Felda tinkerer shifts gears with new invention
KOTA TINGGI: Azamrudin Shawal grabbed attention after he built a “Formula One” racing car replica two years ago and now he hopes to see his newest invention taken to the next level – a motorcycle sidecar.
The 36-year-old Felda Sening settler and mechanic said his new creation, which he named “Sembat”, would be suitable for use in tourism.
“Tourists can be ferried in the vehicle to tour the city or any other recreational places such as Danga Bay, Puteri Harbour and even the Johor Premium Outlets.
“The vehicle can be driven on almost any type of surface, including dirt roads,” he said.
Azamrudin said it took his team of five people two weeks to build the petrol-powered prototype using a 110cc engine, scrap metal and an audio system.
“It costs about RM5,000 to create the prototype, which can accommodate a 100kg passenger load.
“It has a maximum speed of 40kph,” he said, adding that the Sembat model is relatively easy to manoeuvre.
He hoped that his invention would be recognised by the Tourism or the Youth and Sport ministries to be developed further.
“We were encouraged by some community leaders to come up with products that could help transform the tourism industry, so this is what we have to offer and we hope our efforts are recognised and supported,” he added.
Azamrudin previously made waves when a video of his racing car prototype went viral with over 100,000 views in 2015.
On his home-made racing car replica, Azamrudin said that plans to further develop the invention have yet to take off due to funding issues.
“I have not even patented both my prototypes yet as I am unsure how to go about it, so I hope that the relevant ministries can help pave the way for us to learn and better ourselves in this area.
“My team and I are all small town boys, just trying to prove ourselves and get the Felda community noticed,” he said.