Konsortium E-Mutiara Berhad (E-MUTIARA), one of Malaysia’s largest express bus operators, has expanded its fleet with new double-deck coaches built on Euro V MAN RR5 26.440 chassis. The company has ordered a total of 67 buses—55 double-deck and 12 single-deck units—from MAN Truck & Bus (M) Sdn Bhd.
The first batch of 10 double-deckers, each 13.5 metres long with lightweight aluminium bodies built by Gemilang Coachwork Sdn Bhd, was recently handed over in Johor Bahru by MAN representatives Anvar Kasimov, Head of Bus, and Philip Walton, Finance Director.
Each 42-seat coach is equipped with advanced features including a telematics and fleet management system, and a speed limiter capped at 90 km/h. Safety systems come as standard and include Electronic Braking Assistance (EBA), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), and cruise control.
E-MUTIARA has also digitised its pre-departure procedures by integrating a 10-inch dashboard tablet in every coach. This replaces paper-based checklists and passenger manifests with a digital system accessible by drivers and supervisors.
Managing Director Naemah bt Ya’acob said the company’s decision to switch to MAN marks its first brand change in 15 years, citing German engineering quality, digital integration, and predictable service costs as key factors. Maintenance and repairs will be handled directly by MAN under a fixed-cost service and repair contract.
MAN Malaysia’s Kasimov expressed confidence in supporting E-MUTIARA’s operations, noting that MAN buses offer fuel efficiency, reliability, and a lower total cost of ownership.
The Euro V-compliant coaches support E-MUTIARA’s expansion plans and its aim to offer more innovative services, including growing its premium Mutiara Luxe offerings and expanding routes beyond Peninsular Malaysia by the end of the year.
E-MUTIARA currently operates services connecting Kota Bharu–Kuala Lumpur, Ipoh–Singapore, and Kuala Perlis–Singapore. The company says it remains committed to providing affordable and reliable economy coach services in addition to its premium offerings.
