Singapore, October 2025:  It was a proud moment for Malaysia when Handal Indah Sdn Bhd, a subsidiary of HI Mobility Berhad, took the international stage at Transit Ticketing & Fare Collection APAC 2025, held at The Westin Singapore from October 8–9, 2025.

This prestigious event gathered more than 120 transit ticketing experts from 45 organizations across 15 countries, representing the best of innovation and collaboration in public transportation. From technology giants like Google Payments APAC, Cubic Transportation Systems, and MTR Corporation, to mobility leaders from Malaysia such as Express Rail Link Sdn Bhd and Touch ’n Go, the event served as a melting pot of ideas shaping the future of how we travel.

Handal Indah stood out by showcasing its cashless payment ecosystem and concession initiatives, which support government-driven projects designed to make transportation accessible to all.

A representative from Handal Indah shared,

Delegates were treated to insightful presentations and networking sessions that opened doors for potential collaborations. It was more than just a conference — it was a shared commitment to building smarter cities and connected communities.

The participation of Handal Indah in Transit Ticketing & Fare Collection APAC 2025 marks not only an achievement for the company but also a milestone for Malaysia’s public transport transformation journey.

There are moments in life we never forget. Moments that define us, shape us, and remind us why we do what we do. For me, the Soft Launching of BAS.MY Kota Kinabalu in Sabah was one of those rare milestones — one I will cherish forever, and one I look forward to sharing with my children when they grow up.

Photo with Tuan Dairin, The Head of LPKP Sabah during the final presentation of the event at LPKP Office in Sabah.

I may not be a Malaysian (but a Malaysian PR), but being entrusted to help shape a new chapter in Sabah’s transportation landscape feels deeply personal. Sabah is close to my homeland, and standing here, I felt a sense of belonging and purpose. 🇵🇭🤝🇲🇾

The Sabah International Convention Centre welcomed us warmly, becoming the foundation for our plans. The KK Sentral Terminal showed unwavering support. Slowly, what began as an idea turned into reality.

But the truth is, behind the curtain, it wasn’t easy. The planning started with only a handful of us: myself (taking on most of the event work, story line foundations, including the promotional concept), my project overseer (a dear friend I’ll always treasure), a colleague from our sister company involved in GPS installation, one staff from Jaguh Bayu, and a member of my marketing team. A small team, but filled with determination.

Despite the challenges, the results exceeded all expectations. Our efforts generated over RM535,000 PR value (more than 38 publications), tracked through Meltwater — proof that great impact doesn’t always require a big team, but rather, a big heart and strong collaboration.

That moment reminded me why I do what I do. I want my children to see that making history doesn’t always mean being in the spotlight — sometimes it’s about working quietly behind the scenes, connecting people, and building something that benefits the community.

I still remember my boss — (She is actually from the Top Management Level) who has trusted me since I joined the company in 2016 — telling me over the 30-minutes phone call just days before the event:

This wasn’t just about launching a bus service. It was a story of resilience, teamwork, and believing that with the right people, anything is possible. Even if I was behind the scenes, I know there were people who saw, appreciated, and valued the effort. And for that, I will always be grateful.

One day, when my children are old enough to understand, I will tell them this story. Not just about buses, events, or PR values — but about how their father once stood in Sabah and helped create history.

The launch heralds a new era of mobility in Kota Kinabalu, aimed at addressing the city’s heavy reliance on private vehicles currently made by car or motorcycle. This overdependence has contributed to traffic congestion, pollution, and reduced productivity along major arteries such as Tun Fuad Stephens Road and the Coastal Road.

The Federal Government has allocated RM17.6 million for Phase One of the SBST programme in Kota Kinabalu. Over the next five years, a total of RM88 million will be invested to strengthen bus services across the city, in line with the national target to achieve 40% public transport usage by 2030.

Buses will operate on 30- to 60-minute intervals, depending on the route, with performance-based incentives in place to ensure reliability and punctuality.

The programme was developed through close collaboration with the Commercial Vehicle Licensing Board (LPKP), Kota Kinabalu City Hall (DBKK), private bus operators, and community representatives, ensuring the system is designed around the needs of commuters.

Meanwhile,  there will be free trial bus service to be expected somewhere in October 2025 operated under Jaguh Bayu Sdn Bhd. 

“As a public transport provider, our responsibility has always been to connect people. With ManjaSIM, we are extending this promise from physical mobility to digital connectivity,” said Ms. Lim Chern Fang, Chief Marketing Officer of HI Mobility Berhad. “We understand that staying connected while traveling is important — whether it’s for entertainment, work, or communication. To make this possible, we want to offer affordable connectivity to our passengers. ManjaSIM answers this need with reliable nationwide coverage at a fraction of the cost charged by larger telcos.”

ManjaSIM also supports the upcoming Visit Johor 2026 and Visit Malaysia 2026 campaigns by ensuring both local and international visitors enjoy seamless, affordable, and reliable connectivity upon arrival. Travelers can conveniently purchase and activate ManjaSIM online, register easily, and benefit from nationwide coverage across Malaysia especially in major cities, highways, and popular tourist destinations.

“Connectivity is no longer a luxury, it is a necessity. With ManjaSIM, locals, students, commuters, and international visitors can enjoy unlimited data across both Peninsular and East Malaysia,” Ms. Lim added.