MIRI: The revamp of the National Automotive Policy (NAP) as proposed by PKR will benefit Sarawak and Sabah which lack good road infrastructure.
Recently, PKR de facto leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim unveiled a reformed automotive policy as a follow-up to its earlier proposal to do away with excise duty for new vehicles.
“Road infrastructure in Sabah and Sarawak is so lacking in the vast interior regions accessible only via timber roads which turn muddy in wet seasons, therefore requiring the use of imported 4WD vehicles,” said PKR Miri chairman Dr Michael Teo in defending the opposition’s initiative of a reformed automotive policy as the most appropriate for the two vast states.
Dr Teo pointed out that as Proton and Perodua did not produce 4WD vehicles, they had to be imported from foreign countries like Japan and the USA.
He also noted that higher car prices were forcing car owners to hold on to their cars much longer, leading to more old cars on the roads, which might compromise road safety.
“If import duties for imported vehicles like 4WDs can be significantly reduced, it will certainly benefit the people in Sabah and Sarawak by way of increasing disposable income,” said Dr Teo.
He, however, stressed on the importance of building a comprehensive network of tar-sealed roads to the remotest regions as well as improving public transportation although it would take several years.
“It’s vital to build a good network of roads and improving public transport, but, meanwhile, more affordable 4WD vehicles will help alleviate the burden of the people in east Malaysia,” he added.
Anwar’s plan included phasing out car excise duty over a five-year period to cushion impact on used car dealers, as well as preparing for an increase of new cars on the road.
sumber:theborneopost
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