GEORGE TOWN, May 22 -- The Penang state government generally purchases new cars for state executive councillors every six years, a practice in place since 2013, according to Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow.

The Padang Kota assemblyman said cars over five years old with high mileage often bring safety and maintenance issues.

"The maintenance costs for cars above six years old increased repair costs that are about RM42,144 each vehicle due to the replacement parts from wear and tear," he said in his winding-up speech at the state legislative assembly today.

He added that the state has spent almost RM650,000 on vehicle maintenance throughout the usage period.

"This is why the state decided to replace the old vehicles to reduce the co...