The winner of Volvo Trucks’ annual Fuelwatch Challenge for 2018 is Haree Murughan Muniandy from Astro Productions Sdn Bhd who earned the title for the first time. The results were announced during a celebratory dinner at Volvo Trucks’ Port Klang dealer, where 9 of the best truck drivers from Malaysia had gathered to await the results.
Most Fuel-Efficient Driver in Fuelwatch Challenge Announced
In second place was Hidayu Sabaran from Nittsu Transport Service (M) Sdn Bhd, and third was Mohd Harun Mohd Yusop from Fima Freight Forwarders Sdn Bhd.
The grand prize winner received a RM5,000 Bank Simpanan Nasional voucher and a trophy. He would also represent Malaysia in the Volvo Trucks Driver Challenge Global Final in Gothenburg, Sweden later this year.
“Haree succeeded in embodying the core purpose of the Fuelwatch Challenge, which is intended to promote safe and fuel-efficient driving among truck drivers,” said Mitchell Peden, Managing Director of Volvo Trucks Malaysia.
The annual Fuelwatch Challenge is aimed at promoting maximum fuel efficiency and proper driving skills among truck drivers in Malaysia, through a unique and challenging competitive platform. The competition is open to drivers across Malaysia in the closed and open categories.
Haree said: “As a professional truck driver, I have always admired the effort Volvo Trucks has put into educating drivers on the importance of fuel efficiency and safety in all aspects of driving. After participating in the Fuelwatch Challenge Finals for the third time, the challenge has not only allowed me to further develop my skills and knowledge, but it also taught me to never give up until I have achieved my goal.”
The winner is determined by the best combination of fuel efficiency (measured using Volvo Trucks’ telematics system: Dynafleet), productivity and safety while also demonstrating that they have the ability to handle different trucks.
This year also marked the first time since the challenge’s inception in Malaysia, where a female truck driver (Hidayu) made it into the top 3. Hidayu said: “I am truly happy to have exceeded my own expectations in this challenge. I have received a lot of support from my friends and family, and I hope my achievement would be an encouragement for all the women in Malaysia who want to join the trucking industry.”
Last year’s challenge saw the record being set, when Junaidah Ibrahim made it into the finals, inspiring female participation in this year’s event and resulting in 8 female truck drivers taking part in the qualifying stages.
“Hidayu and Kamila Mohamad Ribi demonstrated to us that the skill required to drive a truck efficiently and safely is not gender limited. It is clear that female truck drivers have the same ability as their male counterparts to drive at a high skill level on a competitive stage,” said Peden.
Some 1550 drivers participated in the qualifications held nationwide between June and July earlier this year.
Also present during the dinner was Dato’ Nazari Hj Akhbar, Executive Director of Taipanco Sdn Bhd, who received 7 Volvo FH13 trucks in a vehicle handover ceremony. To-date, Taipanco has received 17 trucks from Volvo and this handover marked the first time it is adding the FH model to its fleet.
