One for the album: (From left) Penang and Province Wellesley Used Cars Autocycles Dealers and Motor Financiers Association (Penang) secretary Ewe Hoo Chye, Yeow, Chow, Khor, Kebun Bunga assemblyman Jason Ong, and Penang and Province Wellesley Used Cars Autocycles Dealers and Motor Financiers Association (Penang) treasurer Yeap Teow Teong posing for a photo at FMCCAM 45th anniversary celebration held at Berjaya Hotel in George Town. — ZHAFARAN NASIB/The Star
GEORGE TOWN: The presence of foreign workers in our industries has been a crucial factor in driving economic growth and meeting the demands of various sectors, including the motor industry, says Johari Kassim, political secretary to Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail.
Reading Saifuddin’s speech at an event last night, Johari said Saifuddin understood the importance of a well-regulated and transparent system for issuing work permits to foreign labour.
“As far as I know, currently, many foreign workers are employed in the used car industry, mainly in cleaning and car washing services, as well as assisting used car dealers in vehicle repairs and other tasks.
“Foreign workers provide cheap labour, and help meet the manpower needs of used car dealers. Therefore, the issue of a foreign worker shortage also affects the day-to-day operations of used car dealers.
“We are committed to streamlining and improving the permit application process to make it more efficient and user-friendly while maintaining the necessary checks and balances,” he said, reading out Saifuddin’s speech at the Federation of Motor and Credit Companies Associations of Malaysia (FMCCAM) 45th anniversary celebration held yesterday at Berjaya Hotel here.
He further highlighted the issue of preventing fraud in the buying and selling of used cars.
“The police will strengthen supervision and prevent fraud in the buying and selling of used cars to avoid tarnishing the reputation and perception of legitimate used car dealers.
“Victims who fall into scams related to buying and selling used cars are typically lured by advertisements on social media and online trading platforms offering vehicles at prices below the market value.
“On the issue regarding used car dealership licences, it is known that in Malaysia, many used car dealerships rent vacant lots and apply for a business licence from the local government.“Due to the numerous regulations imposed by the local government, it becomes difficult for these dealerships to obtain support.
“Consequently, without the local government’s support, the dealerships cannot obtain a second-hand car licence from the police.
“The ministry will pay attention to the situation, engage in inter-departmental dialogues, and have more discussions with relevant industries to understand the difficulties used car dealerships face.
“Efforts will be made to simplify the process of applying for a business licence for used car dealerships,” he said.
“The ministry is committed to working closely with relevant authorities and industry stakeholders to ensure the necessary permits and licences for the sale of used cars are implemented and enforced fairly and transparently,” he said before congratulating attendees on their celebration.
During the anniversary dinner, FMCCAM signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with CarSifu, a wholly-owned Star Media Group (SMG) subsidiary, to leverage each other’s offerings to give consumers more options when purchasing pre-owned cars.
The MOU was signed by SMG group chief executive officer Alex Yeow and FMCCAM honorary secretary-general Khoo Kah Jin, with FMCCAM president Datuk Tony Khor and SMG senior general manager Chung Eng Lee signing as witnesses.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow and Johari observed the signing ceremony.
