The government is likely to announce the much anticipated revised National Automotive Policy (NAP) between Jan 10 and 15, 2014, International Trade and Industry Minister Mustapa Mohamed said in Kuala Lumpur today.

He said the policy is currently in the final stage of drafting.

“We hope the cabinet can approve the policy by year-end. But that is not a good time to launch a major policy.

“So, we going to announce it probably in mid-January,” he told reporters after delivering his keynote address at the 4th Kuala Lumpur International Automotive Conference today.

He said this when asked about the progress of the NAP, and cited the auto industry as being a very important sector of the country’s economy.

“Therefore, we want to ensure that whatever is done, is undertaken in a manner that promotes the development of the auto sector in Malaysia,” he added.

On the NAP itself, Mustapa said the key focus is on the competitiveness of the sector as well as energy-efficient vehicles.

Meanwhile, Malaysian Automotive Association president Aishah Ahmad said industry players were eagerly awaiting the official announcement on the NAP by the government, as it had been delayed for quite a while now.

She expects the revised NAP to include a long-term policy for the automotive industry and which could attract foreign investors to participate in it.

- Bernama