Malaysia stands by its views on flying car project - Redzuan

Malaysia stands by its own views on its first flying car project though it has been criticised by various parties, including the most recent by United Nations (UN) special rapporteur Phillip Alston, said Entrepreneur Development Minister Mohd Redzuan Yusof.

"We are open to any opinion to develop the project…UN might have their (own) opinion," he said at a press conference after visiting a security-based ICT solution provider company, Datasonic Group Bhd yesterday.

He was commenting on Alston's statement on the flying car that it would not be practical in Malaysia, claiming there were frequent storms and it would also consume too much fossil fuel.

Alston was reported to have said that the car venture would be a waste of resources and time for Malaysia, which should instead prepare for the effects of climate change which is already being felt.

Mohd Redzuan said all parties had different views as well as opinions and described Alston's statement was just a view from a third party.

"He (Alston) must have made some specific references, but this is not a government initiative, this is a private initiative. We cannot curtail or prevent anyone who wants to get involved in that industry," he said.

Mohd Redzuan added that the project should be seen as a business opportunity that had huge potentials in generating income as well as contributing to the country’s economy.

"If you look at the entire ecosystem in the industry itself, the size is about US$500 billion worldwide, it’s a big industry that we should get involved in and support," he added.

The prototype of the flying car is currently being built by a Malaysian company in Japan, and the work to construct the flying car has been 85 percent completed. 

However, the project drew much flak from many parties who said the resources would be better spent elsewhere.

- Bernama