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#vanlife in Malaysia: A lifestyle choice for some, an act of desperation for others

Some Malaysians are taking the road less travelled by living in their vehicles, but reality may not be as Instagram-worthy as it seems

 Tan Ai Leng
Published Fri, Aug 23, 2024 · 02:30 PM — Updated Sat, Aug 24, 2024 · 09:15 AM
    • Yap Yoong Ching and her husband Alvin Low, with her pink campervan.
    • MRC Motorhome founder Lau Hwee Teck says: “I think it’s really cool to be able to drive your home and explore different places.”
    • Yap Yoong Ching and her husband Alvin Low, with her pink campervan. PHOTO: TAN AI LENG, BT
    • MRC Motorhome founder Lau Hwee Teck says: “I think it’s really cool to be able to drive your home and explore different places.” PHOTO: TAN AI LENG, BT

    LIVING in a car, whether for the long haul or short term, is not a widespread practice in Malaysia, but there is a growing number of individuals who are embracing this lifestyle for various reasons.

    For freelance content creator and social media influencer Yap Yoong Ching, known online as Kakak Ching, her motivation for owning a campervan and staying there for vacations is simple: she wants to travel with her beloved pet poodle, Wa Zai.

    She had this idea back in 2019 when pet-friendly accommodations were scarce, and she couldn’t bear the thought of leaving her dog at a pet hotel.

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