Alibaba Express and Scania has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to introduce a fleet of affordable luxury buses plying the East Coast – Klang Valley route.
Alibaba Express executive head of operations Md Fauzi Abd Halim said a total of 14 luxury liners will begin serving the West to East Coast from February 2022 onwards.
“Through this MoU, we are committed to our international partner from Sweden, Scania on increasing more of such buses in Malaysia and share with fellow Malaysians the comfort and excitement of travelling on our buses,” he said.
Fauzi said the company has engaged and signed on two well-known coachbuilders in Malaysia namely SHL Coach and Tact Coach.
“Both companies have many years of history and specialized area in building high quality coaches. The two companies will supply all the 30 units of Alibaba buses,” he added.
The MoU signing ceremony was graced by Deputy Minister of Transport Dato’ Henry Sum Agong at the Terminal Bersepadu Selatan, Kuala Lumpur.
Scania South-East Asia managing director Heba Eltarifi said the MoU with Alibaba is a testament of a sustainable partnership towards better profitability and the betterment for environment.
She said the company’s strategic focus is on customer profitability by being in the forefront of sustainable transport solutions. The company has the broadest range of renewable fuel and electrification solutions: from natural gas, hydro-treated vegetable oil, bioethanol, biogas, biodiesel to autonomous, plug-in hybrid and battery-electric vehicles
“All the Scania K360IB4x2 coaches signed by Alibaba Express come with the standard Opticruise gearbox, air suspension, front and back Electronic Braking System, retarder and a 3-fire alarm sensor. These features have elevated Alibaba Express as one of the best choice for passengers who are assured of a safe and comfortable ride.
“With further opening of the state and soon international borders, Alibaba Express is poised for a further growth in business and Scania is committed to support Alibaba Express all the way,” she said.
The Alibaba coaches built by SHL Coach and Tact Coach are the first of its kind in Malaysia with customisable dual functions air-conditioned on both decks of the bus. The lower deck can be customized to fit a pantry, toilet and resting lounge, or a cargo storage area.
The current configuration for Alibaba’s fleet is a 24-seater luxury bus equipped with personal entertainment features such as massages chairs, and an infotainment system for games, movies and internet browsing.
