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."