Mini/MINI owners set record for largest gathering in Malaysia

The Mini has been around for a long time, appearing on Malaysian roads right after its UK launch in 1959. It was assembled locally in Shah Alam, Selangor until 1982, and in 2013, BMW Group Malaysia began assembling the modern MINI again at its facility in the Inokom plant in Kedah.

The original Mini was a low-priced car which almost anyone could afford and naturally, it was the first choice of those who had just started working, becoming the first car for many Malaysians. It was also seen at the racetrack and in rallies where its ‘go-kart’ character made it fun to drive and high manoeuvrable.

Many Minis are still running today and joined by the modern MINI, the community is quite large and spread all over the country. This was evident at the Malaysia MINI Day event organised by MINI Pattern Group, a MINI owners’ club made up of passionate members.

The club brought together MINI and Mini owners and enthusiasts for the weekend at the Resorts World Awana Open Carpark in Genting Highlands, Pahang. Initially, 513 cars were counted – already a record in Malaysia for a Mini gathering – but at the end of the event, the number had increased to 543 cars.

The event had many activities for owners and their friends, including a celebratory dinner to commemorate the 10th Anniversary of the MINI Pattern Group and the journey of the MINI community over the years.

Besides the various other activities at the festival site, there was also an opportunity for those interested to try out the latest MINI models, including the MINI Electric and Aceman.

There were also contests – a competition amongst MINIacs for the best Modern MINI; the best Classic MINI as well as the Best Rocker Cover. The latter was a fun and interactive opportunity for participants to show off their most creative transformations of an engine oil cover into a MINI Car model.

The Car Boot Sale had always been a crowd favourite, not only to sell stuff but also for owners to show off their beloved cars and other memorabilia and crafts.