AP system to remain

By Xavier Kong

PRIME Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad stressed that the Approved Permit (AP) system will continue to be a part of the Malaysian automotive industry, citing the need for imports to reach a certain standard. 

He shared that the AP system is there to make sure “Malaysians are not taken for a ride,” by ensuring the cars brought in are of a sufficient quality and standard.

“We are a very open market. In Malaysia you see all kinds of cars coming in. But there is a need to have some control, to ensure that wrongdoings are not done by anybody. That is why we need these licences, this system of control, because we need to check that what we sell here is of the quality as declared by the producers. That is our way of protecting the public from being taken for a ride,” Mahathir said at the launch of the latest iteration of the National Automotive Policy (NAP 2020) today.

There will also be a new national vehicle project, the prime minister announced during his address at the event. This project will build upon the country’s efforts in developing two national cars, Proton and Perodua, as well as a national motorcycle, Modenas.

This new car project aims to help drivers to not make mistakes through the use of technology, according to Mahathir. He noted that the country has the capacity, but needs investments, in turn calling on the private sector to come in and help in producing cars “that are meant not only for Malaysians, but also other countries.” – Feb 21, 2020

 

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