by SHAFIQQUL ALIFF / pic credit: scania.com

BUS operator Alibaba Express has unveiled a new luxury and affordable fleet following its partnership with Scania (M) Sdn Bhd.

The Ark Series, A20HD model is designed and manufactured exclusively by SHL Coach, whereas the TX-7 Series is designed and manufactured by Tact Coach as all the units are built on the state-of-the-art Scania Chassis model.

Executive head of operation Md Faizi Abd Halim said a total of 14 luxury liners will begin operating from February 2022 through the East Coast to Klang Valley route as they are very excited to operate and serve the route.

He said through the memorandum of understanding (MoU), they are committed to their international partner from Sweden on increasing more buses in the country.

“The configuration of this new fleet is a 24-seater luxury bus equipped with personal entertainment features such as massage chairs and an infotainment system for games, movies and Internet while at the lower deck customised to fit a pantry, toilet and resting lounge or a cargo storage area.

“This will allow bus operators to maximise their route to either provide non-stop luxury bus travel to passengers or service as a sameday delivery transportation service,” he said.

Meanwhile, MD of Scania South-East Asia based in Malaysia Heba Eltarifi said the MoU with Alibaba is good for their expansion especially after the interstate travel opened which will help throw their business faster as the company offers the latest technology, model and fuel consumption.

However, she said they are currently still under negotiation and haven’t been finalised for the maintenance since the company currently bringing their buses to the workshop.

Heba added that the company is very optimistic and expects a better for the year 2022 as they are starting to see a lot of movement as the nation recovers from the pandemic.

“Hopefully, soon we can open up international borders as the country can move on and move back to normalcy as we do not see any further restrictions and also no pressure on the health system,” she said.