20-05-2025
- Automotive
- New Straits Times
Made in Malaysia: Lamborghini-inspired jet car turns heads on the waves
SETIU: A former GiatMara trainee has turned his childhood dream into reality by building a Lamborghini-inspired "jet car" that floats — drawing the attention of both local and international tourists.
Muhamad Amirul Mat Nasir, 22, from Kampung Saujana, succeeded on his second attempt after his first prototype sank, resulting in losses of more than RM15,000.
His initial effort in 2022 failed due to a miscalculation in the fibreglass powder mixture, which caused the boat to nearly sink. Nevertheless, Amirul remained undeterred.
"I tried again in February last year and made improvements with the help of my GiatMara trainer, Mohd Fauzi Ismail," he said.
This time, the effort paid off. The second jet car, completed in March, was constructed using fibreglass powder and seven metric tonnes of clay to create the mould.
"It took us around six months to complete the jet car, including shaping the body to resemble a Lamborghini," said Amirul.
After the fibreglass body was moulded, clay was used to form the design before fibreglass resin was applied.
Measuring 6.1m in length and 2.14m in width, the boat can carry up to six passengers and is powered by a 60-horsepower engine. It has since proven stable on water and has gone viral online.
"Many tourists from both within and outside the country have shared videos of their rides to Pulau Redang and Pulau Perhentian," he said.
Amirul added that he once received an offer of RM150,000 to purchase the boat, but he turned it down.
"For now, I'm using it to meet tourist demand. We earn more than RM2,000 a month from rentals," he said.
He is currently working on adding a roof and lighting to the boat and hopes to build an amphibious version that can travel on both land and water.
"One of its best features is its stability, even in strong currents and rough waves," he added.
Meanwhile, Mohd Fauzi said GiatMara planned to present Amirul's innovation to the top management of Majlis Amanah Rakyat (Mara) to seek further support and recognition.
"We are looking to apply for a grant or loan so Amirul can showcase his creativity and innovation at the international level," he said.
