Published on March 29th, 2024 | by Sounder Rajen
0ECERDC Set To Revolutionise RV Adoption In Malaysia
ECERDC is going to build a RV motorhome park for enthusiasts in Malaysia
The East Coast Economic Region Development Council (ECERDC) is diligently working to make Malaysia a premier destination for recreational vehicle (RV) enthusiasts, with the first RV park anticipated to be ready within a year and a half, shared its CEO, Datuk Ragu Sampasivam.
The conversation took place against the backdrop of the successful Matta Fair at MITEC in Kuala Lumpur, where the future of caravanning in Malaysia was a hot topic and the event coincided with a ribbon-cutting ceremony symbolising the partnership between Asia RV and Mayflower Car Rental.
Moreover, their collaboration aims to introduce Knaus Tabbert’s camper vans to the Malaysian market, enriching the caravanning experience for enthusiasts. Ragu also explained that ECERDC is spearheading efforts to promote RV tourism in Malaysia, recognising an existing interest among Malaysian motorhome owners.
The council has partnered with industry experts like Mr. Bernhard Schutte, Chairman and Chief Advisor in TAPiO Management Advisory and the German Caravanning Industry Association (CIVD) to bring in expertise and high-quality models from Knaus Tabbert, a leading European recreational vehicles manufacturer.
The introduction of these motorhomes and caravans is seen as a significant step towards establishing Malaysia as a key location for assembling and producing vehicles for both local use and export to markets like Australia and New Zealand. The first model park is planned for Rompin, with additional sites in Kelantan and Terengganu being next.
Ragu highlighted the attractiveness of these areas, combining natural beauty with the necessary facilities to create a perfect blend for RV enthusiasts. With about 10 to 12 areas identified, the plan is to develop these parks gradually.
On top of that, when asked about the timeline, Datuk Ragu stated, “In the interim, the state government is setting up basic parks to cater to current RV owners. These developments are expected to align with the introduction of new RV models, ensuring a seamless experience for travellers.”
According to Ragu, safety is a top priority for ECERDC, which is why they are working closely with the Town Planning Department to establish guidelines for the RV parks to prevent any unnecessary incidents. These guidelines, developed in collaboration with CIVD and German experts, are in the final stages of completion.
This strategic move by ECERDC is set to revolutionise the Malaysian tourism landscape, offering safe, scenic, and well-equipped parks for the burgeoning RV community and marks a new chapter in the nation’s travel industry, promising a unique and immersive way to explore Malaysia’s natural wonders.