Plan to buy ‘amphicoaches’ still under discussion
BernamaPublished: Apr 3, 2014 4:42 PM | Updated: Apr 3, 2014 4:46 PM
The Terengganu government’s proposed purchase of two amphicoaches (amphibious buses) is still under discussion.
The Terengganu government’s proposed purchase of two amphicoaches (amphibious buses) is still under discussion.
State Tourism and Culture Committee chairperson Mohd Jidin Shafee said the price of the vehicles and specifications as required by the state government were still being discussed.
“In principle, we have agreed to the proposed purchase as the amphibious buses are multi-functional and will hence benefit the public.
“Besides for the purpose of tourism, these vehicles will be mobilised during the monsoon season when some routes will be inundated by flood waters and impassable for land transport vehicles, as had happened during the big flood in Kemaman last year.”
Mohd Jidin said this to reporters after opening the annual general meeting of the Terengganu Tourism Association in Kuala Terengganu today.
Currently, there are only 12 amphicoaches available in the world as the production in Malta is not commercial-based, but the vehicles are only made upon receiving special orders.
Mohd Jidin said the availability of such vehicles at a cost of 650,000 Euro (about RM3 million at factory price) each would help boost the tourism sector in Terengganu.
“We want each amphicoach to accommodate 50 passengers and travel at a speed of eight knots in water. After we’ve made the order, the vehicles are expected to be ready within eight months.
“We also expect to use them during the monsoon season next year and beyond to evacuate flood victims,” he added.
According to the initial plan, the amphicoaches will be used to take tourists to various interesting spots in the state’s capital before heading for a cruise on Sungai Terengganu.
- Bernama
State Tourism and Culture Committee chairperson Mohd Jidin Shafee said the price of the vehicles and specifications as required by the state government were still being discussed.
“In principle, we have agreed to the proposed purchase as the amphibious buses are multi-functional and will hence benefit the public.
“Besides for the purpose of tourism, these vehicles will be mobilised during the monsoon season when some routes will be inundated by flood waters and impassable for land transport vehicles, as had happened during the big flood in Kemaman last year.”
Mohd Jidin said this to reporters after opening the annual general meeting of the Terengganu Tourism Association in Kuala Terengganu today.
Currently, there are only 12 amphicoaches available in the world as the production in Malta is not commercial-based, but the vehicles are only made upon receiving special orders.
Mohd Jidin said the availability of such vehicles at a cost of 650,000 Euro (about RM3 million at factory price) each would help boost the tourism sector in Terengganu.
“We want each amphicoach to accommodate 50 passengers and travel at a speed of eight knots in water. After we’ve made the order, the vehicles are expected to be ready within eight months.
“We also expect to use them during the monsoon season next year and beyond to evacuate flood victims,” he added.
According to the initial plan, the amphicoaches will be used to take tourists to various interesting spots in the state’s capital before heading for a cruise on Sungai Terengganu.
- Bernama
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