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6 SST-Free Bargains You Must Snap Up – Peroduas, Toyotas, BMWs, Volvos

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Buy a new car, save the economy. Who could argue with that?

Earlier today, Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin announced that as part of the PENJANA COVID-19 economic stimulus package, new car purchases are set to see between a 50% reduction and 100% reduction of their sales & service tax as a way to stimulate sales in the automotive segment. This announcement came as a welcome move by the automotive sector, who are now hoping that things really can go back to normal for them.

As sales tax has long been part & parcel of any new car, many Malaysians are unaware of just how much SST they pay for on a new car. For reference, all new cars are subject to 10% SST – therefore, the ‘discounts’ on a new car can be easily calculated at 10% for locally-assembled or CKD vehicles, while there’ll be a 5% retail price reduction for fully-imported cars.

To give you an idea of what that looks like, we’ve listed down 6 excellent cars from across the spectrum, beginning with everyone’s favourite Perodua Myvi, all the way up to the segment-leading & benchmark-setting Volvo XC90, as well as a reference in between of what a fully-imported purchase would feel like right about now too.

It’s worth noting of course that as SST is applied only to the nett selling price, the figures that we’re suggesting here are likely a bit hopeful – based on what we saw during the last ‘tax holiday,’ we should expect to see decreases between 3%-5% at the most off retail selling prices. But given the current situation, car companies would be remiss not to put their best deals forward to lure customers back into showrooms and into new cars, no?

PERODUA MYVI 1.5 AV – RM48,681 (RM5409 expected reduction)

The Perodua Myvi is a firm favourite for all Malaysians, with the B-segment hatchback racking up an average of 100,000 annual sales every year since its introduction nearly 13 years ago. With lots of space, punchy performance, and levels of safety & convenience kit that would put most of its competitors to shame, the Perodua Myvi is a tough car to beat, which is why it dominates the sub-RM100k segment almost entirely.

Watch our review of the Perodua Myvi here.

PERODUA ARUZ 1.5 AV – RM70,110 (RM7790 expected reduction)

The Perodua Aruz is another one of the Sg. Choh company’s runaway successes, though while the Myvi is famously known as the surprise hit, the Aruz was far more calculated. Dominating the sub-RM100k SUV space and taking the cake as Malaysia’s most popular SUV, the Aruz provides acres of space & practicality, and offers car-like usability & functionality despite the commanding ride height. And paired with traditional Perodua running costs, it’s no wonder that its Japanese sibling (which is built in the same factory with the same powertrain by the same people, mind) is failing to gain traction…

You can watch our review of the Perodua Aruz here.

TOYOTA COROLLA 1.8G (CBU) – RM132,893 (RM6995 expected reduction)

The Toyota Corolla is actually our only fully-imported example car we’re putting in the list, on the account of its great styling, amazing safety kit, and impressive performance. The Thai-built Corolla (now free of the ‘Altis’ name previous generations carried) is an excellent example of what we can expect to see from the Japanese marque going forwards – more engaging design, a more engaging drive, better technology, and the same tried-and-tested Toyota value.

(We haven’t reviewed the Toyota Corolla yet, so there’s no review to plug here…)

BMW 330i M-Sport (CKD) – RM264,420 (RM29,380 expected reduction)

The de-facto choice in the compact executive saloon space, BMW Group Malaysia was wise to quickly introduce the CKD version of this car when it did. Not only did it offer a massive saving over the fully-imported first batch of cars, but it demonstrated the excellent quality control measures implemented by the local assembly plant, proving that there’s literally nothing to lose.

Notably, the G20 3-Series is now a sharper drive than the F30 it replaces, which means it has returned to form as the driver’s choice in the segment. Not that the majority of its buyers seek it out specifically for that, in all honesty.

(We also haven’t reviewed the G20 BMW 3-Series. Do these car companies not like us?)

Volvo S60 T8 R-Design (CKD) – RM266,299.20 (RM29,588.80 expected reduction)

We threw this in here because it’s an absolute favourite of ours at MalaysianMotoring – with restrained styling, mind-bending performance, unbelievable (yet verified) fuel economy and standard-setting safety, the Volvo S60 is a very difficult car to fault. Couple that with a truly refined ride and the ability to outsprint a Mercedes-AMG C43, and this Swede begins to show its more brutish side.

This car is like Dwayne Johnson in a suit. Ever a gentleman, but still able to knock your jaw out at 20 paces.

(Do we not review enough cars on this website? Thank God we’ve already driven the next one…)

Volvo XC90 T8 Inscription Plus (CKD) – RM368,899.20 (RM40,988.80 expected reduction)

Another favourite in the office, but also a favourite among buyers – in the 7-seater SUV space, the Volvo XC90 is not only the segment leader in terms of safety, performance and standard equipment, but it’s also the most affordable of the bunch, outpricing its nearest competitors by about 5-figures at the minimum. And it’s no Turkish prison either, with sumptuous Nappa leather seats, mesmirising Bowers & Wilkins premium audio, a solid crystal gear selector knob, and the sort of ride comfort that would shame everything short of a Rolls-Royce. The Volvo XC90 may have led Volvo’s transformation into the company we see today in the here-and-now, but it’s showing absolutely no signs of aging, or slowing down.

The Volvo XC90 was #Recharged for the 2020 model year – check out our review here.

So our advice is this – if you find yourself with money to burn, a secure job and secure income, now is the best time to buy a car. Not only will you be saving way more than any seasonal promotion, but you’ll also be directly helping our beloved local automotive industry and the millions of people that it employs directly & indirectly stay afloat.

And boy, don’t we Malaysians just love our cars?

  • The new Mercedes-Benz EQC makes its regional debut in Malaysia, alongside the new Mercedes-Benz S560e Plug-In Hybrid, as well as the Mercedes-Benz C300e Plug-In Hybrid
  • Mr. Michael Jopp, Vice President Sales & Marketing, Mercedes-Benz Malaysia, with the refreshed Mercedes-Benz GLC range featuring MercedesMe Connect

OP-ED: Hike On Public Transport Fares A Regression We Cannot Afford

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It is day 58 of the Malaysian Movement Control Order, a measure taken under the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act of 1988 and the Police Act of 1967 in order to stop the continued spread of the much-feared COVID-19, which began on the 18th of March and is tentatively expected to be removed on the 9th of June.

I certainly hope that you are keeping well, safe, and at a distance from others. Truly, the fate of the nation and its people lies in our hands, so act responsibly.

In my role here at MalaysianMotoring as the ‘captain of the ship’ as it were, I have remained as apolitical & apathetic as possible to the plights of the Government of the day. You don’t come here wanting to read about politics, as you’d much rather get that from the more experienced and learned pundits at The Star, The Edge, the New Straits Times, or The Sun. No, you come to MalaysianMotoring because, as its name suggests, you are a Malaysian that is interested in motoring. And so that is the content the publication and I deliver.

A Sri Petaling Line train on the rails. The Sri Petaling Line is operated by Rapid Rail, a part of Prasarana Malaysia Berhad

But, things have changed dramatically since we began in 2015. Suddenly, it’s not all about cars anymore. It wasn’t that long ago that we were warned as children not to speak to strangers but today we willingly let teenagers leave the house and get into a car with a stranger at the wheel tasked to bring them to their destination, with the only recourse coming from a virtual button in an app. And so we have responded to that change by including industry & legislative news, as well as updates on public transport.

And it is on the matter of public transport that I am moved, or rather required by duty to the nation as a paid-up and ever-grateful citizen of a functioning democracy, to say my piece. I say this not only as an editor of a publication, but also as a public transport user myself: It is a known fact that I have been without my own car for about three years now, and I am heavily reliant on public transport to get around. I have a deep adoration for trains and busses and a fascination with rapid-bus systems like the Sunway BRT, but I will refrain from getting sidetracked.

Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob during one of his daily media briefings

During his daily media address, which is limited to ‘official media’ only of which neither myself nor MalaysianMotoring belong to, Senior Minister of Security and Minister of Defence Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob revealed that the Ministry of Transport is studying a proposal to hike the fares on public transport in order to stem its operators losses as a result of the ongoing pandemic. The media present were not genuinely given the opportunity to ask the Minister questions on the matter, but he said of his own volition that he doesn’t want to see operators shouldering heavy losses and that the matter would be discussed in some special jawatankuasa of some kind.

I say this without fear or favour, but our public transport system has been quite lacking for some time now. As a frequent user however, I can report that changes & improvements across all forms of public transport, be it KTM Komuters, LRTs, Monorails, and busses have been felt in more recent years. Frequency has been improved, security is now more robust, and their reach has also been subject to frequent audits & revisions to ensure that more and more people are covered by their service. This was in keeping with the former administration’s intent to ensure that urban Malaysians especially would always have a reliable and dependable public transport option to get them where they needed to go.

YB Anthony Loke Siew Fook during one of his famous impromptu spotchecks on public transport, during his tenure as Minister of Transport

One of the most lauded moves by the previous Minister of Transport, the honourable Anthony Loke Siew Fook, was to ensure that transport was accessible to all. To that end, he first launched the MY50 and MY100 monthly travel passes under Prasarana Malaysia Berhad (operators of Rapid Bus, Rapid Rail, and Rapid Ferry services) to boost ridership, encouraging the use of public transport as a cost- and time-efficient alternative to driving to-and-from work on a daily basis. He also went on to launch the KTM X20 card for KTM Komuter services, which added a 20% discount on top of the 20% discount offered by Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad for cashless transactions, making a total of 40% off the going fare. These two initiatives practically halved the total cost of public transport for daily users, and increased the attractiveness of our public transport system as an alternative to private vehicle ownership.

The former Minister of Transport also took operators to task, conducting random spotchecks on facilities and services whenever his schedule allowed. The Minister notably chided KTM for its large number of inoperable ticketing & card-reloading machines, and Prasarana Malaysia Berhad for its much-delayed restoration of 4-car monorail sets. Since then KTMB has improved the quality & reliability of its machines, and Prasarana has returned some 4-car monorails back to active service in the fleet, among many other improvements to their systems overall.

Datuk Seri Wee Ka Siong, the current Minister of Transport

However, it seems that the current sitting Minister of Transport, the honourable Datuk Seri Wee Ka Siong is looking to undo the work of his predecessor to boost ridership and improve the long-term sustainability of the public transport network by hiking fares. This announcement was made by Senior Minister Ismail Sabri, and was not accompanied by the now-normal social media flurry that usually comes whenever an announcement is made on behalf of a ministry. Perhaps I am indeed a millennial in expecting my elected representatives to be available for discourse & criticism in the most public of public spheres, but the Minister of Transport has been notably quiet.

The issue is simple: Operators are losing money due to low ridership during the Conditional Movement Control Order, which is understandable, given that our Prime Minister himself said less than 45% of the total workforce has returned to work. However, historically, our public transport utilisation has always been markedly low, with many Malaysians preferring to clog our burdened road network due to the perception that somehow taking public transport somehow makes them lesser people, no doubt the result of excellent marketing & communication on our part following the establishment of the local automotive industry.

It is a known fact that many of our public transport systems, including the MRT, will fail to break-even on operating costs for years to come if we were to believe the ridership projections wholesale. I invite you to do your own reading on the matter – it is really quite remarkable.

A fleet of new Scania busses, as operated by Rapid Bus, a subsidiary of Prasarana Malaysia Berhad

As such, it is clear to intelligent people like you and I that the issue here isn’t with the cost of the service, but the ridership. At a time where the Government ought to be doing what it can to ensure that affordable, reliable public transportation is available to a wider network of people to boost ridership & usage as well to as offset the financial burden of private transportation, it is instead inviting people to consider the costs involved and make the obvious choice to use the cars they have, if they have them. There has been little concern by this administration towards the plight of those who have no choice but to use public transport, despite their posturing of Mak Cik Kiah and her husband being the primary drivers of their initiatives.

While many of you whom like myself take public transport by choice, and are afforded the option of using more costly e-hailing services from time to time, or are in fact car owners and merely use public transport as their primary commute option to pinch pennies, there are also many who are fully dependent on public transport because they have no other option. Raising public transport fares would make the M40 demographic (of which I believe I am part of) opt to simply take their cars to work because the nominal saving isn’t worth the hassle. Additionally, it would make members of the B40 category shoulder undue & unjust burden on top of the scuppering of day wages & trading opportunities as a result of this pandemic.

Riders queue at an information kiosk in Penang under the watch of a PDRM officer

It is my express opinion that the raising of public transport fares would only serve to prove how tone-deaf and out-of-touch this administration is with its people. While steering clear of the other mistakes made by the government of the day, this particular move will hurt far more people than it will benefit. And to my reckoning, the only benefiting parties are the public transport operators, who maintain near-monopolies on the industry with no major threat of competition. And in addition to that, aren’t essential businesses like public transport operators entitled to Government subsidies and backed loans should they fail to manage their finances prudently?

Is it not a greater priority of the Minister of Transport Datuk Seri Wee Ka Siong to ensure that the public continue to be connected from point to point by a reliable transportation network during this time of unparalleled economic & financial hardship, than it is to ensure that the salaries of people like Pasir Salak MP Tajuddin Rahman continue to be paid, as the recently and hastily appointed chairman of Prasarana Malaysia Berhad?

Surely shareholder dividends and director emoluments are the lowest possible concern at this time, where Malaysians are digging into their already-tight pockets to ensure that other Malaysians don’t go hungry or uncared for when they are inevitably left in the lurch by the slow march of the bureaucratic machine as it responds to the greatest threat to public health and the economy that we’ve seen in a generation?

A Rapid Rail employee inspects a 4-car monorail to ensure it’s ready to take passengers safely

Surely, if the political appointees this Government has placed into countless government-linked companies donated their GLC salaries to the COVID-19 fund, there’d be enough slush left in there to ensure the people don’t get burdened unnecessarily?

Or, do the interests of the few outweigh those of the many in this “democratically appointed” Government?

The solution here is clear. Ridership needs to be improved and dramatically at that, and there is no better time to do so like the present. With Malaysians concerned over financial security and personal cashflow, it is the most prudent time to make our public transport system the viable, reliable, affordable alternative to personal travel that it should always have been. And if we take this economic regression and pandemic as an opportunity to shore up confidence in the public transport system, the benefits will be reaped for years to come.

The author, Aiman I. Abdullah, is a motoring journalist and editor with more than half a decade’s experience in both local & international automotive media spheres, and is an ardent supporter of affordable, accessible, and comprehensive public transport networks.

He can be found on social media @AimanIAbdullah on Twitter & Instagram, where he enjoys engaging in intelligent discourse in his personal capacity.

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author; They do not necessarily reflect the views of the Publication, its Affiliates, its Parent Company or its Subsidiaries.

Disclaimer: Any reproduction of this article or any of its contents are only permitted with the express permission of the Managing Editor of MalaysianMotoring. Failure to comply will result in legal action.

As always, MalaysianMotoring would like to remind its readers to be safe out there, both on the road and off it. Our success depends on our responsibility to ourselves and each other – our nation depends on it.We thank you for staying home, and staying safe.

#KitaJagaKita

Ministry of Transport Considering Raising Public Transport Fares – Report

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In his daily media address, the Senior Minister of Security Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob revealed that the Ministry of Transport (MOT) is considering a proposal put forward by public transport operators to increase fares to stem the losses resulting from the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

It is said that the MOT will table this proposal during the next meeting of the Jawatankuasa Khas Menteri-Menteri (or ‘Special Minister’s Committee’) to be debated among the nation’s top lawmakers.

Ismail Sabri said that the MOT will consider the proposal as not to ‘subject public transport operators to losses.’

On a related matter, the Senior Minister also commented that school bus operators who have continued to charge for their services despite nearly 60-days of schools being closed will have their operating licenses reviewed, as school bus licenses are under the purview of the Ministry of Transport.

The Senior Minister continued that while he understood the ‘difficulties faced by school bus operators as a result of having no passengers to ferry,’ he did say that there may be revenue opportunities where school buses can temporarily make up the shortfall in factory transit busses, as the latter network is currently only permitted to carry about half the normal capacity, resulting in severe delays to the manufacturing sector.

Souce: BERNAMA

As always, MalaysianMotoring would like to remind its readers to be safe out there, both on the road and off it. Our success depends on our responsibility to ourselves and each other – our nation depends on it.We thank you for staying home, and staying safe.

#KitaJagaKita

UMW Toyota Restarts Manufacturing, Assembly Plant

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UMW Toyota Motor Sdn. Bhd. has announced that its subsidiary, Assembly Services Sdn. Bhd. (ASSB) which is wholly responsible for the assembly & manufacturing of Toyota vehicles in Malaysia, will resume its operations in full compliance with the guidelines & operating procedures as part of the Conditional Movement Control Order (CMCO).

They are doing so with the full approval of the Selangor state government, which has implemented a stricter and more comprehensive list of requirements with regards to the resumption of business as compared to the regulations stated by the Ministry of International Trade & Industry, and approved by the Federal Government.

ASSB suspended all operations on March the 18th, as directed by the Federal Government upon the announcement of the Movement Control Order.

“We are grateful to the Selangor State Government for its decision to implement the CMCO with customised details and understand that it is in the best interest of the state and people. With the resumption of operations, we hope to help in boosting the economy, and adding momentum to the automotive industry & business moving forwards.”

Mr. Ravindran K., President, UMW Toyota Motor

Federal & state legislatures demanded the adherence to strict standard operating procedures in order to obtain approval to resume business. These standard procedures include establishing a working distance of 1- or more metres between staff, regular temperature checks of all staff reporting for duty, the provision of hand sanitisers & face masks throughout the facility, as well as the complete sterilisation of critical areas around the facilities, which are to be conducted three times a day. Additionally, work flows & working hours have been adjusted as to ensure the safety & welfare of UMW Toyota & Assembly Services employees.

UMW Toyota Motor & Assembly Services will be resuming operations at full capacity, in adherence with the strict standard operating procedures as set out by both federal & state legislatures. ASSB is reportedly at full compliance, to ensure the safety of its reported 2,000 staff on site.

“Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) is very serious about providing safe & healthy conditions for all employees. As a member of the global Toyota family, ASSB can therefore draw on healthcare advice & best practices from TMC regarding additional measures that can be observed here in Selangor.”

Akio Takeyama-san, Deputy Chairman, UMW Toyota Motor

As always, MalaysianMotoring would like to remind its readers to be safe out there, both on the road and off it. Our success depends on our responsibility to ourselves and each other – our nation depends on it.We thank you for staying home, and staying safe.

#KitaJagaKita

PROTON Brings N95 Filtration To X70 SUV – Standard On New Models, RM79 Retrofit

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As the nation continues to face the COVID-19 pandemic as we enter what hopes to be the final phase of the Conditional Movement Control Order (CMCO), the boffins at PROTON continue to innovate, with their customers remaining at the heart of all that they do. With many concerned regarding air quality and particulate filtration, it comes to no surprise that PROTON has met the challenge and has begun fitting all new X70 SUVs with N95-grade cabin air filters as standard.

The new system, called the PROTON Intelligent Air Purification System (P-IAPS) will be applied only to new X70s coming out of Tanjung Malim. However, existing X70 owners (CBU & CKD) can have the N95 cabin filters fitted at a PROTON service centre of choice as part of scheduled servicing, with the filter itself costing RM79 before labour & fitment charges.

“PROTON is constantly looking at ways to improve our offerings. The introduction of the N95 cabin filter is particularly relevant in today’s global environment and by improving the quality of air in the cabin, we hope to deliver a comfortable contaminant-free experience to our customers.”

Dr. Li Chunron, Chief Executive Officer, PROTON

The N95 cabin filters are technically capable of dealing with 95% of particles that measure more than 0.3-microns, and 98% of PM2.5 dust particulates. That means that smoke particles, dust, bacteria, and various other pollutants can be dealt with efficiently & quickly. Additionally, this filtration level is active regardless of the settings of your air-conditioning, so those who prefer fresh air intake and those who prefer recirculated air are equally well protected.

The P-IAPS system is more than just the cabin filter, however. The X70 has been available from launch with a High Efficiency Particulate Air Filter as standard, which is capable of dealing with 99.97% of all particulates that measure more than 0.3-microns. This also doubles up as an ioniser, discharging negative ions in the air and attracting positive ions into the filter, where activated carbon elements will remove odours, smoke, and formaldehyde.

For those looking to have the new N95 cabin filter fitted to their X70, PROTON will be offering a 15% discount (RM67.15 after discount, excluding labour & fitment charges) beginning from May 18th all the way to August 18th 2020. Service appointments can be made starting from May the 13th.

At the moment, P-IAPS is only available on the X70 SUV. However, the CEO did say that this may not continue to be the case for long:

“For now, P-IAPS will only be offered on the Proton X70 but our designers and engineers are working to fit the N95 cabin filter in our other models too.”

Dr. Li Chunrong, Chief Executive Officer, PROTON

As always, MalaysianMotoring would like to remind its readers to be safe out there, both on the road and off it. Our success depends on our responsibility to ourselves and each other – our nation depends on it.We thank you for staying home, and staying safe.

#KitaJagaKita

Perodua Returns To Work For Its Customers – Service, Body & Paint Centres Reopen Across The Country

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In an announcement over the weekend, Malaysian automotive juggernaut Perodua has moved to reopen service centres across the country, in line with the rules & regulations set out by the National Security Council & the Ministry of International Trade & Industry. As Malaysia’s largest carmaker, controlling almost half of the passenger car market, the decision to reopen service centres as well as body and paint centres was one that was taken with extreme caution, keeping with their pledge to always put people first.

As it also operates the widest network of service centres, Perodua has provided and easy and hassle-free way to organise a service for your car. You can first check to see the list of participating service centres and body & paint centres by visiting their website here, which also includes the relevant phone numbers to set an appointment.

Additionally, you can make an appointment to have your car serviced via the UFirst app, which can be downloaded on the Google PlayStore and Apple AppStore. From there you can not only make your booking, but with the Passport system, you can collect loyalty UKoin points which can be used to later redeem items from the UFirst store. Owning and maintaining your Perodua has never been so easy, and so rewarding.

Perodua assures all its customers that it will follow the strictest and highest standards of sanitation & safety throughout the process. All staff will be screened for fevers and other symptoms, all cars will be disinfected before they are returned to customers, and there will be a limit applied as to how many customers are permitted in service centres at any given time. Additionally, customers are advised to observe social distancing throughout the process, and their details & temperature will be taken at the gate before being permitted entry into service centres. Only one customer is allowed per car.

As always, MalaysianMotoring would like to remind its readers to be safe out there, both on the road and off it. Our success depends on our responsibility to ourselves and each other – our nation depends on it.

Thank you. Stay home, and stay safe.

Datuk Nicol David Speaks Of Staying United By Staying Apart

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As the COVID-19 pandemic puts the entire world to a standstill with lockdowns and restricted movements, Datuk Nicol David is taking a stand in encouraging Malaysians to stay focus on the positives and keep our mind and body active during this trying times.

Datuk Nicol David is a record-holder in the world women’s squash titles, the best female athlete in Malaysian history and one of the greatest squash players of all time. As one of the ambassadors of the Laureus Sports for Good Foundation and brand ambassador of Mercedes-Benz Malaysia, Datuk Nicol often participates in projects which affect positive change through her passion for sports and healthy living. She has previously spoken out on the values of understanding, solidarity, respect and communication.

After a 20-year career streak in squash, Datuk Nicol David officially announced her retirement in 2019 with a firm belief in sharing her knowledge and experience from squash with the world. With the pandemic affecting individuals and businesses globally, Datuk Nicol believes that the world needs solidarity now more than ever. Solidarity in staying apart, that is.

Nicol, the entire world has been put to a stop due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Can you share with us how important is social distancing for you and how can it save the global citizen?

“Social distancing is crucial to help stop the spread of COVID-19, but most importantly, it also depends on how responsible we act towards the instructions set by our government, as well as understanding what’s the ‘new normal’. It is said that for the following months, we have to not only stay home, but at the same time apply the safety measure when we have to leave our homes. We must be disciplined in wearing our masks, washing our hands as often as possible and be extremely conscious of those around us and try to keep a safe distance from them. This is a time to come together and truly think about not just yourself, but everybody else. I believe that more compassionate we are towards others, the more effective the result of the safety measures will be.”

Social distancing could possibly be the situation for an extended period of time. Could you share some tips for those trying to adjust to the new normal?

“After over 40 days of lockdown, I believe our new normal is having social distance. It helps once you establish a routine and schedule for yourself. A day plan over your time dedicated to work, to doing house chores, exercising and not forgetting doing whatever that makes you happy. It’s always about seeing the glass half full than half empty.”

As a public figure, we believe practicing social distancing can be challenging for you as well, how do you stay connected with your family, friends and fans?

“I’m making a point to be closer to family and friends during this time. It’s very important to have social connection since we need to stay in the same place for a long time. Therefore, I’m glad we have multiple video conferencing options available to keep in touch with my family and friends. With my fans, I’m trying to motivate them to exercise and most importantly, to have a positive mindset. I’m a true believer that life is mostly about how we think of it.”

Talk us through the small measures you currently practice that contributes to keeping COVID-19 at bay in the country?  

“I’m doing what is necessary and in-line with the government rules. I think if each individual takes these recommendations seriously then we’re doing a great job as a society.”

As someone who has always been active in sports, how has the situation changed the way you keep active?  

“Nothing much has changed, frankly. The only difference now is that I’m working out in my living room, rather than the gym. I have been watching some live workouts and using some workout applications on my phone to exercise. I think now that I have more free time in hand, I am actually working out more than before! Pretty exciting!”

Social distancing helps prevent the spread of the virus, but it can also have unintended consequences towards social interaction on mental or physical health for some individuals. What do you think of this and how do you think one can cope with this?

“The most important thing is to realize that it is okay to be feeling down or frustrated during this trying times. Instead of ignoring these feelings, I would truly recommend that you find someone to talk to and take some time to digest and understand your feelings. Feelings will always pass and therefore, as soon as you overcome them, just try to go back to what keeps you happy and motivated.”

In keeping positive, in your opinion, what are among the good things that this situation has brought about?  

“I think we can realize that we need fairly less than we think of. Small pleasures can be great ones as well. I truly hope that as a society, we learn from this and start changing the way we interact with the world in general.”

Lastly, what advice can you share with those who have started to feel stress about not being able to go out or those who are disobeying the social distancing?

“Feeling stress is natural, we just have to try to focus on turning it around so that it does not overwhelm us. Regarding disobeying the social distancing, I just hope they realize that not only they’re putting themselves at risk but also their family and loved ones.”

We thank Datuk Nicol for taking the time to be interviewed for this article, and for her service to the nation. Datuk Nicol’s role as Mercedes-Benz brand ambassador is in celebration & recognition of her athletic capabilities as an eight-time world-champion, as well as her never-ending work as a role model for Malaysians everywhere.

This article is courtesy of Mercedes-Benz Malaysia.