KUALA LUMPUR, July 28 -- Road tax and insurance renewals aren't usually headline material. But this August, they're at the heart of a nationwide buzz that's picking up speed fast.

Thousands of Malaysians are heading online to sign up for a car insurance quote before August 8 - not because they have to, but because doing so might land them a brand-new electric vehicle and a few unexpected perks along the way.

Here's why so many are acting early:

1. A brand-new electric car is up for grabs - no slogans, no gimmicks

The headline prize? A sleek BYD Seal, one of the latest electric vehicles making waves on Malaysian roads.

Unlike most contests, there's no slogan to submit or game to play. Just sign up for an insurance quote, and you're au...