Organised by CAM Malaysia, a homegrown brand specialising in light commercial vehicles, the tour involves Malaysian and international media self-driving the CAM CO-STAR MINIBUS from Kuching to Sibu, Bintulu and Miri. The initiative showcases the beauty of Sarawak while highlighting minibuses as a key enabler of tourism in support of the Visit Malaysia Year 2026 campaign.
Addressing guests at the event, Dato Sri Abdul Karim commended the initiative:
“We appreciate the effort made by CAM Malaysia to bring this Roadtour to our shores. With the state’s economic development and its proximity to Indonesia’s new capital, buses play a crucial role not only in tourism but also in other sectors. The Sarawak Roadtour with the CAM CO-STAR MINIBUS has already sparked conversations among many business leaders.”
CAM Day – Connect, Celebrate and Create
The CAM Day carnival is underscored by CAM’s philosophy of connecting, celebrating, and creating a new direction in mobility ideas, as well as building stronger ties to drive the transportation sector. CAM’s lineup of people movers on display included the automatic KINGO 6AT, PLACER-X, and 20/28-seater CO-STAR minibuses. The company is offering a 2-year service incentive and assured customers that they can count on a qualified team of service technicians.
Kapitan Goh Kee Seng of Huong Seng Motor Trading, a distributor for CAM, remarked, “It is important for us to showcase the versatility of buses to spur creative uses. Sarawak’s economy and creative ideas involving buses of this size are springing up around us.”
The CAM CO-STAR MINIBUS
The CAM CO-STAR is a 20-seater MINIBUS powered by a 2.9L / 150 HP engine, suitable for urban shuttles, factory transport, tourist tours and conversion into motorhomes.
Ms Gwee Chin Li, Head of Business Development at CAM Malaysia, noted:
“We’ve built a strong reputation among tour operators, and East Malaysia offers us new opportunities. This road tour is about boosting awareness, engaging local operators, and gathering feedback to continuously improve our vehicles.”
She added that while bus travel is well-established in Peninsular Malaysia, East Malaysia has yet to fully embrace it—mainly due to past infrastructure gaps. “Now that the Pan Borneo Highway is complete, the situation is changing. We have real opportunities to tap into.” CAM’s fleet offers flexibility for a range of operators. “Families, too, may find value in renting a 20-seater for vacations,” Gwee added.
Media Partnership to Drive Momentum for Bus-Based Tourism
CAM Malaysia has partnered with Asian Buses, Southeast Asia’s leading media for the bus industry, to document and promote the road tour. Joining Stefan and Jacqueline Pertz of Asian Buses is travel guide author David Bowden; TEG Media’s Group Editor Chad Merchant; Editor in Chief of Asian Journeys Floyd Cowan; Asiaphotostock’s Founder Mike Smith; and Malaysia SME’s Aileen Anthony.
Stefan Pertz, Editor of Asian Buses, said, “This is a very exciting event. We’re experiencing the vehicle firsthand and believe this tour can serve as a blueprint for future tourism efforts. We hope our coverage inspires others.”
Motorhome Parks Could Be Next for Sarawak
In his speech, Dato Sri Abdul Karim revealed a new vision for tourism in Sarawak. The Ministry plans to work with local councils to develop motorhome parks along the Pan Borneo Highway, positioning the state to attract self-driven, nature-focused travellers.
“It used to be very difficult for us to travel from Kuching to Miri, but now, with the Pan Borneo Highway completed, we’re creating new interest,” he said, adding that with support from the private sector—including brands like CAM Malaysia—motorhome or caravan tourism could be a game-changer for Sarawak’s rural and eco-tourism agenda.
He cited destinations such as Kapit and Niah, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as having great potential for flexible travel, adding that motorhome tourism is a cost-effective and scalable alternative to high-end tourism products like Mulu.
“This is not just for tourists—it’s a new opportunity for local businesses in transport, hospitality, and crafts. It reflects our broader aim to diversify Sarawak’s offerings while encouraging exploration at one’s own pace.”
The Co-Star Sarawak Road Tour sets off on its next leg to Sibu and then on to Bintulu and Miri covering about 800kms in four days.
