Reach for the skies or remain grounded - minister to 'flying car' critics

Those who ridiculed the design of the airborne vehicle being produced by a Malaysian firm can choose to be left behind with regard to technological advancement, according to Entrepreneur Development Minister Mohd Redzuan Mohd Yusof.

He was commenting on the response of netizens to the prototype which was displayed at the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace (Lima) exhibition.

“This is normal. This is the reason we need to focus on the development of human capital and provide more knowledge on this issue because we don't want the people to be left behind.

“In actual fact, the (Malaysian) youth are far ahead (in terms of technology) and are on par with inventors at the international level.

“They (critics) can choose to remain behind by denying this. They can ride in vehicles made from bamboo,” he told reporters at the Parliament lobby this afternoon.

Earlier in the Dewan Rakyat, opposition lawmakers had poked fun at Redzuan when he attempted to explain the government's backing for the project.

Mohd Redzuan Mohd Yusof

The Alor Gajah MP explained that the model displayed at Lima is not a prototype, which is still being built in Japan. Instead, it was a 1:9 scale model.

“The prototype is still being built. What we say at Lima’19 was just a scaled-down model. The prototype is being built in Japan by Malaysians.

“The shape is not like that. Why do you think it’s using KDK branded fans (as rotors)? We’re not,” he said.

He added that the prototype is being built without any government funding, but relies solely on private investment.

“God willing when the flying car is completed at the end of the year it won’t be used for public transport, but for emergency response, sending urgent necessities, and emergency relief,” he said.

Yesterday, Aerodyne Group business development and consulting senior director Imtyaz Mohd Azzat clarified that his firm was not developing a flying car.

He said the vehicle, known as Vector, was designed to be a point-to-point air transportation system.

It would be used for carrying passengers, cargo delivery, and surveillance purposes.

“Vector is powered by four motors and a lithium-ion battery that enables the vehicle to fly.

"This vehicle can also carry a load of approximately of 150 to 200 kilograms, and fly about 50 metres above ground level at 60 kilometres per hour for between 30 to 90 minutes of flying time,” Bernama quoted him as saying.

He added that the vehicle could be ready to take to the skies as soon as June this year. - Mkini