Castrol Launches eHailing Heroes Initiative with Tourism Ministry Support to Enhance Malaysia’s Visitor Experience

Castrol Malaysia has introduced eHailing Heroes, a 12-month initiative developed with the support of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture Malaysia (MOTAC) and Persatuan Pengguna Pengangkutan Awam Malaysia (4PAM). The programme aims to help e-hailing drivers manage vehicle maintenance costs while contributing to safer, smoother and more reliable journeys for passengers, particularly as Malaysia prepares to welcome more visitors during Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026).

The initiative was officially announced during a press conference at Rom 8 Studio and officiated by Yang Berusaha Encik Mohd Akbal Setia, Senior Director of Advertising and Digital, Tourism Malaysia, and Head of Secretariat for Visit Malaysia Year 2026. Through the programme, Castrol aims to recognise the important role e-hailing drivers play in Malaysia’s tourism ecosystem by connecting visitors with airports, hotels, city centres, shopping areas, food destinations, heritage sites and local communities.

Under its first phase, eHailing Heroes will support up to 3,000 e-hailing vehicles, beginning with drivers operating in the Klang Valley. Participants will have access to subsidised Castrol MAGNATEC servicing, vehicle branding and Castrol Auto Service workshops nationwide. Drivers who complete 8,000 kilometres of verified mileage will also receive an RM80 Castrol MAGNATEC service package e-voucher, covering engine oil, an oil filter and labour at participating Castrol Auto Service workshops.

The launch comes as Malaysia continues to strengthen its tourism ecosystem ahead of VM2026. While destinations, hotels and attractions often take centre stage in tourism campaigns, e-hailing drivers are increasingly becoming an important part of the visitor experience. Their daily interactions with travellers can influence how visitors perceive Malaysia, making vehicle reliability, safety and service quality essential elements of the country’s overall welcome experience.

Yang Berusaha Encik Mohd Akbal Setia said that e-hailing drivers play an important role in connecting visitors with Malaysian destinations, culture and local communities. He highlighted that supporting the welfare and capabilities of drivers is also an investment in the country’s tourism image and future, particularly as Malaysia prepares for Visit Malaysia 2026.

For e-hailing drivers, vehicle maintenance is a significant operational consideration as their vehicles are used for long hours and often cover high daily mileage. Frequent pick-ups and drop-offs, short trips, traffic congestion, idling and constant stop-start driving can place additional demands on vehicle engines, making regular servicing an important part of keeping vehicles safe and road-ready.

Castrol MAGNATEC was selected for the eHailing Heroes programme because it is designed for modern urban driving conditions. Its intelligent molecules cling to critical engine parts and form a protective layer, helping provide 50% better protection against warm-up and restart wear*. This supports the product’s promise of providing “Non-Stop Protection From Every Start”, which is particularly relevant for drivers who spend long hours navigating congested roads and making frequent stops.

Gan Wee Kiong, Market Sales Director of Castrol Malaysia, Singapore and Philippines, said an e-hailing vehicle represents more than just a mode of transport, as it is also the driver’s workplace and source of income. Through eHailing Heroes, Castrol aims to combine its product technology and service network to help drivers manage maintenance pressures, keep their vehicles in good condition and continue serving passengers with greater confidence.

Meanwhile, Ajit Johl, President of Persatuan Pengguna Pengangkutan Awam Malaysia (4PAM), highlighted that passenger confidence is closely linked to safety, reliability, service quality and vehicle condition. By supporting drivers with better access to maintenance and reducing some of the costs associated with vehicle upkeep, the initiative can also contribute to more dependable journeys for both Malaysians and international visitors.

In addition to the eHailing Heroes programme, Castrol will also offer a 10% discount across its passenger car engine oil range from August onwards. The initiative is intended to encourage more vehicle owners to maintain their cars properly and ensure they remain ready for the journeys ahead.

Through eHailing Heroes, Castrol is strengthening its role within Malaysia’s everyday mobility ecosystem by supporting drivers, improving vehicle readiness and contributing to a more positive passenger experience. As Malaysia prepares for Visit Malaysia 2026, the initiative highlights how supporting the people behind the country’s transport network can help create a safer, more reliable and welcoming experience for visitors.

E-hailing drivers interested in participating can register through Castrol’s official eHailing Heroes programme to secure their place and access the available servicing and vehicle support benefits.