KUCHING: Biaramas Express Sdn Bhd (Biaramas), operator of Bus Asia (BA), has become the first express bus operator in Sarawak to sign the Scania Ecolution agreement with Scania Malaysia (Scania). The agreement was commemorated in a handover of a mock key between Biaramas, represented by its general manager Lai Sin Kiong, and Scania, represented by its sales
director Daniel Tan, at Kuching Sentral Bus Terminal yesterday, along with revealing the Scania Ecolution sticker on the relevant buses.
“This is Biaramas’ commitment towards reducing their fleet’s carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions,” said Tan during the ceremony.
He described Scania Ecolution as a tailor-made partnership between Scania and customers that helps to reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.
“This is achieved through vehicle optimisation, and we also have agreed targets for the reduction of fuel consumption and CO2 emissions,” he revealed, adding that this progress is monitored regularly, evaluated and discussed with the Scania Ecolution manager.
Tan believed that this solution could help save up to 10 percent of fuel consumption, but Biaramas and Scania will start with a five percent reduction as a target. By doing so, CO2 emissions will also be reduced.
“Scania Ecolution is our way to drive the shift towards sustainable transport solutions. The world will still need to move goods and people of course, but we will try to do it sustainably.
“We strongly believe that sustainability and profitability can go hand-in-hand,” he emphasised. According to Tan, two other companies in the Borneo region have also signed up for Scania Ecolution — Jurukin Sdn Bhd and Kotamas Oil Sdn Bhd.
“We just started this programme in December last year, and in Peninsular Malaysia we have signed up with about 10 companies,” he said.
In terms of Scania Ecolution, Tan disclosed that within Asia, Malaysia is the first to spearhead the initiative. Lai stated that Biaramas has a fleet of 70 units, 26 of which are Scania buses, and seven of these have signed up for Scania Ecolution. “I am very satisfied with the Scania buses,” he said, expressing Biaramas’ wish to eventually convert the entire fleet to Scania vehicles.
Touching on Biaramas’ reasons for selecting Scania over other competitors, Lai said, “Firstly, safety. One example of a safety feature is that the speed of the buses can be controlled, preventing drivers from driving too fast. “Scania buses are also very comfortable, which is how we want our passengers to feel during their travels,” he commented.
He also said that Scania buses implement automatic transmission, making it easier for bus drivers. These buses also have the anti-lock
braking system.
“Basically, Scania buses have a lot of things that others do not,” Lai summarised. Tan also mentioned that Scania also provides driver training programmes and coaching, which reduces wear and tear while promoting safety and fuel efficiency.
He highlighted other services that Biaramas has subscribed to under Scania, namely repair and maintenance as well as Scania’s fleet management system, which enables both parties to digitally monitor buses including their speed, location, stop time, technical issues, and more.
Through this fleet management system, more than 400,000 vehicles worldwide can be monitored by Scania. Biaramas has been working with Scania for nine years, said Lai.
Established 27 years ago, Biaramas has a proven track record for delivering excellent bus services throughout major cities in Borneo, such as Kuching, Sarikei, Sibu, Bintulu, Miri, Limbang, Sri Aman, Mukah, Pontianak in Indonesia, and Bandar Seri Begawan in Brunei.
Scania was established in 1891 and it has become a world-leading provider of transport solutions, including trucks and buses, product-related service offerings, and industrial and marine engines.
