With news of Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir announcing plans for a new national car for Malaysia yesterday (11th June), loads of citizens have understandably given mixed reactions.
While some lauded the move, others deemed it unnecessary and costly, calling on the government to focus on other areas of our country’s transportation system. So, what’s the best course of action for our government to take? Well, we investigate the pros and cons for both sides of the argument, and let you be the judge!
The case for a new national car
- We can have a national car, just make it environmentally-friendly
We can all acknowledge that traditional cars emit a lot of carbon and contribute significantly to air pollution. That’s why many believe the new national car should be electric to help reduce our carbon footprint.
As news of a new national car became the topic of discussion on TwitterJaya, many Malaysians have actually welcomed the idea, suggesting that the car should be more environmentally-friendly and electric-powered to help tackle pollution.
Dear Tun @chedetofficial, thanks for suggesting for another national car company. I would like to suggest, for Malaysia to have a national electric car company (and to be partnered with any Japanese electric car maker). Also to boost local R&Ds with more grants.
— Ikram Rasid (@sakura_sakuragi) June 11, 2018
@chedetofficial @n_izzah @SyedSaddiq @BFMradio If the ambition for a new National car takes shape,
It should:
– be all electric
– be run as an efficient business without protectionism
– start with an electric scooter like Gogoro from TaiwanIt could:
– be called ProTun ? pic.twitter.com/Che1cygBXn— Saiful Adib (@bidalufias) June 12, 2018
If the new national car company is an electric car like Tesla, that would be great. Tesla’s patents are available for everyone to copy if they want to
— Azzam (@aazzamSK) June 11, 2018
- While electric cars and hybrids can cost more, you’ll be able to save up a lot in the long run
Source: Malaysia Freebies
Let’s be real, an environmentally-friendly national car would be awesome to have – but can most of us even afford it?
According to the Wall Street Journal, electric cars cost a pretty penny, and it’s mostly because of its battery, which usually makes up a third of an electric car’s price.
Although not an incredibly cheap option, hybrids are a little more affordable in comparison to electric cars. Yes, they’re still more expensive than the average petrol-powered car, but they help cut costs in terms of fuel consumption, according to iMoney.
- A new national car will create more jobs
Source: SCMP
Many netizens have also brought up the fact that the development of a new national car will help improve the nation’s economy as it will create a lot more new job opportunities for Malaysians, thus improving our country’s development and income.
The public transport argument
- It carries a lot of economic benefits
Source: Wikipedia
In response to news of Tun Dr Mahathir’s statement surfaced, the Public Transport Users Association of Malaysia (4PAM) deemed the proposed national car regressive, telling Free Malaysia Today,
“We are shocked that the government of the day is embracing private cars over public transport after cancelling overpriced public transport projects. We would have assumed that the government would find an alternative solution to improve public transport, but to suggest having another national car is simply blind pride.”
It looks like a lot of Malaysians agree with 4PAM, as many have also taken to social media and called for the government to focus on investing in our public transport system instead.
You said look East? Well we want Japan's public transport system, not a national car. https://t.co/qd7dWXgBDB
— Just (@AnotherAznTart) June 11, 2018
As much as I would love Malaysia to have a new national car especially hybrid/electric cars, I dont think now is the time. We really need to improve our public transportation system. Plus, our traffic congestion is fucked up right now. Too many road disrupting constructions
— Sheikh Nur Salam (@sheikhnursalam) June 11, 2018
Instead of a new national car, I'd prefer the government to look more into further enhancing:
1. Public transport within cities and between cities (and kampungs)
2. Energy Efficiency (EE) initiatives
— Asrul Muzaffar (@asrulmm) June 11, 2018
Studies like The Mobility Opportunity have also shown the vast benefits of an efficient public transport system, like boosting a nation’s economic growth while cutting down on economic costs at the same time. On top of that, an improved public transport system can help make the country and its urban areas more accessible and can enable more commuters to get to work on time, making companies more efficient with less delays.
- A well-integrated public transport system can help mobilise more Malaysians
Source: klia2
As pointed out by the Campaign for Better Public Transport, an improved public transport system can give millions of Malaysians living in rural areas who cannot afford cars more mobility. This helps remove the many barriers these individuals face from getting employment.
- Property values will also go up
Source: WMA Property
According to Australia’s Tourism and Transport Forum, there is a lot of evidence showing that properties increase in value when public transport is made more accessible.
This is also supported by the Malaysian Property Market Report 2017, which found that a number of residential properties that saw price growth despite the property market slowdown in 2017 were located near LRT or MRT stations, according to The Edge Property.
So, what do you think? Would a national car be more beneficial or is investing in improving our public transport system more worth it? Let us know in the comments below!
Also read: Tun M: M’sia Could Get a New National Car Soon with Help From SEA Countries
