NAP 2020 getting a tune-up to ward off pandemic effects

CYBERJAYA: The Malaysia automotive, Robotics and IoT Institute (MARii) is waiting for the government to approve the newly enhanced National Automotive Policy 2020 (NAP 2020) to ensure a faster recovery for the automotive industry post-Covid-19.

MARii chief executive officer (CEO) Datuk Madani Sahari said the improved policy is set to benefit the entire industry, but declined to provide details as they are currently being ironed out.

"The improved version will allow the auto players to rebound after the pandemic.

"Rest assured, the policy will remain and only the incentives part will be enhanced, and this will level the playing field for all auto players," he told reporters after the MARii's CEO/Owner Growth Mindset programme here today.

The NAP 2020, which was launched on Feb 21, is expected to contribute RM104.2 billion to Malaysia’s gross domestic product over the next 10 years.

It aims to strengthen the industry by focusing on advanced vehicles, Industrial Revolution 4.0, and mobility-as-a-service to turn Malaysia into a regional leader in manufacturing, engineering and technology.

Perodua CEO Datuk Zainal Abidin Ahmad, who was present at the event, said his company is maintaining its expectation of a 15 per cent reduction of its initial 2020 sales target of 240,000 following the Covid-19 crisis.