Latest news with #Touch'nGo
Borneo Post
11 hours ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
CIMB targets niche approach across Asean markets
Novan says CIMB is taking a disciplined, market-by-market approach by aiming to be a strong niche player instead of pursuing a 'universal player'. KUALA LUMPUR (July 23): CIMB Group Holdings Bhd (CIMB), which operates across ten markets in Asean, is sharpening its regional strategy by strengthening client support, expanding cross-border banking services and accelerating digital transformation to help businesses manage geopolitical risks and global supply chain shifts. To drive this effort, its group CEO Novan Amirudin said the bank is committed to building scale in high-growth markets such as the Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia and Thailand by tailoring strategies that meet local needs and opportunities. He said CIMB is taking a disciplined, market-by-market approach by aiming to be a strong niche player instead of pursuing a 'universal player'. 'We are driven by our core purpose and value, and our core purpose is all about advancing customers and society. 'We will operate in all these different jurisdictions based on how we can contribute to customers and societies in that particular market. 'If we cannot play a meaningful role, then we need to find a different angle for us to play a meaningful role. 'We are always meticulously understanding where we can play our role and be dynamic,' he said during the bank's Asean Media Day earlier this week at its headquarters. He cited Malaysia as an example of a market where CIMB serves all customer segments including unbanked communities through its Touch 'n Go platform. In contrast, he said Thailand presents a different dynamic. Although GDP growth has been slower in that region, CIMB Thai continues to support Thai corporates expanding into other Asean markets like Malaysia and Singapore. For CIMB Thai, he said the bank's focus is on enabling outbound investment and facilitating cross-border capital flows. The goal, he said, is to improve returns by remaining a niche player rather than competing with larger banks. Meanwhile, for Philippines, CIMB grew its customer base to eight million, with six million of them acquired through strategic partnerships with e-commerce platforms. He said these partnerships helped the bank reach underserved segments faster than traditional methods would allow and the group is now adopting the same model in Malaysia and Indonesia to grow its reach. Novan added that the bank had started its digital journey in Vietnam and the Philippines about six years ago with one to two per cent of capital allocated to develop digital banks in those markets. 'In Vietnam and Philippines, we learn exactly how to operate and to expand digitally, whether is it digital internal processes, digital ways of reaching out to customers. And we are then implementing it as we digitise the entire CIMB group,' he said. Novan stressed that CIMB is not afraid to pivot its strategy when the market or competition shifts, and is always on the lookout for where it can add value by tailoring strategies for each market rather than using a one-size-fits-all approach. This focus on returns is part of the group's Forward30 strategy where capital is reallocated to areas with stronger growth potential. For example, Novan pointed to Islamic banking in Indonesia and digital opportunities in Malaysia. He said the combination of CIMB's eight million digital users through its CIMB Octo app and 30 million Touch 'n Go users in Malaysia presents untapped potential. 'That is one area that we can look to harness between the bank and the wallet, for example, that we haven't even started. There's a lot more upside in various pockets but we have to focus on the areas where we can win, where we can serve our customers and society better – that is what we are doing,' he said. asean CIMB Financing niche
The Sun
2 days ago
- Automotive
- The Sun
New Proton X50 attracts 5,000 bookings in just 10 days
The All-New Proton X50 has captured the attention of Malaysians nationwide, with 5,000 bookings recorded within just 10 days of opening its order books on 5 July. The overwhelming response follows a highly successful nationwide prelaunch tour that brought the new SUV to major city attractions, where eager onlookers turned up in droves for a glimpse of Proton's latest B-segment contender. According to Proton, one booking for the All-New X50 is received every three minutes. This impressive rate reflects a 50 per cent take-up of the early bird promotion, which offers a RM1,000 cash rebate, a special edition Touch 'n Go card, and an exclusive GEMPAK! Deal. These incentives are reserved for the first 10,000 customers, with only half of that number still available. The full pricing structure of the All-New X50 will be disclosed during its official launch event, scheduled for the evening of 24 July. Ahead of that, Proton has announced that public test drives will commence at showrooms nationwide from 19 July, giving potential buyers the opportunity to experience the vehicle's performance and features first-hand. Zhang Qiang, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of Proton Edar, noted that the company is humbled by the extraordinary interest shown in the new model. He confirmed that production at the Tanjong Malim plant has been accelerated to meet the strong demand, with a target of delivering at least 5,000 units by the end of August. This strategic move is aimed at minimising the waiting period for customers post-launch. The All-New Proton X50 arrives with a raft of upgrades designed to appeal to drivers with active, modern lifestyles. The model features new exterior and interior styling, an enhanced Level 2 Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS), and a newly developed 1.5-litre turbocharged i-GT engine paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. This combination delivers 181PS and 290Nm of torque, enabling a 0–100 km/h sprint in just 7.6 seconds — an improvement of 0.3 seconds over its predecessor — while also achieving a 4.7 per cent boost in fuel efficiency. With the initial 5,000 bookings already snapped up and only 5,000 units remaining under the early bird campaign, prospective buyers are being urged to act quickly to take advantage of the READY TO ROAR package. The package includes the RM1,000 cash rebate, a limited edition Touch 'n Go card, and the yet-to-be-revealed GEMPAK! Deal, which is set to be announced during the official launch. The All-New Proton X50 represents a significant step forward for the national carmaker as it continues to elevate its product offerings in both performance and design. With demand surging and vehicles prepared for immediate delivery post-launch, the SUV is poised to reaffirm Proton's dominance in Malaysia's competitive B-segment SUV market.
The Sun
4 days ago
- Automotive
- The Sun
Parking privatisation move met with scepticism
PETALING JAYA: Residents associations have spoken out on the Selangor government's decision to award a parking concession to a company that would take over fee collection and enforcement at four local council areas starting Aug 1. They questioned the need for privatisation, particularly since a smart parking system is already in place. Petaling Jaya Jawatankuasa Rukun Tetangga Section 6 chairman Rajesh Mansukhlal said the decision brings more questions than answers. 'Is the state government not capable of managing parking on their own? If the parking fee collection has not been enough, why privatise car parks when the company might encounter the same problems?' He told theSun instead of outsourcing the task, the state government should consider hiring consultants to improve the existing system. He also expressed concern that under the new concessionaire, motorists may no longer receive discounts for early payment of parking summonses. He urged the state government to look to Penang for an example of a parking system that uses enforcement vehicles and technology. 'Penang has enforcement (technology) that detects which vehicles have paid for parking and which have not. Why can't (we) invest in similar technology to make fee collection easier?' He added that under the previous Barisan Nasional administration, parking was also privatised and managed by a third party, a system that eventually failed. 'When Pakatan Harapan came into power in 2018, they cut ties with the private company and introduced the Flexi Parking app to manage payments.' Petaling Jaya Section 5 Residents Association president Tunku Johan Mansur said the concession could affect local government finances and result in higher costs for residents. 'With rising operational costs, residents are concerned that any loss in local council revenue resulting from this deal could lead to increases in assessment rates.' He called for greater transparency before any additional decisions are made. Petaling Jaya Section 11 Residents Association president Dr Renuka Yogalingam said she has no objection to privatisation, provided it improves services without raising parking fees. 'We expect the parking system to work better if it is privatised, with more innovative ways to collect fees. We do not want parking fees to increase, especially since many retirees would be burdened by it.' Renuka also said many senior citizens struggle with parking apps, and suggested a more accessible solution. 'Parking apps are not suitable for retirees who are not tech-savvy. It would be better if there was an option to pay via Touch 'n Go, which users could top up anytime. 'As long as the authorities engage with the public and propose a sustainable solution, I think the public would be fine with the move.' Last week it was reported that Rantaian Mesra Sdn Bhd has been appointed to handle the implementation of the Smart Parking System (SIP) by Selangor Menteri Besar Incorporated after a request for proposal was issued. State Local Government and Tourism Committee chairman Datuk Ng Suee Lim said the company was appointed for the first phase of implementation, involving the Petaling Jaya City Council, Subang Jaya City Council, Shah Alam City Council and Selayang Municipal Council. Tunku Johan said outsourcing could affect local government finances and result in higher costs for residents. – Syed Azahar Syed Osman/theSun
New Straits Times
4 days ago
- New Straits Times
Congestion at Johor CIQ as autogate glitch slows entry for foreign travellers
KUALA LUMPUR: Heavy congestion was reported this morning at the bus passenger hall of the Sultan Iskandar Building (BSI) Customs, Immigration and Quarantine (CIQ) complex due to a technical fault in the autogate system. Light vehicles also experienced slower traffic approaching the entry checkpoint, although other immigration zones within the complex were not affected. The Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency, in an update at 11.30am, said the congestion stemmed from a disruption in the automated immigration clearance system at the main entry point used by foreign visitors. Travellers were reminded to ensure their travel documents are valid and in order before approaching immigration counters. "They are also reminded to present a valid visa where required, top up their Touch 'n Go cards prior to arrival, and check their eligibility and submit travel details via the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) portal," the agency said in a Facebook post today. It also advised all visitors to adhere to displayed instructions and give way to those in greater need to ensure comfort and safety for all. Earlier, the agency confirmed that a technical disruption had affected the autogate system used by foreign visitors at the country's main entry points since yesterday. Preliminary investigations indicate that the issue stems from a data integration failure, which has slowed the cross-verification process in the Malaysian Immigration Integrated System (MyIMMS).
The Diplomat
5 days ago
- The Diplomat
The Arrest of Suspected Bangladeshi Terrorists in Malaysia: Implications for Regional and Global Security
The arrests highlighted both the reach of extremist networks into overseas migrant communities and the various vulnerabilities in host countries. The recent arrests of 36 Bangladeshi nationals in Malaysia on suspicion of involvement in terrorist activities have reignited concerns about the persistent and evolving nature of transnational terrorism in Southeast Asia. Announced in early July, the arrests highlight both the reach of extremist networks and the vulnerabilities within host countries that can be exploited for logistical, ideological, and operational purposes. The fact that foreign nationals were found organizing or supporting extremist causes on Malaysian soil raises pressing questions about border control, migrant oversight, and the broader dynamics of radicalization in a globalized world. This operation, led by Malaysian police with the support of the Malaysian Special Branch, underscores both the seriousness of the threat and the increasing significance of Malaysia as a frontline state in Southeast Asia's counter-terrorism landscape. According to preliminary reports, the suspects were believed to be affiliated with a group known as Gerakan Militan Radikal Bangladesh. Intelligence suggests that Malaysia was being used by the group not as a direct target of attacks but rather as a staging ground for recruitment, coordination, and financial support for operations linked to the Islamic State (IS), particularly in Bangladesh and Syria. The individuals were detained over a nearly two-month period, from April 28 to June 21, in Selangor and Johor, two states with significant foreign worker populations. Many of the suspects were employed in informal sectors such as construction, mirroring a broader trend whereby terrorist recruiters exploit economically and socially marginalized migrant communities. Though no immediate plans for attacks in Malaysia have been identified, authorities remain alarmed by the group's ideological leanings, transnational ties, and growing organizational structure. It is believed that the group was operating from Johor Bahru and had a support base of between 150 and 200 individuals. Members reportedly paid an annual fee of RM500 ($117), with additional funds raised through voluntary donations. These funds were then channelled to support IS-linked cells and affiliated groups. It is believed that digital payment platforms such as Touch 'n Go and BeCash were utilized by the network. The arrests come amid rising concerns about the resurgence of radical Islamist movements in the region, some of which maintain ideological or operational links to groups like IS and al-Qaeda. The fall of the secular-leaning Sheikh Hasina government in Bangladesh last year and the subsequent rise of a more Islamist-friendly administration have further complicated the security landscape in South and Southeast Asia. Malaysia has long occupied a strategic and symbolic position in Southeast Asia's fight against terrorism. The country's geographical location, porous borders, and role as a destination for migrant labour make it both a potential target and a convenient hub for extremist networks. Malaysia's past experience with homegrown and foreign-linked terrorist groups, such as Jemaah Islamiyah, has shaped a robust national security infrastructure that includes preventive detention laws, digital surveillance, and cooperation with regional partners. Yet the recent arrests reveal new complexities and perhaps vulnerabilities. Malaysia hosts nearly 1 million Bangladeshi workers, most of whom are law-abiding and play crucial roles in the country's economy. However, the socio-economic vulnerabilities of these migrants, which are often characterized by legal insecurity, poor living conditions, and/or cultural and linguistic isolation, make them susceptible to recruitment by radical ideologues. As a result, Malaysia is forced to strike a delicate balance between maintaining national security and upholding the rights and dignity of migrant populations. The diffusion of jihadist ideology throughout Southeast Asia is further complicating the security picture. Countries such as the Philippines, Indonesia, and Malaysia continue to grapple with the ideological and operational fallout from conflicts in the Middle East and South Asia. The internet and social media have accelerated this process, allowing terrorist networks to bypass traditional geographic boundaries and directly engage with new recruits online. To fully grasp the implications of the recent arrests of several dozen Bangladeshi nationals in Malaysia, it is crucial to examine the underlying drivers of radicalization among Bangladeshi migrants and other vulnerable populations. These drivers are complex and multi-dimensional, intersecting with economic, social, and political conditions both in countries of origin and host states. Economic marginalization and migrant vulnerability : Bangladesh is one of the world's leading sources of labor migration, with millions seeking low-wage employment in Southeast Asia and the Gulf. Many migrants face exploitative working conditions and social alienation in host countries. These stressors can generate resentment, disillusionment, and identity crises – conditions that extremist recruiters are adept at exploiting. By offering a sense of belonging and moral purpose, radical groups present themselves as alternatives to an unjust system. Online radicalization and digital extremism : The proliferation of encrypted messaging apps and social media platforms has made radical ideologies more accessible than ever. Terrorist organizations now engage in sophisticated online campaigns to recruit and radicalize individuals across borders. Migrants, particularly those who feel cut off from their host society, may turn to online communities for connection, only to fall into echo chambers of hate and extremism. Political Instability and Ideological Shifts in Bangladesh : Domestically, Bangladesh has seen periodic spikes in extremist violence, often involving groups like Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh. The erosion of democratic institutions, growing authoritarianism, and ideological polarization in recent years have created a fertile environment for radicalization. The recent political transition in Dhaka, which favors pro-Islamist elements, could further empower extremist ecosystems and facilitate the export of radical ideologies abroad. The arrest of the Bangladeshi suspects carries several critical implications for regional and international security frameworks. First, the globalization of terrorist operations demands a transnational response. Terrorist networks now operate through diasporas, cyberspace, and financial systems that transcend national boundaries. Addressing this threat requires a coordinated international strategy that includes intelligence sharing, harmonized legal frameworks, and joint financial tracking operations. Second, regional cooperation must be deepened and institutionalized. The Malaysian case underscores the need for ASEAN states to revitalize existing mechanisms like the ASEAN Convention on Counter Terrorism. In addition, bilateral and multilateral partnerships, especially among frontline states such as Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, and Thailand, must be strengthened through shared training, strategic foresight exercises, and information fusion centers. Third, counterterrorism efforts must also address root causes. While necessary, hard power responses such as arrests and surveillance are insufficient on their own. Long-term success depends on tackling structural factors that contribute to radicalization, such as poverty, discrimination, lack of education, and political repression. Special attention must be given to the rights and welfare of migrant workers. For Malaysia and its regional partners, the response to terrorism should combine stringent security measures with inclusive social policies, international cooperation, and community-based counter-radicalization initiatives. For Malaysia, in particular, in line with the launch of the Malaysian Action Plan on Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism in 2024, this involves adopting a holistic approach to address the internal and external drivers of extremism and terrorism in the country.
