Latest news with #MAEPS
Focus Malaysia
05-08-2025
- Automotive
- Focus Malaysia
Risks are highest when travelling in charter buses
INITIALLY, there were five main types of vehicle permits for public buses. They were bas berhenti-henti (stage bus), bas ekspres (express bus), bas persiaran (excursion bus), bas sekolah (school bus), and bas kilang renamed bas pekerja (factory bus renamed worker bus). In the mid-1990s, the issuance of permits for excursion buses, popularly known as tour buses, was taken over by the Culture, Arts and Tourism Ministry from the Commercial Vehicle Licensing Board (CVLB) under the Entrepreneur and Cooperative Development Ministry. But later, CVLB began to issue a new class of permit to circumvent the loss of not being able to issue tour bus permits, calling it bas catar (charter bus). But for many decades, tour buses were easily available for charter, and stage bus companies also made available their pool buses for charter, in addition to luxury school and factory buses that were installed with air-conditioning, although they were not licensed for such charters. After the Land Public Transport Commission (SPAD) was established and CVLB dissolved in 2010, SPAD confirmed in public forums that permits for charter buses will not be renewed. But surprisingly, some are still running today. One such bus was involved in an accident last Saturday. There were 30 children and five teachers on board, Sadly, three preschoolers and a teacher were injured when the bus smashed into a tree, hitting the big signboard first that absorbed some impact but the tree stood firm. According to initial reports, the bus veered off the road or had skidded to the left side. But the road was straight and in fine weather. The driver must have nodded off as the bus slowly veered left after passing another parked charter bus, as recorded by a rear-facing dash cam. The bus was chartered by Pusat Asuhan Tunas Islam (Pasti) Ampang for an outing and was enroute from a chocolate factory to the Malaysian Agricultural Expo Park (MAEPS) in Serdang. This reminds me of the excursion my granddaughter had when she was in preschool 12 years ago and went for a similar outing, also in a charter bus. Like the lady who recorded the video of the charter bus travelling behind her, I too followed the bus my granddaughter was in. Fortunately, nothing untoward happened, and my granddaughter completed the whole trip before I picked her up at the end of the tour. But for the poor lady who recorded and witnessed the bus crashing into the tree, she frantically cried out 'My child' 10 times as recorded in the video. Not only that, the crash was so loud that the sound was clearly recorded by the dashcam placed inside the car facing the rear windscreen, even though the distance was about 100 metres away. The bus did not change course or slow down, as the driver must have fallen asleep. Almost all charter buses are old and poorly maintained, and driven by owners-drivers or casual workers without the resolve to work long hours needed to drive stage, express or tour buses; or the discipline to be punctual driving school or worker buses. Utilisation is low for charter buses but they manage to attract some customers with low rental rates. However, the price can be high when safety is compromised. Should another charter bus be involved in an accident with passengers injured, the authorities are equally to be blamed. ‒ Aug 5, 2025 YS Chan is master trainer for Mesra Malaysia and Travel and Tours Enhancement Course and an Asean Tourism Master Trainer. He is also a tourism and transport business consultant. The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Focus Malaysia. Main image: Utusan Malaysia
The Star
02-08-2025
- The Star
Bus carrying 30 pupils, five teachers crashes into a tree in Serdang
SERDANG: Three pupils and a teacher were injured when the bus they were travelling in veered off the road and collided with a tree at Jalan Persiaran Universiti 1, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) on Saturday (Aug 2). Sinar Harian reported that in the incident, which occurred at 12.18pm, the bus carrying 30 pupils and five teachers from Pusat Asuhan Tunas Islam (Pasti) Ampang, was en route from a chocolate factory to the Malaysian Agricultural Expo Park (MAEPS) in Serdang. Serdang OCPD Asst Comm, Muhamad Farid Ahmad, said preliminary investigations found that a 44-year-old man drove the bus. "The initial investigation found that the incident happened on a straight and paved road; the bus involved is believed to have lost control and skidded to the left of the road. "The bus then hit a tree at the scene of the incident, resulting in three pupils and a teacher suffering minor injuries," he said in a statement on Saturday. He said the injured individual was taken to Serdang Hospital for treatment. "The case is being investigated under Section 42 of the Road Transport Act 1987. "Further investigations related to the incident are still underway," he said. He added that the bus driver involved, who is a local man, was detained for further investigation.
The Star
08-07-2025
- Automotive
- The Star
Hot wheels expo set to rev up with art and music
Porsche 911 GT3 RS cars wrapped to replicate the Hot Wheels vehicles that will be showcased at Art of Speed Malaysia 2025 at MAEPS in Serdang, Selangor from July 26 to 27. — YAP CHEE HONG/The Star BRENDON Vetuskey, a celebrated toy designer from the United States, is set to energise the Hot Wheels Collectors Convention Malaysia at Art of Speed Malaysia (AOS) 2025. AOS is an annual event showcasing various artwork formats in an automotive setting. AOS 2025 – which takes place on July 26 and 27 at Malaysia Agro Exposition Park Serdang (MAEPS) – marks the third year of collaboration with Hot Wheels, a popular scale model car series. More than 20 international guests from the custom vehicle and creative media scene would be making appearances at the event, continuing the organiser's efforts to promote knowledge- sharing and community building. AOS this year will feature a diverse showcase of custom culture exhibitions, global guests and activities suitable for all ages. New additions to this year's event include a World of Wheels exhibition presented by a special outdoor photo studio for cars and an indoor photo studio for motorcycles — with the latter two offering a chance for owners to have their vehicles professionally photographed. 'This year, we've replaced the usual lucky draw with a 'Kembara Passport' game, in which participants need to complete activities, collect stamps and spin the wheel for a prize,' said AOS Malaysia founder Asep Ahmad Iskandar. Asep says AOS creates a bridge that connects automotive, music and art communities. 'This way, everyone goes home with a gift. 'Some lucky participants will even win trips abroad to countries such as Indonesia, Japan and Thailand,' he said during a press conference at Bukit Kiara Equestrian and Country Resort, Kuala Lumpur. Asep said AOS started in 2012 as a small show aimed at bringing like-minded communities together. 'We wanted to create a bridge between different communities. 'Since then, we have built a space that connects the dots from motorcycles to music to art, bringing these different creative communities under one roof. 'We believe art exists in everything and through that, we found a way to bring people together and that is how the name Art of Speed was created.' A 'SoundCircus Takeover' music event will be held at Hall A as part of the two-day AOS 2025. It will feature performers such as Noh Salleh and Restore Iboe, Romantic Echoes, Ruffedge, Luqman Podolski, Fugo and Langkawi Dub Club Sound-System. An online early bird special for AOS tickets is available for a limited time, with the weekend pass priced at RM35 and Sunday pass at RM40. Both passes are priced at RM50 each for walk-ins. Entry is free for children below 12 years old and disabled (OKU) card holders. For tickets and details, visit
Free Malaysia Today
25-06-2025
- General
- Free Malaysia Today
Over 5,300 join largest yoga gathering in Malaysia
Some 5,368 participants gathered at MAEPS Serdang for the country's largest yoga gathering on June 21. (Theevya Ragu @ FMT Lifestyle) SERDANG : In 2014, Indian prime minister Narendra Modi proposed to the United Nations an annual International Day of Yoga. The selected date, June 21, marks the summer solstice and symbolises light, energy and renewal. The first official celebration took place in New Delhi in 2015, where two Guinness World Records were set: one for the largest yoga class with 35,985 people, and another for the highest number of participating nationalities, at 84. Now, Malaysia has added its own milestone to the global movement. On Saturday (June 21), some 5,368 participants came together at MAEPS Serdang for the largest yoga gathering in the country's history. The event, organised by the Sakthi School of Yoga, was officially recognised by the Malaysia Book of Records. SK Durai, founder of the Sakthi School of Yoga, leading an 18-minute yoga practice. (Sakthi School of Yoga pic) Participants began arriving as early as 7am, all dressed in white with yoga mats slung over their shoulders. The crowd was a vibrant mix of men, women, young and old, including several first-timers. On stage, experienced practitioners, seniors, children, and even pregnant women demonstrated impressive poses. Sakthi School founder SK Durai then led the large-scale session with an 18-minute practice for inner well-being called Sakthi Kriya. The sequence included five asanas or poses – such as the cobra pose, cat stretch, and spinal twists – followed by three kriyas, aimed at purifying the mind, body and energy system. Watching thousands in the hall move in perfect unison was a spectacular sight. The session concluded with a collective breathing technique, as the entire hall echoed with the sound of 'Aum'. Many practitioners, including children, took to the stage to showcase their poses. (Sakthi School of Yoga pic) Another highlight was a 'Ramayana' performance by students of the school, who brought the Hindu epic to life through a series of expressive yoga poses. 'The goal of yoga is the realisation of one's own potential, of which if every human being becomes aware, the world will see more peace, love and joy,' Durai told FMT Lifestyle. 'This was the major inspiration for organising an event on such a scale.' He also noted that efforts were made to ensure inclusivity, without intruding on anyone's personal beliefs, religion or cultural identity. Indeed, many Chinese and Malay individuals were seen taking part in the gathering. 'We are truly honoured and blessed,' Durai added. The event was officially recognised by the Malaysia Book of Records as the largest yoga gathering in the country. (Sakthi School of Yoga pic) To date, over 650 teachers have completed their training at the Sakthi School of Yoga, which was founded in 2016 and has branches in Malaysia and India. Its charitable arm, Sakthi Foundation, continues to serve the local community through free tuition for B40 students, food distribution to the homeless, and yoga programmes in children's homes. 'There is no practice more important than yoga, and there is nothing more important in yoga than practice,' Durai said. 'There is no age to do yoga, and no ageing if you do yoga. 'My advice would be to embark on this journey no matter your circumstances or physical condition, as it will surely transform your life.' For more information, visit the Sakthi School of Yoga website, and follow them on Facebook and Instagram.
Korea Herald
17-05-2025
- Automotive
- Korea Herald
Instant Benchmark! GAC M8 PHEV Debuts in Malaysia, Ignites Passion with Pre-sale Campaign Launch
KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, May 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- On May 8th, GAC made a powerful debut at the Malaysia Autoshow 2025 at MAEPS, with a brand-new lineup of five models, unveiling its first plug-in hybrid MPV—the M8 PHEV, which officially opened for pre-orders, drawing significant attention from both the industry and consumers. As one of the major exhibitors, GAC presented a grand and futuristic booth, fully demonstrating its technological strength and innovation capabilities. GAC made a powerful debut with a brand-new lineup of five models, covering petrol, hybrid, and electric vehicles. Among the highlights was the M8 PHEV, which combines the efficiency of electric driving with the flexibility of a combustion engine—effortlessly adapting from daily commuting to long-distance travel. Its debut instantly captured the spotlight. The futuristic HYPTEC HT, offered in both gullwing version and standard door version, turned heads with its sci-fi aesthetics and intelligent cockpit. Meanwhile, the AION V, pure electric SUV of GAC, impressed with its extended range performance and redefining the limits of EV travel. At the event, representatives from GAC INTERNATIONAL and its dealership partners jointly unveiled the model M8 PHEV, with GAC brand ambassador Jack Lim made a special appearance. It followed his earlier visit to GAC's R&D center and factories, where he experienced autonomous driving and observed the flying car. At the show, he not only shared his admiration for smart technologies of GAC and voiced excitement for the future development of the brand. GAC's presence at Malaysia Autoshow 2025 demonstrates its strength through "dual-brand synergy and shared technology", and embodying the "One GAC 2.0" strategy. As the core hub of the ASEAN economy, Malaysia is a key strategic pivot in the global roadmap of GAC. Leveraging localized production, extensive sales network and the proven success of localized models, GAC built sustained momentum in the Malaysian market. Looking ahead, GAC will continue to build on the foundation of "Top-tier Quality and Pioneering Technology ", further accelerating the introduction of new energy and hybrid models, deepen collaborative innovation with local partners, firmly embedding the philosophy of "service-first, customer-first" into Malaysia's mobility landscape, realizing resource integration and deepening local value in Malaysia.
