Trans ASEAN Madani Convoy Champions National Patriotism During Cross-border Adventure
By Vijian Paramasivam
PHNOM PENH, Jan 14 (Bernama) -- After a gruelling 7,800-kilometre journey across Thailand, Laos and Cambodia, a senior citizen-led Malaysian car convoy has completed its regional mission to promote Visit Malaysia 2026.
The nine-vehicle convoy, involving 38 participants — most of them former civil servants — was organised under the Trans ASEAN Madani Convoy initiative.
“It was an exciting and meaningful experience for all our members crossing the various borders, and we managed to achieve our main objective of promoting Malaysia as a tourist destination,” the convoy’s director, Datuk Abd Rahim Hashim, told Bernama after reaching Thailand’s tourist haven, Pattaya City.
After spending two days in Laos’ capital, Vientiane, the group is heading home via Krabi in southern Thailand and is scheduled to arrive in Kuala Lumpur on Jan. 17 after almost two weeks of travel.
Tourism Malaysia targets 47 million tourist arrivals.
Rahim, who is also chairman of Koperasi Perumahan Awam Malaysia (KOPAMA) Berhad, said the convoy engaged with governments, ministers, industry players and grassroots communities to promote Malaysia as a welcoming tourist destination.
“We received very positive feedback from everyone we met, and many were enthusiastic about Malaysia,” he said.
In Vientiane, Malaysian Ambassador to Laos Edi Irwan Mahmud, who hosted the convoy, said besides encouraging regional ties, the group’s initiative will also showcase ASEAN unity.
“The convoy was timely and relevant as it further promotes Malaysia’s tourism sector and enhances awareness of Malaysia Madani as an inclusive and progressive national concept,” he said in a statement.
The Angkatan Koperasi Kebangsaan Malaysia Bhd (Angkasa), the Malaysia 21st Century ASEAN–Japan Friendship Association (PAMAJA) and KOPAMA jointly organised the Trans ASEAN Madani convoy.
-- BERNAMA
