Konsortium e-Mutiara Berhad (E-MUTIARA) is stepping up its fleet renewal programme with the addition of eight new premium MAN double-deck coaches, bringing a stronger focus on safety, passenger comfort and technology for its growing Kuala Lumpur–Singapore operations. The latest coaches measure 12.9 metres in length and offer 38 seats, combining Truckquip Sdn Bhd’s Alpha DD12 body with MAN’s next-generation RR5 ELSA chassis. They are also equipped with the latest electronic systems and driver assistance technologies.

The new coaches were officially handed over to E-MUTIARA by Truckquip and MAN Truck & Bus (M) Sdn Bhd (MAN Malaysia) at a ceremony witnessed by Land Public Transport Agency (APAD) Deputy Director (Operations), Puan Masita binti Mat Isa. Puan Masita praised E-MUTIARA for continuing to invest in modern coaches that combine passenger safety and comfort with improved environmental performance. The new MAN coaches are powered by Euro V-compliant diesel engines, helping the operator meet current sustainability expectations while maintaining the practicality required for long-distance express bus operations.

For E-MUTIARA Managing Director Puan Naemah bt Ya’acob, the latest acquisition further strengthens the operator’s relationship with MAN, which has allowed the company to introduce increasingly sophisticated technology into its fleet. “At E-MUTIARA, our focus has always been on the safety of our passengers, drivers and other road users,” she said.

Among the features highlighted by E-MUTIARA are MAN’s Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), which come as standard on the chassis. The company also pointed to MAN’s aftersales support, with its coaches covered by a Repair and Maintenance Contract that provides scheduled support and servicing by MAN’s technicians.

The latest coaches come with a range of electronic safety and fleet-management technologies, including Telematics and a Fleet Management System. Their speed is also factory-set and tamper-proof, limiting them to 90 km/h on highways and 70 km/h on downhill stretches. Key ADAS equipment includes Electronic Braking Assistance (EBA), Lane Departure Warning (LDW) and Cruise Control, giving drivers additional assistance during long-distance journeys.

For MAN Malaysia, the latest delivery also marks another milestone in its growing relationship with E-MUTIARA. MAN Malaysia Head of Bus Kasimov noted that the company had conducted its third bus handover event with E-MUTIARA within 16 months, highlighting the pace at which the operator is modernising its fleet.

With more additions already planned, E-MUTIARA’s fleet transformation is far from over. The company is preparing to take delivery of several more MAN coaches in the coming months, including its first locally assembled 14.7-metre single-deck coach, which will be deployed on new routes. The operator is also preparing a new generation of more luxurious MAN coaches for its premium Mutiara LUXE service.