Motorhome Is Newest Balik Kampung Trend

KUALA LUMPUR, March 22 (Bernama) -- The rental of recreational vehicles or “motorhomes” is gaining popularity among the public, especially ahead of festive seasons, as many opt for a more flexible travel concept to return to their hometowns or go on family vacations.

Motorhome rental company RV Life MY founder, Mohd Fathuddin Fakri Ramli, said demand for such vehicles has increased significantly in recent years, in line with changing travel trends that combine transportation and accommodation in a single vehicle.

“Currently, only a few units remain available for rent for this year’s Hari Raya. Even before Ramadan, customers had already started making bookings,” he told Bernama recently.

The 26-year-old said his company, which started with just one motorhome unit in 2022, now owns a total of 126 units, comprising 40 units in Malaysia, as well as 80 units in Japan and six in Indonesia.

Mohd Fathuddin Fakri said the first year of his business was quite challenging as many people in the country were still unfamiliar with motorhomes.

“Some questioned whether these vehicles are suitable for use in Malaysia or safe for long-distance travel, but after we actively shared content and provided exposure on social media, more Malaysians began to understand the concept and started trying it,” he said.

Apart from holidays and balik kampung trips, he said some customers also use motorhomes to transport elderly parents for medical treatment due to the more spacious and comfortable interior compared to conventional vehicles.

Mohd Fathuddin Fakri said motorhome rental prices in Malaysia start at around RM500 per day depending on the type and facilities provided, while premium units can reach up to RM2,000 per day.

These premium units offer more exclusive features including larger interior space, WiFi connectivity and bathrooms with water heaters, and can accommodate up to seven people.

Seeing the growing market potential, he said the company plans to add more units in Malaysia and expand operations to Sabah and Sarawak in the near future.

For now, the company’s motorhome rental services are concentrated in Kuala Lumpur, Johor and Terengganu, with plans to add at least one unit in every state in the future.

-- BERNAMA