Shamsul Anuar Nasarah (BN-Lenggong), who made the comment on Doraemon, said the government should focus on the economy instead of on flying cars.

But Redzuan said the project, known as the air mobility platform, would stimulate young minds to further develop the industry.

He added that the technology for this is similar to that of drones, and could be used to transport goods and services in the future.

“Air mobility could cut travelling time by 75%,” he said, adding however that it would not be for long distance use.

“We are doing this because we have the technology,” he said in his speech at the Dewan Rakyat.

He also said the project would expose youth to the latest technology and could expand business for entrepreneurs through artificial intelligence.

He added that the cost of developing a prototype would be borne by the private sector.

“It does not involve one sen from the government.

“Big foreign companies have also contacted the ministry and stated their interest in getting more information on the prototype,” he said, adding that Airbus had already expressed interest in the project.

But Noraini Ahmad (BN-Parit Sulong), in a jibe, asked the minister if local bamboo could be used in the project to help entrepreneurs.

“It can also be used as the exhaust (for the flying car),” she said. “Maybe we can use four bamboos at each corner.”

Redzuan replied that perhaps the entire bamboo plant could be used and asked Noraini to put forth a plan for the project.

“It takes research to make a prototype. And we could rebrand it as advanced composite material,” he said.