PETALING JAYA: In an open letter to international trade and industry minister Azmin Ali, automotive parts traders have pleaded to be allowed to operate, as an essential component of the transportation sector.
The Malaysia Used Vehicle Autoparts Traders Association (Muvata), which represents importers, exporters, wholesalers and retailers of used and recycled automotive parts, said allowing the industry to operate with strict SOPs would play a part in reviving an economy that has already been hindered by movement restrictions.
In a statement, Muvata president Lau Lee Chein presented the group’s requests, one of which was the reopening of parts retailers in EMCO areas with a minimal workforce of vaccinated employees to “avoid total disruption to the logistics supply chain.”
“We wish to highlight that out of 323 members, almost 50% of us are based in Selangor and are severely affected by the EMCO,” he said.
Lau also pushed for the resumption of operations for the automotive industry under Phase 1 of the national recovery plan, during which businesses are limited to 10% worker capacity.
“(The) logistics sector, which is an essential category, needs service, maintenance and repair work to continue running smoothly. Automotive parts are not confined to only the local, but export supply chain as well.
“A halt in supply of spare parts would bring huge disruption to the logistics chain. If companies in certain sectors are allowed to operate, all related industries have to operate as well, otherwise the support and supply chains will collapse,” he said.
Lau also asked that members be included in the scope of the Covid-19 industrial immunisation programme (Pikas), especially for those located in Selangor.
“Muvata requests the consideration and urgent intervention of (Azmin) to facilitate priority vaccination in Selangor and (listen) to our suggestions as we believe they would greatly benefit the country and support economic growth,” he said.