SÜDWIND, an award winning caravan now in the Malaysian market. Pix courtesy of Knaus Tabbert
By Tengku Noor Shamsiah Tengku Abdullah
KUALA LUMPUR, March 27 – In a bid to propel Malaysia’s recreational vehicle (RV) industry to new heights, the Department of Town and Country Planning (PLANMalaysia), is spearheading the development of comprehensive guidelines.
These guidelines, aimed at addressing regulatory gaps and infrastructure deficiencies, seek to bolster the RV sector while providing a structured framework for its sustainable growth.
In a recent interview with TNS News, a spokesperson from PLANMalaysia, under the Ministry of Housing and Local Government, detailed the ongoing efforts to develop comprehensive guidelines for recreational vehicle (RV) use in Malaysia.
The spokesperson, from the Research and Development Division, explained that PLANMalaysia’s role extends to formulating regulations that encompass all facets of development within the nation.
The focus has recently shifted towards the burgeoning RV industry, which is gaining traction as a modern mode of travel and leisure.
The initiative is part of a broader government directive led by the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI), which oversees industrial growth, including the RV sector.
The spokesperson said, PLANMalaysia’s contribution is pivotal in establishing the necessary infrastructure and regulatory framework to support this emerging industry.
All set for the future of RV travel in Malaysia
Currently, the absence of designated areas for RV parking, coupled with a lack of supporting infrastructure, poses a challenge.
To address this, the spokesperson said: “PLANMalaysia is concentrating on three key aspects: site selection and planning, operational management, and the application and approval procedures.
These components will form the backbone of the planning guidelines, ensuring a structured approach to RV site development.
The guidelines, which began taking shape in August of the previous year, have received approval from the Ministry and are awaiting presentation to the Cabinet by the Minister of Housing and Local Government, YB Nga Kor Ming.
The target for launching these guidelines is set between April and June, with the intention to serve as a reference for local authorities when processing industry applications and campsite operations.
The comprehensive nature of the guidelines will dictate the minimum size requirements for campsites and establish access routes, ensuring that RV-friendly locations are not only suitable but also strategically planned.
According to the spokesperson, PLANMalaysia has already embarked on mapping tourist attractions, natural areas, and campsites to facilitate the identification of potential RV sites and scenic corridors.
This endeavor is a testament to the collaborative spirit of various ministries, all working in unison to craft a professional and world-class set of guidelines.
The outcome will not only regulate the RV industry but also enhance Malaysia’s appeal as a destination for nature-driven tourism and adventure.
As PLANMalaysia gears up to finalise and implement these guidelines, the future of RV travel in Malaysia looks promising, with the potential to redefine the holiday experience and offer a new dimension of exploration to both locals and international visitors.
The interview was conducted on the sidelines of Matta Fair 2024 held at MITEC here recently.
The event coincided with a ribbon-cutting ceremony symbolising the partnership between Asia RV and Mayflower Car Rental.
Their collaboration aims to introduce Knaus Tabbert’s campervans to the Malaysian market, enriching the caravanning experience for enthusiasts.
Knaus Tabbert AG is a leading manufacturer of recreational vehicles in Europe with headquarters in Jandelsbrunn, Lower Bavaria.
Also present at the ribbon cutting ceremony were Gerd Adamietzki, Board of Management/CSO of Knaus Tabbert AG, Datuk Ragu Sampasivam, Chief Operating Officer of the East Coast Economic Region Development Council (ECERDC), Bernhard Schutte Chairman and Chief Advisor in TAPiO Management Advisory, Mayflower Group Chief Executive Officer, Dawn Chin, Andrew O’Brooks, Managing Director/Vice President of MAN Truck & Bus Sdn Bhd, Dr Chee Ping Ngang, Director, Research and Development Division, PLANMalaysia and Zainal Azman Abu Kasim, General Manager, Investment Planning Unit, Northern Corridor Implementation Authority (NCER).
- TNS News