What are the main reasons for Malaysian division on the third national car project?

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Malaysian Public Opinion Divided on Third National Car Project

A recent survey indicates a divided Malaysian public regarding the proposed third national car project, with a significant portion expressing uncertainty. While 38% of 1,012 polled Malaysians supported the initiative, 25% were opposed, and 37% remained undecided. This division appears to be influenced by socioeconomic factors and ethnicity, with differing levels of support observed across income brackets and racial groups.
Income and Ethnicity Influence Support Levels

The survey data reveals a correlation between income and support for the third national car project. A higher percentage of Malaysians in lower income brackets expressed favourability towards the project. Specifically, 46% of those earning RM1,999 or less supported the initiative, compared to 29% of individuals with a monthly income of RM10,000 or more. Similarly, ethnic demographics showed variations in support, with Malaysian Malays and Malaysian Indians showing greater endorsement (44%) than Malaysian Chinese (24%).
Familiarity with Existing National Brands

The existing national car manufacturers, Perodua and Proton, are widely recognised among Malaysians, with brand awareness rates of 87% and 86%, respectively. A substantial majority of car owners in Malaysia, 81%, drive a domestically produced vehicle. Perodua leads in popularity, with 49% of Malaysian car owners driving one, followed by Proton at 42%. This strong presence and consumer reliance on established national brands may form a backdrop against which the viability and necessity of a new national car project are being considered.
Key Factors for Purchasing Locally-Made Vehicles

When considering the purchase of a locally-manufactured car, Malaysians identify price and maintenance costs as primary motivators. A significant 75% of respondents indicated that a better price would encourage them to buy a local car, while 65% cited lower maintenance costs as a crucial factor. These preferences suggest that any new national car project would need to demonstrate clear advantages in affordability and long-term cost of ownership to garner broader public acceptance and market success. The government's intention, as stated by Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, was to boost the manufacturing sector and facilitate technology transfer, with Entrepreneur Development Minister Mohd Redzuan Yusof announcing plans for a 2020 launch and the submission of a blueprint to the Cabinet for approval.

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What are the main reasons for Malaysian division on the third national car project?

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