Latest news with #RM3.311mil
The Star
21-05-2025
- Automotive
- The Star
RM3.311mil official car purchases under fire
GEORGE TOWN: Penang's state executive councillors and ex-officio members have been going around in the latest Toyota Camry over the past two months. The purchase of the new cars was revealed yesterday, only to come under criticism from political parties. Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow told reporters at the state assembly that the new fleet of 15 vehicles, costing RM3.311mil in total, was delivered in March. 'The cars were delivered to 10 executive councillors and three ex-officio members, namely the state secretary, the deputy chief minister and the state legal adviser, as well as the state assembly speaker and deputy speaker. 'On average, each car cost RM220,783,' he told reporters. The new ninth-generation Toyota Camry features a completely redesigned interior, refreshed exterior styling and comes exclusively with hybrid powertrains. The previous 2018–2024 models, bought in 2019, offered both petrol and hybrid options. Chow said the previous vehicles had been in service for over five years but he did not specify why they had to be replaced. Penang MCA chairman Datuk Tan Teik Cheng questioned the rationale behind the decision to spend RM3.3mil on new vehicles at a time of economic challenges, when people are struggling with the cost of living. 'We've heard of government announcements to raise taxes, fees and charges, including liquor licence fees, quit rent enforcement, and even veterinary service charges. 'There was even a report that the state is considering reviewing the financial aid to Penangites under the i-Sejahtera welfare programme. 'This (car purchase) is unacceptable. The money should be used more wisely,' he said.
The Star
20-05-2025
- Automotive
- The Star
Penang state officials receive new Toyota Camry fleet
GEORGE TOWN: All 15 official vehicles for Penang's state executive councillors and ex-officio members have been replaced with the latest Toyota Camry model. Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the new fleet, costing RM3.311mil in total, was delivered in March. "The cars were delivered to 10 executive councillors and three ex-officio members: the state secretary, the deputy chief minister, and the state legal adviser, as well as the state assembly speaker and deputy speaker. "On average, each car cost RM220,783," he said at the state assembly on Tuesday (May 20). Chow noted that the previous vehicles, also Toyota Camrys, had been in service for over five years. The new ninth-generation Toyota Camry features a completely redesigned interior, refreshed exterior styling, and comes exclusively with hybrid powertrains. This marks a shift from the previous 2018–2024 models, which offered both petrol and hybrid options.
