Another facility enhancement by Scania Malaysia to ensure that drivers get adequate rest while they send their vehicles in for maintenance was launched today.

Human assets are the most important asset in an organization. In the transportation industry, drivers are a key player in any company. This is the reason for Scania to launch a lounge for drivers today at Bukit Jelutong, Shah Alam.

The lounge is equipped with a television, comfortable chairs, tables, toilet and even a separate sleeping area complete with beds and soft lighting, and of course the air-conditioned lounge. It will be a temporary home away from home while the drivers wait for their vehicles to be ready when they bring them in for service. There is also an adjacent surau for Muslim drivers to perform their daily prayers.

“The Scania Driver Lounge provides them with a free, comfortable place to sleep, rest or just relax which is also very convenient for the owners who sending their vehicles to us,” said James Armstrong the Managing Director of Scania Southeast Asia and Scania Malaysia Sdn Bhd. He added that this is in line with Scania's approach of "Respect for the individual, which goes beyond caring for own employees, but extends to suppliers and customers as well as the actual users of the Scania trucks.

The Scania Driver Lounge was graced by the Guest of Hounour, Director-General of Jabatan Keselamatan Jalanraya (JKJR), Dato’ Dr Tam Weng Wah, together with His Excellency, the Ambassador of Sweden to Malaysia, Mr Bengt G Carlsson.
“This is a good example of leadership when we are talking about road safety. The enforcement can only be increased by the organization itself. The management needs to start its own initiative to implement the safety among the drivers. As we can see the effort made by Scania is for the drivers to be in a good condition and be able to perform well which such a brilliant step. A good driver not only is a good investment to a company but is also doing a lot for their company's image,” said Dato’ Dr Tam Weng Wah.

“Giving publicity for this kind of occasion is actually a must. With this kind of exposure, the public will know about the initiatives that have been carried out in order to improve safety on the roads. Somehow we need to clear the bad image or the bad perception towards all commercial vehicle drivers. MIROS has highlighted 80% of the drivers are tired due to long journeys, most probably after six hours of driving. By providing a comfortable bed and a place to have a shower, they will be less fatigued,” he added.

A refreshed driver, paired with a professionally maintained vehicles can also save up to 10per cent in fuel economy and be environmental-friendly. All these traits will only lead to better performance for both man and machine.