Competition develops transporation industry by raising skills of local drivers to international standards

SEPANG INTERNATIONAL CIRCUIT, 24 OCTOBER 2013 – Controlling the power of a truck or manuevering a large bus on a daily basis is tough enough, but the demanding mental and physical conditions of the Scania Driver Competitions 2013 (SDC) Malaysia amplified the challenges for the 10 finalists vieing for honours of being Malaysia’s best drivers.

The 10 finalists:

Bus Category

1.    Mohd Shahril Aizuwan bin Rumlan – Zulco Sdn Bhd

2.    Azmi bin Umar – Rapid Bus Sdn Bhd

3.    Sariputdin bin Hamid – Konsortium E-Mutiara Berhad

4.    Mohd Sukri bin Harun – Sani Express Sdn Bhd

5.    Mazlan bin Pawan Marican – Rapid Bus Sdn Bhd

Truck Category

1.    Suppayah a/l Vyravan – TNT Express Worldwide (M) Sdn Bhd 

2.    Mohd Hisham bin Yusof – TNT Express Worldwide (M) Sdn Bhd 

3.    Nor Rizat bin Husin – KN Global Transport Sdn Bhd

4.    Syed Noor bin Masadi – Kontena Nasional Berhad  

5.    Amir bin Abu Kasim – Jabatan Bomba dan Penyelamat Malaysia, Negeri Sembilan 

were selected from an initial field of over 700 applicants and made it to the final round based on stringent entry requirements.

Held once every two years, the numbers of applicants to enter the SDC 2013 Malaysia have more than doubled since it was first introduced in Malaysia in 2009 and its increasing popularity is a positive indication that the drivers now value the importance of safety, fuel economy and environmentally-friendly driving.

This year’s challenge also saw the introduction of tougher competition conditions which are designed to elevate the status Malaysian drivers to international standards by raising the bar as it is the intention of the Scania Driver Competitions to seek out the finest professional drivers of buses and trucks wherever the competition is held in the world.

Even more extensive and demanding than before, SDC 2013 Malaysia will nevertheless continue to focus on Scania’s philosophy that drivers are the single most important asset for safety, fuel economy and environmentally friendly driving by challenging the skilled drivers to deliver energy efficient transport and reduce emissions, while contributing towards safer roads and profitability to the transport business.

“These drivers are the backbone of the transportation and haulage industry as they are the men who drive the economy by keeping the vehicles moving and events such as Scania Driver Competitions 2013 Malaysia play an important role in elevating their status,” said Managing Director of Scania Southeast Asia and Scania (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd, James Armstrong during the start of the competition in Sepang today.

“A bus or truck’s true potential as an asset is achieved when the drivers are able to operate them with a strong sense of road safety, fuel economy and environmentally friendly driving which Scania seeks to promote and inculcate by developing their skills and commitment through competitions such as Scania Driver Competitions 2013 Malaysia as it contributes to better safety on the road for everyone as well as cost efficiency for the transport industry,” added Armstrong.

Sponsored by global tyre manufacturer Michelin Malaysia Sdn. Bhd and partnering with Road Safety Department of Malaysia (JKJR), Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (MIROS) and Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), the Scania Driver Competitions 2013 Malaysia is the 3rd local edition of the global challenge and is the most extensive and demanding so far.

“Michelin has always been committed towards promoting sustainable mobility amongst our customers. We are proud to be one of the main sponsors and we strongly believe that the competition will equip the drivers with the right set of skills and knowledge to enhance their driving performance and precision as well as promoting better longevity which helps to ensure better tyre condition and road safety, and save fuel and maintenance bills,” said Beltran Yturriaga, Managing Director of Michelin Malaysia.

The 10 participants – five each for the bus and truck categories – were tested on on their technical knowledge, defensive and economy driving and precision manoeuvring skills through a series of challenges: Fuel Economy & Defensive Driving, such as the “Reverse Slalom, Knock the King / Through-the-Barrel & Bull’s Eye”.

Participation in the SDC 2013 Malaysia was open to all Malaysians who are registered as Scania truck and bus drivers in their respective companies and to qualify, they had to complete a theory test comprising 20 multiple choice and two subjective questions which covered their knowledge of local transportation laws and regulations, fuel-efficient and safe driving techniques, knowledge in occupational risks and health, and emergency response reaction in emergency situations and accident scenes.

The winners of the Scania Drivers Competition 2013 are Mohd Sukri bin Harun representing Sani Express Sdn Bhd for the bus category whose driver won the title last year and defending champion Mohd Hisham bin Yusof, who had also won the previous competition from TNT Express Worldwide (M) Sdn Bhd

They now join an elite group of drivers with the coveted title of Malaysia’s best driver as well as RM10,000 in cash and vouchers, a championship trophy and achievement certificate. Their companies were also awarded with RM5,000 worth of Scania service and maintenance vouchers.

Initiated in 2003, the Scania Driver Competitions were originally held in Europe and have since expanded globally, evolving into challenging events that highlight the importance of drivers’ skills, as well as driver training and development to enhance road safety awareness and proficient eco-driving. Scania Driver Competitions are currently held in more than 40 countries all over the world and will continue throughout 2013.