With the recent unpredictable extreme weather conditions in Malaysia, there is no way of knowing just what drivers might face on the road. More so with the current heatwave that has been causing fiery waves nationwide, from peat fires to forest fires, open burnings and even properties and motor vehicles catching fire.

Extreme weather may be unpredictable and uncontrollable. Hence, staying prepared and protected during the anticipated long-lasting heatwave until August is crucial. This includes knowing how to stay cool and ensuring our motor vehicles remain in good condition. Just like us, extreme heat places additional stress on vehicles, potentially leading to performance issues or breakdowns. Dealing with a breakdown in sweltering heat is far from ideal, especially if you're required to be on the road for most of the day in extreme humidity.

To keep your motor vehicle functioning well and ensure your safety, here are some essential tips to consider.

 

Identify potential explosives

Keep items like aerosol cans, electronic devices and lighters out of the parked car. Items that are packed in a pressurised can such as hairspray or even pepper spray may explode when the temperature inside the car rises above 50 degrees Celsius. While most may think that this is unlikely to happen, a stationary car under the hot sun for hours on end may record a high internal temperature. Electronic devices like laptops, cameras, power banks or even USB drives may malfunction from heat damage.

 

Heat kills perishables

Don't leave consumables such as medication, food items or water in the car under the sun for long. High temperatures reduce medication effectiveness and pose potential life-threatening risks if taken. Heat promotes bacterial growth in water bottles, contaminating the water. Plastic bottles act as fire-starters by magnifying sunlight. Remember, wine corks may pop and canned soda can turn rancid or taste off when exposed to heat. Safeguard perishable items from heat-related issues.

 

Check the vitals of your vehicle

High temperatures can damage your vehicle, affecting both the engine and tyres. Prevent engine overheating by regularly checking and replacing engine oil and coolant levels. As temperatures rise, tyre pressure tends to increase, which can be hazardous on the road and lead to brake issues due to excessive wear. Lastly, inspect batteries for corrosion and dirt build-up to maintain proper chemical balance and optimal performance.

 

Leave the mess at home

Parents with children should be more wary of what items are brought into the car. While crayons, markers and even pens may seem like a harmless item to bring into the car, heat can in fact deform plastic pens and markers. Its ink will even leak and crayons may melt into a gooey mess due to the heat in the car. This may cause damage to the vehicle’s interior and it is another mess for you to clean up.

 

Stay cool in the car

One of the most important things to take note of is the vehicle’s air-conditioning unit. If the air-conditioning unit is faulty, it will be a dangerous ride. With temperatures on the rise, it will also cause passengers to become agitated, uncomfortable and could even cause a heat stroke especially if you stay under the sun for too long. So, if your vehicle’s air-conditioning unit is struggling to cool down the vehicle then do get it fixed immediately.

In addition to these tips, be even more prepared and protected with a motor insurance that protects you, your loved ones and even your vehicle.

With Liberty Insurance’s Private Car EZY Plus Comprehensive policy, policyholders can rest assured that they are covered when it comes to coverage for Personal Accident, Medical Expenses, Key Replacement and Child Seat Replacement. For a more comprehensive coverage, policyholders can also opt for the EZY Plus Bundle premium add-ons which includes 24-hour unlimited mileage towing for breakdowns or accidents, a flood inconvenience allowance, coverage for side mirror damage, and a warranty for workmanship repairs. With the convenient Liberty Own Damage (OD) Express Claim process, claims can be quickly made through a smartphone within 48 hours.

---

Related News

• Zulyusmar.com: Safeguarding Your Motor Vehicle during the Heatwave
• Newswav.com: Beat The Heat For A Cooler Drive
• Drivingmotion.com: BEAT THE HEAT FOR A COOLER DRIVE SAFEGUARDING YOUR MOTOR VEHICLE DURING THE HEATWAVE
• Carsense.my: Protect Your Car During a Heat Wave
• Bigwheels.my: Here’s how you can safeguard your car in the heatwave
• Nst.com.my: Heatwave: Keep your car cool

AmGeneral Insurance Berhad is pleased to announce that Puneet (Pasha) Pasricha has officially assumed the position of Chief Executive Officer (CEO).

Pasha has more than 26 years of leadership and multifunctional experience in business management and the insurance industry. He has been with Liberty Mutual for more than 16 years in various managerial capacities across US, India and Malaysia.

Pasha will be stepping into the CEO role for the combined Malaysia Market and he is excited to be a part of the journey to make Malaysia a safer place.

AmGeneral Insurance Berhad would like to take this opportunity to express its sincere appreciation to Martin Bridger for his valuable contributions during his tenure as CEO from September 2022 to April 2023.

The company’s commitment is to deliver exceptional solutions to the customers and business partners through the lens of value, access, and ease. AmGeneral Insurance Berhad will continue to engage with all stakeholders as we embark on this new journey to become the largest motor insurer and a leading general insurer in Malaysia.

AS THE Hari Raya Aidilfitri festivities are just around the corner, many of us are eager to enjoy the celebrations with family and friends. However, there is a less cheery thought to consider: the possibility of a home break-in while you’re away on holiday.

According to the Department of Statistics Malaysia, house break-ins and theft went down by 19% from 2020 to 2021. Still, the numbers remain concerning as there were 11,352 home break-ins recorded in 2021 alone. However, it’s not all doom-and-gloom, as there are steps you can take right now to keep your home safe while you’re away.

Here are ways to ensure your home is protected, so you can enjoy your holidays with peace of mind.

 

Do a quick security check

To avoid the sudden feeling of doubt after leaving your home or overlooking details in the haste of rushing off for a trip, it's important to do a security check as part of your holiday preparations, which involves doing a quick walkthrough of your home to ensure that all entryways are firmly locked.

In Malaysia, common house break-in methods include forcing open windows, doors, and padlocks, and gaining entry through refuse chutes, false ceilings, or ventilation openings, so it's advisable to invest in high-quality locks or deadbolts that can slow down the break-in process and make your home less appealing to burglars.

 

Tidy up your outdoor environment

Gardening might seem unrelated to crime prevention, but an overgrown yard with tall shrubs and secluded spots may make it easier for burglars to carry out their deeds unnoticed. Be sure to remove any tools or equipment (such as ladders) from your home’s exterior space as well, as they could be used to gain entry into your home.

Think about lighting, too – a well-lit exterior will make it easier for others to spot anything amiss. Alternative lighting options such as motion-activated outdoor lights will give your home a much-needed lighting boost without racking up your electricity bill.

 

Create an illusion

The Home Alone movies were on to something: creating the perception that your home isn’t empty can deter potential burglars. Make sure to cancel any physical subscriptions, empty your mailboxes, and time your deliveries well to avoid having these items pile up unattended. It may also be helpful to install motion sensor lights that turn on and off during the evening hours, giving the impression that someone is present in the house.

Avoid oversharing on social media

Social media is a great way to let friends and family know what you’re up to, but bear in mind that not everyone viewing your posts has your best interests in mind. Avoid making posts which indicate that you’re away from home for an extended period of time, as these spell “opportunity” for burglars who are keen on making a move. Keep in mind the basics of internet privacy as well: never reveal sensitive personal information online, including your address or photos which clearly show where your home is.

 

Inform trusted people

This is more of a continuous approach, but being on friendly terms with your neighbours can go a long way in protecting your home as well as the wider community you’re in. Your neighbours will be the ones to keep an eye out for any suspicious activity while you’re away. If there is an existing neighbourhood watch group in your area, consider informing them that you’ll be away as well.

It is important to review your home insurance policy as the loss of belongings can be a devastating experience, especially when they are taken from your own home. However, a dependable and all-inclusive home insurance policy can reduce the impact of such an incident.

Ensure that you evaluate the scope of your existing policy and modify it as required to increase your protection.

---

Related News

• Thesundaily.my: Tips on how to burglar-proof your home during the festive holidays

Saturday, 1 April 2023: Zulyusmar, Health

The Importance of Insurance for Young Entrepreneurs

In the Asian edition of Forbes’ highly coveted 30 Under 30 list 2022, 11 of the 300 honourees who made their mark across various fields were Malaysian. There is no denying that in recent times, young Malaysian entrepreneurs (especially those aged 30 to 40) have been making waves both within the country and around the world.

Indeed, starting a business can be a thrilling and rewarding experience. However, young entrepreneurs, especially, are likely to encounter a wide range of risks that could threaten their business and one of the ways to mitigate this is through insurance. Insurance plays a highly vital role securing a business.

Young business owners often overlook insurance, considering it an unnecessary expense until their business grows. However, risks are always present, and insurance provides a safety net. Having that in mind, Liberty Insurance would like to emphasize on the importance of insurance in protecting businesses from potential risks.

Let’s take a closer look at just some of the risks that entrepreneurs face and how insurance can help mitigate them.

Firstly, there are liability risks. Business owners are responsible for ensuring that their products and services are safe and do not cause harm to their stakeholders. However, accidents and mishaps do happen, and business owners could find themselves facing a costly lawsuit if someone is injured or falls ill due to a business’ products or services. In this case, insurance can help protect from financial ruin by covering the costs of legal fees, damages, and settlements.

Secondly, there are financial risks that businesses face, such as market fluctuations, credit risks, and currency exchange risks. These risks can have a significant impact on a business’s financial performance and stability. Insurance can help businesses manage these risks by providing coverage for financial losses related to these risks.

Lastly, cyber threats are also on the rise, and cyberattacks can be especially damaging for small businesses. Without insurance, the cost of repairing damages to software, hardware, and data breaches can be significant. It's important to note that new risks and threats are constantly emerging.

To determine which insurance policies best fit their needs, young business owners should take the time to understand what their businesses require. Insurance providers, such as Liberty Insurance, offer customized policies to suit the needs of different businesses. Making an informed decision is essential since one-size-fits-all policies may not suffice.

Here are some handy tips for young business owners to consider the right insurance policy for a business: Assess the risks: Start by identifying the risks that are unique to your business. This will help you determine what types of insurance policies you need to protect yourself and your business. Look for policies that have a range of coverages that can protect your business from the risks you face.

Research and compare: Once the required types of insurance policies are identified, research and compare different insurance providers to find the best coverage for your needs. Check their reputation, coverage options, pricing, and customer service reviews and ratings.

Get professional advice: It can be helpful to consult with someone in the know – someone you can trust - who can provide you with expert advice and help you navigate the complex world of insurance.

Review your policies regularly: As your business grows and evolves, your insurance needs may change. It is important to review your policies regularly to ensure that you have adequate coverage.

Liberty Insurance is an experienced and reliable insurance provider offering a variety of insurance options for entrepreneurs and business owners. These include comprehensive insurance packages like BizCare, which protects business owners against risks like fire, liability, workmen's compensation, fidelity guarantee, and burglary. As a business owner, it's important to understand the risks your business face and to choose the insurance product that can help you mitigate the financial losses. With Liberty Insurance by your side, you can pursue your passion with confidence.