In welcoming the attendees and guest speaker, Stefan Pertz, Editor of Asian Trucker Media Sdn Bhd and organiser of MCVE 2026, said that, although the exhibition focuses on commercial vehicles and buses, it serves a vital industry that creates significant employment in Malaysia. This includes operators of specialised vehicles used at airports, ports, and waste collection sites.
MCVE 2026 is the most international of all the seven commercial vehicle events held in Malaysia over the past years.
For the first time, MCVE 2026 featured a new exhibition area, the Experience Zone, displaying caravans, recreational vehicles, and outdoor camping equipment. It will also host thirty seminars to keep industry participants informed.
James Tan, representing the main sponsor, Angka-Tan Motor Sdn Bhd, a subsidiary of Warisan TC Holdings Berhad, commented that the industry was seeking greener, smarter, and more sustainable solutions while meeting environmental, social, and governance (ESG) obligations. This was in line with the government’s lead in seeking greener delivery.
In addressing the attendees, YB Anthony Loke Siew Fook, Minister of Transport Malaysia, recognised that the current global uncertainty and geopolitical situation in the Middle East were impacting Malaysia. He added that the challenge for the country was not just to weather the storm but to emerge even stronger.
He emphasised that commercial vehicle safety must not be compromised and that overloading laws must be strictly enforced. Although building a strong culture of safety and compliance is not easy, the industry must remain committed to it. This includes using vehicles that are safer, cleaner, and more fuel-efficient.
The minister acknowledged the low uptake of electric commercial vehicles and said the Ministry of Transport was exploring ways to improve adoption. This will require stronger incentives and a wider network of charging stations nationwide. He also reminded attendees that Malaysia aims to achieve net zero by 2050.
While the government needs to incentivise the industry, the minister recognised that its monthly vehicle subsidy was difficult to sustain as it runs in the billions of ringgit. While recognising that most vehicles on display were Euro 5-compliant, the long-term move must be towards electric vehicles.
The minister also addressed the need for greater adoption of telematics in commercial vehicles. The use of onboard vehicle devices, GPS, and cellular networks to collect and wirelessly transmit real-time data will help improve the entire industry ecosystem. He added that, while this is not mandatory, it is encouraged by the Ministry of Transport. The minister concluded that the ministry’s approach to working with the industry was to use less ‘stick’ and more ‘carrot’.
