$840,000 Maltese AmphiCoach deployed for first time in Southeast Asia

The first AmphiCoach, which was developed in Malta, has been deployed in Southeast Asia, to the seaside city of Kuala Terengganu, in the Malaysian east coast state of Terengganu, Travel Wire Asia has reported.

It was purchased by Malaysian authorities for a price believed to be $840,000

The AmphiCoach GTS-1 is a passenger coach designed to ferry passengers on both land and water. It was developed by a team that were funded by Scotsman George Smith and built in Malta.

It was reported that the vehicle was spotted running a 45-minute test run from Kampung Losong village and an island called Pulau Wan Man several kilometres away.

Terengganu’s Chief Minister Ahmad Razif told local media that the vehicle is undergoing trials, but is expected to be fully operational soon.

“There are two bridges that need to be made compatible (with the vehicle). And we also need to ensure that the pilot has the necessary licences,” Razif was quoted as saying.

“The Road and Transport Department and the Marine Department will work closely together (in ensuring compliance), so I believe it would be operational as soon as possible.”

The prototype was hand-built on the island over a three-year period, 2004–2007, with a considerable contribution from former Malta Drydocks workers. It was tested in Marsaxlokk Bay.