Mutiara Borneo Launches Premium MAN-powered Coach Services In Sarawak With Plans For Fleet Expansion
Mutiara Borneo Sdn Bhd has officially entered Sarawak’s express bus service sector with the launch of its premium coach operations, introducing a fleet of brand-new MAN double-deck coaches aimed at raising the standard of long-distance public transport across the state.
The launch was officiated by Sarawak Minister for Transport, YB Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin, and attended by government officials, industry representatives and business partners.
New MAN Double-Deck Coaches In Service
Mutiara Borneo begins operations with six brand-new 45-seat double-deck coaches built on MAN’s heavy-duty chassis. The buses currently operate daily services linking Kuching, Sibu, Mukah, Bintulu and Miri.
The company says the investment is aimed at meeting growing demand for safer, more comfortable and more reliable long-distance travel in Sarawak, where vast distances between towns and cities have traditionally made express bus travel challenging.
Passengers travelling on the upper deck benefit from an exclusive 2+1 seating layout featuring ergonomic reclining seats and generous legroom. Combined with the MAN chassis, smooth suspension and refined powertrain, the coaches are designed to provide a quieter and more comfortable journey.
“Today marks the beginning of an exciting journey for Mutiara Borneo. We aim to address the growing demand for safe, comfortable and reliable long-distance bus services in a state where vast distances separate major cities and towns,” said Mutiara Borneo Managing Director Hamdin Morsidi.
440hp MAN D26 Engine Powers The New Fleet
Each 12.9-metre coach is powered by MAN’s 12.4-litre D26 diesel engine producing 440hp and 2,100Nm of torque.
The engine complies with Euro 5 and Euro 6 emissions standards and is designed to deliver strong performance across Sarawak’s hilly terrain while consuming significantly less fuel than older Euro 3 powerplants. Besides reducing operating costs, the cleaner engine also aligns with Sarawak’s ambitions to improve environmental sustainability within its transport sector.
ADAS Safety Systems And 90km/h Speed Limiter
Safety has been given equal priority, with every coach equipped with a Speed Limitation Device (SLD) that restricts maximum speed to 90km/h.
The coaches also feature several Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), including:
- Electronic Brake System (EBS)
- MAN BrakeMatic® with maximum speed management
- Lane Guard System
- Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
These technologies are intended to enhance driver assistance and improve passenger safety during long-distance journeys.
More Routes And Larger Fleet Planned
Mutiara Borneo has already outlined an ambitious expansion plan.
The company will introduce four additional single-deck MAN coaches for the Kuching–Tebedu route, with future expansion into Pontianak, Indonesia. By the end of 2026, another six MAN double-deck coaches will join the fleet to meet increasing passenger demand.
Future expansion also includes extending services from Miri to Limbang via Brunei.
MAN Returns To Sarawak
According to MAN Truck & Bus (M) Sdn Bhd Managing Director Marc Appelt, the partnership also marks the return of the MAN brand to Sarawak after previously establishing a presence in the state through a local dealer network in the early 2000s.
He said MAN is now ready to support Sarawak’s transport industry with its latest generation of trucks and buses, while also contributing to the state’s long-term sustainability goals through low- and zero-emission commercial vehicle technologies.
For more information about Mutiara Borneo, visit https://mutiaraborneo.com.my. More information on MAN Truck & Bus Malaysia is available at https://www.man.com.my.
CarTok Editor’s Note
Fleet operators don’t invest in premium coach chassis unless the long-term business case is convincing. For express bus operators, lower fuel consumption, improved uptime and enhanced passenger comfort can translate into stronger customer retention and lower operating costs over thousands of kilometres.
Mutiara Borneo’s decision to launch exclusively with new MAN coaches reflects confidence that premium equipment can lower operating costs while improving the passenger experience.
If the model proves successful, it could encourage more operators in East Malaysia to modernise their fleets instead of relying on ageing second-hand coaches, ultimately raising the standard of long-distance bus travel across Borneo in terms of both comfort and safety.
