CENDANA AUTO EYEING BRUNEI, TIMOR LESTE MARKETS FOR ITS LIGHT TACTICAL VEHICLES

By Hasnah Jusid

KUALA LUMPUR, May 6 (Bernama) --  Cendana Auto Sdn Bhd, a 100 per cent Bumiputera-owned automotive company, is eyeing several potential export markets, such as Brunei and Timor Leste, for its light tactical vehicle variants such as the Fitted for Radio (FFR) and Weapon Carrier.

Its director, Abdul Rauf Nassiruddin, said these countries have shown interest in the vehicles, with the first export units targeted for the third quarter of 2024 if negotiations are successful.

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He said that several African nations, such as Tanzania and Sudan, have also shown interest in several variants produced by the company, which is fully staffed by graduates and trainees from local universities and colleges. 

"We have discussed with all these countries and they have shown interest. Now, we are waiting for their response," he told Bernama at the Defence Services Asia (DSA) and National Security (Natsec) Asia 2024 exhibitions here, today.

Apart from the FFR, Cendana Auto has also produced other variants of the light tactical vehicle, including the SF-21X (High Mobility Light Tactical Vehicle); Weapon Platform (Armed Tactical Ground Vehicle) and Mortar Transporter (Ground Tactical Mortar Transporter), which are manufactured and fitted in its factory in Semenyih, Selangor.

Abdul Rauf said that to date, the company has produced 20 units of the FFR for the Malaysian Battalion (Malbatt) for its Lebanon peacekeeping mission and another 21 units for the Malaysian Army.

He said Cendana Auto's products have been tested by the Ministry of Defence and the Royal Malaysian Army and certified as meeting the standards set for tactical use.

In conjunction with DSA 2024, Cendana Auto, which has joined the defence exhibition for the third time, showcases two new variants - the VEXTOR (Light Tactical Troop Transported) and the MAGATTI (Light Strike Vehicle.

Abdul Rauf said the VEXTOR, the company's seventh prototype, which uses technology and engines from China, is a vehicle with a 2,000cc engine that is equipped with a turbocharger and is lighter and faster, especially in jungle and off-road terrain.

"The VEXTOR is currently undergoing testing before we submit proposals for its use by national security organisations such as the Malaysian Army," he said.

Meanwhile, the company hopes that the government will give its full support in terms of placing orders as well as research and development to grow and support Malaysia's defence industry.

"Through local production and manufacturing, the country can safeguard its defence secrets and national security. The quality and excellence displayed by our products are equal to that of international products," Abdul Rauf said.

-- BERNAMA