Also in attendance to this ceremony was, Tuan Rospiagos Taha, Director-General of JPJ, Datuk Azlan Shah Al Bakri, Director-General of APAD, PPj Kehormat (PA) Dato’ Sri Haji N.W.Hisham Abdul Wahab, Chairman of APM , Associate Professor Ts. Dr. Wan Mazlina Wan Mohamed, Head Consultancy of MITRANS, Mohamad Suffian Ahmad, Commercial Vehicle Unit Research Officer of MIROS, DSP SH Roslee SH Mohd Norrani, Head of Traffic Investigation and Enforcement Division of IPD Shah Alam, PDRM and Directors and key officials from MOT, JPJ, MIROS, APAD and PDRM.
E-Mutiara also operates the first Scania 14.7 metre single-deck coaches in Malaysia. Upon approval from MOT, the body was built by Marcopolo on top of the Scania chassis and E-Mutiara continues to enjoy the enhanced passenger capacity and fuel-efficiency from the aerodynamics.
The Scania 13.5 metre double-deck coaches will offer a 10% increase in capacity compared to other luxury coaches in Malaysia resulting in improved operating economy. The energy-efficient powertrains with Opticruise in Eco-mode coupled with Scania fleet management services and maintenance services can make a massive difference - up to 15% improvement in fuel economy.
These buses are very well equipped and the drivers who I had a chance to talk to during the launch seem very enthusiastic about driving them. They pointed out the various cameras including 360degree caremthat should assist them as well as the various automated systems - some allow automatic opening and closing of luggage compartments on the bus. They also seem happy to state that these buses will be extremely comfortable for their passengers with the ottoman style seats and the toilet facilities too.
Aside from that, one must note that bus ticket prices have a fixed range according to the Government, but it is likely to change a little bit from what was stated at the press conference today where express bus operators will be given a leeway in terms of pricing if they offer more premium services. But this has not stopped E-Mutiara to provide these premium specified buses for the Kota Bahru to KL route. The main reason is that the additional seats (up to an extra 10 passengers) will allow them to actually make more per trip in terms of volume and that alone will allow them better profit margins even under the current ticketing prices.
Aside from that, one of the three companies which had provided the bus body for the buses - Gemilang Coachworks had decided to fit their double decker buses made for E-Mutiara with aluminium alloy bodywork. This actually makes the buses save up to 2 tonnes in weight which will translate to a certain percentage in fuel savings in the long run - I would be keen to follow up with Scania in the near future from what the Fleet Management Systems in these aluminium body buses say about fuel savings. This, is a realistic future and something bus operators should consider.
In closing, Heba Eltarifi added, “I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate E-Mutiara for their continuous belief in Scania’s ability to deliver profitability and sustainability to their operations. I would also like to thank our body-builder partners for their close collaboration with Scania. Together, E-Mutiara, Scania, Gemilang Coachwork, Truckquip and Sin Hock Leong Coachwork have set the bar high again in terms of smart & safe transport,”
Quite a memorable event aside from the official handover of the longest double decker buses in Malaysia actually. The improvements made by Malaysian coachbuilders can be also seen in these buses.
Find out more on how Scania Total Solutions can provide maximum profitability and improve your total operating economy. Call us at +603 7845 1000, email smyenquiries@scania.com, visit scania.com.my or visit the nearest Scania Malaysia Sales and Services Centre and talk to our Solution Sales Executive.
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