In 2014, the Nielsen Global Survey of Automotive Demand revealed Malaysia has the highest multiple vehicle ownership in the world with 54 per cent of households having more than one vehicle.
Thus it is not surprising there are hundreds of car and bike groups, including one, with the motto “Unity through Motoring”, formed last year by a group of Sikh petrol heads.
Like all things Punjabi, the name is elaborate — Malaysia & Singapore Punjabi Automotive Enthusiasts (MSPAE). Using social media, hundreds of Punjabi automotive fans connected and all things automotive grew to the brim.
The founders say the idea came about while they were in Gurdwara Sahib Johor Baru.
“There are many Punjabis in Malaysia and Singapore who are passionate about automotive. Many pride over their classic cars, supercars, motorcycles and even trucks and vans,” said MSPAE organising committee member Rajiv Singh, who “specialises” in air-cooled engines.
“That was what inspired us to form a club. We want all these automotive aficionados to Unite under one banner.”
At its maiden gathering on Aug 5 last year, more than 150 vehicles were paraded at Khalsa Land in Kuala Kubu Baru.
On Aug 18, over 200 vehicles cruised to the venue. There was even a helicopter.
One would think the younger batch of enthusiasts would be into engine remapping and video-game quotients but these chaps are into the classics and even rust-buckets.
“We saw that from the two events we organised,” said Rajiv, who along with his brother Sukhbir, have a bevy of sought-after vehicles.
On the drawing board for the club are charity drives, automotive-related workshops and career talks, among others.
“We are planning for the youth and collaboration is in place with Sikh Naujawan Sabha Malaysia, World rally driver Karamjit Singh, Bukit Aman Commercial Crime Investigation Department director Comm Datuk Seri Amar Singh and not forgetting Communications and Multimedia Minister Gobind Singh Deo,” he added.
