Why does Penang buy new cars for state excos every six years?

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Penang State Government Replaces Executive Cars Based on a Six-Year Cycle to Manage Costs and Safety

The Penang state government procures new vehicles for its state executive councillors on a general cycle of every six years, a policy that has been consistently applied since 2013. This practice is primarily driven by the recognition that vehicles exceeding five years of age and accumulating high mileage often present escalating safety concerns and increased maintenance demands. The decision to replace these older vehicles is a proactive measure aimed at mitigating rising repair expenses and ensuring the operational efficiency and safety of the state's official fleet.
Escalating Maintenance Costs for Older Vehicles

Vehicles that have been in service for over six years, particularly those with significant mileage, typically incur substantial maintenance costs. As parts experience wear and tear, the need for replacements becomes more frequent, driving up repair expenses. In Penang's experience, the maintenance costs for such vehicles have averaged approximately RM42,144 per unit. Over the entire period of usage for the previous fleet, the state had allocated nearly RM650,000 towards vehicle maintenance, underscoring the financial burden associated with keeping older cars operational.
Commitment to Reducing Operational Expenses

The state government's decision to acquire new vehicles is a direct response to the need to control and reduce these mounting maintenance expenditures. By investing in a new fleet, Penang aims to shift from costly, frequent repairs to a more predictable and cost-effective maintenance schedule associated with newer models. This strategic replacement of older vehicles is intended to ensure that public funds are utilized more efficiently by minimizing the financial impact of constant repairs and part replacements.
Replacement Cycle and Fleet Management

The last acquisition of new vehicles for the state executive councillors by the Penang government occurred in 2019. The recent purchase, comprising 15 new Toyota Camrys costing RM3,311,745, was made for the 10 state executive councillors, three ex-officio members, the Speaker, and the Deputy Speaker. These new vehicles, which arrived in March of the current year, replace the older models. Importantly, the vehicles purchased in 2019 have not been disposed of; they have been integrated into a pool system to be utilised by government officers when required, thereby extending their service life and maximising asset utilisation.

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Why does Penang buy new cars for state excos every six years?

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