Malaysia’s Automotive Ecosystem A Competitive Base For Export-Oriented Vehicle Assembly - Sim

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 29 (Bernama) -- Malaysia’s automotive ecosystem continues to strengthen the country’s position as a competitive base for higher-value vehicle assembly and export-oriented manufacturing, according to Deputy Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry Sim Tze Tzin.

He said the combination of Malaysia’s established automotive supply chain and skilled workforce has strengthened the country’s ability to support higher-value vehicle assembly and export-driven manufacturing activities.

“Malaysia offers a mature ecosystem of over 640 specialised vendors and a highly skilled technical workforce that manufacturers can leverage on,” he said during the Great Wall Motors WEY G9 launch here today.

Sim said local assembly activities support the New Industrial Master Plan 2030 (NIMP 2030) by increasing economic complexity, strengthening domestic vendor participation, and enhancing technological depth through meaningful technology transfer.

He also highlighted Malaysia’s network of 17 free trade agreements (FTAs), both bilateral and regional, which enables locally assembled vehicles to access global markets through duty-free exports. “Local assembly allows companies to capitalise on Malaysia’s free trade agreements, paving the way for duty-free exports to many countries around the world,” he added.  

Looking ahead, Sim said a deeper long-term industrial commitment would be important in positioning Malaysia as a sustainable export hub, particularly for right-hand-drive markets. “To truly position Malaysia as a sustainable export hub for right-hand-drive markets, a deeper long-term industrial commitment will be critical,” he added.  

On the transition towards new energy vehicles, including hybrid and battery electric vehicles (BEVs), Sim stressed that consumer confidence must be supported by strong safety standards and reliable after-sales services.

--BERNAMA