MAA Requests The Government To Consider Reopening Certain Automotive Sector!

The Malaysian Automotive Association (MAA) has appealed to the government to pave the way for the automotive sector that is involved with the export of vehicles and components to operate.

“We appeal to the government to open up the automotive industry for those that are involved in certain sectors (export of vehicles and components) to be allowed to operate for the survival of the automotive industry,” said MAA President Datuk Aishah Ahmad.

"This move is seen as necessary because it can at least boost sales in the automotive industry," she said when contacted by Caricarz.

When asked to comment on an automotive news report which said that MAA had sent a letter of appeal to the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI) but has yet to garner a response from MITI.

She denied these allegations and stressed that her party was aware of the dangers of the Covid-19 pandemic that have caused the government to suspend most business operations.

"We understand the current situation and even though all industries and associations are actually appealing to the government to allow them to operate again, it all depends on the government's decision," she said briefly.

The report mentioned that 700,000 automotive workers are facing the risk of layoffs, the component vehicle export sector will come to a 100 percent halt and vehicle companies will have to bear high costs due to having to pay for storage space.

In fact, the report also claimed that the country's income would be affected as the automotive sector contributes four percent to the Gross Domestic Product.