Proton, Perodua accused of safety standard VIOLATION

KUALA LUMPUR: Proton today assured that its cars meet the regulatory safety standards in all markets that it operates in, especially Malaysia."Proton has been testing many of its cars worldwide such as in Australia and previously in Europe."The company has also sought the services of world-class agencies and test labs to ensure stringent tests and outcomes," it said in a statement today.

The carmaker said it would continuously work to enhance its products and services as well as make improvements where necessary.Proton said the normal procedures of these agencies would be to thoroughly inform and notify the company in the event of a discrepancy, defect or faulty element, before any public statement is issued regarding the tested cars.

Proton's response comes in the wake of an allegation by the New Car Assessment Programme for Southeast Asian Countries (Asean NCAP) on "safety specification violation" by a local car manufacturer.Asean NCAP said it had received reports from customers over the removal of the top tether fitment, vital in improving the level of child protection inside the vehicle, in a previously tested vehicle.

"In this instance, we will consult the Asean NCAP on the matter as we have not been notified officially. Hence, we are unable to confirm or deny the matter," said Proton.Meanwhile, Perusahaan Otomobil Kedua Sdn Bhd (Perodua) says the vehicles the company manufactures strictly adhere to safety requirements and conform to safety standards.

"Perodua wishes to assure our customers that all our vehicles adhere to safety requirements and conform to the safety ratings awarded by the New Car Assessment Programme for Southeast Asian Countries (Asean NCAP)," said Perodua president and chief executive officer Datuk Aminar Rashid Salleh.

In a statement today, he said Perodua did not compromise on the safety and well-being of its customers and their loved ones."The public are welcome to our sales showrooms and speak with our authorised sales advisors to know and understand more about our produts' safety features,"he added. — Bernama