PETALING JAYA: At least 30% of independent car dealers under the Federation of Motor and Credit Companies Associations of Malaysia (FMCCAM) are at risk of closing permanently before 2022 as losses or lost business amounts to RM300mil, says Transport Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong today.
He said he would raise the plight of new and used car dealers in the Cabinet soon.
He said not only the automotive industry need to be opened but its entire supply chain needed to resume operations, from showrooms to the factories that assemble the parts..
"I chaired an online meeting with several associations dealing with new and used motor vehicle sales today to listen to their feedback on how the government should reopen businesses in the upcoming phases of the National Recovery Plan (NRP)," Wee said in a Facebook post today.
He said while the government considers which sectors will be allowed to operate in the NRP’s second and third phases, businesses must conduct their activities in a safe manner, and ensure their employees and customers are fully vaccinated and continue to follow standard operating procedures at all times.
"This is the bare minimum obligation that all businesses must give in order for the government to be convinced it is safe enough to allow them to reopen.
"We are fully aware that the number of confirmed cases remains high, but the owners and employees of businesses and supply chains who are fully vaccinated are also on their last legs."
The discussion was joined by FMCCAM president Datuk Tony Khor, Malaysian Automotive Association president Datuk Aishah Ahmad, Honda Dealers Association Malaysia chairman Dato Mahfoz Hamid, Perodua Dealers Association Malaysia president Khairul Nizam Ayob, Toyota Dealers Council Malaysia president Simon Thong, and Proton Edar Dealers Association Malaysia president Liew Vee Lee.
Dr Wee was joined by Cabinet colleagues Deputy Education Minister Datuk Dr Mah Hang Soon and Deputy International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Lim Ban Hong.
