NATIONAL AUTOMOTIVE POLICY YET TO BE FINALISED

Launch date in August, but fate uncertain due to change in govt

THE local automotive industry is facing uncertainty as the National Automotive Policy (NAP 2018), widely expected to be announced in August, is yet to be finalised.

This is because of the change in government following Pakatan Harapan’s victory in the 14th General Election on May 9.

With policies by the previous Barisan Nasional government being repealed or revised, NAP 2018, which is designed to drive the industry, is affected.

Besides its launch date, it is not known whether the focus of the previous administration would remain.

The task of drafting NAP 2018 was previously under the International Trade and Industry Ministry, which is still without its minister.

A ministry agency, Malaysian Automotive Institute (MAI), was tasked with drafting the blueprint.

MAI chief executive officer Datuk Madani Sahari said the agency had to hold talks with the relevant minister first before any statement on NAP 2018 was issued.

“I have to talk to the new minister first. After this is done, it will be announced to the media.”

In March, MAI said NAP 2018 would focus on four areas: mobility, next-generation vehicles, artificial intelligence (AI) and the Industrial Revolution 4.0 (IR 4.0).

The updated policy is expected to open up more jobs and business for vendors.

It can lead to an increase in production of component parts and new specialisation in various sectors, including electronics, programming, data analysis, telecommunications, smart transport systems and digital content.

Motor Trader Malaysia editor Keshvinder Singh Dhillon said NAP 2018 was likely to be reviewed by the government in line with its agenda.

He said the market was expecting something positive in terms of safer and affordable vehicles.

“I think hybrid vehicles may be affected if previous rebates are not continued.

“The previously-announced aspects of mobility, new generation vehicles, AI and IR 4.0 should be maintained in line with the needs of the global industry.”

I have to talk to the new minister first. After this is done, it will be announced to the media.

DATUK MADANI SAHARI

Malaysian Automotive Institute chief executive officer