(From fifth left) Wee Hong, Law, Dr Sim, Hong Seng and Tay cut the cake to mark KBMTA’s 70th anniversary celebration. – Photo by Aileen Yap
KUCHING (May 18): The motorcycle industry has undergone a significant shift in recent years, said Kuching Bicycle and Motor-Traders Association (KBMTA) chairman Kelvin Law.
He said the industry had evolved into a more professional and technology-driven sector, with industry players now focusing on attracting younger talent and strengthening skills development.
“The industry must continue evolving and embrace new approaches to remain competitive,” he said during the association’s 70th anniversary dinner and new committee swearing-in ceremony here on Saturday.
Law said the association would strengthen collaboration with government agencies, support road safety initiatives and place greater emphasis on training and youth participation.
“The involvement of youth is the key to the industry’s long-term growth and the association’s continued development.
“We want to create more platforms and opportunities for young people with passion and creativity to join the industry and participate in association activities,” he said.
He added education and skills development would remain a key priority, and the association plans to introduce more technical and digital training including applications involving artificial intelligence (AI) to help raise professional standards.
He said the association would continue working closely with the Sarawak Road Transport Department (JPJ), Puspakom and road safety authorities to improve industry support mechanisms and strengthen cooperation.
Meanwhile, Malaysia Motorcycle and Scooter Dealers Association (MMSDA) president Datuk Wee Hong said Sarawak’s motorcycle market has strong growth potential driven by urban development and changing transportation needs.
He said nationwide motorcycle registrations reached 258,451 units between January and April this year, compared to 226,091 units during the same period last year.
“These figures show that despite current international uncertainties, including tensions in the Middle East, inflation and fuel price fluctuations, demand for motorcycles remains stable and the market continues to maintain healthy growth momentum,” he said.
Wee said motorcycles continued to remain one of the most practical and affordable forms of transport, particularly for young working adults facing rising living costs and vehicle ownership expenses.
He added that the rapid growth of e-hailing and delivery services such as Grab, Foodpanda, Lalamove and courier services had also contributed to stronger demand.
“Many young people today no longer see motorcycles only as transportation but also as a source of income and work opportunities,” he said.
He noted that motorcycles remained especially important in Sarawak’s rural communities and longhouse areas, where they continue to serve as an essential and flexible mode of transportation.
Wee also said future market trends are expected to remain centred on economical ‘kapchai’ and scooter models, while the larger motorcycle segment is gradually gaining momentum.
“With the continued development of the Pan Borneo Highway, improving road conditions and tourism growth, Sarawak has the potential to become one of the most important centres for motorcycle consumption and riding culture in East Malaysia,” he added.
KBMTA was established on May 5, 1957 and its 70th anniversary was themed ‘Seventy Years of Shared Glory—Together as One, We Set Forth Anew’.
Also present were Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian, Kuching South mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng and the dinner’s organising chairman Councillor Aaron Tay.
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