Attract Japanese vendors, Perodua urges Govt

Aminar Rashid

KUALA LUMPUR: The Government has been urged to offer incentives that are as good or better than neighbouring countries' to attract Japanese vendors in the car sector to set up facilities in Malaysia.

"Let us not miss the boat. Offer incentives that are good or better than neighbouring countries', and if possible encourage tie-ups with local vendors that could meet their requirements," said Perodua managing director Datuk Aminar Rashid Salleh at a luncheon with senior writers and editors here on Tuesday.

Aminar Rashid said many Japanese vendors were trying to relocate their businesses as it was now more difficult to do business in Japan because of natural disasters such as earthquakes and the strengthening of the yen.

"They see opportunities in Asean, with Thailand, the 'Detroit of Asia', still the darling for the automotive sector and Indonesia is also fast catching up," he said in a Bernama report.

He said Perodua would offer better facilities at its headquarters and plant in Sungai Choh, Rawang, to attract and retain staff and also to improve productivity and efficiency.

One of the facilities Perodua aims to provide is affordable homes for at least half of its employees.

It said it is looking to tie up with a property developer to develop the houses

Aminar Rashid said the company employed around 7,000 people in Rawang.

“Around 45% to 50% of the people working at our headquarters and plant in Rawang already have their own homes.

“We want to help cater to the remaining 50% of our employees in light of the rising cost of living,” he said.

Asked if Perodua plans to build low-cost houses, Aminar said: “I won't say low-cost, but they will be affordable. We want to build the houses as close to our plant as possible."

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A Myvi transformed

KUALA LUMPUR: Nasir Zulkifli, 39, has a Myvi. But it's not just any Myvi.

This is one Perodua you won't find rolling out of the factory floor.

It has hydraulic suspension to lower or raise the car; scissor doors and chromed engine.  And all the bling-bling in the cabin to make its owner proud.

Nasir with his Myvi showcar.

You see, the black Myvi is rather special. It's a showcar that uses a Myvi as a base and has been modified to the max.

Nasir said he took a year to bring the Myvi to showcar specs and has already spent RM50,000 on the mods.

Looking at the amount of money spent, his wife disapproves of it, of course, but Nasir rationalised that he was spending only disposable cash that he has earned to indulge in his passion.

So that's that!

The most expensive part of the car is the hydraulic system fitted on both axles that cost RM9,000 to install.

But to Nasir, a property negotiator, all the changes have been money well spent, as the Myvi has won a number of local showcar contests.

Although the car didn't win at the Auto Salon Night held at the just ended Star Motor Carnival, Nasir is not disheartened.

The trophies the car has garnered so far is a reminder to him that the Myvi may still have its day in the sun another day. click

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Perodua pushes for end-of-life for motor vehicle policy

KUALA LUMPUR: Perodua, Malaysia's leading compact car maker, says there is a need to introduce the end-of-life vehicle policy to address vehicle safety and roadworthiness issues.

Managing director Datuk Aminar Rashid Salleh urged the Government to consider the policy.

“During recent discussions with the Government, the automotive industry proposed that the policy should be implemented voluntarily before making it compulsory,” he told reporters when asked on Perodua's wish list for Budget 2013 at the company's Aidilfitri open house yesterday.

Aminar also hoped the Government would come up with certain standards and provide training to vehicle mechanics who cannot offer quality service.

Workshop operators must ensure that their employees at least have a certificate in car repair and maintenance work to provide quality service to customers and at the same time protect their sovereign rights, he said.

The Government should also introduce laws and regulations on how to run used-car and vehicle licence business for consumers' benefit. - Bernama

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