Minister reiterates 'no public funds' for flying car amid PAC probe
PARLIAMENT | Entrepreneur Development Minister Redzuan Md Yusof has reiterated that “not a single sen” of public money was used in the development of the 'flying car' prototype.
This comes amid a Public Accounts Committee probe into the project's source of funding...
PARLIAMENT | Entrepreneur Development Minister Redzuan Md Yusof has reiterated that “not a single sen” of public money was used in the development of the 'flying car' prototype.
This comes amid a Public Accounts Committee probe into the project's source of funding.
Speaking in the Dewan Rakyat today, Redzuan said he expects the air mobility project – previously revealed to be a drone concept point-to-point air transportation system – to be launched by early October this year.
The minister was responding to a written question from Nik Muhammad Zawawi Salleh (PAS-Pasir Putih) on the status of the 'flying car' prototype.
Redzuan said that the companies involved in the development of the air mobility project are responsible for all design rights and associated costs.
“The ministry only plays a role in enabling the development of the air mobility ecosystem, especially in forming policies, regulations and shoring up local industry support to fulfil the requirements to develop the industry.
"The ministry expects air mobility to be launched in early Oct 2019.
“I remind the Dewan Rakyat that air mobility involving the development of the 'flying car' prototype does not involve a single sen of the rakyat’s money," he stressed.
Redzuan explained that air mobility technology, such as drones and artificial intelligence applications, could be used in various sectors, including farming and security.
He added Malaysia risked being left behind if it did not provide adequate space and opportunity for innovation.
“It is an initiative of several private companies, (and) we must constantly maintain a relationship with the private sector so that this industry is stimulated in line with international industrial development,” he added.
Last Friday, PAC deputy chairperson Wong Kah Woh confirmed an investigation to find out if public money was used to fund the project.
International Trade and Industry Ministry deputy secretary-general of trade Norazman Ayob were among those summoned by the PAC.
It was earlier reported that the government was developing Malaysia’s first flying car using local technology, and that the prototype would be unveiled this year.
Despite coming under ridicule, Redzuan has constantly maintained the merit of the project, and touted it as one of the ministry's successes in the aerospace sector.
To a second question by Nik Muhammad on the status of aerospace projects, Redzuan revealed that 11 such projects were approved by Mida with investments totalling more than RM816 million.
He said these projects, involving the manufacturing of aerospace-related infrastructure including engines, components, machine metal parts and surface treatment services, are expected to create some 1,442 jobs.
“From the 11 projects, four are undertaken by international companies with investments worth RM338 million or 41 percent, while seven are done by local companies with domestic investments worth RM478 million or 59 percent,” he said.
Are you sure you want to delete this comment?
This action cannot be undone.