PARLIAMENT | Entrepreneur Development Minister Redzuan Md Yusof (photo, above) has reiterated that “not a single sen” of public money was used in developing the “flying car” prototype.
This comes amidst a probe announced by the parliamentary Public Accounts Committee (PAC) over the project's source of funding.
Speaking in the Dewan Rakyat today, Redzuan said he expects the air mobility project involving the flying car - 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 development status of the flying car prototype.
Redzuan replied that companies involved in the development of air mobility technology were responsible for all design rights and costs involved.
“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 said in Parliament today.
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 in the industry 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 the committee has launched an investigation to find out if public money was used to fund the flying car project.
International Trade and Industry Ministry deputy secretary-general (trade) Norazman Ayob were among those summoned by the PAC.
It was reported earlier the government was developing Malaysia’s first flying car using local technology, and 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. - Mkini
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