Daniel Lim
When it comes to the local car culture, for some, it is about self-expression through the looks and designs, reflecting the vehicle owners’ preferences.
These one-of-a-kind displays can be seen in shows where owners bring their creative vehicles to share with others with those who share their passion and love, while working with departments and agencies to ensure that the vehicles comply with road rules and regulations.
Such vehicles were among the highlights at the recent Darussalam MotoFest, a car and motorbike show at the Mumong Sports Complex.
Muhammad Zulkarnain bin Haji Hamdan, an owner of a custom Toyota Vios and member of the Vios Society Brunei, was one of the participants.
“I started becoming interested in cars when I was a kid, and when I grew up, the hobby grew with me,” he said in an interview with the Bulletin.
On the communities in Brunei, he said there are a number of groups passionate about their cars and how they express themselves.
“I think it is quite a sight to see people who share the same love and passion for cars to get together and share it,” he said.
In addition to participating in the local car show, Muhammad Zulkarnain has also competed and won several international car shows.
While there is a large number of car enthusiasts and fans across the Sultanate, Muhammad Zulkarnain also noted the importance of safety when modifying vehicles.
“Not every modification is safe. But as long as we stay within the rules and regulations set by authorities and be respectful of others, it is possible to enjoy the freedom of expressing ourselves through our cars,” he said.
Having participated in the car show as well as having many like-minded visitors taking a look and appreciating his work, he hopes that the car culture can flourish.
“I hope that everyone involved will enjoy appreciating and seeing the cars here, and I also hope that this will be an opportunity to showcase how to properly and safely enjoy the hobby of cars as well as motorcycles,” he said.
Meanwhile, organiser and Family United Event Management (FUEM) operation manager Haji Julaihi bin Haji Junaidi said, “Car shows such as Darussalam Motofest are not only an opportunity for car enthusiasts to showcase their pride and joy, but also for others to appreciate and enjoy the works of art.”
In organising the car show, he made sure of the safety of everyone involved.
“We worked with authorities to ensure that the vehicles on display abide by road rules and regulations. If they don’t, they are not permitted to drive to the venue.”
Being one of the largest car shows in the Belait District, Haji Julaihi said the event signalled the return to the norm as it was the first of its kind held after the global COVID-19 pandemic.
“As it was the first time that we hosted an event after COVID-19, we hope that the show has helped to establish a closer relationship between car and motorbike enthusiasts in sharing their passion with others,” he said.
