5 minute read

Clean energy tech to drive decarbonization in Malaysia

MITSUBISHI Heavy Industries, Ltd. (MHI) and Malaysia’s largest power producer, TNB Power Generation Sdn. Bhd. (TNB Genco), signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to study and exchange information related to clean energy technologies. The MoU will help drive the energy transition in Malaysia and support its goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050.

Under the MoU, MHI with support from its power solutions brand, Mitsubishi Power, and TNB Genco will conduct studies that examine three key areas related to clean power generation. These include the hydrogen and ammonia value chain in relation to hydrogen production and supply, logistics, storage and related infrastructure; low carbon fuel co-combustion technology in thermal plants; and CO2 capture.

The partners will also mutually share experiences and information on the specified areas within the MoU. This could also include sharing experiences and technical know-how on advancing cleaner power generation in Malaysia.

Akihiro Ondo, Managing Director

‘Colorum’ vehicles: Heroes or villains?

WE received a call from a friend regarding our last column on the lack of mass transportation in the metropolis up to now.

and Chief Executive Officer, Mitsubishi Power Asia Pacific, added: “Mitsubishi Power has been actively involved in Malaysia’s power generation projects since the 1960s. We look forward to extending our support and strengthening partnership with TNB Genco to jointly explore capabilities around innovative energy technologies that help accelerate the country’s net zero emission goals. This MoU reaffirms our continued commitment to develop technologies that help our partners in Malaysia and across APAC deliver a sustainable future.”

The agreement extends the longstanding partnership between MHI, Mitsubishi Power and TNB Genco, stepping up efforts to achieve net zero emissions by 2050. This aspiration is underpinned by a commitment to reduce 35% of its emissions intensity as well as 50% of its coal generation capacity by 2035.

This MoU follows the Mitsubishi Power Malaysia Technical Seminar 2023 held in January 2023, which involved knowledge-sharing of strategic plans and innovative industry-leading power generation technologies and services to support Malaysia’s energy needs.

All-New Honda CL500: Scrambler-style

bike for modern Pinoy

optimize excellent riding facility and road followability, Classic Black Fork Cover, Dual Rear Shock Absorbers and a 14-Spokes Rim with SemiBlocked Tire Pattern pursuing to give the rider better security in On-Road and light Off-Road touring situations.

The aforementioned friend brought out the prevalence of “colorum” vehicles, which ferry passengers to and from remote locations outside of the city limits that are not serviced by the public transportation system. Some of these “colorum” vehicles are owned by similarly enterprising drivers who were able to make enough money to cover the down payment on their own vehicles, while the majority are operated by many enterprising businesses.

“When unsuspecting commuters use these “colorum” vehicles as a convenient and affordable means to get to work and make it back to their homes on schedule, how can you stop their proliferation?”, added my friend.

According to him, the majority of these “colorums” have been upgraded to big-time coaches like the spacious and incredibly comfortable Grandias, Urvans, and Starias. Yes, he claimed that the comfort and convenience of using these “colorum” vehicles simply outweigh the government transportation agency’s claim that they are “dangerous” to commuters because they are illegally operating, lack a license to serve as public transportation, and their respective commuters are not covered by insurance in the event of an accident.

Since the unfortunate commuters have no choice but to travel in these “colorum” vehicles in order to get to their separate offices and back home, we wholeheartedly concur with our friend’s viewpoint. Because of the inadequate public transportation system that has plagued numerous previous governments, they are without any other options.

By the way, significant news involving the Department of Justice’s legal position regarding the “colorum” vehicles that continue to operate around the metro and engage in cat-andmouse games with various law enforcement organizations has recently come to light.

This is crucial because the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), a government entity, has no business seizing, imprisoning, and destroying these “colorum” cars. In its legal opinion, released late last month, the DOJ declared unequivocally that “LTFRB has no competence to arrest, impound, and dispose of ‘colorum’ automobiles. Only in the coordination [and] cooperation with other government agencies in the seizure, impoundment, and destruction of such vehicles does it have any additional power.

IF YOU’RE a Big Bike enthusiast who’s in need of a ride that lets you efficiently tour the city in style then you’re in for a treat. Honda Philippines, Inc. (HPI) recently released The All-New CL500, the latest in a long line of big bikes for people who live life on the On-Road and Light Off-Road Touring.

This new addition to the Honda family gives Filipino riders everywhere the chance to flex their style muscles without compromising performance with a reasonable unified suggested retail price of P409,000.00.

The Big Bike model is Honda’s latest interpretation of the classic street scrambler style that’s made with the modern rider in mind. Central to this street scrambler style, The All-New CL500 features High position Dual- Exit Exhaust with Stylish Heat Guard, an all-black diamond-structure steel frame for great handling ability and riding ease, low seat height, and Classic Round –Shaped Fuel Tank with rubber knee pads for comfort. Having a classic 41mm Telescopic Fork (Front) to

The All-New CL500 is outfitted with a 471cc Liquid-Cooled, 4-Stroke, Dual-Overhead Cam (DOHC), 4-Valve Parallel-Twin Cylinder with 6-Speed Manual Transmission capable of producing 33.8kW max power @8,500rpm, and 43.3Nm max torque @6,000rpm. It also comes with a highly responsive assist/slipper clutch and front and rear disc brakes with 2-channel ABS. These features give you maximum control making the bike an excellent choice even for novice riders.

What’s more, this bike includes Honda’s Emergency Stop Signal (ESS). A safety feature to avoid collision that’s engineered to flash the signal lights rapidly when sudden braking applies, making it, and you, more visible to other motorists. And with two (2) cool colors to choose from, namely, Matte Laurel Green Metallic and Matte Gunpowder Black Metallic, this big bike promises to always impress. When you consider the bike’s combination of retro-modern design, excellent performance parameters, and advanced safety features, you realize one thing is evident - that is The AllNew CL500 is the ideal choice for Filipino riders who want an everyday touring bike that’s stylish and functional whether cruising the city streets or enjoying a light off-road adventure.

Under Section 4(5) of Republic Act 4136, also known as the Land Transportation and Traffic Code, and Section 35(b)(8) of Republic Act 6975, also known as the Department of the Interior and Local Government Act of 1990, only the Land Transportation Office (LTO) and the Traffic Management Unit of the Philippine National Police (PNP) are permitted to enforce traffic rules and regulations, claims the DOJ.

According to the DOJ, “even without the power to enforce the provisions of EO No. 202, the LTFRB may still coordinate and cooperate with these government agencies to enforce the provision of the aforementioned issuance and other related laws

The problem began when two transportation cooperatives—the National Federation Transport Cooperative and Liga ng Transportasyon and Operators sa Pilipinas—visited the Department of Transportation in March 2022 to inquire about the authority of the LTFRB to pursue these “colorum” vehicles. The matter was sent to the DOJ for a legal assessment by the then-secretary, Art Tugade.

This article is from: