Virtual Racing thrills families at NSTP booth during Karnival Jom Heboh

New Straits Times

31-05-2025

KUALA LUMPUR: Visitors to the Karnival Jom Heboh (KJH) at KL Base were treated to an exciting dose of futuristic fun at the New Straits Times Press (NSTP) booth, which featured a virtual racing experience powered by augmented reality (AR) technology.
The interactive activity allowed participants to use a gaming steering wheel to control a physical toy car on a designated track.
A television screen in front of the drivers displayed the actual course, enhanced with car designs and digital power-ups, creating an immersive virtual racing environment.
Rahmat Hilmi, 40, from Keramat praised the unique experience, adding that it brought families together.
"It's really something different from the other booths. It brings that family vibe where everyone, regardless of age, can take part," he said.
He also suggested a few improvements, including increasing the visibility of the activity from afar to attract more visitors.
"Right now, people have to walk past the booth before they notice the TV screen.
"Maybe clearer signage or better promotional visuals could help catch attention from a distance," he added.
The booth offered the activity at a family-friendly price of RM20 for four people, which many found worthwhile.
Meanwhile, checks from morning until 3pm did not see as many visitors flooding into KJH as compared to previous locations.
One of the visitors, Ahmad Naqiuddin Shah. 27, who lives nearby the carnival at Jalan Klang Lama said it could be due to the hot weather.
"I came because it just so happens to be near my house which is only 15 minutes away.
"It might not seem lively right now, especially earlier in the afternoon due to the hot weather.
"But maybe people are looking forward to the concert tonight when the temperature is cooler.
"But I would recommend people to come because KJH is known for its fun and family-friendly activities. And on the bright side, there is ample parking for visitors," he said.
KJH, the roadshow-style carnival will continue its tour across other states, including Penang, Johor, Kelantan, and Sarawak.
Adding to the excitement at KL Base will be a special appearance by cast members from the hit film Ejen Ali 2, which is currently screening in cinemas nationwide.
In addition to the AR racing experience, visitors can look forward to a host of exciting programmes throughout the day.
At 4.30pm, the first Drama Meet and Greet session featuring cast members from Bukan Ipar Sempurna, Fazleena Md Daud, Atira Karma, Jiha Sham and Cahaya Nilam, will take place at Studio Tonton Drama Sangat.
This will be followed by a second session at 6.15pm for fans of Aku Bukan Ustazah 2, where Ahmad Syafiq, Fikhree Bakar and Shaza Bae are scheduled to make an appearance.
The festivities will culminate in the much-anticipated Konsert Jom Heboh at 9pm on the Pentas Utama stage.
The concert will showcase performances by a star-studded lineup including Shiha Zikir, Bunga Isme, Puteri Khareeza, Ameerais, Aisha Retno, Khai Bahar and the group A.X.P, led by Amir Sofaz.