Tengku Zafrul - Govt Fully Committed Towards Automotive Industry Development

YB Tengku Zafrul officiating The Malaysia Autoshow 2023

The Malaysia Autoshow 2023 ("MAS2023"), which will take place from the 4th to the 7th of May 2023 at MAEPS Serdang, was inaugurated earlier yesterday by YB Senator Tengku Datuk Seri Utama Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz, Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry.

Tengku Zafrul stressed the importance of progressively adjusting the country's National Automotive Policy to establish a business-friendly ecosystem that would encourage more strategic investments from both domestic and foreign sectors during the launch.

He went on to say that the National Automotive Policy (NAP2020) is aimed at developing new mobility solutions that are more efficient, sustainable, and customer-focused. This policy includes the promotion of Energy Efficient Vehicles (EEV), autonomous vehicles (NxGV), electric cars (EV), and other modes of alternative mobility.

The accomplishment of national net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, as envisaged in the Twelfth Malaysia Plan (12MP), was also emphasised. Tengku Zafrul added, "We bear an even greater responsibility to ensure that all of our activities, particularly transport, are sustainable and greener."

The MAS2023, which returns after a three-year absence owing to the pandemic, is scheduled to be the largest automobile exhibition of the year, with 90 exhibitors and an audience of over 150,000 visitors.

MAS2023 would be a venue for businesses to showcase over 80 of their latest automobiles throughout the five main exhibition halls at MAEPS, Serdang. This time, there is a specific emphasis on electrification, with sub-events bringing more EV cars on exhibit, as well as pertinent technologies and conversations on Malaysia's EV ecosystem.

YB Tengku Zafrul went on to say that in order to create long-term value creation, support sustainable business practices, and attract more viable investors, Malaysian Environment, Social, and Governance (ESG) would have to be woven into businesses.

"We know for certain that with electrification, vehicle components will be simpler in assembly, but more sophisticated in design and development," Tengku Zafrul remarked. Small and medium-sized firms (SMEs) and vendors must have the required support to remain competitive in this changing landscape."

In terms of the short and medium term aims of vendor growth in Malaysia, he explained that assistance can take many forms, including access to technology expertise and research and development resources. To maintain a competitive advantage, businesses must stay up to date on the newest innovations and best practices in EV component design and manufacture.

Tengku Zafrul concluded by saying that the Malaysia Autoshow is an important event on the Malaysian automotive calendar because it educates the general public by raising awareness about advancements in new technologies, safety features, and upcoming lifestyle changes in future mobility.

He also hinted that Perodua, the national carmaker, would be announcing its most affordable energy efficient vehicle (EEV) offering for the Malaysian market very soon. Details on this are still unclear, but from what we saw, it could be a most basic variant of the popular Perodua Axia with all essential safety features.

This could be the cheaper Perodua Axia "RAHMAH"

Visitors to the Malaysia Autoshow 2023 could also look into the unique lowest interest rate offers from CIMB and AmBank, who will be on hand if they are in the market to buy a car at this event. Visit www.autoshow.my for additional information about the Malaysia Autoshow 2023.