25/09/2025

THURSDAY | SEPT 25, 2025

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Group lauds move to grant RVs commercial licences

Penang shines at Osaka World Expo

Ű BY T.C. KHOR newsdesk@thesundaily.com

GEORGE TOWN: Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow has underscored the state’s growing integrated circuit (IC) design sector and long-term development projects at the launch of Penang Week at the Malaysia Pavilion during the Osaka World Expo 2025. He said three Penang-based IC design firms were invited to investment seminars and one-on-one sessions with Japanese investors. “This goes to show that Penang is not only a hub for manufacturing, but also has strong IC design capabilities.” The event also saw three memoranda of understanding (MoUs) signed, between the Penang Development Corporation (PDC) and FedEx, PDC and DHL, as well as a renewable energy partnership involving Solar Voltech, Atlantic Blue and Japan’s Shizen International. The Solar Voltech deal is valued at RM120 million, while investment amounts for FedEx and DHL are still being finalised. He also said the agreements are a key step towards finalising commitments for the Penang International Logistics Aeropark, a project to strengthen the role of the state as a regional air cargo and logistics hub. “PDC is working with Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad to complete the investment framework, with the project’s gross development cost estimated at RM800 million.” He added that FedEx and DHL representatives would visit the Penang International Logistics Park in Batu Kawan on Friday, with discussions now in the final stage. “We hope these partnerships would strengthen Penang’s role in global supply chains by bringing in best practices and world-class cooperation.” PDC is leading Penang’s showcase at the Expo, which runs from Sept 22 to 24, supported by InvestPenang and other agencies. Chow added that Penang’s participation at a platform drawing 200,000 weekly visitors and exhibitors from 180 countries reflects the state’s ambition to grow its high-tech industries. In his opening speech, he highlighted Penang’s long-standing ties with Japan, which began in the 1970s when Hitachi (now Renesas) was among the “Eight Samurais” to establish operations in Malaysia’s first Free Trade Zone in Penang. “Today, more than 70 Japanese companies operate in the state, alongside about 3,500 Japanese expatriates who have made Penang their home.” Japanese manufacturing investments in Penang exceeded RM1 billion in 2023, creating over 500 jobs. Trade between Penang and Japan reached RM14 billion in 2024 and RM8.3 billion in the first seven months of this year. He also cited the Silicon Island project as a centrepiece of future growth. “Work on Silicon Island is under way and it represents one of the largest technology development zones in the region,” he said, adding that its first phase is expected to draw RM200 billion in investments and create tens of thousands of jobs. Other projects worth about RM5 billion between 2024 and 2048 have also been showcased, including The Coast, Penang Linear Waterfront, Batu Kawan Industrial Park 3, Penang International Logistics Aeropark, Medi-City in Batu Kawan and GBS at Technoplex. Penang Global Tourism is also at the Malaysia Pavilion, promoting Visit Malaysia Year 2026 with local products such as Pak Ali Jeruk and the famous “flying roti canai.” Penang Halal International is highlighting the state’s halal industry.

o ‘Recreational vehicle tourism could be signature attraction for VM2026’

unsuitable for domestic users. “Infrastructure must come first; safe RV parks, clear insurance rules and protections for both owners and renters,” he said, urging the government to fast-track pilot routes, campsites and facilities ahead of VM2026. He said integrating RV tourism into VM2026 with curated routes and events would be crucial in attracting travellers. He also appealed to authorities to ease entry and exit for foreign RV tourists, suggesting that customs allow a single carnet de passage , an international customs pass allowing temporary vehicle entry without duties, to be used for more than two entries of 90 days each, encouraging longer stays. “Many only make it as far as the Laos–Thailand border before turning back to China. In conjunction with VM2026, we hope the government could work through Asean to simplify access from northern Thailand, so more international RV tourists could reach Malaysia.” Farman said Mamca is ready to collaborate with ministries, state governments and private partners to develop a nationwide RV ecosystem. “Licensing is the first step, but for RV tourism to succeed, Malaysia needs supporting infrastructure and coordinated planning. We urge the government to act so visitors could enjoy the experience when they arrive in 2026.”

offerings beyond hotels and resorts while benefiting smaller towns along selected routes. “The sector could also create jobs in manufacturing, retrofitting and mechanical services. RV tourism could be a signature attraction for VM2026. With the right support, it would generate sustainable economic benefits while giving travellers unforgettable journeys.” He also said significant challenges remain, especially the lack of RV-friendly infrastructure such as safe parking areas, dump stations and service points for water and power. Other concerns include costly tolls, limited insurance coverage, policy changes and the need for clear rules on vehicle safety. On the Transport Ministry’s proposal to impose a 15-year age limit on commercial RV conversions, Farman called for a more flexible approach. “We suggest a condition-based inspection system to allow well-maintained older vehicles to qualify.” Another issue is the limited insurance coverage for foreign RVs entering Malaysia via land or sea. He said coverage is currently available only at certain checkpoints via one or two agencies, forcing travellers at other entry points to rely on expensive “runner” services from Thailand. He also criticised some RV parks as

Ű BY HARITH KAMAL newsdesk@thesundaily

PETALING JAYA: The Malaysia Motorhome Caravan Association (Mamca) has hailed the government’s decision to allow recreational vehicles (RVs) to obtain commercial licences starting next year, adding that it could boost tourism ahead of Visit Malaysia Year 2026 (VM2026). Its president Farman Othman described the move as a “timely step” that positions Malaysia as an RV-friendly destination in line with global tourism trends. “RV tourism is growing worldwide and now Malaysia could offer both domestic and international travellers a new way to explore the country’s beauty and culture.” He said a clear licensing framework would encourage investment, expand rental services and make RV travel more accessible. He added that RV tourism could diversify Malaysia’s

Farhan striking a pose inside his RV (insert). – ADAM AMIR HAMZAH/THESUN

Licensing could unlock growth in motorhome industry: Dealer PETALING JAYA: Malaysia’s RV industry stands on the cusp of change as commercial licensing is set to begin on Jan 1, 2026, a move industry players say could unlock new growth but would require solid infrastructure and regulation. would legalise operations, boost demand and improve safety. be crucial. He pointed to Malacca’s development of six new RV parks ahead of VM2026 as proof of state-level support.

“The commercial licence would ensure vehicles are inspected, insured and meet safety standards, benefiting both users and tourism.” However, he also said skilled technicians for RV water and electrical systems are scarce, adding that vocational training is required to build expertise. He called for fairer toll structures based on vehicle weight rather than axle count, which he said unfairly penalises trailers and multi-axle vehicles. The rules would allow RVs up to 15 years old to be licensed, compared with the current five-year limit. “A well-maintained 20-year-old RV could sometimes be safer than a 15-year-old one,” he said, adding that Puspakom inspections would

He also said Malaysia’s infrastructure still lags behind countries such as Thailand and Australia. “We need stronger repair networks, wider insurance coverage and better-equipped RV parks.” He expressed hope that licensing would regulate the sector and make rentals safer. “Before this, RVs as old as 30 years were rented without inspection. After 2026, the rental scene would be safer and more regulated. “With the right support, RV tourism could become a national hobby and a draw for international visitors.” – By Harith Kamal

Among those welcoming the shift is Mamca secretary Ahmad Hazwan Zahari, 40, a leading RV dealer and content creator with more than 600,000 followers. For him, RVs became a lifeline during the Covid-19 lockdown when hotels were off-limits. “With an RV, I could travel for business and rest without the hassle of hotels. Even after restrictions eased, I kept using it because it saves time.” He said Malaysia’s RV market has long operated in an ambiguous state, with many rentals carried out without proper licences. He expressed belief that the new framework