KUALA LUMPUR (Feb 21): Bigger players in the Malaysian automotive industry should consider procuring electronic components from local suppliers instead of relying on imports, in a collaborative move to help develop the supply chain industry, said an electrical and electronics (E&E) industry expert.

This is especially so, amidst talks of developing an electric vehicle for the country’s third national car project and as prices offered by local suppliers within the E&E components sector are considered competitive.

“A lot of our local players in the electronic sector are already supplying to automotive providers all around the world. We just have to integrate these skills and work together as a country to build this capability,” said Datuk Yoon Chon Leong, the director of non-profit organisation Penang Science Cluster. 

“If we have to build a third national car, it will be nice for us to rethink the model on whether it should be fully electric and autonomous… then I think we are positioned better to talk about [it],” he said at an E&E sectorial seminar today. 

Meanwhile, Yoon said Malaysia should proceed with the 5G technology rollout but with caution in addressing privacy and security concerns.

He said agencies such as the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) will have to lead in structuring rules and regulations to help protect data security under the 5G technology.

“We have to be very careful with how we manage data security. There is a boom of security companies to help protect data, and it is actually a business in itself that Malaysia can actually play [a part in],” Yoon pointed out.