.
The project has faced repeated delays, prompting scrutiny of its management and progress.
The government is now pressing the shipbuilder to meet the revised timeline, while questions surrounding the delays remain a separate issue.
Thirdly, the government has allocated RM5 billion under Budget 2027 to strengthen internet connectivity nationwide, including expanding coverage to Orang Asli villages.
The Communications Ministry said the funding would support the National Digital Network Plan, known as JENDELA, with the aim of extending 4G coverage to all Orang Asli villages and expanding telecommunications infrastructure across the country.
The allocation forms part of wider efforts to improve digital access, particularly in communities with limited connectivity.
Reliable internet access can improve access to education, public services, employment opportunities and digital business activities.
However, expanding infrastructure is only part of the challenge. Ensuring that these communities receive reliable connections will be essential to making digital access more inclusive.
Fourthly, Malaysia is targeting 200,000 people with artificial intelligence skills by 2030 as the government advances its ambition of becoming an AI Nation.
The Ministry of Digital said Budget 2027 would support local technology talent, stronger digital infrastructure and the responsible use of artificial intelligence.
The government also plans to channel funding through the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation to help 4,000 micro, small and medium enterprises adopt AI tools and automate their operations.
The initiative aims to strengthen both the workforce and local businesses as AI becomes more widely used across industries.
However, achieving the target will require more than training numbers alone. Relevant skills, practical workplace experience and opportunities for businesses to adopt the technology will also shape the programme’s impact.
Fifthly, contributors under the Social Security Organisation’s, or PERKESO’s, LINDUNG 24 Jam and LINDUNG Kendiri schemes will be eligible for additional tax relief of up to RM150 under Budget 2027.
PERKESO said the measure is expected to benefit more than 8.5 million contributors under LINDUNG 24 Jam and 1.7 million under LINDUNG Kendiri.
LINDUNG 24 Jam provides protection against accidents beyond working hours, while LINDUNG Kendiri covers eligible self-employed individuals.
The budget also introduces matching contribution incentives for e-hailing and p-hailing workers, as well as self-employed individuals across 17 sectors.
These measures aim to encourage more people to obtain social security protection, particularly those whose work arrangements may leave them without the coverage typically available to traditional employees.
The additional tax relief could make voluntary coverage more attractive, although the actual benefit will depend on individual contributions and eligibility.
Sixthly, Jordan’s King Abdullah II is arriving in Malaysia for a two-day state visit, offering both countries an opportunity to discuss bilateral cooperation amid escalating tensions in the Middle East.
The visit comes as regional security remains a major concern, with ongoing conflicts and attacks raising questions about stability and the wider humanitarian impact.
Discussions are expected to cover regional developments alongside established areas of cooperation, including education, trade and diplomatic relations.
Jordan plays an important role in regional diplomacy, while Malaysia has continued to call for peaceful solutions and greater stability in the Middle East.
The visit provides an opportunity for both countries to exchange views on the regional situation while exploring ways to strengthen their longstanding relationship.
Moving to Penang, lane closures along the Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu Expressway begin today and are expected to continue until February 2027.
Motorists using the expressway should prepare for possible traffic disruptions throughout the closure period and allow extra time for their journeys.
Drivers are advised to follow traffic signs, observe any temporary diversions and check the latest notices on affected sections before travelling.
The extended work period could affect regular commuters, particularly during peak hours, making it important to plan alternative routes where necessary.
For the latest details on the exact sections and timing of the closures, motorists should refer to updates from the relevant authorities.
And now, moving on to sports.
The Youth and Sports Ministry is targeting 200,000 visitors for the Malaysian Motorcycle Grand Prix at Sepang International Circuit, scheduled from 30 October to 1 November.
Youth and Sports Minister Mohammed Taufiq Johari said the ministry hopes to build on the momentum from the recent Formula One event and attract an even larger crowd for MotoGP.
Attendance at the previous edition exceeded 190,000, and the ministry is optimistic that this year’s event can surpass that figure.
The target reflects expectations that growing interest in motorsport will translate into strong public turnout for the motorcycle racing weekend.
Beyond the racing itself, a large crowd could also benefit businesses and tourism-related activities around the circuit.
Finally, Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport has reportedly come under attack again, a day after a strike that killed 13 people and injured hundreds.
The latest incident occurred on Sunday, when a projectile reportedly struck Terminal 4, causing a fire and injuring several people.
The death toll from Saturday’s attack rose to 13 after an injured Indian national died in hospital. More than 300 people were reported injured in that strike.
Yemen’s Houthi rebels have claimed responsibility for attacks on Saudi infrastructure, including the airport, amid escalating hostilities in the region.
The repeated attacks have raised concerns about civilian safety, airport security and the risk of a wider regional escalation.
The situation remains fluid, with further developments potentially affecting regional security and international travel.
And that’s the latest from Newsenz.
Stay informed, stay ahead.