Perodua noted that the NAP aims to encourage investment that will benefit Malaysia, strengthen the automotive ecosystem, and generate economic spillover effects, ultimately fostering “shared prosperity” among stakeholders.

It said the policy would also support long-term sustainable employment, infrastructure investment, and the development of human capital, research and development, as well as local entrepreneurs.

In a statement, Perodua said the NAP’s Next Generation Vehicle (NxGV) vision would bring greater value and innovation to Malaysians, including enhanced safety features, and mobile integration.

This would also lead to a wider range of services tailored to customer preferences.

It praised the ministry’s vision of building a progressive automotive industry that balances growth with openness.

Perodua dominates the Malaysian automotive market, holding an estimated 44% market share last year after selling 359,904 units.

Yesterday, the ministry sought to clarify the issue of Chinese electric vehicle maker BYD potentially re-evaluating its plans for a local assembly plant for completely knocked-down operations in Tanjung Malim, Perak.

Its minister, Johari Ghani, said there were a number of claims circulating online regarding the conditions set for BYD’s manufacturing licence, which had given rise to confusion on the matter.

Johari said the conditions were designed to ensure alignment with the NAP and the New Industrial Master Plan 2030, promote high-value activities, and prevent market distortion.

“These conditions are not unique to BYD but reflect a consistent approach applied to all new automotive investments in Malaysia beginning September 2025, except those using existing local-assembly facilities,” he said.

Johari also said the ministry’s approach was not protectionist but developmental, adding that investments without clear export commitments or localisation plans would provide limited advantages to the local automotive ecosystem.