PETALING JAYA: Two prominent tourism associations are urging the government to introduce definitive guidelines for recreational vehicles (RVs) before officially adopting the segment into Malaysian tourism next year.
Beginning Jan 1, the Transport Ministry will allow RVs to be licensed and regulated for commercial use, with Transport Minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook saying the decision is to capitalise on the growing RV-based tourism sector. RVs under the new policy may be used as self-drive tourist hire cars in Peninsular Malaysia, but Sabah, Sarawak and Labuan will classify them under the self-drive hire car.
Yet, industry stakeholders warn that if not well-planned and regulated, the project might not be able to take flight. Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA) president Nigel Wong noted Malaysia’s terrain presents unique challenges that need to be incorporated into whatever RV plan is put in place.
Every road is not the same. Having large cars in the city centre may worsen traffic jams, and hilly regions such as Genting Highlands are unsafe for RVs,” he said. Wong also added that roadside parking should be prohibited and discussed the need for well-lit, specially designated RV parks to offer convenience and safety for tourists.
Your Inbound Matters owner, Uzaidi Udanis, echoing the same concerns, noted local councils must be empowered to authorise particular RV overnight stops and rest areas. Published maps, signage and legislation on overnight parking allowances would eliminate confusion, he continued.
He also proposed the opening of rest bays every 150km to 200km on expressways, with facilities like dump points and packaged facilities at rest and recreation (R&R) stops.
Both associations agreed that, beyond route timing and in-transit overnight resting, vehicle technical and safety standards should clearly be defined. Wong said requirements like vehicle size, chassis build, engine capacity, and braking systems have to be regulated to ensure roadworthiness.
Uzaidi, meanwhile, was adamant that brakes, tyres, gas fittings and electricity systems should undergo mandatory checks for safety, along with mandatory equipment like fire extinguishers, seatbelts, alarms and adequate waste tanks. He also added that drivers must hold the right licences and insurance, while lessees should receive details on safety procedures and handling of waste.
“RV tourism has the potential to become a thriving niche, but it will only happen if infrastructure is comprehensive and safety-oriented. Anything less and we risk stifling the industry before it takes off,” Uzaidi concluded.
