MORE than 1,000 eligible motorcycle owners in the Air Itam state constituency have benefited from a free motorcycle engine oil change programme since its introduction in 2020, providing much-needed relief to residents who rely on two-wheelers for their daily mobility.
The annual initiative, organised by the Air Itam state constituency office, is aimed at easing the cost-of-living burden faced by residents while helping them manage basic motorcycle maintenance costs.
Air Itam assemblyman Joseph Ng Soon Siang said the programme was particularly meaningful for residents who depend on motorcycles as their main mode of transportation.
“The main objective of this annual programme is to help reduce the cost-of-living burden, especially for those who ride motorcycles, while also reducing basic maintenance costs for those who depend on motorcycles as their daily means of transport,” Ng told a press conference at Taycon Motor’s Air Itam branch today.
The 2026 edition of the free motorcycle engine oil change programme was also officially launched at the outlet today.
Also present were Bukit Gelugor MP Ramkarpal Singh and Penang Island City Council (MBPP) councillor Visvenathan Tangavello.
Ng said motorcycles remained an important mode of daily transportation for many residents in Air Itam, with the programme receiving strong response each year.
“For me, most residents in Air Itam use motorcycles in their daily lives. So, this is one of the programmes in Air Itam that we have introduced to help our residents.
“We have seen a very good response. When our office opened applications for this programme, I think between 400 and 500 people applied.
“We then had to screen the applications based on their identification cards, including checking whether they are voters or residents in Air Itam, and so on.
“So, unfortunately, some applicants could not be accommodated because we cannot cater to everyone,” he said.
Ng said this year’s programme would run from today until Sept 30, with 300 selected recipients eligible to redeem the free engine oil change.
“This is our sixth year organising the programme, which first began in 2020. This year, 300 recipients will benefit from it.
“The selected recipients are all voters in Air Itam, while the programme is open to motorcycles with engine capacities of 150cc and below.
“We have allocated about RM10,000 for the programme, which covers 300 motorcycles, in collaboration with Taycon Motor’s Air Itam branch.
“The 300 recipients can come to the outlet at any time during its operating hours from today until Sept 30,” he said.
Ng added that the programme was deliberately held around the Merdeka and Malaysia Day period to reinforce its inclusive nature and avoid any perception that the initiative was being associated with or favouring any particular festival or community.
Meanwhile, Ramkarpal commended Ng and his office for continuing the initiative since 2020, describing it as a meaningful effort that directly benefits the community.
“I would like to congratulate Ng and his office for initiating this programme in 2020.
“Certainly, this is very beneficial to the people of Air Itam and, of course, it will also benefit the Bukit Gelugor constituency as a whole.
“I look forward to seeing this programme continue in the coming years, with, of course, the support of the Bukit Gelugor parliamentary office,” he said.
Story by Riadz Akmal
Pix by Eng Kok Wei