SHAH ALAM, Feb 5 — The use of recreational vehicles (RVs) is no longer an exclusive hobby or a lifestyle symbol, but it is capable of stimulating the business sector and local tourism.
Persatuan Campervan dan Motorhome Malaysia president Farman Othman said the RV industry is in its transitional phase, after the government started permitting RV licensing and oversight for commercial use.
He said the move could make Malaysia an RV-friendly destination, in tandem with global tourism developments, if its operations are in order and safety factors are guaranteed.
He said the move is timely, as it covers Kenderaan Sewa Pelancong Pandu Sendiri (KSPP) in the peninsula and Kereta Sewa Pandu (KSP) in Sabah, Sarawak, and Labuan.
“The RV industry could go far. Overseas, like in the United States, for example, the income is up to US$21 billion for RVs. I don’t see why Malaysia can’t do it.
“If one district has 50 RV sites at a rental rate of RM50 per day, monthly revenue goes up to RM100,000 to RM200,000. Imagine if more than 100 districts execute the same complex.
“The RV industry’s gross revenue could reach RM2 billion to RM3 billion annually,” Farman told Media Selangor.
On September 23 last year, Transport Minister Anthony Loke said the licensing and regulation of RV services were allowed for commercial use effective January 1.
He said the new policy for RV use includes KSPP in the peninsula and KSP in Sabah, Sarawak, and Labuan.
Farman also said the industry’s success depends on professional, systematic management, not a lackadaisical approach that could harm the industry, such as insufficient oversight in vehicle safety that could cause fires.
He added that leeway could be given for the commercial use of used RVs, as the maximum age permitted for commercial rental vehicles is 15 years.
“Maybe this could be rethought. (Some) people buy (RVs) hoping to rent them but can’t, because RVs bought and brought into Malaysia are used ones. Maybe the rule could be relaxed a bit, in line with changing times,” he suggested.
Vehicle safety, maintenance prioritised
RV operator Ahmad Hazwan Zahari said commercial RV rentals that start this year could ensure user safety and drive more orderly industry growth.
He added that the policy would also require vehicles to undergo maintenance on schedule, be submitted for checks at the Computerised Vehicle Inspection Centre (PUSPAKOM), and not exceed the age limit.
“This is important because before this, there were 30- to 40-year-old RVs being rented out, raising the risk of breakdowns in the middle of journeys and putting renters in danger,” he added.
Hazwan explained that the previous rental method was based on trust and without the protection of commercial insurance, which exposed both owner and renter to risk.
He said the commercialisation of RV rentals also opens new revenue streams for owners who don’t use their vehicles regularly.
He added that the commercial rental rate could reach RM1,000 a day, for a potential income of between RM10,000 and RM20,000 a month for owners, depending on rental periods and maintenance costs.
Hazwan suggested that the government provide financing or loan schemes to buy RVs as most financial institutions don’t approve loans for RV purchases.
