The two-seat Vector that was showcased in Langkawi in March. — Bernama
KUALA LUMPUR: The government plans to unveil the prototype of the so-called “flying vehicle” project as early as this October, the Dewan Rakyat was told today.
Entrepreneur Development Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Redzuan Yusof said all the intellectual property including design, cost and software of the air mobility vehicle will be fully owned by the local company that is developing it.
“The ministry only plays its role as a development facilitator of the air mobility industry ecosystem, especially in the drafting of policies, regulations and support for local players to fulfil the need of the industry,” he told Dr Nik Muhammad Zawawi Salleh (PAS-Pasir Puteh) during question time.
Nik Muhammad Zawawi had asked the ministry on the status of the development of the flying vehicle project.
The model of the two-seat flying car known as Vector made its debut in March at this year's Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace exhibition, which was attended by the Prime Minister.
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Mohd Redzuan said the air mobility industry was among the areas identified by the ministry that has high marketability potential in local and international markets.
This is especially important in the infrastructure, security, agriculture sectors, he added.
“The air mobility industry uses the latest application technology like drones, big data analytics, Artificial Intelligence (AI), mobility and the Internet of Things (IoT), which are growing swiftly at the international level,” said Mohd Redzuan.
He said that if the government does not provide the ecosystem needed and laws required by local players and companies, Malaysia would be left behind.
“We have started discussions with relevant ministries, including the Transport Ministry and the Civil Aviation Authority, to look into some space and the laws needed so we will be prepared and allow the industry to grow.
“Other countries such as the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have invited us to see the launch of their flying vehicle project and they have started to create laws from three years ago,” he added.
The flying car project is separate from the proposed third national car project mooted by Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.
