21/08/2025

THURSDAY | AUG 21, 2025

6 Mercedes-Benz passion

More seats to be provided for National Day celebration PUTRAJAYA: Information Department director-general Julina Johan said a total of 8,000 tiered seats will be provided for visitors to this year’s National Day celebration at Dataran Putrajaya, an increase of 4,000 from 2024. She said the measure was taken to improve visitor comfort, following public feedback on the shortage of seats at last year’s event. “This year, we took into account public feedback, as last year there was a constraint due to the lack of seats, so many could not enjoy the contingent parade. “We have discussed and decided to increase it to 8,000 seats. It is true that we cannot accommodate all visitors but Insya-Allah , we will try to provide comfort to those present,” she said during a media briefing on the National Day celebration on Tuesday. Twelve LED screens would also be set up to allow visitors to watch the National Day celebration live. Julina added that 15,000 parking bays would be made available at six locations linked to public transport services, including 100 buses, six water taxis and three Putrajaya Lake Cruises. She said these included the Putrajaya International Convention Centre (PICC), Precinct 1 (Botanical Gardens, Complex E open parking), Precinct 8 (Lake Club, Ayer 8), Precinct 9 (Putrajaya Sentral, PJH Destina) and Precinct 18 (Taman Pancarona). She also said the water taxi service would operate on Aug 30 between 8pm and 1am, while on Aug 31 it would run from as early as 5am until 2pm. Juliana said the bus service would be available free of charge on Aug 31, with pick-up points at Putrajaya Sentral, PICC and Persiaran Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah, Precinct 1. “Visitors can choose where to park, as there are facilities available through public buses or water taxis.” She added that five surau and 18 medical tents would be set up around the venue, along with 60 food trucks and 200 mobile toilets. She said the police would issue a statement on the road closures and advised the public to plan their journeys accordingly to avoid any inconvenience. The public may access the latest updates on National Day 2025 through the celebration’s official social media platform, Merdeka360. – Bernama

doesn’t feel like a burden.” His admiration for Mercedes-Benz goes beyond aesthetics. “It is the technical features that draw me to these cars. From the strong suspension system to the engine’s durability, they stand the test of time. They remain comfortable, reliable and relevant even today.” For him, Mercedes-Benz is more than just a brand; it is a testament to the enduring quality of German engineering. “Other cars are great too, but for me, Mercedes models have a timeless appeal. It is not just about the design, but the durability and unmatched performance.” Meanwhile, GPMP president Yusri Yakub said the event, organised in collaboration with Yayasan Ikhtiar Parit, was special as it brought together more than 68 classic Mercedes-Benz cars to mark the 68th Merdeka anniversary. He added that the 78km convoy visited various locations within the Parit constituency, aiming to deepen the public’s understanding of independence and foster a sense of patriotism. “This convoy is not just about showcasing classic vehicles. It is about inspiring the Merdeka spirit in everyone, especially school students.”

including W129, W116, W124, W126 and the iconic SLR 129, a collection that speaks volumes about his passion for fine engineering. Born and raised in Lekir, Manjung in Perak, he has cultivated relationships with expert mechanics in the area, making car maintenance a breeze. “I have been fortunate to know many mechanics who are familiar with the intricacies of these classic engines,” he said, adding that getting spare parts is never an issue due to the network of fellow enthusiasts and owners who help each other out. To him, maintaining the cars is no different from caring for a new vehicle. “The difference is that modern cars rely more on electronics, while older models are more mechanical and easier to manage.” Masaud, who is also the advisor of the Perak Mercedes-Benz Motor Recreation Club (GPMP), believes this hands-on approach is part of the charm. Although the cost of maintaining such a collection might seem steep, he doesn’t mind. He spends around RM3,000 to RM4,000 a month on upkeep, a small price for the joy the cars bring. “It is a hobby that brings me peace, and it

o Fervour for classic German cars driven by family heirloom

PARIT: For Masaud Mansor, 62, the Mercedes-Benz Model 115 E Series, once owned by his late father, is more than just a car. It is a family heirloom, a symbol of love, memories and the bond he shared with his father. More than half a century old, the car continues to be in use, not just as a piece of history but a legacy he is determined to preserve for future generations. “My father bought this car directly from Germany in 1975. After his passing, I took on the responsibility of maintaining it and it has been with me since 1990,” he told Bernama during the Mercedes Classic Merdeka Convoy event at Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK) Layang Layang Kiri yesterday. His love for Mercedes-Benz doesn’t stop with just one model. He owns 13 other Mercedes-Benz cars,

Masaud striking a pose next to the Mercedes Benz Model 115 E Series inherited Mercedes Classic Merdeka Convoy event. – BERNAMAPIC from his late father at the